Rob King
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Articles by Rob King
Crash causing slowing on westbound I-90 in Spokane
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Drivers should expect some congestion on I-90 for the morning commute. A crash happened around 7:40 a.m. on westbound I-90 at Freya Street. The right lane is blocked, and traffic is backed up through Spokane Valley. No injuries have been reported at this time.
Local doctors work to rebuild trust in vaccinations as measles cases skyrocket
SPOKANE, Wash. — A disease once considered eliminated from the United States is making a dangerous comeback, with measles cases reaching levels not seen in more than three decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 4,410 measles cases nationwide in 2026 — nearly double the 2,289 cases documented in 2025. In Washington state alone, 58 people have been diagnosed with measles this year, a dramatic increase from the previous year's numbers.
Chef Shota Nakajima chats with KXLY about the PNW Food & Wine Festival
SPOKANE, Wash. -- The Pacific Northwest Food & Wine Festival is returning to the region this fall. This year you can experience the food from an internationally acclaimed chef as the headliner. The festival features three days of events celebrating the flavors of our area October 9-11. This year's headliner is Chef Shota Nakajima. He is a three-time James Beard semi-finalist with appearances on Top Chef and the Food Network.
Buy now, pay later debt is on the rise
Buy Now, Pay Later is becoming an increasingly popular way to borrow, especially as many consumers look for ways to stretch their budgets. These plans may seem more convenient than traditional credit, but they can also make it easier to take on payments that may be harder to afford later. And with holiday spending picking up, Consumer Reports says it’s important to understand the risks before signing up. With household budgets under pressure, more consumers are turning to Buy Now, Pay Later.
Two Sacajawea Middle School students hit by vehicle while walking to school
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Two students were hit by a vehicle and taken to the hospital Wednesday morning. According to Spokane police, a vehicle hit the two at 29th Avenue and Grand Boulevard near Sacajawea Middle School just after 8 a.m. Spokane Public Schools says the two were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Classes will continue as normal. SPD says no arrests have been made at this time, and the driver stayed at the scene.
Comedian, actor Shawn Wayans coming to the Spokane Comedy Club this weekend
SPOKANE, Wash. -- A comedy icon is coming to Spokane for a run of shows! Shawn Wayans of the 'Scary Movie' franchise, 'White Chicks', and 'In Living Color' will be at the Spokane Comedy Club October 2-3 for two shows Friday and two shows Saturday. Ahead of the shows, Wayans sat down with 4 News Now's Rob King to chat about his "comedy college," the status of 'White Chicks 2', and the differences between film and stand-up. You can watch the full interview above.
Two people killed in hit and run crash near Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE, Wash. -- Washington State Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that killed two people near Moses Lake. According to WSP, 29-year-old Brody Milbrandt and 27-year-old Craig Dennis of Moses Lake were driving east on I-90 around 9:45 p.m. Wednesday night. WSP says Milbrandt rear-ended a semi-truck on the road, and the semi-truck driver left the scene before law enforcement arrived. Milbrandt and Dennis died at the scene. At this time, WSP does not know if drugs or alcohol were involved.
Electrical outlet caused deadly fire at Tiki Lodge Motel
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Fire investigators determined the cause fire at a downtown Spokane motel that killed a woman. On Tuesday, Firefighters were called to the Tiki Lodge Motel on Second Avenue just after 11 a.m. for a fire in a second-floor room. According to Spokane Fire Department, the fire started from an electrical outlet that then spread to the mattress. Firefighters located a woman in the room who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Country artist Riley Green coming to Spokane next spring
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Dust off your boots and get ready to dance as one of the biggest country music stars in the world is coming to Spokane! Riley Green is bringing his 'That's Just Me' Tour to the Spokane Arena on Thursday, April 1, 2027. Green is a multi-platinum and CMA winning artist known for hits like "I Wish Grandpas Never Die" and "There Was This Girl". Tickets for the show go on sale this Friday, October 2 at 10 a.m. PST You can get tickets at TicketsWest.com.
