Spokane News Today | 2 Min | The Daily News Now!

In 1926, two elephants vanished from the Sells-Floto Circus in Cranbrook—never found, officially declared free in eastern BC. Meanwhile, in 1976, animal lover Roberta Kinley faced legal trouble for her noisy Hayden Lake orphanage, which housed 110 dogs and cats, despite a judge ordering her to shut it down. And across the region, massive forest fires scorched 350,000 acres before weather helped bring them under control. History’s wild mix: lost giants, barking neighbors, and blazing forests—all in the same era.

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A devastating wildfire tore through Spokane’s South Indian Trail, destroying over 70 homes—including Pat McMurray’s 20-year-old home on West Excell Avenue. Though he was home when evacuation orders came, he never imagined his house would be lost. Now, in their 70s and retired, Pat and his wife are staying with their daughter, slowly rebuilding their daily lives with help from an outpouring of community generosity. They’ve signed a six-month lease in Mead while insurance claims process, facing a painful downsizing as they search for a smaller, new home. Many neighbors, too, are choosing not to rebuild, leaving...

The Gray Fire tore through Silver Lake and Medical Lake in August 2023, burning over 10,000 acres, destroying more than 250 homes, and claiming one life. Amid brutal heat, wind, and dryness, residents like Wade Clutter braved the flames—literally—on a pontoon boat with whiskey and a fire extinguisher. Others, like Connie John, lost everything: home, cars, memories, even her sense of security, leaving her with just her dog and the clothes on her back. Yet amid devastation, community came together—neighbors helping neighbors, strangers donating essentials and comfort. Many chose to rebuild their homes exactly as they were, not for nostal...

The Old Trails Fire arson suspect Aaron Farinacci’s trial is on hold as his lawyer raises urgent concerns about his mental competency. After initially denying involvement, Aaron later detailed his plan to start the fire — even warning it would get “bad” due to weather — prompting a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation. While detained at Spokane County Jail, Farinacci’s mental state will be assessed by a DSHS professional, with a key hearing scheduled for September 4th. The evaluation is critical to ensure he can properly understand charges and participate in his defense — a standard safeguard to uphold justice in complex legal cases. <...

Washington’s childcare crisis is hitting hard—costing nearly $41,000 a year for two kids, almost double the average rent. To combat this, the state’s pouring $250 million into preschool expansion, while Spokane’s leading with bold local solutions: popping up childcare inside elementary schools to slash costs and simplify logistics for parents juggling multiple kids. These school-based centers, even offering infant care, cut provider expenses and pass savings to families. Plus, a new Hillyard development merges affordable housing with 24/7 childcare for non-traditional work hours. Though staffing and statewide costs remain hurdles, Spokane’s creative partnerships are building a system that actua...

Spokane’s beloved Pig Out in the Park is canceled this year, but don’t despair—Hat Trick Brewing’s got a surprise twist: Pig Out in the Park(-ing lot) this Saturday from noon to six PM. The brewery, new since last fall and famous for soccer games, is serving up a barbecue-inspired menu with meats, sandwiches, sides, and even ice cream—all priced from $3 to $10. A portion of proceeds goes to the Teen and Kid Closet, making it a tasty way to give back. Expect a lively, family-friendly crowd, and don’t miss this last-minute, community-driven feast.

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Washington’s school vaccine rules are staying firm despite the President’s recent push to split the MMR shot and reduce recommended doses. State health officials stand by the current schedule, backed by decades of research and medical consensus — and they’re not budging. Parents still need proof of immunity for 11 diseases, with no personal exemptions allowed for MMR since 2019. The Attorney General is reviewing the President’s order, but for now, kids heading back to school in Washington follow the same requirements as always — science, not politics, drives the policy.

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A ten-year-old prodigy, Henry Weldon, steals the spotlight as Peter Llewelyn Davies in “Finding Neverland” at the Regional Theatre of the Palouse — his first major stage role, discovered by his theater-savvy mom. The musical, with music by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy, explores J.M. Barrie’s creative journey through grief and imagination, inspired by the real-life Davies boys. Associate director Michael Todd, who plays Barrie, calls it a dream production he’s longed to bring to life. With a devoted cast and heartfelt storytelling, the show captures the magic of fantasy amid loss — proving that theater can heal, inspire, and...

Spokane’s Youth Art-a-Palooza is back this Friday at the Central Library, inviting kids and teens from zero to eighteen to dive into a wild, free-for-all art adventure — from drawing and collage to weaving and jewelry making. Drop in anytime between 1 and 2:30 PM for hands-on creativity, live demos by local artists like fiber wizard Katrina Brown, and zero pressure to be “right.” It’s all about sparking imagination, letting kids experiment wildly, and discovering their own unique artistic voice — no experience needed.

