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."

Plus, more than 200 new WA laws take effect today. ID sets new restrictions to prevent New World screwworm infestations. Fans watch Egypt's national team practice in Spokane. Lumen Field prepares to host its first World Cup game. And ID officials squabble over America250 spending.

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.

Plus, Spokane explores spinning off its fire department into a separate fire district to save money. Spokane County is bringing in more sales tax revenue than expected, but it won't be enough to stave off budget cuts. Idaho has one of the highest rates of uninsured young kids in the US, according to the latest numbers. Working women in Washington could get more support through menopause under a new executive order.

Plus, former acting Eastern Washington U.S. Attorney Richard Barker questions outcome of 'Spokane 3' trial. Death toll rises to 11 in Longview ahead of funding debate over chemical disaster investigation agency. Maternal health providers in Idaho could see federal grant money this week. Spokane County is trying to renegotiate operations costs with the Spokane Indians to make minor league baseball a win-win for everyone. Hosting the Egyptian national team before the World Cup is a big deal for Gonzaga University.