Semi-truck fire closes lanes on I-90 in Spokane
SPOKANE, Wash. -- A semi-truck has caught fire and closed lanes on I-90 Wednesday morning. The incident happened around 7 a.m. According to SRTMC, the truck fire is blocking the right and two center lanes of westbound I-90 at the Highway 2 interchange. Drivers should expect significant delays while crews work on the incident. No injuries have been reported at this time. Check back for updates.
New wine bar/gift shop takes over Dan's Barbershop location
SPOKANE, Wash. -- There's a new spot to unwind and make memories now marking the end of the Monroe District. The Velvet Fox is now open on the corner of Monroe Street and Alice Avenue where Dan's Barbershop was located for more than 60 years. The Velvet Fox offers wine, small bites and high-end gift baskets for loved ones. Owner Jody Johnson said she loves the Monroe District and wanted a place she could put that love into. "The minute I came onto this property, I had good mojo. Loved it.
Three-alarm apartment fire displaces families in Liberty Lake
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. -- The Spokane Valley Fire Department knocked down an apartment building fire in Liberty Lake overnight. Firefighters responded to the Big Trout Lodge on Country Vista Drive near Mission Avenue around 11 p.m. for a three-alarm fire. SVFD says crews arrived to smoke and flames on the second and third floors of the complex. The fire was knocked down around 3 a.m. According to the Red Cross, 22 people across multiple units were displaced.
New bar in downtown Spokane utilizing unique delivery system
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Here's something you've likely never seen before. A new cocktail bar in downtown Spokane has become just the second in the nation to use a pneumatic tube system to help mix drinks. The Lilac Room is located on Sprague Avenue right next door to the Spokane Comedy Club and from the same owners. When you order one of the specialty craft cocktails at the bar, your drink hops aboard the Lilac Express to take a ride around the room before being served to you.
Comedian Taylor Tomlinson returning to Spokane on new tour
SPOKANE, Wash. -- One of the most popular comedians this generation is making her first stop on her new tour in Spokane. Taylor Tomlinson will be at the First Interstate Center for the Arts as part of the "Nobody Asked You To Do That" tour Thursday, February 4. Presale tickets go on sale this Wednesday, September 16 at 10 a.m. with the code "NOBODY". General sale begins Friday, September 18 at 10 a.m. You can get tickets at TaylorTomlinsonComedy.com.
Deer Park mayor Tim Verzal dies, flags to be lowered to half-staff
DEER PARK, Wash. -- Deer Park mayor Tim Verzal has died, the city of Deer Park announced. Flags around the city will be lowered to half-staff to honor him for the rest of the week. Verzal had announced his retirement on September 10 to focus on his declining health. The City of Deer Park says memorial service details will be announced at a later time. The city has 90 days from Verzal's retirement to appoint a new mayor.
Most wells contain unsafe levels of PFAS in Spokane Aiport sampling
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Most tested wells on the West Plains contain unsafe levels of PFAS in the latest sampling from the Spokane Airport. GEG announced Thursday it has completed testings of 58 wells in the west Garden Springs and southeast Palisades areas. Of those, 53 had levels of PFAS above regulatory limits. The airport says it will work to continue testing the 249 wells from the requests it's received.
Crash blocking westbound I-90 in east Spokane
SPOKANE, Wash. -- A crash is causing major slowing on I-90 Wednesday morning. A crash is blocking lanes on the westbound side of the freeway near Freya Street. Traffic is backed up to Argonne Road. No injuries have been reported at this time. Check back for updates.
Police investigating body found near Riverside State Park
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Law enforcement officers are investigating a body that was found near Riverside State Park. According to Spokane police, officers were called to Aubrey L White Parkway near Bowl and Pitcher around 7 a.m. Police say a body was located and Major Crimes units are now investigating. Spokane police say more information will be released at a later time.
Local therapist hosting free trauma session for fire victims Original
SPOKANE, Wash. -- The fallout from a disaster like the Spokane Firestorm can impact the mental health of victims, and one local therapist is offering to help. DANU Therapy is offering a free group trauma therapy session for fire victims. The session is an intensive EDMR for individuals or families. Therapist Brina Carrigan joined GMNW to talk about the event and the benefits of EDMR therapy. DANU says 20 spaces are available and lunch will be provided.
