Column

Dear Kiantha,

Last March the city of Spokane adopted two ordinances changing the rules for both landlords and tenants. Nine months later a new inspection process has been born.

Querida Kiantha,

Dear Kiantha,

Washington state politics have been dominated by Democrats for 30 years. The initiative process is a necessary counterbalance to one-party rule. It’s also a useful get-out-the-vote tool, one that Democrats have used for years. In 2024, Republicans will be wielding the power of the initiative.

We have survived yet another election. Are you ready to talk election integrity, voter suppression and low turnout before sliding into 2024? It starts with rebuilding trust over the turkey and gravy.

Do we understand how extraordinary it was that Sandy Williams established a beloved Black newspaper, the Black Lens, in Spokane? It started in 2015 and while the independent Black press goes back to pre-Civil War America, most of the notable Black papers today are in cities like Memphis, Baltimore and Chicago. But Sandy decided the Black community in and around Spokane needed a place for stories that gave inspiration, knowledge and pride along with a thoughtful discussion of issues important to Black people.