Good morning, Spokane.

Spokane leaders launched a pilot program at three school sites to expand childcare access for birth-to-3 care (including Balboa Elementary) while a new mixed-use development in Hillyard will add apartments and a childcare center opening in early 2028.

Local efforts aim to ease rising costs and provider shortages.

Courtney Hawxhurst, a fire victim who lost her home in the Rifle Club neighborhood, said her local insurance agent provided a swift advance and checks for personal property and repairs after the firestorm.

Other companies processing claims at Shadle Park High School will help with temporary housing needs through Friday.

Walmart has committed $500,000 to assist families affected by the Spokane Complex fires.

The company is working with local groups — using its Supercenter on East Sprague Avenue as a relief hub — to deliver food, supplies and replacement school materials.

Spokane’s Inlander was chosen as one of six newsrooms to host a WSU Murrow fellow through Report for Washington, marking the start of a program to place a reporter in each of Washington’s 39 counties.

The application is open (until month-end).

At a Westgate block party today, Spokane Fire District 8 firefighters were honored for saving homes amid last week's fires.

The event brought emotional relief to residents and highlighted strong community bonds — a symbol of resilience as recovery continues.

Forrest Higgins, a Gonzaga Prep math teacher, returned from vacation on Monday, Aug.

10 to learn his Indian Trail home was destroyed by the Old Trails Fire and he is now coordinating with adjusters and USAA insurance as his family prepares to rebuild before school resumes.

The Mead School Board declared an emergency Wednesday to speed up contracts for wildfire cleanup after schools in level three evacuation zones were at risk — testing and remediation are planned to ensure buildings are safe before school reopens on Aug.

26.

Spokane Public Schools approved an emergency declaration during Wednesday’s Special School Board meeting—this move will speed the cleanup and repairs at affected schools so students can start the 2026-27 school year on time.

The Spokane River ran dry for a 1.5-mile stretch from Barker Road to Sullivan Road for the second consecutive year after a dam reduced flow amid hotter, drier conditions; experts say increased seepage is worsening the situation and flows will not rise until after Labor Day.

Fire District 9 has moved its PPE kit pickup to Station 92 (3801 East Farwell Road) where residents needing fire cleanup gear can get kits with gloves, eye protection, Tyvek suits, masks, food, water, and tools if they see district crews in the neighborhood this afternoon.