SPR News Today

Plus, Spokane's West Plains could be getting a new park, if the state forks over some money. Washington's U.S. senator blames the Postal Service for Washingtonians not having their ballots counted in August.

Plus, five north Idaho first responders receive one of their state's highest honors and Spokane is in the running to host another major sporting event.

Plus, the Coeur d'Alene City Council gives the green light to a new residential development. Washington state workers walk out for a day to protest potential budget cuts.

Plus, how the evacuation drills may have helped reduce the human damage caused by Spokane’s wildfires, and we speak with a restoration expert about what to do to get your house back to pre-fire safety levels.

Plus, students at Spokane's Indian Trail Elementary look forward to returning to class today. Washington's transportation agency plans new pedestrian bridge over I-90 to link parts of East Central neighborhood.

Plus, a look at two Spokane ballot measures approved during the August election. Two big eastern Washington wildfires are close to full containment.

Plus, before Spokane homeowners can rebuild after this summer's fires, they need to check for asbestos. Oregon researchers spill the beans about magic mushroom use.

Plus, Cheney voters renew a street utility tax. Spokane County's August primary is now in the books (for the most part). It's ok for you to wash that pink retardant from your homes and driveways (and here's how to do it).

Plus, EPA begins removal of wildfire debris in Spokane neighborhoods and Spokane Transit employee helps to move her ailing father during wildfire's VA evacuation.

Plus, Spokane moves to its post-recovery wildfire phase. The Red Cross provides protective equipment to wildfire evacuees who are returning home.

Plus, Spokane County officials remove the rest of the evacuation orders. Spokane's top public health officer authorizes government cleanup of private properties in the wildfire zones.

Plus, Washington's governor talks additional steps to help the state through wildfire season. We have two examples of people helping to fill gaps caused by wildfire evacuations.

Plus, many Spokane wildfire evacuees can return home, but they're urged to do some preparation and clean up before moving back in. Spokane's wildfire resource center will stay open a bit longer.

Plus, accused arsonist Aaron Farinacci has another day in court. Sheriff John Nowels gets stern with people who return to their homes in fire evacuation zones.

Plus, Spokane authorities open a wildfire resource center for displaced people. A few Spokane election races tighten up as ballots trickle in.

Also, a first court appearance for the man accused of setting one of Spokane's wildfires and results from Washington's (and Spokane's) primary election.

Plus, the B and O Fire destroys homes in Okanogan County. A federal judge orders WA health inspectors be let into the Northwest ICE Processing Center. Bacterial outbreaks haven't slowed demand for raw milk in ID. Many fewer sockeye salmon return to Upper Columbia River. SPS begins updating sports fields in newest phase of Together Spokane projects. And a special announcement and a peek behind the...

Plus, no relief in sight for NW in latest drought forecast. Growing list of hurdles is putting many NW pear growers in debt or out of business. Spokane Prosecuting Attorney's Office pursues grant for domestic violence risk assessment tool, staff funding. Trans Affirm crowd-sources information on inclusive restrooms in Idaho as criminal ban partially takes effect. And north ID residents, businesses...

Plus, immigration judges in WA begin "mega hearings" to reduce case backlog. DOJ threatens WA election officials with criminal prosecution if noncitizens vote. WA GOP senators ask governor for special session to address gas prices. Spokane Conservation District asks County Commissioners to increase landowners' yearly fee. And central, eastern WA continue to face red flag warnings.

Plus, red flag warnings in central, eastern WA. PDC data shows Bingle with massive fundraising lead for D6, while Jasmin and Kohlmeier have similar contributions despite Jasmin's establishment backing. WA Human Rights Commissioner resigns over antisemitism allegations. Waikiki Springs to close for wetland restoration. And public comment opens on USFS logging plan for Blue Mountains.

Plus, WA's AI task force publishes final recommendations. Cantwell urges new citizens to exercise right to vote, regardless of restrictions supported by Trump. Spokane County's auditor and candidates to replace her say return to in-person voting would be very difficult. USFS says tourists can pay at WA sites with new app. NWS issues Fire Weather Watch for central, eastern WA tomorrow. And a new ‘f...

Plus, new federal student loan limits are now in place. McClatchy journalists in WA, ID secure contract with AI protections. Western governors move to start upgrading aging power grid. Speeding in a new WA work zone now comes with fines. And WA's newspaper archive surpasses 1 million pages.

Plus, new laws take effect in ID today, while WA sees the statewide launch of its long-term care insurance program and a slight uptick of the gas tax. And WSU athletics and the Confederated Colville Tribes announce a new partnership as the Pac-12 expands.

Plus, WA and OR won't have to change voting systems under SCOTUS mail-in ballot ruling. Spokane affordable housing developers say “right to cooling” proposal could prevent future affordable housing development. CHAS, Frontier break ground on one-stop behavioral health facility in downtown Spokane. And CDA remembers slain firefighters a year after Canfield Mountain shootings.

We’ll review three wildfires burning in Washington. Conservation groups rush to raise money to buy a rare wetland in Okanogan County. Could the U.S. Supreme Court require Washington and Oregon to change their mail-in voting systems? Hoopfest brought joy for a lot of players, but pain to others. Washington State University is using basketball to expose students to health care careers.