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Plus, at least one person has died and 15 houses have been lost in the Upriver Fire. Farmworker advocates are warning fire season will also affect ag workers this summer. State and federal tax cuts are helping ID's top earning families the most, while some low-income households have actually seen their taxes go up, a report finds. And Spokane Valley considers banning the possession of fireworks.

Plus, 12,000 Spokanites are under evacuation orders as the Upriver Fire burns. Gov. Little says ID is in good shape for fire season, but a state fund for firefighting is already empty. A federal judge partially blocks ID's criminal trans bathroom ban. And the Panhandle Health District won't shutter clinics to save money, but services will continue to lean toward MAHA priorities.

Plus, NWS issues red flag warnings for central, eastern WA. Spokane City Council punts on data center moratorium after Avista pauses talks with customer. Spokane County looks to incentivize affordable housing. Nationwide report shows WA struggling to meet kids’ education needs. Federal judge weighs a new exception to Idaho's abortion ban after 5-day trial ends. And Seattle's first World Cup game between Egypt and Belgium ends in a 1-1 draw.

Plus, Spokane will consider an yearlong, citywide moratorium on data centers next week. Spokane's Safe and Healthy Task Force says the region must do a better job of balancing criminal justice needs with social service needs. Puyallup high school wrestler sues WA transgender athletes policy. Ballmer Group pledges up to $1.5 billion in forgivable loans for WA affordable housing. And a wildfire prevention bill had bipartisan support in the Senate. Then GOP lawmakers added a provision to kill the "roadless rule."

Plus, more than 200 new WA laws take effect today. ID sets new restrictions to prevent New World screwworm infestations. Fans watch Egypt's national team practice in Spokane. Lumen Field prepares to host its first World Cup game. And ID officials squabble over America250 spending.

Plus, WA faces more cuts this budget season, but the state superintendent continues to say education can't take any more hits. Spokane County hasn't installed a public safety sales tax yet, but it's taking steps to make sure it can be an option in the future. Gov. Ferguson joins the call to ban phones in public schools statewide. Former Spokane health officer Bob Lutz settles with health district for $1.65 million. And what's Spokane's 'queer agenda'? Spectrum Center wants input from the Inland Northwest's LGBTQ+ community.

A new WA law meant to protect immigrant workers takes effect Thursday. Testimony continues in the trial over ID's strict abortion ban. Voters will weigh whether to renew STA's 0.2% sales tax this August. And Spokane is taking new steps to make streets more pedestrian friendly.

Plus, trans Idahoans hope to halt new bathroom law in federal court. The trial in a case challenging ID's strict abortion ban begins today. Gov. Ferguson's office warns WA agencies of another dire budget year. ID state superintendent says funding formula needs to change. Spokane Public Schools may change start times next fall. And Spokane considers cracking down on street racing.

Plus, wildfires are starting less often in the western U.S.—but they burn more land when they do, new research shows. WA-based institute brings dozens of collaborators together to find answers about degenerative brain diseases. National homeless rates are dropping, but numbers in OR and north ID saw increases in 2025. ID lawmakers approve ballot language for two constitutional amendments: Making marijuana legalization only a legislative power and making English the state's official language. Spokane’s police chief is worried his department doesn’t have enough female officers. And Seattle hotel workers consider striking for more protection from immigration enforcement ahead of World Cup.

Plus, health officials investigate infections linked with raw milk from north ID dairy. Spokane launches a tool to help renters stay housed after requiring landlords to connect tenants with resources before evicting them for not paying. A donation lowers barriers to UW Medical School for future physicians aiming to serve Native and rural communities. US House committee approves amended spending plan to retain Chemical Safety Board budget as it investigates Longview implosion. Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners taps current COO as next leader. And a one-night-only art exhibit in Spokane blends queerness, spirituality and folk art.

Plus, private businesses prepare for ID's criminal transgender bathroom ban. WA health and transit officials work together to make healthy food more accessible. SPS's new bus system is just around the corner. And WA's youth drug use prevention efforts might be going better than adults realize.

