Jordan Smith

5 days ago | kxly.com | Jordan Smith

Washington lawmakers have approved significant funding cuts to wildfire prevention efforts, prompting concerns for the future as the state prepares for another potentially severe fire season. The move pulls $60 million in funding from House Bill 1168, which previously allocated $120 million every two years for wildfire prevention. It's one of the legislature's most recent attempts to balance the state's budget. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now carefully considering its next steps.

1 week ago | kxly.com | Melissa Luck |Taylar Ansures |Jordan Smith

CHENEY, Wash - Over 1,700 students were evacuated from Cheney High School and Three Springs High School Wednesday afternoon for a bomb threat. According to Cheney Police, the threat came in as an anonymous online tip through the School District's website. Law enforcement from around the region, including bomb sniffing dogs and the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, came out to help with the threat. Buses for all schools in the district were delayed due to the evacuation.

2 weeks ago | kxly.com | Jordan Smith

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. -- With beautiful Memorial Day weekend weather ahead, officials warn about the dangers in local waterways, especially the Spokane River. Despite warm temperatures outside, the water remains dangerously cold and fast-moving. The Spokane River currently sits at 54 degrees – cold enough to cause the body to lock up immediately. "It's very deceptive, it pulls heat from your body very quickly," said Mark Gregory from the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.

2 weeks ago | kxly.com | Jordan Smith

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. -- Forever chemicals have been detected in part of Spokane Valley's water supply, but residents say they were never directly informed about the issue. East Spokane Water District 1 found PFOS levels were 18.4 parts per trillion liters of water, narrowly exceeding the state’s maximum threshold of exceeded the state's maximum threshold of 15 PPT. Those findings were made back in March.

2 weeks ago | kxly.com | Jordan Smith

TROY, Idaho -- The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the town of Troy, alleging officials discriminated against Christ Church, an evangelical group that has been expanding its presence throughout the Palouse region. The legal action stems from the city's denial of a conditional use permit (CUP) for a downtown property purchased by Matt Meyer, an elder of Christ Church.