My city was one of hundreds expecting federal funds to help manage rising heat wave risk – then EPA terminated the grants

By: Brian G. Henning, Gonzaga University

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 25, 2025

Words: 1,037

Last Updated: 1 month ago

In June 2021, a deadly heat wave pushed temperatures to 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) in Spokane, Washington, a northern city near the Idaho border where many homes weren’t built with central air conditioning.

As the heat lingered for over a week, 19 people died in Spokane County and about 300 visited hospitals with signs of heat-related illnesses.

Scientists say it’s not a matter of if, but when, another deadly …

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