Eliza Billingham

Plus, Spokane considers "right to cooling" for renters and pauses development of can-centric businesses in swathes of the city. Increased parking rates in Spokane might not be just because of a new tax. ID brings in more revenue than expected, but still less than legislators targeted. Private and public funders put millions of dollars towards a new library in Republic, WA.

Plus, the Washington DNR is deciding which of its 200 sites will be shuttered after funding cuts. Hydropower operators in the Columbia River Basin are pushing back against a ruling that requires them to spill more water over dams to protect endangered salmon. WA's new requirements for sheriffs face more legal trouble. Spokane City Council is rushing to stop new drive thrus and quick vehicle service shops near public transit stops.

Emba says the cultural scripts for what it means to be a modern man or woman are changing faster than ever before—and men especially are having a hard time keeping up.

Spokane now deploys eight co-response teams, pairing mental health experts with officers from the fire department, police department, and sheriff’s office. These teams offer certain advantages for the public and the vulnerable populations they serve, but they're a small part of a system peppered with gaps.

Plus, Washington's new 'millionaire's tax' faces legal challenges led by two previous state attorney generals. Washington school superintendent Chris Reykdal lambasts Democrats for cuts to kindergarten prep. A far-right blogger appeals her defamation case over a CDA drag performance, and Idaho Governor Brad Little vetoes five bills.

We talk with NPR's media correspondent on the eve of his visit to Spokane. Eliza Billingham hears what Spokane police officers think about working with mental health professionals in the field. A former South Carolina congressman urges his fellow Republicans to use their taxing powers to combat climate change.

Plus, Spokane Housing Authority builds childcare into its newest low income housing project, the Forest Service plans to close research stations and WSU gets a "new" athletic director.

Plus, the WA Supreme Court is set to consider a Let's Go Washington lawsuit challenging the new income tax's referendum clause. And a new law in Idaho will ban transgender people from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity, but some Idahoans say it will be difficult to enforce. Finally, Spokane Valley could be the next American city to ban cryptocurrency kiosks amidst a nationwide crackdown.

Plus, the Spokane County Sheriff's office has temporarily stopped using its license plate reader system in response to a new state law, sheriffs sue WA to block new eligibility requirements for law enforcement leaders, SPD's new gun crime unit is taking shape in northeast Spokane, crimes against cannabis retailers are chronically underreported to the Washington Liquor and Cannabis board, ID Democrats say this year's budget cuts were unnecessary and harmful after years of tax cuts, and climate officials warn low snowpack means Northwest residents should prepare for a bad wildfire season.

Plus, ID is poised to increase work requirements for Medicaid expansion health coverage, transgender Idahoans could face prison for using some bathrooms that match their gender identity, and the Gem State is considering allowing the public to carry guns into county courthouses. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office gets money from the Department of Homeland Security to help keep Spokane and Seattle safe during the FIFA World Cup. More seniors and disabled people will be exempt from Washington property taxes next year. And Amazon is paying into a fund for water infrastructure because of a lawsuit over data centers in northeastern OR.