Good morning, Spokane Valley.

A building fire forced Lumberbeard Brewery in downtown Spokane to close temporarily today while fire officials investigate the cause and assess potential damage.

Spokane authors Jess Walter and Leyna Krow were named finalists for the 2026 Washington State Book Awards in the fiction category (their books are So Far Gone and Sinkhole, and Other Inexplicable Voids).

The winner will be announced on Sept. 15.

Spokane Symphony has named new leadership with Nelwyn Barnett as Director of Development and Julie Happy as Director of Communications + Marketing.

The symphony, which attracts 150,000 audience each season, aims to expand donor engagement and promote its programs across downtown and community venues.

Joel Stutheit, a former school transportation director, explains that switching to propane autogas could save districts money on fuel costs - diesel prices now exceed $6 per gallon in Spokane - while lowering maintenance and keeping buses running reliably.

Today, thousands of Spokane Public Schools students return to class as teachers and staff offer extra support for those affected by recent fires—reshaping classes to help children reconnect.

A free backpack and school supply event held at the YMCA on Tuesday provided additional community assistance.

Spokane Public Schools is rolling out 149 new buses with seatbelts, updated AC + camera systems for student safety as service begins tomorrow.

The state-funded fleet is run by Zum and aims to save the district transportation costs this year.

A historic drought across the Northwest has worsened wildfire risks, with dry soils and low water levels affecting local farms and water supplies near Spokane.

Experts say reservoirs are at record lows and hot temperatures are quickly drying vegetation and raising fire dangers for local services.

Officials confirmed that forever chemicals have been found in 17 residential wells near West Plains during the airport's ongoing cleanup operation.

Additional testing and remediation steps will be announced soon.

Mike and Joyce Sedler both recorded hole-in-ones during a round at Latah Creek Golf Course last Thursday.

Their rare feat delighted friends and added extra joy to their retirement lifestyle (a moment few couples experience).

On Tuesday, the Spokane Indians lost 6 to 1 to the Vancouver Canadians in the opener of a six-game High A series at Nat Bailey Stadium.

The team announced roster changes, transferring RHP Juan Castillo and promoting Roynier Hernandez, and will play again today at 7:05 p.m.