E-bike rider dies in crash in Spokane Valley
SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. -- An e-bike rider died in a crash with a car Monday in Spokane Valley. According to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the intersection of Progress Road and Valleyway Avenue around 8 p.m. Deputies say a driver of a GMC pickup was heading south on Progress Road and the e-bike rider was heading west on Valleyway. SCSO believes both the driver and rider ran the stop signs at the intersection and collided.
Crash blocking Wellesley Avenue in Hillyard, detour in place
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Washington State Patrol and Spokane police are on scene of a crash blocking roads in the Hillyard neighborhood. According to WSP, a crash is blocking Wellesley Avenue and Market Street. Traffic is being directed to exit the North Spokane Corridor to Freya. At this time, no injuries have been reported. Check back for updates.
Way to Justice pivoting annual Community Celebration to also help with wildfire relief
SPOKANE, Wash. -- An annual community celebration that helps students prepare for back to school will also help wildfire victims. The Way to Justice is holding the 2026 Community Celebration at Underhill Park. Many students have been evacuated due to the wildfires in Spokane. Students are invited to get free school supplies, backpacks, shoes, and more. Way to Justice CEO Virla Spencer joined Good Morning Northwest to talk about how she wants this event to be a moment of joy in these hard time.
Firefighters gain more containment on Spokane area wildfires
SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. -- Firefighters were able to gain more ground on the three major wildfires burning in Spokane. According to incident command, containment numbers grew overnight. The Old Trails Fire is now 23% contained, the Autumn Lane Fire is now 37% contained, and the Fairview Fire is now 31% contained. 2,000 fire personal are now working on these area fires. Firefighters know people are wanting to go home as soon as they can.
Number of structures burned in Spokane area fires rises to more than 900
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Firefighters updated the number of homes and other buildings that have been damaged or destroyed by three major wildfires burning in Spokane County. According to incident teams, 913 structures have been impacted. By each fire, the Old Trails fire has burned 694, the Autumn Lane has burned 160, and the Fairview has burned 59. Crews says these are still preliminary numbers ,and they expect those to rise. Firefighters also gave an update on how many acres have burned from these fires.
Wildfire evacuations lifted near Long Lake
SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. -- A new wildfire broke east of Long Lake in Spokane County this morning. According to Spokane Regional Emergency Communications, the fire forced Level 3, Go Now, evacuations for people living along Long Lake Road. . The evacuation orders and forward progress were stopped around 6:15 a.m.
Firefighters gain some containment on all three Spokane wildfires
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Favorable weather conditions for firefighters helped them make significant progress on the Spokane area wildfires. According to crews at Incident Command, firefighters have gained some containment on the Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane fires. Firefighters estimate they've gained 5% containment on the Fairview Fire and 13% for both the Old Trails and Autumn Lane fires.
Firefighters gain some containment on all three Spokane wildfires
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Favorable weather conditions for firefighters helped them make significant progress on the Spokane area wildfires. According to crews at Incident Command, firefighters have gained some containment on the Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane fires. Firefighters estimate they've gained 5% containment on the Fairview Fire and 13% for both the Old Trails and Autumn Lane fires.
President Trump approves emergency disaster relief for Spokane area wildfires
SPOKANE, Wash. -- FEMA will provide disaster relief for much of eastern Washington due to wildfires burning in the area. FEMA announced Tuesday President Trump approved the request for emergency assistance in Spokane, Stevens, Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Yakima counties and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Spokane Tribe of Indians.
Brick West Brewing to donate portion of new beer collab to wildfire victims
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Many in our community are pivoting to help those in need from the devastating Spokane Firestorm, and Brick West Brewing is no exception. The brewery and the Cougar Collective have teamed up to release a beer collab, Ol' Crimson 509 IPA. Initially, all proceeds were going to the Cougar Collective to support WSU athletics. With the onset of the Spokane wildfires, Brick West is now donating a portion of the money from the beer sales to a wildfire victim relief fund.
Firefighters report 26 private drones flying about Spokane fires, grounding air support
SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. -- Firefighters working on the three major wildfires burning in Spokane County report personal drones are hurting their efforts. According to Tom Stokesberry with Incident Command, firefighters had 26 incidents of people flying personal drones over the fires. Because of that, they had to ground air support for safety which hurts their efforts.