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Spokane County’s election results are in, with big wins for the library and transit tax measures, while the aquifer protection tax fizzles. In the hotly contested state rep race, Democrat Luc Jasmin edges into second place, poised to face Republican Natalie Poulson in the general election—with third-place finisher Pam Kohlmeier already offering her backing. Meanwhile, Michael Cathcart narrowly edges Dale Whitaker in the auditor race, while Callie Gee claims the top spot to succeed retiring Vicky Dalton. And in the prosecutor race, Independent Danny Tarkenton trails Republican Preston McCollom by nearly 2,400 votes—but both advance to the genera...

Spokane Indians fall again, losing 6-5 to Everett AquaSox in a nail-biting battle that saw them trail by just one run late—only to watch a potential tie vanish on a diving catch. Despite a two-run lead early and a late rally fueled by Tanner Thach’s homer and Roldy Brito’s clutch RBI double and stolen home (his 15th of the season), they couldn’t finish the job. Brito went 3-for-5 with two runs, but the offense stalled when it mattered most, leaving them winless in this six-game series and slipping further into fourth place.

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Washington’s emergency wildfire aid is here—starting August 12, DSHS is distributing $1 million in Disaster Cash Assistance to residents in affected counties and tribal nations. No SSN needed, open to all, and designed for those not already receiving cash help. Apply by phone, in person, or at mobile events. Benefits range from $450 for singles to $1,662 for families—and if you lost food benefits, you can get them replaced within 10 days. This is immediate, accessible support for those rebuilding after losing everything.

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Jadarian Price is back on the field in non-contact drills, signaling a quick recovery from lower-body soreness and boosting Seattle’s running back depth—while backup Emanuel Wilson watches sidelined after a leg injury. The Seahawks remain intrigued by free agent Terrion Arnold, despite his legal troubles and recent Giants visit, as teams eye him for potential late-season impact. On defense, Derick Hall and Nick Emmanwori sit out with injuries, but rookie Bud Clark is getting serious reps with the starters, hinting at a possible starting role as the team builds depth ahead of the season.

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When wildfires erupted, the city’s emergency response was swift and effective—thanks to prior drills, Mayor Lisa Brown stayed on the ground coordinating with partners and keeping critical water systems running. Evacuating a water reclamation facility became top priority to avoid river contamination, while police and firefighters managed traffic and kept essential services alive amid chaos. Residents faced frustration, displacement, and loss—but no lives were lost, a rare victory in an unprecedented urban evacuation of nearly 25% of the population. Looking ahead, officials are reviewing every step to improve future responses, while sparking statewide debate on fire-prone development and bu...

Wildfires near Spokane are forcing emergency school board actions as smoke and ash threaten the start of the school year—though no buildings suffered direct damage, districts are racing to clear debris, secure waivers, and reopen all schools by August 26th.

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A wildfire near Orofino, Idaho, has erupted and already burned seven acres, forcing a full shutdown of Highway 12 in both directions just upriver from mile marker 50. Emergency crews including five engines, two helicopters, and air tankers are battling the blaze to prevent further spread. Travelers should reroute—traffic delays are expected as responders work to contain the fire. Updates will follow as conditions evolve.

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When the Old Trails Fire erupted in Spokane, retired firefighter Dean Carr defied evacuation orders and stepped back into action—using decades of training to save a neighbor’s home from flames licking at its windows. With no official command available, he took matters into his own hands, spotting danger, grabbing a hose, and extinguishing a fire before it could break through. His calm, heroic response—right in his own backyard—showed that sometimes, the most powerful help comes from ordinary people stepping up when the system is overwhelmed.

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The Mariners’ six-game losing streak deepens as Gabe Speier’s shaky outing in a tie game — giving up three runs in just two outs — proves costly, despite early offensive fireworks from Arozarena and Rodríguez. Bryce Miller’s five-run effort and a shaky bullpen can’t hold the lead, handing the Yankees the win and extending the skid. Now, with a must-win against Max Fried looming, Logan Gilbert takes the mound in a critical battle to avoid being swept.

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Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Senator Maria Cantwell secretly toured wildfire-ravaged Eastern Washington, holding a closed-door command post meeting at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds to discuss critical firefighting lessons, resource gaps, and federal funding opportunities. Though details were withheld from the media, Cantwell revealed they explored tech’s role in managing the Spokane Complex fires and stressed urgent support for Washington amid rising urban fire threats — echoing recent disasters in Lahaina, Palisades, and now Spokane — as both officials push for smarter, coordinated responses to America’s growing wildfire crisis.

