Spokane Film Festival, State Hoops and City Debate Lead Sunday Headlines

It has been a busy weekend across Spokane, with packed arenas, film screenings and pointed civic debate all drawing attention.

Spokane International Film Festival wraps up

The Spokane International Film Festival is in full swing, running March 6 through March 8. Moviegoers have filled venues across the city for independent films, documentaries and filmmaker panels.

The multi-day event brings directors and producers to Spokane while giving local audiences a chance to see films that typically do not reach mainstream theaters. Organizers say the festival continues to grow as a cultural draw for downtown businesses and the regional arts scene.

State 1B and 2B basketball championships energize downtown

Spokane Arena hosted the 1B and 2B state basketball championships from March 4 through March 7, bringing teams and families from across Washington to the city.

Early morning tip-offs and championship matchups kept the Arena buzzing all week. Hotels and restaurants saw an uptick in traffic as communities traveled in to support their schools, reinforcing Spokane’s role as a hub for statewide sporting events.

City Council funding decision sparks public response

In civic news, public reaction continues after the Spokane City Council voted in late February to allocate 100,000 dollars for emergency assistance to immigrants. Letters published Sunday reflect a range of opinions, with some residents supporting the move and others urging broader aid for struggling local citizens.

The debate highlights ongoing conversations about budget priorities, social services and how the city supports vulnerable communities. Council discussions on funding and public policy are expected to continue in the weeks ahead.

Sources

https://www.khq.com/news/spokane-international-film-festival-arrives-on-march-6/video_7aad0c83-6b28-563e-8d5b-a0624b3fb8f4.html
https://www.khq.com/community/spokane-hosts-thrilling-1b-2b-state-basketball-championships-march-4-7/article_3f44b76b-b132-4086-9cec-5e5c350f58e3.html
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/mar/08/letters-for-sunday-march-8/