Local History

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News >  Spokane

This day in history: Jimmy Carter urged by Democrats to name Tom Foley as running mate

Thu., June 25, 2026

Foley’s name had been floated for weeks, but this was the strongest sign yet that he had plenty of backing in his party.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: Walla Walla prison official fired after making inmates wear diapers. Opium dens raided in downtown Spokane

Wed., June 24, 2026

From 1976: Some prisoners at the Washington State Penitentiary at Walla Walla, “had to wear diapers, crawl on the floor and carry baby bottles – others were chained and handcuffed to beds.”

News >  Spokane

This day in history: Fearing repeat of rock fest riot, Spokane County leader reject concerts from ZZ Top and others. 3 survived fiery crash

Tue., June 23, 2026

From 1976: Spokane County commissioners said “no way” to a request for three rock concerts at the Spokane Indians ballpark.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: Bing Crosby celebrated 50 years in showbiz. Lawman vowed to land Raffles the thief in the hoosegow

Mon., June 22, 2026

News >  Spokane

This day in history: Frank Church celebrated new Hells Canyon designation. Davenport Hotel opened European offices

Sun., June 21, 2026

From 1976: Environmentalists and fish-and-game conservation advocates celebrated a hard-fought victory on the Snake River during the dedication of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: Reagan had impressive showing at Spokane convention. Man claimed whale chasing ham plugged a leak

Sat., June 20, 2026

From 1976: Spokane was the site of the Washington State Republican Convention, and challenger Ronald Reagan was the big winner.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: Ronald Reagan addressed GOP convention in Spokane. Belgian police dog fled Davenport Hotel

Fri., June 19, 2026

From 1976: Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan arrived in Spokane “amid tight security” to deliver a speech at the Washington State Republican Convention in Spokane.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: Rocky Mountain spotted fever and a near decapitation were making headlines

Thu., June 18, 2026

From 1976: A second case of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, transmitted by ticks, was reported in Spokane County.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: Nordstrom announced expansion in downtown Spokane. Dozens arrived at air field for 2 week flight training

Wed., June 17, 2026

From 1976: Nordstrom Inc. announced plans to expand into the fourth floor of its downtown Spokane store, expanding its sales area to 65,000 square feet.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: Health officials planned massive swine flu vaccination drive. County clerk cleaned house

Tue., June 16, 2026

From 1976: Spokane was gearing up for a massive public health drive: a swine flu immunization program.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: ‘Pure, cold water’ spring provides fresh source for Grand Coulee locals. Organization sets training rules for LC athletes

Mon., June 15, 2026

From 1976: A mystery spring, from a mystery source, was providing “pure, cold water” in the basement of Harvey Van Cello’s home in Grand Coulee.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: 2 seriously injured while shot while driving on I-90. Spokane police chased ‘fairy tale’

Sun., June 14, 2026

From 1976: An 18-year-old Sprague man was arrested for allegedly firing a shotgun into two cars on Interstate 90, seriously injuring two.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: Scoop Jackson backed Carter. Spokane leaders still were debating location of auditorium

Sat., June 13, 2026

From 1976: Sen. Henry “Scoop” Jackson’s presidential campaign was over, and he announced that he was recommending that his delegates should vote for rival Jimmy Carter at the Democratic National Convention.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: For the state of Idaho, they really did come in threes. Spokane priest won fancy auto

UPDATED: Fri., June 12, 2026

From 1976: The Spokane Chronicle noted Idaho had been in the news lately for a string of three calamities.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: Nez Perce tribal member given honorary degree from Whitworth. Wilbur readied for Wild Goose Bill Days

Thu., June 11, 2026

From 1976: The Spokane Daily Chronicle put its spotlight on Wilbur, Washington, as part of a series on the region’s small towns.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: Spokane’s Secret Service agent said he didn’t listen to speeches. Inmate escaped and jailed the jailer

Wed., June 10, 2026

From 1976: The Spokane Chronicle interviewed “Bob” (not his real name), a U.S. Secret Service agent based in the Spokane field office.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: With half of Spokane cops living outside city limits, leaders contemplated residency requirement; Officer shot man in stolen car

Tue., June 9, 2026

From 1976: About 400 city of Spokane employees were watching nervously as the Spokane City Council pondered a requirement that all city employees live inside the city limits.

News >  Spokane

This day in history: Plans for High Mountain Sheep Dam along Snake River nixed. Man dies falling from hotel room window

Mon., June 8, 2026

From 1976: After 18 years of controversy, the High Mountain Sheep Dam in Hell’s Canyon on the Snake River was pronounced dead.