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🌱 Patch AM: How did Spokane’s railroads create today’s parks and neighborhoods?

You won't want to miss Social Chess at Brick West Brewing on the Spokane Patch calendar

Sunday September 20th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello Spokane! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How did Spokane's railroads create today's parks and neighborhoods?
  • Why are Spokane's brush fires surging, and what's being done?
  • How today's Heart and Stroke Walk aimed to save Spokane lives

Also on today's calendar: Troop 313 Scouting Fun Fair and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do an island and the letter "t" have in common? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 82 and low of 48 degrees.
  • Monday: Mostly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 84, low: 52.
  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 83 and low of 52 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. How railroads shaped Spokane's growth and left a lasting legacy (kxly920.com) — Spokane's early railroads didn't just move freight—they determined where neighborhoods, parks, and jobs would grow, from Hillyard's rail shops to today's Riverfront Park and Kendall Yards. This piece traces how tracks, depots, and the Great Northern Clock Tower still shape Spokane's landscape and identity, and how local preservation efforts near Reardan keep that story alive.
   

2. Spokane has an arson problem (spokesman.com) — Spokane officials say intentionally set fires have surged, with hundreds of brush fires and major blazes like the Old Trails fire threatening neighborhoods from People's Park to Downriver and Underhill parks. Fire investigators, police, and prosecutors describe how homelessness, mental health, and drug use intersect with arson, while pushing for tougher state penalties and urging residents to report suspicious fire activity promptly.
   

3. Spokane community comes together for heart and brain health at the Washington Heart and Stroke Walk (heart.org) — Hundreds of residents gathered today at the Spokane Convention Center's Riverside Lawn for the Washington Heart and Stroke Walk, celebrating survivors and learning lifesaving Hands-Only CPR. The event highlighted how bystander CPR can dramatically improve survival and encouraged Spokane families to build CPR skills while supporting the American Heart Association's research and education work.
   

4. Ossie McIntyre scores game-winner in shootout, Spokane Chiefs edge Tri-City 3-2 in season opener (thenewstribune.com) — Spokane hockey fans have reason to celebrate after the Chiefs opened their WHL season with a 3-2 shootout win over Tri-City, powered by Ossie McIntyre's deciding goal and strong goaltending from Carter Esler. Despite missing several veterans still at NHL camps, Spokane controlled play, outshot the Americans heavily, and showed early signs of an improved power play.
   

5. Featured Terrain artist Elizabeth Lancaster 'Found in Translation' a deep connection to her heritage (spokesman.com) — A Gonzaga Prep and Spokane Falls Community College alumna, artist Elizabeth Lancaster is using her Terrain Gallery show "Found in Translation" to process her father's death and reconnect with her Mexican heritage. Through intimate watercolors and large mixed-media works, she explores family immigration stories, caregiving, and cultural pride while continuing to teach art at a local Catholic school.
   

📸 Around Spokane

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Bear, a cat who went missing in Spokane, WA, has been safely reunited with their family after 22 minutes. Message from Owner: "Bear is an indoor cat… (Nextdoor Northtown)
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Leo, a cat who went missing in Spokane, WA, has been safely reunited with their family after 10 hours, 45 minutes. Message from Owner: "Leo is… (Nextdoor Garland)
  • Premium Retail Services posted a job opening for Retail Merchandiser - Walmart in Spokane. Apply here.
  • American Logistics Authority posted a job opening for Transportation Support Coordinator (Remote) $865$1,195 per week in Spokane. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Spokane here.

Ok Spokane! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: They are both in the middle of water. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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