Plus, Spokane explores spinning off its fire department into a separate fire district to save money. Spokane County is bringing in more sales tax revenue than expected, but it won't be enough to stave off budget cuts. Idaho has one of the highest rates of uninsured young kids in the US, according to the latest numbers. Working women in Washington could get more support through menopause under a new executive order.

Plus, former acting Eastern Washington U.S. Attorney Richard Barker questions outcome of 'Spokane 3' trial. Death toll rises to 11 in Longview ahead of funding debate over chemical disaster investigation agency. Maternal health providers in Idaho could see federal grant money this week. Spokane County is trying to renegotiate operations costs with the Spokane Indians to make minor league baseball a win-win for everyone. Hosting the Egyptian national team before the World Cup is a big deal for Gonzaga University.

Plus, a jury finds three Spokane protesters are guilty of federal conspiracy. Public defense tops priorities as Spokane city officials prepare for budget season. KCRCC elects former Post Falls mayor to chairmanship, completing the ouster of Brent Regan. DOJ sues Washington and Oregon over refusal to issue undercover license plates to DHS agents. Graduate loan caps threaten to reduce an already shrinking number of primary care physicians in Washington. WSU Cougars take on OSU in NCAA regional, hoping for a first College World Series appearance in 50 years.

Plus, WA state exchange healthcare premiums could increase by more than 20% again. Outgoing Kootenai County GOP officials look to undercut the incoming moderate leaders. Death toll rises to two, remains of nine still unrecovered after Longview chemical rupture. Beavers could pose a bigger threat than mountain lions to most north Idahoans—financially, at least. And maybe the wine industry isn't dying because millennials and Gen Z don't want to drink wine; maybe it's because they can't afford it.

Plus, 9 people still unaccounted for after Longview industrial implosion leaves at least 1 dead. NW immigrants scramble after rule change means green card applicants may have to leave the U.S. DCYF can't deny foster parent licenses based on religious views on LGBTQ issues, per a new settlement. WA and ID McClatchy journalists strike over wages, AI. WA land managers warn of high fire danger. And WDFW to kill 1 wolf over livestock attacks.

Hantavirus levels in Palouse rodents are 'very surprising' to WSU researchers. North central, northeast WA are in a long-term precipitation deficit; forecasters say that could mean an early start to fire season. An Eastern WA theater adopts vests to let deaf, hard of hearing patrons physically feel concerts. WSU Cougar baseball team advances to NCAA regional tournament, hopes for first College World Series appearance in 50 years. And feeling intimidated about reducing your individual climate impact? Here's one piece of tech that could help home chefs.

Journalist Nick Greene on his newest book, "How to Watch Soccer Like a Genius."

Plus, Head Start students in WAn show strain from increased immigration enforcement, according to a new survey. Avista is switching into fire safety mode earlier than any time in the last 6 years. Spokane Transit expands service for World Cup festivities. The Salish School of Spokane breaks ground for its new campus along the Spokane River.

Plus, the federal government is eliminating limits on certain toxic chemicals, but WA officials say that shouldn't stop contamination reduction on the West Plains. Nearly a quarter of Washington business owners surveyed are considering leaving the state. Despite some far-right wins, moderates gained seats overall in Idaho's legislative primaries. A new Idaho law forces cities to eliminate any restriction on short-term rentals, but Sandpoint officials are dragging their feet on complying. Sandpoint City Council defers kratom sale ban after public opposition. And the Spokane Zephyr folds after two seasons.

We have results from Idaho's generally status quo primary election. Central Washington redistricting advocates petition to the U.S. Supreme Court. And a Spokane theater changes the way it stages its production of "Shrek" to appeal to sensitive viewers.

Primary election day in Idaho and Oregon; Spokane police to get an upgrade to its training facility; and Washington's newest Supreme Court justice takes the oath.

Plus, a Spokane renewable energy company is betting that rising fuel prices will get business owners to shift their fleets from gas to electrical. Oregon wildfire survivors are asking the state Supreme Court to take up their case against utility giant PacifiCorp. The Spokane Zephyr break club records in their last regular season game, but it's not enough to clinch a playoff spot. And Spokane is planning for intensified growth around its transit corridors.

