Stories by Ellen Dennis for the Spokesman-Review

Sports

WSU and OSU sue Pac-12, claiming other schools broke conference rules by leaving

UPDATED: Fri., Sept. 8, 2023

With just two schools left in Pac-12, conference leaders can't agree on how to manage existing multimillion-dollar assets.

News > WA Government

Lands commissioner: State will install 21 fire detection cameras around Washington

UPDATED: Fri., Sept. 8, 2023

Fire officials say the artificial intelligence cameras will quickly detect signs of wildfires in remote areas and alert dispatch centers, improving fire response times.

News > WA Government

Inslee expands wildfire relief eligibility for Spokane County residents

UPDATED: Fri., Sept. 1, 2023

The Oregon Road and Gray wildfires continued to burn more than 10,000 acres apiece Friday. State and county resources are available for people who need help.

News > Higher education

Longtime EWU radio station set to close, but future of the frequency is unclear

UPDATED: Fri., Sept. 1, 2023

KEWU 89.5 began broadcasting under a different call name in 1950 from the Eastern Washington University campus in Cheney. The university announced this week its plan to take the station off the air at the end of the year.

News > Pacific NW

Wildfire seasons in Washington are lasting longer and burning differently

UPDATED: Mon., Aug. 28, 2023

Hotter, dryer summers mean the state's fire season starts sooner and continues well into fall, scientists say.

News > WA Government

Spokane County and 21 other WA counties sue the state for lack of mental health care

UPDATED: Wed., Aug. 23, 2023

The counties allege the state Department of Social and Health Services is breaking laws and failing people behind bars who face mental health issues.

News > WA Government

Washington state officials hope to apply for more FEMA support in wake of Gray, Oregon fires

UPDATED: Mon., Aug. 21, 2023

As more than 800 people work to fight two fires in Spokane County that have burned 20,000 acres of land, federal support could play a crucial role in disaster recovery.

News

State legislators vow to help people affected by wildfires

UPDATED: Mon., Aug. 21, 2023

State Rep. Jenny Graham spent her Sunday afternoon walking through the ashy rubble of Medical Lake homes in the district she represents.

News > K-12 education

All Spokane Public Schools students set to get $120 apiece in grocery funds this summer

UPDATED: Fri., Aug. 18, 2023

The final wave of a nationally-funded COVID relief program sent hundreds of thousands of Pandemic-EBT cards to mailboxes across Washington.

News > WA Government

Harris in Seattle: Vice president touts ‘Bidenomics’ in speech to mark anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act

UPDATED: Tue., Aug. 15, 2023

Vice President Kamala Harris spent 5 hours on Tuesday visiting the Emerald City, celebrating her administration's commitment to climate solutions and campaigning for President Joe Biden's re-election.

News > Crime/Public Safety

WSP fire academy’s new training buildings offer crucial hands-on practice with flames

UPDATED: Fri., Aug. 11, 2023

When firefighters are able to train for emergencies in real wood-burning flames, officials say it helps them save lives – including their own.

News > Washington

‘His heart was with his Tribe’: Former Colville Chairman Michael Finley dies at 44

UPDATED: Fri., Aug. 11, 2023

Michael Finley was a three-term chairman of the Colville Tribes, a renown historian, a strong advocate for Tribal sovereignty and a beloved husband, father and friend.

News > Pacific NW

Democracy ‘hangs in the balance’ of Trump indictment case, local experts warn

Fri., Aug. 4, 2023

News of the filing of federal charges against former U.S. President Donald Trump this week spurred discourse among political and legal experts.

News > K-12 education

Three incumbents to advance in crowded Medical Lake School Board primaries

UPDATED: Tue., Aug. 1, 2023

The 17 candidates on the ballot in the city's primary races marked the highest number of candidates running in any school board primary across Washington.

News > Spokane

State dismisses allegations that Spokane City Councilman Zack Zappone violated campaign finance disclosure law

UPDATED: Tue., Aug. 1, 2023

The state Public Disclosure Commission dismissed a complaint against Spokane City Councilman Zack Zappone alleging he violated elections rules in transferring campaign funds.

News > WA Government

Authorities ‘plainly violated’ state law in psychiatric care, Washington Supreme Court rules

UPDATED: Fri., July 28, 2023

In Washington, the Involuntary Treatment Act allows authorities to detain a person undergoing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. The court found three people were held longer than time permitted under the act.

News > K-12 education

Two Medical Lake School Board candidates differ on books, trans youth rights

UPDATED: Wed., July 26, 2023

Incumbent Ron Cooper and first-time candidate Nick Hawkins are running in the primary election for seat 4.

News > Local business

Spokane businesses get millions of state dollars in pandemic relief grants

UPDATED: Mon., July 24, 2023

More than 70 hospitality industry business owners in the city this past year cashed checks from the state Legislature's most recent COVID relief funding package.

News > K-12 education

In Medical Lake, school board candidates differ on LGBTQ rights, guns in school

UPDATED: Mon., July 24, 2023

Incumbent Alexis Alexander and political newcomer Wayne Terry are two of the six candidates running in the primary election for seat 2.

News > WA Government

Incumbent, teachers’ union voice concerns over Medical Lake School Board Election

UPDATED: Mon., July 24, 2023

Laura Parsons is running for another 4-year term serving in Position 3 on the Medical Lake School Board. Her three opponents in the primary could not be reached for comment.

News > Travel

Peak thrills: Leavenworth’s new alpine coaster draws sold-out crowds this summer

Sun., July 16, 2023

The limited number of roller coasters in Washington has left high demand among thrill-seeking residents.

News > K-12 education

Medical Lake School Board candidates differ on sex ed, religion in the classroom

UPDATED: Wed., Oct. 4, 2023

First-time primary candidates Gerri Johnson and Lennelle Spillman called for more transparency on school board and agree teachers should not carry guns in classrooms.