Spokane News Today | 2 Min | The Daily News Now!

This year, the Inland Northwest is experiencing a surprising wasp shortage—fewer buzzing nuisances than usual, thanks to brutal spring weather that crushed queen wasp colonies. While Portland sees a wasp boom, locals here are enjoying quieter summers, with fewer raids on raspberries and beehives. It’s a welcome reprieve for backyard BBQs—and a reminder how local climate swings can reshape nature’s little dramas.

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Washington farmers are reeling from devastating wildfires that have destroyed farmlands, homes, and livelihoods—some of the costliest single-day fire events in state history. Beyond immediate losses, farmers face years of rebuilding fences, caring for livestock, and coping with plummeting take-home pay, ranking last nationally. Mental health is crumbling as families and communities grapple with trauma. Crops like apples and wheat are scorched, recovery is slow and complex, and many farmers feel overwhelmed, even considering leaving agriculture. USDA officials are rushing to assess damage, push for emergency disaster declarations, and streamline federal aid programs to keep farms afloat—because without swift, targeted support, the future of farming in Eastern Washington hangs in the balance.

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Spokane’s $500K art installation “Stepwell” — meant to be a beloved, interactive wooden landmark like Chicago’s “The Bean” — is now locked away behind fences after just a year. Designed with rare Alaskan yellow cedar and intended for climbing and exploration, it quickly became a target for vandalism, with graffiti seeping into the wood despite efforts to clean it. Structural issues emerged too: gaps, warping, and weather damage made maintenance nearly impossible. Park staff called it “sh-art,” and even during special events, it stayed chained up. With an engineer’s report pending and safety concerns paramount, the city waits — but the public’s favorite spot remains closed, a cautionary tale of ambition gone awry.

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Spokane Public Schools is overhauling its school start times and busing strategy to slash transportation costs—thanks to a new state law that spiked private bus fees. They’re buying their own fleet, ditching contract partner Zum, and rolling out a staggered schedule: middle schools starting as early as 7:30 AM, elementary at 9 AM, with 45-minute gaps between groups. The goal? Save nearly $1 million annually while giving students more after-school time. But the move sparks debate: some worry about teen brain development, while the district cites research linking later starts to better sleep—and notes Spokane’s middle schools already start later than most in the region. Families are caught in the middle, and the district plans to gather more student feedback before finalizing changes. It’s a tightrope walk between budget cuts and student well-being.

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In 1926, a fire at Walla Walla’s main prison cellblock didn’t destroy the structure—just the roof, wiring, and heating. Officials, including Governor Hartley and architect Zittel, opted to repair rather than rebuild. Meanwhile, in 1976, Spokane police raced to solve a terrifying wave of rapes—fifteen attacks over summer, all by a masked, knife-wielding assailant dubbed the “Spokane Rapist.” Despite massive manhunt efforts and public warnings, the killer remained at large, sparking a chilling pattern that would evolve into the South Hill Rapist cases through the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. And back in prison? The convicts who started the fire to escape? They were thrilled to be back inside after their brief taste of freedom—cold nights apparently made them rethink their choices.

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Spokane County is poised to expand curbside recycling to 2,500 more residents in rural areas like Medical Lake, Liberty Lake, and Seven Mile—its first such expansion since 2018. With a vote scheduled Tuesday, the move responds to population growth, resident demand, and new state goals aiming for universal access by 2030. Waste Management and other haulers are ready to roll out service incrementally, easing strain on resources while boosting recycling rates and diverting waste from landfills.

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Washington State’s affordability crisis isn’t just hurting families—it’s crushing businesses too. Rising wages are only part of the problem; when you add up unemployment insurance, workers’ comp, paid leave, taxes, regulations, and rising costs of goods and insurance, employers face a 40%+ markup on base pay. Profit margins are vanishing, forcing companies to raise prices—which hits consumers and fuels a vicious cycle. The state’s tax structure, especially the unique B&O tax on gross revenue, adds extra strain. Now’s the time to pause new mandates, include business owners in policy decisions, and streamline regulations—starting with the governor’s new Economic Development Council.

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Building your dream home just got a lot pricier thanks to inflation—materials and labor are skyrocketing, even diesel fuel for construction crews. But there’s a game-changing solution: a smart spreadsheet tool that lets you nail down your actual build cost without spending big on full architectural plans. Just input square footage, layout, and rough bids from subcontractors for key elements like windows, doors, and roofing. The spreadsheet uses proven lender formulas based on historical cost percentages for each part of the house to give you an accurate total. It’s a time-tested, money-saving hack designed to help you avoid surprise bills and sleepless nights during your build.

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Erica Schwartz steps into the CDC’s leadership amid chaos—facing a president’s vaccine schedule overhaul, soaring measles cases, and a battered agency struggling with morale and trust. With a medical and legal background, she must rebuild staff confidence, mend public skepticism, and restore faith in vaccines that save lives and cut healthcare costs. Amid political pressure and funding challenges, her priority is clear: strengthen communication, support state partners, and quietly advocate for science—even if she can’t publicly resist White House directives.

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Spokane’s teen poets are taking center stage—with cash, produce, and powerful voices. Mery Noel Smith’s summer workshop paid teens $15 to perform poetry and gifted them fresh local veggies, sparking creativity and mentorship. Now, Spokane’s first youth poet laureate, Hope Austin, leads the fall edition, with performances at the Terrain festival’s Literature Park. Teens have shared work at the Kendall Yards Night Market and even with the Spokesman-Review, from tomato plant musings to pigeon-watching tales. Poems like “Hair,” “Swimming With Pigeons,” and “Vision to Fruition” prove young minds are not just creative—they’re deeply insightful. These workshops aren’t just fun; they’re empowering, showing that kids’ words carry weight and wonder.

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