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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Stuckart and Woodward find almost equal financial support, but in different places

Ben Stuckart and Nadine Woodward have raised – and spent – nearly the same amount of money in their campaigns for mayor. Both describe their base of support as diverse, but criticize the source of the other’s funding as representing outside interests.

Finishing first in the primary is a good sign, but stuff can happen before the general

Coming out on top is good news for candidates in Tuesday’s election, but it’s not a guarantee they will finish first in November.

Voter registration open until 8 p.m. Tuesday for primary

It’s still possible to register to vote in Tuesday’s primary, but you’ll have to make a special trip.

Spokane Valley Council race gets ugly, with name-calling, accusations of harassment, inaccurate claims

Two candidates running for a council seat in Spokane Valley have accused each other of bullying, with one candidate calling the other a socialist and a “little girl” and the other accusing him of harassment.

Hard to see why national media made a big deal out of Inslee’s glasses

National pundits seemed to think they had a news flash about Jay Inslee.

Spokane County Fire District 3 commissioner candidates take different positions on tax increase and serving Medical Lake

A longtime Fire District 3 commissioner says she brings valuable experience at a time of big change while her opponent hopes to bring a new perspective.

Study examining moving downtown Spokane police precinct delayed by City Council

The city council is expected to vote on a resolution that would ask the city to study the feasibility of returning a police precinct to the heart of downtown.

Family of white supremacist murder victims, including Spokane Valley City Council candidate, call for racial equity talk in the city

Lance Gurel, who is one of the candidates running against Spokane Valley City Councilman Arne Woodard, said this weekend the impending execution of Danny Lewis Lee shows why the city must face its racial equity challenges. Woodard defended the city’s approach to the question while condemning Lee’s actions.

Vote for mayor may impact police oversight, with role of ombudsman in flux

The upcoming mayoral election could have serious implications for the future of police oversight in Spokane, as whoever wins could determine the extent of the power held by the police department’s civilian watchdog.

Spokane Valley fire commissioner tries to fend off two challengers for seat

A one-term incumbent Spokane Valley Fire commissioner is hoping to retain his seat, as a former city councilman and a first-time candidate challenge him.

Referendum would stop recently approved initiative that allowed some affirmative action plans in Washington

Washington voters will likely get the chance to continue or revamp the state’s 21 year-old law that restricts affirmative action programs.

Medical Lake voters will decide if city fire department is absorbed by Spokane County Fire District 3

Medical Lake has had its own fire department since 1904, but voters could decide next month to eliminate it.

Spokane County Fire District 5 tries again for levy increase for equipment improvements

Spokane County’s Fire District 5 is asking voters for a property tax levy increase of $0.46 to fund equipment and facilities improvements. The levy would be in effect from 2020-2035 if Proposition No.1 is approved in August’s general election.

Police union endorses Woodward as candidates spar on approach to public safety

As public safety and police accountability continue to play a central role, the Spokane Police Guild has endorsed Nadine Woodward for mayor in the primary election.

Spokane County Libraries wants voters to know it didn’t host Drag Queen Story Hour as it seeks approval on levy

The Spokane County Library District hopes to avoid reductions in services through passage of a $2 million property tax increase to fund operations at the system’s 11 branches. But library officials in the county fear that voters may confuse their offerings with the city, which hosted a controversial drag queen story hour this summer and has some voters confused about which system their taxes will go toward.

Realtors buying voice in Spokane elections

Realtors are pouring an unprecedented amount of money into Spokane primary campaigns, with the Washington Association of Realtors throwing substantial support behind mayoral candidate Nadine Woodward and three fresh faces vying for seats on the City Council.

Spokane County asks voters to renew sales tax to maintain criminal justice system

Spokane County leaders are asking voters to renew a $6 million-a-year sales tax that the region has approved twice before to maintain the criminal justice status quo.

Housing, homelessness at stake in Spokane Valley council race, candidates say

The race to replace Sam Wood on the Spokane Valley City Council features four political newcomers who all say housing and homelessness are among the key issues at stake.

Three first-time candidates drawn to vacant Nine Mile Falls School Board position

Three candidates filed for the Nine Mile Falls School Board position No. 2 vacated by Debbie Williams, who is moving out of the district. Incumbents Mac Mikkelsen and Bill McBride are running unopposed for director positions No. 1 and No. 3, respectively.

Ben Stuckart’s not the mayor, but he and his opponents talk like he is

Voting in the primary election begins this week as five candidates seek to become Spokane’s next mayor.