Spokane Wildfire Response: FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Upriver Fire near Spokane Valley, covering 75% of eligible response costs as evacuations and containment efforts continue. Local Courts & Consumer Protection: A Washington appeals court said an insurer can’t toss an injured driver’s underinsured-motorist allegations under the state’s Insurance Fair Conduct Act, even after later payment. Seattle Labor/Platform Accountability: A proposed class action says DoorDash violated a Seattle ordinance by deactivating driver accounts without proper notice. Public Safety & Dispatch Debate: The Upriver Fire has renewed questions about whether Spokane should keep a fractured city/county emergency dispatch setup. Business & Housing Pressure: Spokane landlords face rising regulatory and eviction-prevention requirements that can delay rent recovery, adding costs that ripple to tenants. Spokane Economy & Growth: Wagstaff is expanding nuclear manufacturing capacity with a new Spokane Valley shipping facility, while multiple Sprague Avenue projects are moving forward. State Politics Spotlight: Editorial coverage highlights Sen. Shelly Short’s 2026 re-election fight with three challengers. Sports & Civic Life: As World Cup matches draw crowds to Seattle, local preparations and community programming continue alongside heightened security and traffic planning.