Stories by Adam Shanks for the Spokesman-Review

News > Local Government

Spokane Valley demands say in debate over utility tax

Mon., March 1, 2021

Spokane Valley Mayor Ben Wick sent Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward a sharply worded letter last week, demanding the Valley’s voice be heard in what has quickly become a complex intergovernmental squabble.

News > Crime/Public Safety

Body found in Spokane River near Monroe Street Bridge

UPDATED: Fri., Feb. 26, 2021

Spokane firefighters pulled a man’s body from the Spokane River Friday morning.

News > Pacific NW

Snow hammers mountain passes, posing travel risks for weekend travelers

UPDATED: Fri., Feb. 26, 2021

Travelers eyeing a weekend getaway should proceed with caution if the journey includes a mountain pass.

News > Local Government

City’s new recycling schedule to begin in May

UPDATED: Fri., Feb. 26, 2021

The city of Spokane will reduce recycling collection to every other week starting in May.

News

Northside Landfill eyed for solar development

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 25, 2021

The city of Spokane could soon transform part of a former environmental wasteland into a solar energy generator.

News > Local Government

Spokane City Council eyes short-term agreement with pipeline company as safety assessment is done

Thu., Feb. 25, 2021

Pipelines are the safest way to transport oil.

News > Local Government

Aside from oversight, new police union contract would have financial impact

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 25, 2021

Debate over a long-overdue police union contract in Spokane has centered on independent oversight of officer conduct, but it would also have a tangible impact on the city budget and taxpayers.

News > Local Government

Spokane County Raceway’s 2021 season canceled; site’s future uncertain

UPDATED: Tue., Feb. 23, 2021

Spokane County will cut ties with the operator of the Spokane County Raceway as limitations imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic hamper racing’s sustainability.

Avista, city partners draft master agreement to build electric vehicle charging stations

UPDATED: Mon., Feb. 22, 2021

Charging an electric vehicle in Spokane may soon be as simple as a walk in the park.

News

January windstorm costs totaled $2.75 million for city of Spokane

UPDATED: Mon., Feb. 22, 2021

Nearly six weeks after near-record gusts tore through trees and power lines, the city of Spokane estimates the cost of the January windstorm will reach $2.75 million.

News > Local Government

As City Council election season begins, candidates prepare COVID-19-aware campaigns

UPDATED: Tue., Feb. 23, 2021

As was the case during state and federal campaigns last year, candidates for city office are planning virtual events while weighing the risks of what were once staples of election season, such as knocking on residents’ doors.

News > Crime/Public Safety

Details of tentative agreement between Spokane, city police officers released

Mon., Feb. 22, 2021

There is broad consensus that, in comparison to the proposed agreement voted down last year, the new proposal announced earlier this month would enhance the powers of the department’s civilian watchdog while improving officer salaries. But whether it matches the level of oversight called for in the City Charter remains up for debate.

News > Spokane

City, Hoopfest team up for outdoor 5-on-5 league

UPDATED: Fri., Feb. 19, 2021

Spokane is doubling up on March madness this year.

News > Spokane

After winter weather Friday, windy but warmer weekend ahead

UPDATED: Fri., Feb. 19, 2021

{p dir=”ltr”}It’s not swimsuit weather, but cold temperatures will recede this weekend and give way to winds that will bring warmer air along for the ride.

News

Inland Northwest protected, but not immune from power outages

UPDATED: Wed., Feb. 17, 2021

It wouldn’t take hell freezing over for the Inland Northwest’s power supply to be disrupted on the scale of what Texas has experienced this week – but the Columbia River might have to run dry.

News > Spokane

Expectations high for 2022 USA Track and Field national championships at The Podium in Spokane

Wed., Feb. 17, 2021

The Podium was built on the promise that it could attract major athletic events to Spokane.

Corrections

UPDATED: Tue., Feb. 16, 2021

A story about eviction in Monday’s newspaper incorrectly stated Latinos en Spokane “Community Comadres” were volunteers. They were paid by Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund to help people apply for assistance.

News > WA Government

Calls for help grow as end to Washington’s eviction moratorium inches closer

UPDATED: Tue., Feb. 16, 2021

Without a lifeline, thousands of renters in Spokane County could face eviction when the state’s moratorium is lifted, drowning courts with paperwork, disrupting the region’s housing market and placing many people stung by the pandemic economy at risk of homelessness.

News > Crime/Public Safety

Latah Valley home destroyed by fire

UPDATED: Fri., Feb. 12, 2021

A house on Oak Street in Latah Valley is a total loss after an early morning fire Friday.

News > Local Government

City monitoring unstable hill in Peaceful Valley

UPDATED: Sat., Feb. 13, 2021

A hillside on the border of Peaceful Valley and Browne’s Addition isn’t at immediate risk of collapse, but it remains unstable and will require a long-term fix, according to city officials.

News > Local Government

City, Spokane Police Guild announce tentative deal on new contract

UPDATED: Fri., Feb. 12, 2021

After a ringing rejection and stinging disappointment last year, Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward and leaders of the Spokane Police Guild have proposed a new labor agreement that they say ensures civilian oversight of the city’s police department.