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Schools brace for wildfire aftermath as Mead District declares emergency to fast-track cleanup before August 26th kickoff—air quality and ash contamination are top concerns, contractors are on standby, and community support is strong as officials race against time to ensure safe classrooms.

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Eastern Washington’s football team is battling smoke and chaos this preseason, forced to practice in gyms, outdoor fields, and even Pullman—until now. Their much-anticipated “Red Turf Takeover” scrimmage at ONE Spokane Stadium this Saturday at 6 p.m. offers a rare sense of normalcy, especially for players and coaches with Spokane roots whose families are still reeling from wildfires. Coach Aaron Best hopes the smoke clears soon, but the team’s adaptability—shaped by constant schedule changes—has become a mental edge. Free to attend, the event includes autograph sessions, a $7 concession voucher for the first 509 fans, and a donation dri...

Idaho’s OB-GYN shortage debate is heating up as conflicting data paints a troubling picture: while state licensing shows more doctors, a JAMA study reveals a steep decline driven by fear of legal repercussions under the abortion ban, forcing patients—especially in rural areas—to travel farther for care, as conservative groups challenge the study’s methods and push back against claims of crisis.

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A 16-year-old with Type 1 diabetes has a life-saving yellow lab named Barkley who detects blood sugar highs and lows — and he’s got even bigger surprises. Trained using Jaylin’s own sweat and saliva, Barkley alerts with subtle cues, escalating to urgent behavior if she doesn’t respond. But here’s the twist: during training, he started growling at strangers — leading to shocking discoveries: he detected skin and thyroid cancer in patients. Now, this diabetic alert dog is an unexpected medical miracle, bringing peace to Jaylin’s family and helping others in ways no one saw coming.

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Seattle’s police are still investigating a deadly July 26 shooting at Seattle Center that killed three and wounded four — an incident initially shrouded in mystery, with officials withholding key details about the victims’ relationship to the shooter. Now, detectives are drafting search warrants, signaling progress, while an independent review of city communications and decision-making is underway, expected this fall. The chaotic response, including the interim chief’s resignation, has fueled political debate over transparency — with some council members arguing clearer early communication could have eased public panic.

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The race for Southwest Washington’s third congressional district is heating up as incumbent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican challenger John Braun unleash aggressive ads targeting each other’s records. Perez accuses Braun of wanting to restrict abortion nationwide, while the NRCC counters by painting her as a “Seattle liberal” pushing tax hikes. With a history of split votes and Braun narrowly defeating her in the past, this could be one of the most pivotal House races of the year — a nail-biter with national stakes.

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A psychology post-doctorate fellow, Catherine Esperanza, was found guilty of interfering with a police officer during a May protest outside the ICE building—sparking debate over protest rights and justice. The jury deliberated just two hours before convicting her for allegedly resisting arrest by grabbing another protester, though she claimed she fell and used the person to steady herself due to a leg injury and hearing aids. She received 18 months probation, 40 hours of community service, and a ban from the ICE building—no jail time, since she’d already served two days in custody. Her case is part of a broa...

A suburban family’s idyllic Michigan life gets violently upended when a wormhole catapults them back to 1982—only to find themselves surrounded by real, terrifying dinosaurs. With Ewan McGregor and Anne Hathaway navigating chaos, parental tensions, and primal danger, this wild survival thriller blends horror, humor, and heart in a gritty, unfiltered take on the dinosaur genre. Directed by David Robert Mitchell, it’s a messy, visceral, and surprisingly tender ride that redefines what a family movie can be.

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In a high-stakes security maneuver during his July trip to Turkey, President Trump was secretly whisked away from Air Force One using a catering truck and a covert C-32A jet after intelligence warned of an imminent missile threat. While the decoy plane carried press and staff, Trump’s team prioritized his safety amid rising tensions with Iran — a move that raised questions about whether those on the decoy flight were unnecessarily exposed. The Secret Service defended the operation as necessary for presidential protection, even if it meant keeping the switch under wraps from the public and media.

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Social Security’s 2025 cost-of-living adjustment may be the smallest in three years—projected at 3.4%, down from last month’s forecast but still above average. While inflation has cooled slightly, it remains above the Fed’s target, leaving retirees with a modest boost that might not fully offset rising healthcare and housing costs, including potential Medicare Part D hikes. But here’s the catch: even this increase strains the already fragile Social Security trust fund, projected to run dry by 2032 without intervention. With elections looming, lawmakers face a make-or-break moment to secure the program’s future—or risk drastic benefit cuts.

