Good morning, Spokane.

Beans & Bind, a new bookstore and café, opened on Aug.

1 on E. Sprague Ave. in Spokane Valley and quickly became a neighborhood spot for coffee, books and local events with plans to host workshops in the coming weeks.

The Phoenix 5K fun run at Riverfront Park from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug.

29, will raise money for families affected by Riverside state park fires — all proceeds benefit the Innovia Foundation.

Local artists Stacie Boyer and Jennifer Batey have begun a 5,300 sqft mural in an alley between Post and Lincoln, one block south of River Park Square; the project, funded by American Rescue Plan funds, will highlight Spokane’s history + culture and finish by mid-Sept while inviting public viewing.

Two Two One Press has organized a relief concert at the Guardian on Friday featuring Pedro the Lion and local bands to benefit the Spokane H.O.M.E.

Starts Here fund after cancellations from the fires forced local show changes.

Visit Spokane names Luis Mota as its new director of film and event development to simplify permitting and cut red tape for film and public event projects.

He will work with city officials to create a (one-stop shop) website that helps producers navigate local processes.

Alexa Harnett, a recent Central Valley High School graduate who once attended Adams Elementary, is now working as a student-teacher at her childhood school as students return to class today.

Yesterday, Spokane Public Schools welcomed students back after fires displaced 207 people from 143 homes — Indian Trail Elementary added extra check-in time for 50 students who lost their homes.

Spokane Community College is now accepting applications for its new Practical Nursing program at its Colville campus that trains 4 students per cohort in local healthcare facilities — applications for the winter quarter starting Jan.

5 are due Sept. 15, and summer quarter applications open Jan. 15.

The Washington Department of Ecology said the City, County and Airport have not followed legal orders to clean up PFAS from firefighting foam used at West Plains and must submit a revised plan by close of business Friday.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown announced a $17.1 billion agreement with Meta that will add child safety features on Facebook and Instagram – including usage limits and age checks.

The deal could bring Washington up to $237 million if approved and may pave the way for similar measures nationwide.

Spokane Housing Authority opened Orchard Vista in Dishman Hills, Spokane Valley as its largest affordable housing project featuring 240 units, with 106 leased and plans for a 4,500 sqft childcare center in the northwest corner (the $68 million project received support from state, city, and local partners).

The Cougars are aiming for a season surprise—they open today against No. 17 Washington before facing Kansas State and Arizona—while the Mariners maintained their pennant race with a series win over the Phillies and will play more home games after a road trip.