Plus, Washington's Supreme Court says the "millionaires' tax" can't be challenged by referendum—though voters may still get a chance to weigh in. Rep. Michael Baumgartner holds a town hall in Republic after seeing protestors in Colville. Gas prices in Washington hit another record high today. And Spokane is trying to curb late night street racing.

Plus, more measles cases are popping up in Washington. The Reardan Health Clinic will soon expand to double its capacity. Retired police, firefighters sue Washington over budget maneuver they say puts their pensions at risk. The Spokane Conservation District is asking small towns to support a $5 increase to parcel fees before it asks county commissioners. And at least one artificial intelligence company is approaching small town governments in Washington offering AI tools…to help with AI compliance.

Plus, a Thurston County judge partially blocks WA's new standards for law enforcement leaders. Six transgender Idahoans sue their state over its criminal bathroom ban. Data centers make planning for energy use in the Northwest unpredictable, a new analysis says. STA decides to send sales tax renewal to voters this August—but with a sunset clause. And GOP Rep. Michael Baumgartner embarks on a tour of 12 counties in 12 days ahead of reelection filing.

Plus, WAs ask judge to force private immigration detention center to allow state health inspections. Unofficial special election results show none of the ballot measures in Stevens and Spokane Counties passed. Private construction companies want in on fixing Idaho's failing infrastructure. College students in Idaho will pay more for tuition next year. And Moscow officials deny a permit to a developer connected to a Christian nationalist religious movement.

Plus, WA's Attorney General sues Safeway, Albertsons for allegedly overcharging customers for years on “buy one, get one free” offers. STA calls special meeting to decide whether to put sales tax renewal on August ballots. Hunters will soon see improved water quality after years-long project. And Trump says military training in the Owyhee Desert must continue despite concerns over pollution and disruption to wildlife.

Plus, we look ahead to Idaho’s primary as counties in the panhandle prepare to begin early voting. District 1 will see two rematches: Sen. Woodward v. former Sen. Herndon and Rep. Sauter v. Sauter. Spokane and Stevens County voters have until tomorrow to weigh in on school and library ballot measures. (Editor's note: A previous version of this story mistakenly identified a failed East Valley bond attempt as having taken place in November. The bond appeared on February 2026 ballots. We regret the error.) WA high schools have the chance to get free suicide prevention training, but almost no schools east of the Cascades are participating in the program. And we walk through WA’s new climate action plan, which gives the state 25 years to decarbonize.

Plus, an Adams County hospital "resets," pausing many patient services as it tries to stay afloat until levy dollars arrive. About 30,000 Idahoans likely no longer have health insurance, latest data shows. Idaho lawmakers get first look at federal rural health program. WA officials unveil 400-page statewide climate plan.

Plus, a majority of WA Supreme Court seats are up for election this year, Spokane County relaunches its emergency notification system, Hunters aims to fix its water treatment system, state funding for salmon recovery dries up, and the Salish School of Spokane gets funding for a solar project at its yet-to-be-built campus.

Plus, ID Gov. Brad Little shrugs off "no confidence vote" by the state's biggest teachers' union and says the state may not have budgeted enough money for wildfire season on a visit to CDA. WA police are way behind on required de-escalation and cultural awareness training, and the Criminal Justice Training Commission can't do anything about it. The gray wolf population grew in WA last year, while depredation numbers fell. And DOJ is investigating UW—again.

Plus, election officials in Washington state are working with law enforcement to investigate how a box of unopened ballots ended up behind a dumpster. Local and federal law enforcement believe that gang members have been trafficking guns across state lines to youth in Spokane County. The race for Spokane County Prosecutor widens. WA asparagus farmers say they're having a hard time finding labor because of fear over the federal immigration crackdown. And Egypt’s national team has chosen Spokane as its base camp during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Most police in WA aren't meeting violence de-escalation training requirements, per a new state audit. Spokane leaders float the idea of splitting the fire department from the city to create a new fire district. Spokane Community Colleges and the University of Idaho are partnering to get more students four-year wildlife degrees. That could especially benefit local Tribes. The newest U.S. submarine is named "Idaho" to honor the landlocked state's unique contributions to naval science.

