Eliza Billingham

Will Spokane adopt a moratorium on data centers? It's on the city council's agenda tonight. Wildfire season is back and flames are burning parts of southeast Washington.

Plus, Spokane will consider an yearlong, citywide moratorium on data centers next week. Spokane's Safe and Healthy Task Force says the region must do a better job of balancing criminal justice needs with social service needs. Puyallup high school wrestler sues WA transgender athletes policy. Ballmer Group pledges up to $1.5 billion in forgivable loans for WA affordable housing. And a wildfire prevention bill had bipartisan support in the Senate. Then GOP lawmakers added a provision to kill the "roadless rule."

The World Cup team let five hundred fans watch them practice for a couple hours starting around noon on Wednesday.

Egypt’s national team landed in Spokane this week before their first match against Belgium on Monday in Seattle. Today, the Pharaoh's are opening up their training session at Gonzaga University to a few lucky fans who won free lottery tickets.

Plus, WA faces more cuts this budget season, but the state superintendent continues to say education can't take any more hits. Spokane County hasn't installed a public safety sales tax yet, but it's taking steps to make sure it can be an option in the future. Gov. Ferguson joins the call to ban phones in public schools statewide. Former Spokane health officer Bob Lutz settles with health district for $1.65 million. And what's Spokane's 'queer agenda'? Spectrum Center wants input from the Inland Northwest's LGBTQ+ community.

A new WA law meant to protect immigrant workers takes effect Thursday. Testimony continues in the trial over ID's strict abortion ban. Voters will weigh whether to renew STA's 0.2% sales tax this August. And Spokane is taking new steps to make streets more pedestrian friendly.

Plus, trans Idahoans hope to halt new bathroom law in federal court. The trial in a case challenging ID's strict abortion ban begins today. Gov. Ferguson's office warns WA agencies of another dire budget year. ID state superintendent says funding formula needs to change. Spokane Public Schools may change start times next fall. And Spokane considers cracking down on street racing.

Plus, wildfires are starting less often in the western U.S.—but they burn more land when they do, new research shows. WA-based institute brings dozens of collaborators together to find answers about degenerative brain diseases. National homeless rates are dropping, but numbers in OR and north ID saw increases in 2025. ID lawmakers approve ballot language for two constitutional amendments: Making marijuana legalization only a legislative power and making English the state's official language. Spokane’s police chief is worried his department doesn’t have enough female officers. And Seattle hotel workers consider striking for more protection from immigration enforcement ahead of World Cup.

Plus, health officials investigate infections linked with raw milk from north ID dairy. Spokane launches a tool to help renters stay housed after requiring landlords to connect tenants with resources before evicting them for not paying. A donation lowers barriers to UW Medical School for future physicians aiming to serve Native and rural communities. US House committee approves amended spending plan to retain Chemical Safety Board budget as it investigates Longview implosion. Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners taps current COO as next leader. And a one-night-only art exhibit in Spokane blends queerness, spirituality and folk art.

Plus, private businesses prepare for ID's criminal transgender bathroom ban. WA health and transit officials work together to make healthy food more accessible. SPS's new bus system is just around the corner. And WA's youth drug use prevention efforts might be going better than adults realize.