January
January 28 – Space shuttle challenger breaks apart 73 seconds into its flight, killing all seven astronauts on board, including Christa McAuliffe, a high school teacher who was selected from more than 11,000 applicants for nasa’s teacher in space project.
April
April 26 – In Ukraine, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant explodes, releasing radioactive fallout across much of Europe – the worst nuclear power plant disaster in history.
August
KPBX receives grant from Spokane Arts Commission to produce four programs featuring prominent Spokane writers. The Business of Books is hosted by Phyllis Silver.
October
GM Barry Brenesal begins hosting a weekly program called New Record Review.
November
KPBX simulcasts highlights of the Newport Jazz Festival with KSPS, public television.
November 25 - Profits from U.S. arms sales to Iran found diverted to Nicaraguan Contras. Reagan administration under fire in the coming weeks.
