Morning Review: Rising stars, pumpkin punks and the great outdoors

Local news

Rising star: Spokane native Cami Bradley is on to the semi-finals on “America’s Got Talent” after her cover of “Believe,” by Cher on Tuesday’s episode. She told AGT she’s most uncomfortable when she’s on stage (hard to believe after that performance). If you haven’t heard about the local star, check out our profile of Bradley. Above average: A conservative think tank released a study indicating pay for Spokane’s police and firefighters is better than their peers in larger Northwest cities. City officials say the pay scale fits what police and firefighters are trying to accomplish. Punks attack pumpkin: Veggie vandals slashed a pumpkin well on its way to becoming a half-ton contender, killing Dave Jensen’s dream of seeing it at the Spokane Interstate Fair. Columnist Doug Clark has the scoop.

Sports

“We were awful last year”: But the way Washington State offensive line coach Clay McGuire tells it, the Cougar running backs are 100 percent better. Check out part two in Christian Caple’s series on WSU position previews. Good sport: Shaquille Hill still gets teased about his kickoff return last year against Illinois State, where he dropped the ball just before scoring a touchdown. But the Eastern Washington return man can still smile after last year’s success for the Eagles’ special teams.

Outdoors

The happiest place on Earth: Well, Spokane might not be named the happiest place on Earth anytime soon. But it’s up there for Outdoors Editor Rich Landers and the folks at Outside magazine, which ranked Spokane among 18 of the best places for outdoor access.

Arts and entertainment

Bad bosses: Franklin Hart Jr. is a terrible boss. A terrible boss whose sexist and bigoted antics are the story behind “9 to 5,” a musical opening tonight at the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre. Doors for the revenge comedy open at 7 p.m.

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