🌱 $800K For Spokane Programs + 'Total Chaos' In SPS Meeting

Rise and shine, Spokane! Let's get you started this Saturday with everything you need to know going on today in Spokane.

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First, today's weather:

Freezing fog in the morning. High: 45 Low: 24.

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Here are the top three stories in Spokane today:

1. This month, the City of Spokane received two grants totaling over $800,000: one to revitalize an affordable housing campus, and the other to expand outdoor summer programs for local youth. The Washington State Department of Commerce provided $680,460 for the Liberty Park Terrace project in the East Central Neighborhood. Additionally, Spokane's Parks & Recreation Department received almost $133,000 to develop and expand youth programming. (Big Country News Collection)
2. On Wednesday, the Spokane School Board meeting moved from in-person to virtual after just one minute. The reason: a call for unmasked audience members to cover their faces, which resulted in what one board member described as "total chaos." In an audio recording of the meeting, School Board President Michael Wiser's request for masks was obscured by several people speaking over him, including one attendee who shouted "freedom." (The Spokesman Review)
3. A Spokane organization is working to support Spanish-speaking survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This Monday, Mujeres in Action (MiA) will be launching its first Spanish/English hotline for those experiencing these crises. The line, called Primera Conexión, is available 24/7 and will ensure confidential, consistent support. (KREM.com)

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Today in Spokane:

• Puzzle & Board Game Swap - Spokane County Library District (9:00 AM)
• Free AARP Tax Aide - Spokane County Library District (10:00 AM)
• Science from Home - North Spokane Library (11:00 AM)

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From my notebook:

• Looking for a furry Valentine? Check out these adorable Spokane pets up for adoption. (Spokane Patch)
• Rising costs in the Inland Northwest are causing more Spokane residents to take on permanent RV living. (KREM.com)
• According to Spokane County's Solid Waste Services, Americans create 40 million tons of food waste every year. Here, the organization offers tips for reducing food waste — including ignoring those expiration dates. (KXLY Spokane)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all Monday morning for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.