Firefighters report 26 private drones flying about Spokane fires, grounding air support
SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. -- Firefighters working on the three major wildfires burning in Spokane County report personal drones are hurting their efforts. According to Tom Stokesberry with Incident Command, firefighters had 26 incidents of people flying personal drones over the fires. Because of that, they had to ground air support for safety which hurts their efforts. Firefighters report all three showed minimal growth but are still very much active.
Inchelium without power, water due to Modrite Fire rapidly growing
FERRY COUNTY, Wash. -- The town of Inchelium is now without power and water due to the rapidly growing Modrite Fire in Ferry County. According to incident command, the power and water outages is forcing firefighters to pull water from the nearby Columbia River. The Modrite Fire grew to more than 22,000 acres overnight or around 35 square miles. Inchelium and surrounding areas are in Level 3,or GO NOW evacuations. See the full map below for more details.
Two people die in fatal head-on crash near Chewelah
STEVENS COUNTY, Wash. — Two people died in a head-on collision on State Route 395 early Tuesday morning, according to the Washington State Patrol. The crash occurred at 5:17 a.m. about 5 miles northwest of Chewelah at milepost 213 in Stevens County. A northbound vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a southbound garbage truck head-on, the State Patrol said.
Washington State Patrol investigating fatal rollover crash near Chewelah
STEVENS COUNTY, Wash. -- Highway 395 is fully blocked this morning for a fatal crash near Chewelah. According to Washington State Patrol, two vehicles were involved in a rollover crash on Highway 395 near Bluecreek about 90 minutes north of Spokane. The road is fully blocked in the area, but the Department of Transportation has a detour in place. Drivers should watch out for flaggers. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Highway 2 blocked near Davenport for head-on crash
LINCOLN COUNTY, Wash. -- A crash is fully blocking Highway 2 in Lincoln County early this morning. According to Washington State Patrol, two vehicles collided head-on about halfway between Davenport and Reardan. Both directions are blocked until further notice. Serious injuries have been reported, and WSP says Life Flight is enroute. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Hayden man dies in motorcycle crash north of Kellogg
SHOSHONE COUNTY, Idaho -- Idaho State Police is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash in Shoshone County Sunday night. ISP says a 25-year-old Hayden man was riding along Coeur d'Alene River Road north of Kellogg near Prichard around 7:30 p.m. The man lost control at a curve, went off the road, and crashed on the shoulder. He died at the scene. The road was closed for about 2.5 hours while troopers investigated. The cause is under investigation.
Filmmaker, podcaster Kevin Smith coming to the Spokane Comedy Club this weekend
SPOKANE, Wash. -- The man behind hits like "Clerks" and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" is coming to Spokane for two nights. Filmmaker, podcaster, actor and director Kevin Smith will be at the Spokane Comedy Club talking about his movies, telling stories, and more! Ahead of the curtain, Kevin sat down with KXLY's Rob King to chat about movies, filmmaking, and following your passions.
Fast-growing wildfire forces evacuations in Whitman, Adams counties
WHITMAN COUNTY, Wash. -- A large, fast-growing wildfire is forcing evacuations in Whitman, Adams, and Franklin counties. According to the Adams County Sheriff's Office, the wildfire has burned approximately 30,000 acres, or close to 47 square miles. The Lyons Ferry Fire started Thursday night in Franklin County and rapidly grew overnight. It's now burning about 45 minutes west of Colfax near the town of Hooper.
Brush fire closed I-90 ramp to Highway 195, firefighters knock down fire
SPOKANE, Wash. -- A brush fire forced the closure of a ramp along I-90 Thursday morning. According to Washington State Patrol, the ramp from eastbound I-90 to southbound Highway 195 closed due to the fire that broke out around 6:30 a.m. The ramp reopened around 7 a.m. as firefighters got a handle on the fire.
Family of five escapes house fire in Otis Orchards
OTIS ORCHARDS, Wash. -- Spokane Valley firefighters had to knock down a house fire in Otis Orchards early Thursday morning. According to firefighters, a fire started just before 2 a.m. at a home near Euclid Avenue and Campbell Road. A family of two adults, three children, and several pets were able to safely escape before crews arrived. Firefighters say their Ring doorbell helped alert them to the flames. Firefighters say the fire started on the outside of the home and spread to the attic.
