Good morning, Spokane.

The Washington State Board of Natural Resources approved the 199-acre Thorpe parcel for conservation funding and potential transfer to Spokane Parks and Recreation, which would protect rare plant communities and expand park access in a neighborhood with limited infrastructure.

A Spokane family was reunited with its cat that went missing during the Spokane Complex Fire after local responders found it + returned it safely.

The legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire will perform classic hits on Sunday at Northern Quest Resort and Casino, and tickets start at $62.02 for an evening set to energize Spokane.

Spokane Public Schools seeks parent feedback on a schedule change that would shift middle school to 7:30 a.m., high school to 8:15 a.m., and elementary to 9 a.m. The district will launch its own bus service next school year to save millions and review the plan on Wednesday.

Wilbur Creston School District announced on Facebook that school will now start on Sept.

14 instead of Sept. 8 due to pending inspections (officials apologized for any inconvenience). Further updates are expected soon.

EPA officials cleared hazardous material from half of the burned homes in the area, and cleanup work will continue on the rest (residents should check local updates for safety measures).

Spokane launched its Emergency Streets Pilot Project to respond immediately to fatal traffic crashes with temporary calming measures, and the project will use bright pink cones to mark crash scenes and close roadway sections for up to two weeks while the city studies potential street improvements and collects community input.

Starting Nov. 1, all first-time drivers under age 25 must finish a free one-hour work zone and first responder safety course before receiving a license, per state rules.

The course may be taken before or after other driver education tests.

Rockwood Retirement Communities is planning a new senior living campus in Liberty Lake that will offer 260 residences and full amenities as part of the River District development.

Construction will begin in late 2028 — occupancy is targeted for 2030.

Rosi Johnson lost her rental home when the Old Trails fire swept through her neighborhood near Fairmount Memorial Park, leaving her without renters’ insurance coverage.

She secured a new apartment on the South Hill with help from Spokane Housing Authority’s voucher system & disaster assistance program offering financial support.

Eastern Washington linebacker Myles Mayovsky recorded 18 tackles in a loss to Northern Arizona last Saturday, showing skills gained as a preferred walk-on + veteran starter.

He will anchor the defense as the Eagles prepare to face Northern Iowa at Roos Field this Saturday.

Keith Brown, a starting linebacker for the Cougars who has played at Husky Stadium and Lumen Field, urged teammates to be ready for the loud energy of Sunday’s Apple Cup in Pullman as coach Kirby Moore stressed the game’s rich history (a cherished rivalry) to help prepare the team.

Righty Jordy Vargas made his final start for the Indians on Wednesday at Avista Stadium, pitching 96 balls in a 14-2 loss to Everett as Cesar Quintas went 4-for-4 with four RBIs.

The series continues today at 6:35 p.m. + the game is the second of a six-game Northwest League series.

Washington State University revealed its new Apple Cup uniform at a campus event today.

The design will be worn in the upcoming rivalry game — offering a fresh look for the storied contest.