Stories by Adam Shanks for the Spokesman-Review

News > Spokane

In annual report, Spokane’s police watchdog repeats calls for independence

UPDATED: Mon., Oct. 12, 2020

The city’s civilian police watchdog told elected officials last week that his office made little progress in overcoming barriers to independent oversight of the department in 2019.

News > Spokane

After third-warmest October start on record, old man autumn plots his revenge

UPDATED: Fri., Oct. 9, 2020

Grab a fleece blanket and queue up an episode or 10 of the Great British Baking Show – summer is over.

News > Crime/Public Safety

Man killed, woman injured by their own dog in Moses Lake

UPDATED: Fri., Oct. 9, 2020

A man died and a woman was seriously injured in Moses Lake on Thursday after their own dog attacked them.

News

City renegotiates deal for backup fire dispatchers; mulls hiring more of its own

UPDATED: Tue., Oct. 6, 2020

The city of Spokane extended its agreement on Monday to utilize a county-led emergency dispatch agency for backup when it is short on its own fire dispatchers.

Woodward unveils draft 2021 Spokane city budget

UPDATED: Thu., Oct. 8, 2020

Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward introduced a preliminary 2021 city budget this week that, despite an economy hampered by the coronavirus, does not call for layoffs or deep cuts.

News > Local Government

City council tables tenant protection proposal indefinitely; renters’ advocates dismayed

UPDATED: Tue., Oct. 6, 2020

The same pandemic forcing Spokane city leaders to pour millions of dollars into rental assistance is giving them pause before implementing new protections for tenants.

News > WA Government

State Rep. Jenny Graham battles for 6th LD seat against Democrat Tom McGarry amid national attention

UPDATED: Sun., Oct. 11, 2020

Controversy surrounding state Rep. Jenny Graham has attracted tremendous attention in Spokane County and beyond, but the November election will test how – if at all – that has resonated with voters in her district.

News

Spokane City Council commits $1.1 million to new jail diversion facility

UPDATED: Mon., Oct. 5, 2020

The Spokane City Council agreed Monday to contribute $1.1 million toward a new facility that will, in lieu of jail, treat people with mental health and substance abuse disorders who are arrested for low-level crimes.

News > Spokane

Grabbing eyes to cover faces: COVID-19 ad campaign targets young adults

Mon., Oct. 5, 2020

The Spokane Regional Health District will roll out the new ads on social media platforms and streaming services popular among those in their 20s. Health officials hope the ads will demonstrate the proper way to safely engage in familiar activities, like grabbing a beer, dining out or skateboarding.

News > Spokane

As city administrator leaves, Mayor Woodward plans new structure

UPDATED: Mon., Oct. 5, 2020

It’s not an overhaul, city leaders say, but more of a refinement.

News > Business

City delays deadline as it plans online application system for Uber, Lyft drivers

UPDATED: Fri., Oct. 2, 2020

With City Hall still closed for business due to the coronavirus pandemic, the City of Spokane is extending the deadline for taxi and rideshare drivers to renew their licenses.

News > Spokane

Spokane is losing money on recycling. Here’s how the city might offset that

UPDATED: Wed., Sept. 30, 2020

The city definitely loses money on every glass bottle a Spokane resident tosses in a blue recycling bin, but the environmental benefit is less certain.

News > WA Government

Mike Volz eyes third term, Zack Zappone offers change in race for 6th District House seat

UPDATED: Thu., Oct. 22, 2020

Democrat Zack Zappone believes the Republican-leaning 6th Legislative District is ready for a progressive newcomer, but incumbent Republican Mike Volz believes he’s earned a third term in the House of Representatives.

News > Spokane

Healthy reserve fund built since 2016 at Spokane City Hall is preventing layoffs during pandemic

UPDATED: Wed., Sept. 30, 2020

As the economy continued to rebound after the Great Recession, in recent years Councilwoman Candace Mumm told anyone who would listen that it was crucial for the city to pour money into its reserves.

News

Virtually incredible: More than 22,000 runners finish virtual Bloomsday

UPDATED: Mon., Sept. 28, 2020

Two runners crouched in the starting position on the corner of Riverside Avenue and Lincoln Street, with fingers on their watches and bibs pinned to their singlets.

News > Spokane

Spokane City Administrator Wes Crago resigns

UPDATED: Sat., Sept. 26, 2020

Spokane City Administrator Wes Crago abruptly resigned this week, less than a year after Mayor Nadine Woodward picked him as the top nonelected official at City Hall .

News > Education

In bid to survive, Mobius consolidates its two museums under one roof

UPDATED: Fri., Sept. 25, 2020

On a typical morning, the Mobius Science Center would be humming with the sound of children and families meandering through interactive exhibits.

News > Spokane

After debate, Spokane City Council asks Congress to address ‘qualified immunity’ protections for police

UPDATED: Wed., Sept. 23, 2020

Spokane City Council members largely agreed Monday on what federal policy changes Congress should enact, but one stood out.

News > Legal

Group ‘likely’ violated judge’s order with anti-abortion protests at Planned Parenthood, police say

UPDATED: Tue., Sept. 22, 2020

Despite a Spokane judge’s orders, a group of more than 30 people, led by State Rep. Matt Shea, congregated to pray around 6 p.m. Tuesday outside a Planned Parenthood clinic.

News

New downtown Spokane police precinct opens as city commits to community policing

UPDATED: Wed., Sept. 23, 2020

The pitch to the public: a new downtown police precinct will bring more officers into the heart of downtown, interacting on bicycle and foot patrols with city residents and visitors.

News

Judge orders anti-abortion gatherings away from Planned Parenthood

UPDATED: Mon., Sept. 21, 2020

“The right to protest does not include protesting to shut Planned Parenthood down or to harass its patients and health care providers,” Spokane County Superior Court Judge Raymond Clary wrote in a 15-page order.