🌱 Job Applicant Sues World Relief Spokane + SPS Raises Subs' Pay

Welcome back, Spokane! Let's get you started this Saturday with everything you need to know going on in town today.

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First, today's weather:

Freezing fog in the morning. High: 36 Low: 28.

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Here are the top three stories in Spokane today:

1. A Spokane immigration attorney is suing a Spokane County nonprofit for rescinding a previously-extended job offer after learning he was gay. Emmanuel Campos Gonzales was offered a job with the World Relief Corporation of National Association of Evangelicals in September 2021, only to have the verbal offer repealed two weeks later. When Campos Gonzales questioned the decision, the director of World Relief Spokane informed him of an organizational policy stating that all relationships must be "within the biblical covenant of marriage between a man and a woman." (KREM.com)
2. Spokane Public Schools is facing a severe staffing shortage amid the recent wave of COVID-19. To encourage more substitute teachers to come in, the SPS school board has officially raised their daily pay from $150 to $200. Substitutes must be at least 18 years old with a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience working with children; they must also obtain a background check and an emergency certification through the state. (KXLY Spokane)
3. This weekend is your last chance to see the lights at Cowley Park before they come down! The holiday display is part of a longstanding tradition to spread holiday cheer to the children at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. (KXLY Spokane)

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Today in Spokane:

• STARS Training: Best Picture Books of 2021 At Spokane County Library District(10:00 AM)
• Science From Home At Spokane County Library District (11:00 AM)

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From my notebook:

• Sometimes, puppies in need of a quick-acting foster parent come through the doors of the Spokane Humane Society. Learn more about becoming a puppy foster parent today. (Facebook)
• Over two years since the creation of Spokane Regional Behavioral Health Unit, newly-released data shows it's been successful in helping people in crisis. (KHQ Right Now)
• The Play That Goes Wrong is now playing through Feb. 20 at the Spokane Civic Theatre. Don't miss the regional premiere of the Broadway comedy smash hit! (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! 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.