Good morning, Spokane.

Spokane resident Jessie Miller has not lived in her smoke-contaminated home for over a month and is staying with her parents while awaiting a restoration company’s estimate.

Inspectors required removal of household items, and she now navigates insurance claims for repairs — a challenge for a once-safe neighborhood home.

In August 2025, a structure fire on South Sherman Street trapped an elderly man when firefighter Liam Riley rescued him by guiding him out a window; he was later awarded the Spokane Fire Department Medal of Valor on Saturday for his bravery.

Cursed Brewing is exploring a brick-and-mortar spot at the United Building in Hillyard after submitting a remodel permit—and the 500 sqft space would need a $15,000 upgrade.

Sephora plans a 5,300 sqft retail location next to Big Lots on Newport Highway with a build-out estimated at $400,000.

Families and food lovers enjoy the new Stuffed on the Bluff food & music festival at Beck’s Harvest House in Green Bluff during Labor Day weekend.

The three-day event features 14 food trucks and local produce vendors, filling a gap left by a popular festival cancellation.

The Stepwell art installation at Riverfront Park remains locked behind a chain-link fence (graffiti and weather damage led officials to secure it) and city officials are now waiting for an engineer's evaluation from the artist’s team to determine when it can safely reopen.

In 2025, manufacturing employment in Washington dropped 3,500 jobs while Spokane County saw a 1.4% decline even as wood products manufacturing grew 8% (with primary metal gains since 2020).

Tariffs have not boosted growth as expected.

Wildfires that scorched part of Medical Lake three years ago and burned Spokane neighborhoods on Aug.

1 have forced local farmers to face costlier harvests, lost crops and damaged infrastructure. Officials expect emergency conservation aid and better federal support as affected growers file for assistance in the coming weeks.

Timely spring rains produced an above-average wheat harvest in Washington, yet farmers received around $5.80 per bushel—nearly $1 below production costs—raising concerns about sustaining operations and passing farms to the next generation.

Spokane’s Northwest League team earned its first win this season with a 7-6 victory over Everett at Avista Stadium last weekend, and local residents enjoyed a fireworks display after the game.

On Friday night, most 4A and 3A teams in the Greater Spokane League struggled in nonleague matchups under the new scheduling rule; only three teams, including Mead + Mt. Spokane, secured wins while the University Titans dominated West Valley 57-27.

Coaches hoped early performances would guide adjustments for upcoming games.

Washington State is set to face Washington today at 1 p.m. in the Apple Cup.

The Cougars aim to disrupt UW’s offense by pressing with defensive ends McLain and Zunk - key players expected to spark turnovers and support a strong running game.