Two people life-flighted from five-car crash in Grant County
GEORGE, Wash. -- A crash involving five vehicles sent four people to the hospital, two of whom had to be life-flighted with serious injuries. According to Washington State Patrol, a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old Quincy man was following another vehicle too closely on northbound Highway 281 four miles north of George around 5 p.m. WSP says the other vehicle was stopped to make a left-hand turn when the 19-year-old rear-ended them.
Stevens County deputies shoot and kill armed man near Tum Tum
STEVENS COUNTY, Wash. -- Deputies with the Stevens County Sheriff's Office shot and killed an armed man who allegedly shot at children near Tum Tum. According to the sheriff's office, a woman reported her children were shot at by a man around 5:30 p.m. on Highway 291 near Stone Lodge Road about 30 minutes north of Spokane.Β Deputies located the suspect a home and attempted to get him to surrender.
What to buy in July; Consumer Reports tips on where to score big on savings
America turns 250 this month, and retailers are celebrating with some of the biggest sales of the summer. Whether you're browsing the aisles or shopping from your couch, Consumer Reports says July offers plenty of opportunities to save on everything from appliances to outdoor gear. One of the biggest shopping events of the month is the combination of Fourth of July sales and the lingering discounts that often follow Amazon Prime Day.
Crash cleared from westbound I-90 in Liberty Lake
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. -- A crash backed up I-90 from Liberty Lake to past Stateline Thursday morning. The crash blocked the left lane of westbound I-90 at Liberty Lake Road around 7:30 a.m. At this time, no injuries have been reported. The crash cleared around 8:30 a.m.
Crash blocking westbound I-90 in Liberty Lake
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. -- A crash is backing up I-90 from Liberty Lake to past Stateline. The crash is blocking the left lane of westbound I-90 at Liberty Lake Road. At this time, no injuries have been reported, and there is no ETA on reopening. Check back for updates.
City of Osburn told to be ready to evacuate as containment grows on north Idaho wildfire
SHOSHONE COUNTY, Idaho -- Firefighters are continuing to battle a wildfire burning in Shoshone County east of Kellogg. Idaho Department of Lands says the Gold Run Fire grew to about 235 acres overnight and is 10% contained. Evacuations are still in place for the Big Creek and Elizabeth Park areas. The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office says these evacuations will remain in place for at least the next 24 hours. Homes in the area remain threatened, and IDL says three outbuildings have been destroyed.
Power restored for thousands in north Spokane
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Thousands were without power in north Spokane near Whitworth University Wednesday morning. According to Avista, around 5,000 customers were impacted by the outages. The outages were reported around 4:30 a.m. and restored around 6:30 a.m. The area impacted included along Division Street near Magnesium Road to the south and to the north along Highway 395 and Dartford Drive.
Thousands without power in north Spokane
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Thousands are without power in north Spokane near Whitworth University. According to Avista, around 5,000 customers are impacted by the outages. The area impacted includes along Division Street near Magnesium Road to the south and to the north along Highway 395 and Dartford Drive. Spokane County Fire District 9 is responding to brush fires in the area but it's not confirmed if those fires are related to the outages.
'Blow stuff up'; Coeur d'Alene felon found with guns, pipe bomb sentenced to federal prison
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho -- A judge sentenced a Coeur d'Alene man to almost four years in federal prison for firearms charges. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, 53-year-old Shawn Allen Cline was arrested last year during a probation check at his home in Coeur d'Alene. During the search, law enforcement found Cline in his garage with a beer in one hand and a marijuana pipe in his other.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan signing whiskey bottles at Bulldog Liquor in downtown Spokane
SPOKANE, Wash. -- One of the biggest comedians in the world is performing in Spokane tonight and will hold a signing at a downtown liquor store for his whiskey today. Jim Gaffigan will be at Bulldog Liquor on N. Division Street signing bottles of his Fathertime bourbon Wednesday from 4 - 6 p.m. The bourbon is described as "raised with love and discipline in heavy oak barrels undisturbed by children or the stress of parenting." You can find out more about Fathertime bourbon here.
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