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The Spokane Regional Health District has decided to postpone discussions about outsourcing its opioid treatment services until December 2025, addressing patient concerns about potential impacts on care quality. The district has provided direct services since 1990 and is currently implementing a new electronic health record system.
A fire at the Ridpath Club Apartments in Spokane on December 3, 2024, displaced nine residents after flooding on the fifth floor led to an active fire. The sprinkler system extinguished the flames, preventing injuries, but significant water damage affected multiple floors. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents while investigations continue.
The Washington State University Board of Regents has narrowed the search for the institution's 12th president to five candidates but has chosen not to disclose their identities, raising concerns about transparency in the selection process.
The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed phasing out the subminimum wage program for disabled workers, a move supported by Washington lawmakers Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Patty Murray. This change aims to eliminate discriminatory wage practices and promote equitable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Spokane County is preparing to become a vital disaster response hub in case of a mega earthquake along the Cascade Subduction Zone. Local officials, including Chandra Fox of Spokane County Emergency Management, are coordinating resources and planning workshops to manage the expected influx of evacuees and supplies, with Fairchild Air Force Base playing a crucial role in search and rescue operations.
Spokane City Council unanimously passed a resolution to amend state law for better consumer protections against fraud related to virtual currency kiosks. The changes include transaction limits and required disclosures, addressing concerns from the Federal Trade Commission about high scam rates in Washington State.
Spokane residents will soon have their food and yard waste bins collected year-round, with limited monthly service starting in January. This change, driven by community requests and state law, will result in a slight increase in billing, averaging out costs over the year, and aligns with the city's sustainability goals.
The City of Spokane has provided an update regarding the DNR Thorpe Property Trust Land Transfer Request, indicating a request for additional time for deliberation and engagement with stakeholders. This development is crucial for the city as it pertains to local land management and development initiatives.
Spokane's Parks Levy has been deferred as the city explores a partnership with Spokane Public to optimize recreational resources in response to rising demand. Additionally, the 2025 Point-in-Time Count is scheduled for late January, with volunteers sought to assist in the annual survey of homelessness in the area.
The Spokane City Council has requested a delay in the transfer of a 160-acre woodland south of Thorpe Road to Blue Fern Development, which plans to build 1,000 homes. Concerns about increased traffic and the preservation of cultural and natural values have prompted this request. While the council cannot legally halt the transfer, they aim to influence the Department of Natural Resources. A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the development.