Your trusted source for local Spokane, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The December News You Can Use article highlights the East Central neighborhood's rich history and offers essential winter preparedness tips for Spokane residents. It informs the community about local events, including ice skating opportunities and the Spokane Neighborhood Leadership Academy.
Local agencies in Spokane have launched a new data dashboard to enhance understanding of homelessness. This tool provides insights into key metrics, helping stakeholders track progress and identify gaps in the system. Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized its importance for transparency and accountability in addressing homelessness challenges.
Spokane is projected to grow by over 100,000 residents by 2046, prompting an evaluation of land capacity as part of the city's comprehensive planning efforts. This article outlines the collaborative forecasting process that informed these projections and discusses the implications for local planning.
A fire at the Ridpath Club Apartments in Spokane on December 3, 2024, displaced nine residents after flooding on the fifth floor led to an active fire. The sprinkler system extinguished the flames, preventing injuries, but significant water damage affected multiple floors. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents while investigations continue.
Spokane County is preparing to become a vital disaster response hub in case of a mega earthquake along the Cascade Subduction Zone. Local officials, including Chandra Fox of Spokane County Emergency Management, are coordinating resources and planning workshops to manage the expected influx of evacuees and supplies, with Fairchild Air Force Base playing a crucial role in search and rescue operations.
The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed phasing out the subminimum wage program for disabled workers, a move supported by Washington lawmakers Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Patty Murray. This change aims to eliminate discriminatory wage practices and promote equitable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The Washington State University Board of Regents has narrowed the search for the institution's 12th president to five candidates but has chosen not to disclose their identities, raising concerns about transparency in the selection process.
Spokane's Parks Levy has been deferred as the city explores a partnership with Spokane Public to optimize recreational resources in response to rising demand. Additionally, the 2025 Point-in-Time Count is scheduled for late January, with volunteers sought to assist in the annual survey of homelessness in the area.
The City of Spokane has provided an update regarding the DNR Thorpe Property Trust Land Transfer Request, indicating a request for additional time for deliberation and engagement with stakeholders. This development is crucial for the city as it pertains to local land management and development initiatives.
Spokane residents will soon have their food and yard waste bins collected year-round, with limited monthly service starting in January. This change, driven by community requests and state law, will result in a slight increase in billing, averaging out costs over the year, and aligns with the city's sustainability goals.