Good morning, Spokane.

A major apartment fire damaged three buildings today at Eagle Rock complex in Spokane Valley, impacting about 60 people and prompting a level three response from firefighters while volunteers help those affected, with no injuries reported but several pets lost.

Firefighters are battling a 25-acre vegetation fire near Williams Lake today after it was reported just after 3 p.m. while crews work to protect threatened structures — Spokane County Fire District 3 said forward progress has halted.

Firefighters responded to a brush fire in Latah Valley near the 2900 block of West First Avenue after conditions escalated quickly.

The blaze burned five to 10 acres — no evacuations or injuries were reported.

Scientists report that wildfire risk increased sooner than usual due to low snowfall, a prolonged drought and fast-drying fuels, placing much of Washington at higher alert.

Residents are urged to follow local guidelines + exercise care with campfires and vehicles to reduce fire hazards.

Washington State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer will hold a free town hall on August 5 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Museum of Arts and Culture to discuss home insurance and wildfire mitigation, with State Sen. Marcus Riccelli and Council member Kate Telis expected to attend.

Residents and local leaders in West Plains are debating tax breaks, transparency, and who will cover infrastructure costs for a proposed data center.

County officials raised concerns over energy and water use while urging clear answers for the community's benefit.

A new oral cholesterol treatment, Lipfendra, was approved by the FDA earlier this month and will be available within weeks as MultiCare Pulse Heart Institute cardiologist Dr. Adam Noyes plans to prescribe it to most patients with high cholesterol.

Spokane Regional Health District said on July 24 that a bat tested positive for rabies in Spokane County with no people or pets exposed.

Health officials advise residents to keep pets secured indoors and check their homes for gaps where bats could enter.

Experts urge first-time homebuyers in Spokane to get pre-approved before house hunting and to budget for closing costs (about 2 to 6 percent of the purchase price) while keeping emergency savings for unexpected repairs and planning for a long-term stay.

At Monday’s Big Sky Media Day at Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Airway Heights, Commissioner Tom Wistrcill backed the Protect College Sports Act saying it will limit transfers and protect NIL deals — he also signed a five-year deal with Boise’s Idaho Central Arena to host conference basketball tournaments.

The Spokane Indians lost four of six games to Tri-City — leaving them with a run differential of minus 35 — while Tommy Hopfe bounced back by hitting 13-for-24 in five games.

The team will travel north for a six-game series with Vancouver starting Tuesday.

Eric Eaton Comedy and Magic Show

7-10 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the hilarious and incredible blend of comedy and magic with Eric Eaton.

James McMurtry with BettySoo Live

9-11 p.m. — The District — $34.92 — Experience the captivating musical mastery of James McMurtry and the enchanting vocals of BettySoo in a night of Americana sounds.

Dr. Brady Smith: Stand-Up Comedy Show

6-9 p.m. — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of hilarious comedy from a dentist who delivers absurd tales and sharp wit.

It's A Lot

9:30 p.m. and later — Spokane Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with top comedians in a cozy setting.

Benny G Live Concert

6-9 p.m. — BECU Live at Northern Quest — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of country and blues music from Benny G in Airway Heights.