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Articles by Julia Pentasuglio
A Word with The Bird: Journalist Peter Greste, the free press and his 400 day imprisonment in Egypt
When Australian journalist Peter Greste was called in to cover political turmoil in Egypt for three weeks in 2013, he expected the reporting trip to be routine. He’d spent nearly a decade covering East and Southern Africa for the BBC before taking on the same role at Al Jazeera. Two weeks into the assignment, Greste and two of his Al Jazeera colleagues were arrested on terrorism charges after authorities raided his hotel room.
Riot Fest 2026 Rocks Through the Rain
Mud, Faygo and corndogs were the holy trinity of Riot Fest 2026. The punk-rock festival, held at Douglass Park Friday through Sunday Sept. 18-20, prevailed despite severe thunderstorm warnings and heavy rain. On Saturday and Sunday, performances for all artists, including headliners, were shifted or cancelled, as the festival complied with city recommendations. Fifty thousand people were projected to attend the festival, ready to sing along and mosh — no matter the weather conditions.
Horoscope: September 16
Virgo: Aug. 23 to Sept. 22 Follow your gut. Intuition is your strength. Your dreams may reveal more than expected, and big decisions may be alienating. Libra: Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back. Revel in your newfound joy, even if it’s temporary. Scorpio: Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 Look beyond appearances. Root yourself in what you truly love, no matter how it may appear to other people. Don’t hide your true aspirations, others know when you’re putting up a facade.
From the Editor’s Desk: It’s Senior Year, Say Yes to Everything
Three weeks ago to the day, I finished my summer reporting internship at the Spokesman-Review, the newspaper in Spokane, Wash. The very next day, I hopped in the car at 6 a.m. with my friend and fellow Rambler Ella Daugherty and drove across the country for four days to get to Chicago, camping and exploring the American West on the way.
Spokane restaurant celebrates Eddie Gaedel, MLB’s shortest ever player
When 3-foot-7 Eddie Gaedel stepped up to bat for the St. Louis Browns on Aug. 19, 1951, a “magic moment” in baseball occurred, according to Spokane’s Tom Keefe. After four consecutive balls — the strike zone for a short batter is significantly smaller and harder to hit — Gaedel, 26, became the shortest person in history to play in a Major League Baseball game, with a single plate appearance.
Spokane restaurant celebrates Eddie Gaedel, MLB’s shortest ever player
Technology 1 hour ago We’ve entered Seattle’s Third Act geekwire.com - Nate Bek, Ben Eisinger • 1h Opinion: A year ago, GeekWire ran a headline that posed an uncomfortable question to the local startup community: “Seattle is a global AI hub — but … Aging 3 hours ago We're in our 50s and moved into senior living. Our neighbors average 76. Business Insider - Jane Ridley • 3h This story is based on an interview with Amy Leaitu, 56, of Bellevue, Washington, an HR analyst for a 911 call center.
O'Doherty's Irish Grille to celebrate 75th anniversary of Eddie Gaedel, MLB's shortest player
O'Doherty's Irish Grille to celebrate 75th anniversary of Eddie Gaedel, MLB's shortest player Aug. 19—When 3-foot-7 Eddie Gaedel stepped up to bat for the St. Louis Browns on Aug. 19, 1951, a "magic moment" in baseball occurred, according to Spokane's Tom Keefe. After four consecutive balls — the strike zone is significantly smaller and harder to hit for a short batter — Gaedel, 26, became the shortest person in history to play in a Major League Baseball game with a single plate appearance.
O'Doherty's Irish Grille to celebrate 75th anniversary of Eddie Gaedel, MLB's shortest player
When 3-foot-7 Eddie Gaedel stepped up to bat for the St. Louis Browns on Aug. 19, 1951, a "magic moment" in baseball occurred, according to Spokane's Tom Keefe. After four consecutive balls - the strike zone is significantly smaller and harder to hit for a short batter - Gaedel, 26, became the shortest person in history to play in a Major League Baseball game with a single plate appearance.
O'Doherty's Irish Grille to celebrate 75th anniversary of Eddie Gaedel, MLB's shortest player
When 3-foot-7 Eddie Gaedel stepped up to bat for the St. Louis Browns on Aug. 19, 1951, a "magic moment" in baseball occurred, according to Spokane's Tom Keefe. After four consecutive balls - the strike zone is significantly smaller and harder to hit for a short batter - Gaedel, 26, became the shortest person in history to play in a Major League Baseball game with a single plate appearance.
