Hospitalizations Stable But High + 48 First Responders Risk Jobs

Good day, people of Spokane! Sean Peek here with your brand-new Spokane Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 68 Low: 43.

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Here are the top stories today in Spokane:

1. While hospitalizations have plateaued at the Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, the number of people requiring hospital care for COVID-19 is still at an uncomfortable level. There are more people hospitalized than in the previous wave, which is why the center has been unable to resume normal operations, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dan Getz. The center recently announced a pause on all non-emergency surgeries and procedures, and employees were also asked to shift some of their job duties to help with the COVID mission. (KXLY Spokane)
2. The Spokane Fire Department may lose 48 firefighters and first responders temporarily or permanently due to them not being vaccinated by the Oct. 18 deadline set forth in Gov. Jay Inslee's mandate. All 48 firefighters have applied for and gotten approval for exemptions to the vaccine mandate. Employers must offer accommodations to those employees for them to keep working, and the City of Spokane is offering six — but all of them result in the employee either becoming fully vaccinated or leaving their job. (KREM.com)
3. New jobless claims in Spokane County dropped slightly last week, according to data from the Washington State Employment Security Department. (The Spokesman-Review)
4. The Spokane Regional Health District is facing a $3.5 million budget deficit in the upcoming 2022 budget. (The Spokesman Review)
5. TheZone in Spokane is hosting six weeks of Essential Skills training for local single moms looking to build their futures. (KXLY Spokane)

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Today in Spokane:

• Spokane County Walk to End Alzheimer's - Riverfront Park (8:30 AM)
• Governor Huckabee At We Believe We Vote's Event - Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center (4:30 PM)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you back in your inbox Monday with your next update. If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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.