County staff reported the legislature adjourned after agreeing to an end-of-session budget package while rejecting the governor’s wildfire liability package (SB 492); staff also summarized allocations from Proposition 4 and greenhouse gas funds relevant to county projects.

In a vote during the briefing session, Spokane County accepted a $500,000 Department of Commerce grant (contract 26-46WFO-29) and authorized a $475,000 contract with the Spokane Housing Authority for rapid housing support to households displaced by recent wildfires; motions were moved and seconded at the briefing and approved by voice vote (four ayes).

The Spokane council voted 5–2 to adopt an ordinance extending eviction protections and additional time to catch up on rent for renters who suffered hardships from recent wildfires, Councilmember Kitty Klitsky said.

Assistant Superintendent Gerardo Cruz told the board the district closed 2025–26 with a $6 million surplus—reversing an estimated $3.7 million deficit—largely because of one-time state backfill related to January wildfires and lower-than-expected expenditures. The board voted to accept the unaudited actuals.

About 100 people from across France ordered bottles from Jean-Denis Bibian, whose family home burned in the Saumos fire.

About 100 people from across France ordered bottles from Jean-Denis Bibian, whose family home burned in the Saumos fire.

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YouTube video by Washington National Guard

Governor Ferguson tapped Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck to help lead housing recovery; officials discussed existing housing trust funds, incentives to convert office or parking buildings into housing, and steps to expedite permitting and construction for displaced residents.

COMMENTARY | DISASTER JUSTICE Wildfire Relief Is Not a Political Reward My disappointment, disbelief, and unapologetic anger at America’s disaster-aid divide When fire threatens a community, …

President Trump arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday for a Republican Party fundraiser at his golf course in Rancho Palos Verdes, amid heightened security and political tensions over federal wildfire relief. The visit came as authorities announced the arrest of an armed man who had allegedly been documenting security preparations at the golf club. Deputies said the man had a gun and ammunition, while a subsequent search of his Downey residence uncovered an illegally modified AR-style rifle, a .45-caliber pistol and high-capacity magazines. Outside the golf club, more than two dozen Trump opponents gathered to protest his administration, chanting against the president and holding signs criticizing his policies. A smaller group of Trump supporters, wearing MAGA apparel and carrying American flags, staged a counter-protest. Tensions increased after Trump arrived by Marine One, with both sides exchanging chants. The fundraiser was closed to the media, but the White House said Trump would promote his administration’s record and criticize Democratic policies associated with California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The visit also highlighted an ongoing dispute over federal disaster assistance following the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. California officials say the state has submitted more than $1.5 billion in reimbursement claims for emergency response and infrastructure repairs, but only $37 million has been approved so far. Newsom criticized Trump for visiting primarily to raise campaign money while wildfire survivors continue waiting for federal support. Trump did not directly address the criticism. His California trip was followed by a planned visit to Nevada, where he was expected to discuss the economy and appeal to voters ahead of the November midterm elections.

Governor Ferguson said the state has requested a federal emergency declaration and direct assistance covering six counties and three tribes; FEMA has already started moving resources into Washington in anticipation of approval. Officials listed search-and-rescue, debris removal, temporary sheltering and emergency power among the requested supports.

***OFFICIAL CTWS DONATION ACCOUNT***The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (CTWS) sincerely appreciates the generosity and support…

A commissioner said the Community Animal Response Team will move livestock from the Fairgrounds to 4 Bar S Ranch and Hudson Ranch and that donations have supplemented a $1,000 annual CSU Extension line for emergency animal response; he said animal counts fell from about 1,200 to the low 300s.