O’Doherty’s Irish Grille to celebrate 75th anniversary of Eddie Gaedel, MLB’s shortest player
When 3-foot-7 Eddie Gaedel stepped up to bat for the St. Louis Browns on Aug. 19, 1951, a “magic moment” in baseball occurred, according to Spokane’s Tom Keefe. After four consecutive balls – the strike zone is significantly smaller and harder to hit for a short batter – Gaedel, 26, became the shortest person in history to play in a Major League Baseball game with a single plate appearance.
EPA hazmat teams start the fight against fire-related hazards
Aug. 17—Environmental Protection Agency hazmat teams have started the process of removing household materials deemed hazardous in the aftermath of the Spokane Complex fires. The teams will go through fire-damaged homes one by one. "That includes pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals, degreasers and cleaners, to name a few — compressed gas cylinders, we also find quite a bit," said Brooks Stanfield, the Region 10 Incident Commander with the EPA.
EPA hazmat teams start the fight against fire-related hazards
Environmental Protection Agency hazmat teams have started the process of removing household materials deemed hazardous in the aftermath of the Spokane Complex fires. The teams will go through fire-damaged homes parcel by parcel. “That includes pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals, degreasers and cleaners, to name a few – compressed gas cylinders, we also find quite a bit,” said Brooks Stanfield, the Region 10 Incident Commander with the EPA.
'It put on a show': Fireball streaks Spokane skies overnight
Aug. 16—At around 12:45 a.m. Friday, people awake in Spokane and the Pacific Northwest saw a less-than-10-second flash across the sky. What they saw was a fireball — a meteor that's even brighter than normal, according to American Meteor Society fireball program monitor Robert Lunsford. "Oh, man, it put on a show," Lunsford said.
1 acre fire ignites west of Lakeland Village Original
A fire ignited Sunday in Medical Lake, west of state Route 902 and south of South Simpson Loop. The fire, known as the Salnave/Clear Lake fire, was reported to be about 1 acre and affecting dry grass and timber. Resources were on the scene by 1:05 p.m. Structures and vehicles were involved, according to Spokane County Fire District 3. The fire was slow moving and heading south-southeast. It was 100% contained by 3:20 p.m.
Two suspected arsonists arrested Thursday night following separate fires
Two arson suspects were arrested Thursday on suspicion of igniting fires in Spokane County during the past week, just seven days after the arrest of Aaron Farinacci, who is accused of starting the Old Trails fire that burned more than 900 structures in Spokane. The first of the two potential arson-caused fires, ignited during Sunday's red flag warning, happened near North Havana Street and East Rowan Avenue, according to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.
Two suspected arsonists arrested Thursday night following separate fires
Two suspected arsonists arrested Thursday night following separate fires Julia Pentasuglio, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash. Fri, August 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT Aug. 14—Two arson suspects were arrested Thursday on suspicion of igniting fires in Spokane County during the past week, just seven days after the arrest of Aaron Farinacci, who is accused of starting the Old Trails fire that burned more than 900 structures in Spokane.
'It put on a show': Fireball streaks Spokane skies overnight
Aug. 14—At around 12:45 a.m. Friday morning, people awake in Spokane and in the Pacific Northwest saw a less-than-10-second flash across the sky. What they saw was a fireball — a meteor that's even brighter than normal, according to American Meteor Society Fireball Program Monitor Robert Lunsford. "Oh, man, it put on a show," Lunsford said.
‘It put on a show’: Fireball streaks Spokane skies overnight
At around 12:45 a.m. Friday morning, people awake in Spokane and in the Pacific Northwest saw a less-than-10-second flash across the sky. What they saw was a fireball – a meteor that’s even brighter than normal, according to American Meteor Society Fireball Program Monitor Robert Lunsford. “Oh, man, it put on a show,” Lunsford said.
Two suspected arsonists arrested Thursday night after separate fires during the week
Two arson suspects were arrested Thursday for igniting fires in Spokane County during the past week, just seven days after the arrest of Aaron Farinacci, who is accused of starting the Old Trails fire which burned more than 900 structures in Spokane. The first of the two potential arson-caused fires ignited during Sunday’s red flag warning, happened near North Havana Street and East Rowan Avenue. It was about the size of a football field.