Plus, Washington sheriffs sue over new state law. The Kootenai County jail isn't always hitting staffing requirements even though officers are working thousands of hours of overtime. And some members of the Spokane Transit Authority board are pushing to get a sales tax renewal in front of voters this August.

Plus, Kootenai County leaders disagree who has the power to stop middle schoolers from bringing drugs to school. Bonner County ambulances want to stop giving rides to people who don’t have any other way to get from the hospital back to a nursing home. And state support for rural Washington fire districts won’t get the ax after all.Hear more of Stephen Thompson's thoughts on Spotify algorithms, his pop culture hot take, and why he thinks joy is integral to any media diet at spokanepublicradio.org.

Plus, Spokane considers "right to cooling" for renters and pauses development of can-centric businesses in swathes of the city. Increased parking rates in Spokane might not be just because of a new tax. ID brings in more revenue than expected, but still less than legislators targeted. Private and public funders put millions of dollars towards a new library in Republic, WA.

Plus, the Washington DNR is deciding which of its 200 sites will be shuttered after funding cuts. Hydropower operators in the Columbia River Basin are pushing back against a ruling that requires them to spill more water over dams to protect endangered salmon. WA's new requirements for sheriffs face more legal trouble. Spokane City Council is rushing to stop new drive thrus and quick vehicle service shops near public transit stops.

Plus, Washington's new 'millionaire's tax' faces legal challenges led by two previous state attorney generals. Washington school superintendent Chris Reykdal lambasts Democrats for cuts to kindergarten prep. A far-right blogger appeals her defamation case over a CDA drag performance, and Idaho Governor Brad Little vetoes five bills.

WA declares a fourth consecutive statewide drought, and the state Ecology director says future snowpack will be unreliable. The second-biggest gender pay gap in the U.S. is in WA. Why?STA says its all but certain federal dollars are coming to cover half the cost of bus rapid transit on North Division.Famed Northwest climber Jim Whittaker, the first U.S. man to summit Mt. Everest, dies at 97.

Plus, Spokane Housing Authority builds childcare into its newest low income housing project, the Forest Service plans to close research stations and WSU gets a "new" athletic director.

Plus, the WA Supreme Court is set to consider a Let's Go Washington lawsuit challenging the new income tax's referendum clause. And a new law in Idaho will ban transgender people from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity, but some Idahoans say it will be difficult to enforce. Finally, Spokane Valley could be the next American city to ban cryptocurrency kiosks amidst a nationwide crackdown.

Plus, the Spokane County Sheriff's office has temporarily stopped using its license plate reader system in response to a new state law, sheriffs sue WA to block new eligibility requirements for law enforcement leaders, SPD's new gun crime unit is taking shape in northeast Spokane, crimes against cannabis retailers are chronically underreported to the Washington Liquor and Cannabis board, ID Democrats say this year's budget cuts were unnecessary and harmful after years of tax cuts, and climate officials warn low snowpack means Northwest residents should prepare for a bad wildfire season.

Plus, Legislators wrap up 2026 legislative session in Boise, Idaho moves to restrict teachers' unions, Spokane's legislative delegation sees more turnover, unemployment in Washington hit its highest rate since 2021, and a UW researcher says a newly FDA-approved GLP-1 pill could have major benefits worldwide.

Plus, ID is poised to increase work requirements for Medicaid expansion health coverage, transgender Idahoans could face prison for using some bathrooms that match their gender identity, and the Gem State is considering allowing the public to carry guns into county courthouses. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office gets money from the Department of Homeland Security to help keep Spokane and Seattle safe during the FIFA World Cup. More seniors and disabled people will be exempt from Washington property taxes next year. And Amazon is paying into a fund for water infrastructure because of a lawsuit over data centers in northeastern OR.