Rebecca White

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News >  Spokane

The average Spokane County person is eligible for a stimulus check, but you don’t need to sign up to get one

Sat., March 28, 2020

The average person in Spokane County will be eligible for the full payment Congress approved for individuals in its $2 trillion coronavirus bill Friday, though locals may want to check what address they last gave the IRS or if they signed up for direct deposit.

News >  Spokane

Public asked to limit trash drop-offs after busy weekend

Fri., March 27, 2020

Local transfer stations are asking Spokane County residents to hold off on dumping their yard waste and other l garbage after the number of their customers doubled over the weekend.

News >  Spokane

Food banks need younger volunteers, more donations as unemployment skyrockets

UPDATED: Thu., March 26, 2020

Local food banks are now serving far more people with fewer resources as more people are out of work and the larger, older volunteer base stays home to protect itself from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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News >  Spokane

Spokane Airport awaits Congress before decisions affecting future operations

Wed., March 25, 2020

The Spokane International Airport celebrated its sixth straight year of growth last year, when almost 4 million people traveled through its gates, but the growing number of passengers canceling flights to avoid exposure to COVID-19 could halt that upward trend. Several of the six passenger airlines serving Spokane – Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, United and Frontier – have been forced to cancel, consolidate or reschedule thousands of flights worldwide because of virus-driven government restrictions or decline in passengers.

News >  Spokane

Visit Spokane lays off 70% of its employees; other agencies implement hiring freeze

UPDATED: Wed., March 25, 2020

Local governments have abstained from the extensive layoffs reported in the private sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some have already limited hiring and reined in spending.

News >  Spokane

No ‘wipes in the pipes,’ say area environmental service officials

UPDATED: Fri., March 20, 2020

While moistened baby wipes, facial tissue and even paper towels might do the trick for you, Spokane County Environmental Services says there is an unintended victim in the practice: your pipes.

News >  Spokane

While following social distancing rules, Manito Park choir works to uplift

UPDATED: Fri., March 20, 2020

A group of friends that has been self-isolating plans to keep its spirits up by holding small singing meetups in Manito Park, though each member of the small makeshift choir stands 10 feet apart.

News >  Spokane

Local animal shelters need emergency foster families as they prepare for possible shutdowns

UPDATED: Fri., March 20, 2020

As more government offices close their door due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SCRAPS is asking the public to consider fostering an animal in case the shelter has to close its door to the public.

News >  Spokane

Spokane County man ordered to cease flying helicopter in neighborhood

UPDATED: Fri., March 20, 2020

Spokane County has ordered a Painted Hills neighborhood man to stop flying his helicopter and shut down his helipad, a decision several of his neighbors are celebrating.

News >  Spokane

Spokane Valley waits on decision to buy 45-acre park

Thu., March 19, 2020

Spokane Valley leaders decided to wait a week or two before deciding on whether to purchase 45-acre plot for a new park, with some leaders worried it could use funds that might be needed as shutdowns from COVID-19 increase.

News >  Spokane

Inslee, Trump and local courts halt evictions, but some Spokane leaders say more action still needed

UPDATED: Thu., March 19, 2020

After actions taken by Gov. Jay Inslee, President Donald Trump and Spokane County, only people who are a safety risk to the public can be evicted from their apartments and far few homeowners can be foreclosed upon as the COVID-19 pandemic grows.

News >  Spokane

93% of Spokane County residents will see property tax increase this year

Wed., March 18, 2020

About 93% of Spokane County residents will pay more property taxes than they did last year as several new levies from schools and the library system go into effect.

News >  Spokane

Spokane County, city of Spokane declare emergencies; Knezovich urges collaboration, calm

UPDATED: Tue., March 17, 2020

Spokane County and Spokane have both called for a state of emergency as the number of cases in the state grows.

News >  Spokane

Utilities pause shutoffs as state prepares for financial impacts of COVID-19

Tue., March 17, 2020

Spokane residents will get a temporary reprieve from unpaid utility bills, and some local leaders want to extend lenience to those facing evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

News >  Spokane

First responders limiting access to public, using extra caution in anticipation of COVID-19

Sun., March 15, 2020

Local first responders are adding extra precautions and canceling any unnecessary contact with the public as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Pacific Northwest grows.

News >  Spokane

‘It’s important to care for each other’: Houses of worship in Spokane seek to balance safety, spirituality

Sat., March 14, 2020

Many places of worship are asking older members of their congregation to stay home from services the next few weeks or have canceled in-person events altogether.

News >  Idaho

Idaho voting participation is up 350% after party switches to primary

UPDATED: Wed., March 11, 2020

Idaho Democrats saw a 351% increase in voter participation statewide in the presidential primary Tuesday, as the party switched from doing a caucus to a primary.

News >  Idaho

Former Vice President Joe Biden wins Idaho

UPDATED: Tue., March 10, 2020

Joe Biden won the Idaho Primary Tuesday night, continuing his Super Tuesday surge.

News >  Spokane

Police seeking additional evidence, public’s help investigating officer involved shooting in Okanogan County

Mon., March 9, 2020

Investigators are seeking help from anyone who may have witnessed the March 3 police shooting death of an Okanogan county man.

News >  Spokane

As investigation continues into death, sheriff criticizes I-940 requirements in officer-involved shooting cases

UPDATED: Mon., March 9, 2020

As law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances that led to deputies shooting a domestic violence suspect in Spokane Valley on Sunday, Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich argued that outside oversight slowed down the process and is unnecessary.

News >  Spokane

While greater Spokane Valley transforms, some hope it will keep its identity

Sun., March 8, 2020

While the greater Spokane Valley has transformed from a haven for fruit growers to a mix of manufacturing, service and technology industries over the past century, one attractive quality still defines it – opportunity created by available land.

News >  Spokane

‘Focus on what you can do’: Experts offer advice on dealing with anxiety over COVID-19

Sat., March 7, 2020

As stores run low on bathroom and sanitation essentials and fears over a local COVID-19 outbreak rise, local communication, humanities and therapy experts urge people to focus on what they can control.

News >  Spokane

Roundabout approved for Barker Road, Sprague Avenue intersection

Thu., March 5, 2020

As Southeast Spokane continues to grow and develop, the city will build an roundabout to control the increased traffic at the intersection of Barker Road and Sprague Avenue.

News >  Spokane

Spokane Valley considers $2 million purchase of 45 acres for new park

Thu., March 5, 2020

Spokane Valley has long sought to expand its network of parks as developers and industry continue to buy up land in the growing city – and the city may be on the brink of doing so, if it can act in time.

News >  Spokane

Indiana Avenue in front of Spokane Valley Mall to be closed for construction this summer

Tue., March 3, 2020

Shoppers who normally drive on Indiana Avenue to get to the Spokane Valley Mall will have to take a detour this summer as the city repairs the road and changes the traffic island at the mall’s west entrance.