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Colombia is in shock after a catastrophic 7.4 magnitude earthquake killed over 250 people and shattered cities like Pereira and Cali, with rescue teams racing against time to save survivors trapped under rubble. Schools, hospitals, and roads are in ruins, leaving thousands injured and unaccounted for. Declaring three days of national mourning, the government faces an unprecedented disaster—one the worst in Colombia’s modern history. With damaged roads and broken communications slowing relief, international aid from the U.S., Mexico, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Peru is pouring in, while the Red Cross launches a massive emergency appeal. The road to reco...

Chick-fil-A is dropping a groundbreaking new sandwich — Chicken and Waffle — for the first time in their 80-year history, blending classic fall flavors with bold, craveable twists. Featuring juicy chicken filets between maple waffles, applewood smoked bacon, and honey butter, it’s served with syrup and comes in both breakfast and full entrée sizes. To complete the experience, they’re launching S’mores-inspired drinks including a milkshake and frosted coffee. Part of their “Newstalgia” campaign celebrating their legacy, this limited-time menu debuted August 24th and is available nationwide as part of their 80th anniversary buildup. Prices start at $4.95 for breakfast and $...

Vintage motels are roaring back with retro flair, turning road trips into time-travel adventures. From neon-lit classics like the Blue Swallow and Wigwam teepees to disco-drenched dives and pink-frosted fairy tale hotels, these spots aren’t just places to sleep—they’re full-on experiences steeped in nostalgia. Legends stayed here, history lives on, and travelers are flocking for stories, style, and that unmistakable old-school charm.

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The Lakers just hit a record-breaking $12.5 billion sale, shattering previous U.S. pro sports team valuations and reigniting debate over NBA expansion in Seattle and Vegas. The buyers, Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, were reportedly eyeing Seattle before snapping up LA — and this mega-deal sets a new financial benchmark, likely pressuring the league to push expansion fees toward $7 billion or more. With the NBA Board of Governors meeting next month and a decision needed by year’s end, 23 owners must balance ambition with reality — can they agree on new markets without letting the dream slip away?

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Wildfires forced a rare evacuation of Spokane’s hatchery, sending staff—including veteran Jade Helm—away for over a week, leaving 1.1 million fish unattended. Despite the chaos, precautions like securing water flow and powering homes kept operations safe. When they returned, the fish were fine, with only normal mortalities, marking a tense but triumphant moment for the team who’d never faced such a crisis before.

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In a gripping Tennessee high school, teacher Alex Campbell turns crime into classroom curriculum with his “Murder 101” class—students dive into the chilling “Redhead Murders,” hunting clues like real detectives while learning empathy, critical thinking, and life lessons that go far beyond textbooks.

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A math teacher and his family return from vacation to find their Spokane home obliterated by wildfire—caught in the blaze while on the Coeur d’Alene River, with basements still burning. Now staying with his parents, Forrest Higgins juggles insurance, banks, and rentals while grappling with the emotional toll of losing cherished memories, including a childhood growth chart. Though he’d assured his wife they were safe within city limits, the fire’s devastation hit hard—especially as his kids head back to school. Yet amid the chaos, gratitude floods in: no lives lost, pets safe, and an outpouring...

The Inlander is joining forces with Washington State University and Report for America to launch the first statewide initiative to place a reporter in every county across Washington over the next three years — starting with Spokane County. This bold, community-focused effort aims to revitalize local journalism and could become a blueprint for other states. Applications are open now, with a deadline at the end of the month — perfect for journalists ready to make an impact right where it matters most.

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A tragic crash in Spokane Valley claims a life: an e-bike rider died after colliding with a pickup truck at a four-way stop. Both drivers reportedly failed to stop, and the truck driver remained cooperative as authorities investigate. This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical need for vigilance at intersections — especially with increasing numbers of e-bikes sharing roads with larger vehicles. The investigation continues.

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A fiery red cat in League City, Texas, is sparking chaos—and curiosity—across social media. Animal control’s on the case, trying to capture the mystery feline without risking harm, while urging locals not to feed or chase it. Experts suspect dye or paint caused the vivid hue, and they’re racing to ensure the cat’s health. With adoption offers flooding online, the shelter’s staying calm, deploying humane traps and asking witnesses to DM them with sightings. This isn’t just a cat—it’s a full-blown rescue mission, and updates are coming as the operation unfolds.

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Little League chaos, Mariners’ blame game, and college football’s defensive surge collide in this wild episode — plus a happy ending to a bachelor’s regret.

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