A false sense of security: Residents return to undamaged properties post-fires to find their homes contaminated with toxins
With her home on Winston Drive still standing, Bridget Perez thought she had managed to come out of the Spokane Complex fires relatively unscathed. Then the window seal in her 1-year-old son's nursery tested positive for lead. So did her front door. And her brother's house. And her mom's house. "Driving around the Indian Trail Elementary park, there's all these signs that say, 'Be safe,' and they're giving guidelines, but nothing talking about lead or heavy metals," Perez said.
What’s the deal with e-bikes and e-motos in Spokane?
Despite representing dozens of injury cases involving e-vehicles such as bikes, scooters and motorcycles, lawyer Matthew Albrecht is an avid e-bike rider. With the slight motor assistance, Albrecht said he can keep up with his younger kids on mountain biking trails without becoming exhausted after just one lap. “I can just have a little more fun for a little bit longer,” Albrecht said.
A false sense of security: Residents return to undamaged properties post-fires to find their homes contaminated with toxins
With her home on Winston Drive still standing, Bridget Perez thought she had managed to come out of the Spokane Complex fires relatively unscathed. Then the window seal in her 1-year-old son’s nursery tested positive for lead. So did her front door. And her brother’s house. And her mom’s house. “Driving around the Indian Trail Elementary park, there’s all these signs that say, ‘Be safe,’ and they’re giving guidelines, but nothing talking about lead or heavy metals,” Perez said.
What's the deal with e-bikes and e-motos in Spokane?
Aug. 13—Despite representing dozens of injury cases involving e-vehicles such as bikes, scooters and motorcycles, lawyer Matthew Albrecht is an avid e-bike rider. With the slight motor assistance, Albrecht said he can keep up with his younger kids on mountain biking trails without becoming exhausted after just one lap. "I can just have a little more fun for a little bit longer," Albrecht said.
Once again the Spokane River has run dry -- this time two weeks earlier than before
For the second year in a row the Spokane River has run dry. The dry section is a 1 1/2 mile stretch from Barker Road downstream to Sullivan Road where the aquifer flows back into the river, said Jule Schultz the waterkeeper with the Spokane Riverkeeper. "This is going to have long-reaching implications even when the river returns because now this section of river is sort of functionally dead," Schultz said.
Once again the Spokane River has run dry – this time two weeks earlier than before
For the second year in a row the Spokane River has run dry. The dry section is a 1½ mile stretch from Barker Road downstream to Sullivan Road where the aquifer flows back into the river, said Jule Schultz the waterkeeper with the Spokane Riverkeeper. “This is going to have long-reaching implications even when the river returns because now this section of river is sort of functionally dead,” Schultz said.
All Spokane Complex fires evacuation levels lifted in Spokane County
All remaining evacuation levels from the Spokane Complex fires were lifted Tuesday at 2 p.m., according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. Firefighting efforts will continue, as will recovery and mop-up operations in the areas, including damage assessment and utility work. Residents are advised to keep roadways clear for larger trucks and necessary equipment. Residents returning to standing homes or rubble should be cautious that hazardous substances are present in and around the burn area.
EPA to begin hazardous material cleanup next week for fire-damaged homes
Aug. 11—The Spokane Regional Health District announced Tuesday that household hazardous material cleanup operations have begun under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency for fire-damaged homes.
EPA to begin hazardous material cleanup next week for fire-damaged homes
The Spokane Regional Health District announced Tuesday that household hazardous material cleanup operations have begun under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency for fire-damaged homes.
All Spokane Complex fires evacuation levels lifted in Spokane County
All remaining evacuation levels from the Spokane Complex fires were lifted Tuesday at 2 p.m., according to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. Firefighting efforts will continue, as will recovery and mop-up operations in the areas, including damage assessment and utility work. Residents are advised to keep roadways clear for larger trucks and necessary equipment. Residents returning to standing homes or rubble should be cautious that hazardous substances are present in and around the burn area.
