Good morning, Spokane.

A construction project on 32nd Avenue has closed the road from McDonald to State Route 27 and is causing detours near University High, Chester Elementary and Horizon Middle School as traffic backs up during school drop offs; work began June 22 and will finish by Sept.

16.

The Spokane Central Lions Club is nearing its $300,000 goal to fund a new outdoor classroom in Riverfront Park, built in a repurposed Expo '74 shelter for schools & community groups; construction will begin once fundraising meets the target.

After losing his home in the Old Trails Fire, a Spokane man faces a cancellation fee of over $1,000 (contract penalty) from his security company despite not needing the service; he says the terms treat disasters like a car loan needing full repayment, raising concerns for other fire victims.

Spokane police and the City remind drivers to slow down as students return to class and lane closures near Logan and Perry elementary schools complicate traffic.

Photo enforcement cameras are now active to monitor speeds and school bus passing rules.

School transportation officials remind students and parents to follow bus safety rules as children head back to school today.

They advise waiting in proper spots and staying alert while boarding to keep everyone safe.

Today, Spokane Valley City Council holds a roundtable at 5:00 p.m. to discuss a draft active transportation plan that aims to improve walking and biking safety.

The proposal, developed with WSDOT funding and community feedback, outlines future projects for sidewalk infill, bike lanes, and safer transit connections.

City Council and the Office of Neighborhood Services will host Community Days on Wednesday, Sept.

9 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Council Chambers, City Hall - 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd to honor late Sandy Williams, founder of The Black Lens, the Carl Maxey Center and SCAR.

State workers staged a lunch break walkout today to demand pay raises and better benefits amid contract negotiations, with 11 local actions organized by the Washington Federation of State Employees + union leaders say modest recent raises lag behind rising costs.

John Spring — a flooring contractor — is the first Spokane homeowner cleared to rebuild after recent fires destroyed hundreds of homes in the northwest.

Demolition crews are finishing cleanup at his property, with reconstruction set to begin by week’s end.

The WSU Cougars will open their season on Sunday with the Apple Cup game at Husky Stadium (aired at 1 p.m. on NBC), drawing a large turnout in anticipation of a competitive Pac-12 matchup.

Joe Palmquist (66), former managing and sports editor at The Spokesman-Review, died Saturday from complications of a lung disease following a bone marrow transplant.

His funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Sept. 11 at St. Mary Presentation Catholic Church in Deer Park.

Gonzaga will host its annual Kraziness in the Kennel showcase on Saturday, Oct.

3 at 2 p.m. at campus, where fans will see new player introductions and a scrimmage featuring transfers and underclassmen making their first season appearance.