🌱 Billig COVID Positive + Auto Shops Impacted By Closed Passes

Morning, people of Spokane! Sean Peek here with today's Spokane Daily.

---

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and chilly. High: 33 Low: 29.

---

Here are the top stories in Spokane today:

1. On Saturday, Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig tested positive for COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated and boosted. Senator Billig said he has virtually no symptoms and has been quarantining since Tuesday after he thought he may have been exposed. (KHQ Right Now)
2. Spokane auto repair shops have been greatly impacted by snow-closed passes, which has hampered their ability to turnaround damaged vehicles. River City Body and Paint is just one shop that says they are trying to source needed repair parts locally, but that doesn't always work out when dealerships don't have the parts on hand. (KREM.com)
3. On Saturday, the Spokane Fire Department extinguished a house fire in North Spokane quickly and no injuries have been reported. According to the SFD, the fire in North Spokane started as a grease fire that caused major damage to the kitchen and parts of the ceiling. The house is not a total loss. (KHQ Right Now)

---

From our sponsor:

Today's Spokane Daily is brought to you in part by Newrez, a leading nationwide mortgage lender. Make a smart move for your future and refinance with Newrez today. Call 844-979-1707 to connect with a Newrez loan officer. Newrez, LLC (NMLS #3013)

---

Today in Spokane:

• 100% Refund Ends Winter 2022 For Spokane Falls Community College (8:00 AM)
• Pet Clinic At Northeast Community Center (3:00 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• The PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour is coming to Spokane on Jan. 22 and the Spokane Arena wants to treat a lucky fan to a 4-pack of tickets! (Facebook)
• Muffin the cat found the perfect forever home at the Spokane Humane Society's PetSmart Charities everyday adoption center! (Facebook)
• Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and Washington State Patrol is asking the community to take a moment to thank all of those who choose to serve in law enforcement. (Instagram)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Weave a Pine Needle Basket workshop (January 15)
• Add your event

---

Loving the Spokane Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

---

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday! I'll see you soon.

— 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.