🌱 Police Hire Ahead Program + VA System Computer Issues

Up and at 'em, Spokane! It's Saturday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Cloudy with a shower or two. High: 49 Low: 31.

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Here are the top three stories in Spokane today:

1. The Spokane Regional Health District is having a COVID-19 and Flu Vaccination Clinic at Francis Scott Elementary on Mar. 26. The clinic will be open to all ages above 5 years of age. All three COVID-19 vaccination brands will be available at the clinic. (Spokane Regional Health)
2. Senator Patty Murray has demanded the Department of Veterans Affairs cease the launch of a new computer system in Walla Walla while dozens of problems remain unsolved at Spokane's VA hospital. The Senator is on the Senate's VA Committee and claims that the VA's Office of Inspector General has not been honest about the electronic health record system's problems. The new system is developed by Cerner Corp. for $16 billion. (The Spokesman Review)
3. The Spokane City Council has approved a program that aims to hire ahead for 10 police officers. The program hopes to eliminate overtime staffing needs while reducing retirement and separation expenses. Advocates of the program want to see the same program implemented for the Spokane Fire Department. (Omak Okanogan County Chronicle)

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Today in Spokane:

• Free AARP Tax Aide At The Spokane County Library District (10:00 AM)
• Science from Home At The Spokane County Library District (11:00 AM)

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From my notebook:

• Celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend by adopting your new best friend at the Spokane Humane Society. Click to see the adorable photos of dogs waiting to be adopted. (Facebook)
• The Youth Police Initiative of the Spokane Police Department aims to reduce crime by at-risk youth. For more information regarding the initiative, click the link. (Facebook)
• Spokane Public Schools celebrated the official groundbreaking of Carla Olman Peperzak Middle School. They shared a video on Facebook. (Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early Monday morning with your next 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.