Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Hospitals have restricted visits for minors to guard against measles after a child in Stevens County was suspected of exposure, and fire officials ordered evacuations as wildfires remain uncontained with residents warned of smoky air.

SPS students started class today without phones for a new rule supporting better sleep—Whitworth University welcomed 658 new students on move-in day, though only nine were international because of visa issues.

Spokane Valley first responders say traffic is slow at a busy intersection because a power pole fell in the road just after 9 a.m. Tuesday on Sprague — east of Home Depot — and crews will remove it soon.

Undercover police arrested convicted felon Richard Tomich on September 2 after spotting him with a pistol in downtown—he fled in a car chase and discarded his weapon before officers recovered cash, fentanyl, methamphetamine, pills, and other items.

The East Valley School District Board approved a $220M bond to appear on the February ballot that will replace aging high and middle school buildings by constructing new facilities next to existing campuses so students can remain in class.

The bond will raise property taxes by $1.23 per $1,000 assessed value and use $80M from a state program to improve five elementary schools — a change prompted by the current levy expiring in January.

Today, experts warn that the Crown Creek Fire in Stevens County is threatening 125 structures and that many Spokane homeowners still lack proper fire coverage after severe fires two years ago.

They say homeowners should add coverages like building code upgrade— inflation guard, and extended replacement and will attend a town hall on September 10 for more guidance.

On August 22, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office swore in two new deputies, Heidi Lambley (44) and Dylan Zollars, at the Regional Training Center under the direction of Undersheriff/Spokane Valley Police Chief David Ellis.

Shriners Children's in Spokane has a Motion Analysis Center that uses cameras and reflective dots to create a 3D model of kids’ movement to help diagnose and treat chronic pain.

Lainee Martin, an 18-year-old cheerleader with knee pain, underwent surgery earlier this year and will have another soon—offering a promising step toward a more active future.

The Native Strong Lifeline added text and chat support for Native and Indigenous people in Washington, according to the Department of Health.

Those seeking help can now text N8V to 988 (the only crisis helpline fully staffed by Native counselors).

Parents in Spokane Valley are using time-blocking to handle busy back-to-school days by assigning set periods to school drop-offs, work, errands, and chores—using digital calendars and planners to keep stress low and routines in order.

Spokane County Interstate Fair 2025

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. — Spokane County Interstate Fair — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening filled with top rodeo excitement and community fun.

PRCA Rodeo

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. — Spokane County Interstate Fair — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling rodeo action live at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center.

RIM Ride - Rotary in Motion

8 PM – 12 AM — Liberty Launch Academy — Entry fee applicable — Explore scenic routes around Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley during an exciting cycling event for all ages.