All Spokane Complex fires evacuation levels lifted in Spokane County
All remaining evacuation levels from the Spokane Complex fires were lifted Tuesday at 2 p.m., according to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. Firefighting efforts will continue, as will recovery and mop-up operations in the areas, including damage assessment and utility work. Residents are advised to keep roadways clear for larger trucks and necessary equipment. Residents returning to standing homes or rubble should be cautious that hazardous substances are present in and around the burn area.
All Spokane Complex fires evacuation levels lifted in Spokane County
All remaining evacuation levels from the Spokane Complex fires were lifted Tuesday at 2 p.m., according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. Firefighting efforts will continue, as will recovery and mop-up operations in the areas, including damage assessment and utility work. Residents are advised to keep roadways clear for larger trucks and necessary equipment. Residents returning to standing homes or rubble should be cautious that hazardous substances are present in and around the burn area.
Destroyed by fire in 2020, Malden avoids fiery repeat this summer
MALDEN, Whitman County — Six years after a wildfire roared through, destroying 80% of this Whitman County town, another blew in ready to do the same. But this time, firefighters and residents were able to stop it. Tammy VanDyke, a Malden resident and wife of former Malden Mayor Dan Harwood, said the right people were in the right place at the right time Saturday compared to 2020. When the Wells Road fire ignited, she said, people were more aware of the threats and how to tackle them.
Destroyed by fire in 2020, Malden avoids new destruction in Saturday fire
Aug. 9—MALDEN, Wash. — Six years after a wildfire roared through destroying 80% of this Whitman County town, another blew in ready to do the same. But this time, firefighters and residents stopped were able to save it. Tammy VanDyke, a Malden resident and wife of ex-mayor of Malden Dan Harwood, said the right people were in the right place on Saturday at the right time compared to 2020, which is why she think the town fared better.
‘It’s everybody that’s under this cloud of smoke’: The mental health impact of the Spokane Complex fires Original
From a psychological standpoint, Spokane is in shock. Just over a week since the three fires in the Spokane Complex ignited Aug. 1 and burned more than 900 structures, adrenaline may be the driving factor keeping Spokane residents on their feet. But if it hasn’t already, the grief will come. “We are grieving the loss of normalcy,” said psychology doctorate candidate and Spokane resident Stephanie High, who specializes in trauma and disaster relief.
‘They want an answer’: Dispelling conspiracy theories plaguing the Spokane Complex fires
Under the comment section of almost any social media post showing the blackened land and leveled neighborhoods razed by the three Spokane Complex fires, users are coming up with imaginative explanations for why the massively destructive fire spread as fast and as unforgivingly as it did. Some point out the fires started eerily close to suspected locations of potential data centers and are convinced tech companies ignited them to plot out cheap land for future endeavors.
New fire reported south of Long Lake, progress now stopped
New fire reported south of Long Lake, progress now stopped Thomas Clouse and Julia Pentasuglio, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash. Wed, August 5, 2026 at 10:04 PM EDT Aug. 5—A new fire was reported Wednesday afternoon west of the existing Autumn Lane fire. Progress of the fire is now stopped. Initial reports were that the Charles fire was burning near North Sparrow Lane and Long Lake Road.
Democrat tops primary for Spokane County auditor with Cathcart and Whitaker in tighter bid for second Original
Spokane Young Democrats Cochair Democrat Callie Gee easily won the primary for Spokane County auditor. Her opponent in the November election, however, was unclear on Tuesday. Spokane City Councilman Michael Cathcart, a Republican, had the edge with 28.5% of the vote.
Voters show support for increased property tax for Spokane County District libraries Original
Spokane County voters on Tuesday showed strong support for an increased property tax for the Spokane County Library District, particularly for rural areas. In the first count of ballots, 52% voted in favor of the tax with more ballots to count in the coming days. “We are very encouraged and excited to see these numbers starting out right,” said Spokane County Library District Communication and Development Director Jane Baker.
Autumn Lane fire, now the largest in the Spokane Complex after growing 1,000 acres Sunday night
The Autumn Lane fire grew a little over a 1,000 acres Sunday night, becoming the largest of the three Spokane Complex fires that ignited Saturday. The fire tore through the northern parts of the Little Spokane River Natural Area, with trails still burning Monday morning. The Knothead Loop trail area was burning Monday morning above the Little Spokane River Natural Area after run overnight. The fire had not crossed West Rutter Parkway as of 7 a.m., The Spokesman-Review observed.
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