Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Spokane police arrested a 28-year-old man for first-degree arson after a fire alarm triggered at 6:20 a.m. at the Downtown Precinct when officers found smoke in the basement from a burning bin in an alley, and he was booked into Spokane County Jail.

On Sunday night, a brush fire started near the 500 block of East Hastings Road in Wandermere while fire crews fought the flames—Spokane County Sheriff's deputies arrested 55-year-old Thomas Jones for drug possession and reckless burning after finding butane, a torch, a lighter, and drug paraphernalia.

Spokane Tribal Police conducted a welfare check on July 14 that led to the discovery of 72-year-old Pam Allen's body at her Ford residence—authorities have taken a 46-year-old man into custody in connection with the homicide.

On July 14, Spokane Valley Deputies responded to reports of an unknown man trying to steal cars and break into an occupied home near N.

Evergreen Road and E. Broadway Avenue. After he was medically cleared, deputies arrested 43-year-old Brett W. Schillinger — he admitted to attempting to steal up to five vehicles and unlawfully entering a home before being booked into jail.

On Monday and Tuesday, Spokane County Commissioners and the City Council approved funding that brought over $1 million to Maddie's Place, a local recovery nursery for newborns experiencing drug withdrawal.

The funding increased the county's contract from $594,000 to $750,000 effective July 1 and provided $300,000 in bridge funds until state support starts later this summer.

The Spokane County Auditor’s Office is mailing ballots for the August primary today; voters will receive a printed voter’s guide with details on school board, fire commission and city council races as well as local measures.

Voters must return their ballots by mail or drop box by election day, Aug 5 — following the instructions provided by the office.

Spokane County will honor Prosecutor Larry Haskell with an Appreciation Day on July 17 to recognize his decades of service.

The Board of County Commissioners made the proclamation on July 15—highlighting his work prosecuting serious crimes since 1998 and his military service in the Air Force.

Washington unveiled a new Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety at the Spokane Convention Center that uses infrared light to measure a driver’s alcohol level while ignoring passengers—if the system detects high alcohol levels, the vehicle will not start.

CRAVE! Northwest Food Festival

6-9 p.m. — CenterPlace Regional Event Center — Admission varies — Celebrate the culinary creativity of regional chefs at this three-day food extravaganza.

Spokane Scottish Highland Games

2:00 – 10:30 AM — Spokane County Fair and Expo Center — Check event website for entry fees — Celebrate Scottish culture with music, athletics, and dance.