Regional News
What's happening in the region? Here's a roundup of news from Spokane, Montana and other regional areas.
Flash-flood risk lingers across the Southwest after Rachel’s remnants swamped Nevada
Seattle police officer fired for off-duty racist comments
Service Center, Hill uses derogatory terms for women and East Asian people, also repeatedly calling Jin “stupid.” At one point, Hill told her, “You’re going to…
So long plastic air pillows: Amazon shifting to recycled paper filling for packages in North America
It is the company's largest plastic packaging reduction effort in North America to date and will remove almost 15 billion plastic air pillows from use annually.
Canal pipe breaks, threatening a northern Montana irrigation project and drinking water
The break comes a month before a $100 million replacement project on the headgates was expected to begin and during the peak irrigation season.
California governor wants to restrict smartphone usage in schools
Newsom's announcement comes amid growing debate across the country over how to address the impacts of social media and smartphone usage, particularly on young …
New Mexico governor declares emergency as thousands flee wildfires that have damaged 500 structures
State Forester Laura McCarthy described the fires as “dangerous and fast moving” in strong winds up to 20 mph.
US acknowledges Northwest dams have devastated the region's Native tribes
Tribal representatives said they were gratified with the administration’s formal, if long-belated, acknowledgement of how the U.S. government for generations i…
Montana canal pipe splits open, flooding area and threatening local farming industry
No injuries or deaths have been reported since the pipe split open Monday, causing flooding in the rural area east of Glacier National Park near the U.S.-Canadian border
Judge orders BNSF to pay Washington tribe nearly $400 million for trespassing with oil trains
U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik initially ruled last year that the the railway deliberately violated the terms of a 1991 easement with the Swinomish Tribe no…
Hikers and bikers should be able to go to Logan Pass this weekend
Since crews typically don’t work on weekends, that means folks should be able to hike and bike to Logan Pass this weekend.
Move over grizzlies and wolves: Yellowstone visitors hope to catch a glimpse of rare white buffalo
Grizzly bears and wolves are usually the star attractions for wildlife watchers in Yellowstone but this spring, a tiny and exceedingly rare white buffalo calf …
Washington state's Makah tribe clears major hurdle toward resuming traditional whale hunts
Animal rights advocates, who have long opposed whaling, could also challenge NOAA's decision in court.
Off-duty guard charged with killing Seattle-area teen after mistaking toy for gun, authorities say
As Myers approached, one of the teens moved to the side and the other two stopped, raised their hands and one placed the airsoft gun on the sidewalk, telling M…
Reported birth of rare white buffalo calf in Yellowstone park fulfills Lakota prophecy
Erin Braaten of Kalispell took several photos of the calf shortly after it was born on June 4 in the Lamar Valley in the northeastern corner of the park.
Wyoming pass landslide brings mountain-sized headache to commuting tourist town workers
Each day, thousands make — or used to make — the half-hour-plus drive over Teton Pass from more affordable communities in eastern Idaho. Commuters are now look…
Rodeo bull hops fence at Oregon arena, injures 3 before being captured
Other videos posted online showed the bull running through a concession area, knocking over a garbage can and sending people scrambling. The bull lifted one pe…