Mike Prager

If there was ever a time to howl at the moon, Sunday evening might be it.

Spokane shoppers can be joyous to know that many of the area’s longtime retail businesses are going strong with the help of loyal customers.

The National Weather Service says the Inland Northwest could get a break from severe winter weather this upcoming season due to a weak to moderate El Niño expected in the tropical Pacific Ocean in coming months.

If a wildfire is nearby and you need to evacuate, have your medicine, a flashlight, family heirlooms, lots of other essentials and maybe a portable toilet ready to take with you. The Greater Spokane Emergency Management agency on Friday issued reminders to the public about the meaning of three levels of evacuations and the preparations that should be taken in advance of a potential wildfire in your neighborhood.

Upgrades to Spokane’s venerable arboretum are going to be guided by a new master plan under development by the parks department.

Look to the south or southeast sky after dark during the next week or so and you will see the brightly beaming, rust-colored planet Mars.

Barry Martin credits Medical Lake Alternative High School with helping him turn a corner on his life.

Sofia Novochekhova migrated with her family from Russia when she was 5 years old. She is about to graduate from Medical Lake High School as an accomplished student musician, one of the best in the Spokane region.