Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Hundreds of residents who lost homes in recent fires applied for $10,000 wildfire relief grants set up by retired hotelier Walt Worthy on Aug.

27 at Balboa Elementary (the program has disbursed over $2.5 million and accepts verified applications until Oct. 18).

Dave and Shirley Auble celebrated their diamond anniversary on Sept.

8, marking 75 years of marriage at their Painted Hills home. The couple, noted for their long community involvement and strong family ties, are among the 1,000 U.S. couples to reach this milestone + continue to inspire local residents.

Spokane’s Monroe Street Bridge once featured a timber trestle for its south approach due to unstable fill from an 1889 fire; engineers replaced it with concrete girders in 1979 and renovated the entire bridge from 2003 to 2005 (a reminder of the city’s evolving infrastructure).

Wildfires have struck tribal lands across eastern Washington, with the Kaiser Canyon Fire destroying 42 homes on the Colville Reservation and arson fires in Spokane damaging 700 homes, leading to respiratory and stress issues.

Leaders urge enhanced fire safety and prescribed burns to help affected families.

Road construction projects have begun this week across Spokane Valley as local crews work on road improvements to ease traffic and enhance safety.

Data from the Spokane Regional Health District show 137 overdose deaths in Spokane County as of the end of August, with 77% linked to opioids, while recent emergency responses in 2026 remain lower after a steep rise from 2020 to 2024.

A West Plains homeowner said PFAS contamination in her well water forced her to install a $9,200 whole-house water filter in May and led to an $80K drop in her property value, as word of the issue spread two years ago and affected her farm's food and livestock safety.

Lakeside High School won the T-Mobile 5k today during a spirited local race that highlighted student athletic talent and community support.

Mead and Mt. Spokane women’s volleyball teams will compete on a temporary outdoor court today at 6 p.m. at Union Stadium as organizers monitor weather and ensure player safety while ticket proceeds partly aid local fire relief.

Gonzaga’s Graham Ike signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors after a strong Summer League performance and will be eligible for up to 50 NBA games this season — he will also split time with the G League Santa Cruz Warriors 75 miles from the team’s home venue.