🌱 Symphony Director Stuck Abroad + Spokane Warming Center Opens

Rise and shine, Spokane! It's Tuesday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in town.

---

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and frigid. High: 18 Low: 2.

---

Here are the top 3 stories today in Spokane:

1. Flight delays and cancelations around the world are having an effect on events happening right here Inland Northwest. The Spokane Symphony's Music Director James Lowe will not return to Spokane in time for the New Year's Eve concert because of international flight cancelations. However, the show must go on, and Former Music Director and Conductor Laureate Eckart Preu will step in to conduct. The New Year's Eve concert of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony will be at 7:30 p.m. at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. (KXLY Spokane)
2. Spokane's Office of Neighborhood Services is partnering with Gonzaga's School of Leadership Studies to improve empower local leaders. They're developing the Spokane Neighborhood Leadership Academy, a five-month training program that addresses specific areas where grassroots leaders can improve. The goal is to make the neighborhood leadership training an annual program. (Spokane Public Radio)
3. As temperatures drop, a temporary warming shelter in Spokane has opened. Many of the people who checked in when it opened on Sunday said they are thankful there's a place for them to stay during this cold snap. Not only does the warming center give people a place to sleep and store their belongings, but hot meals are also provided. (KXLY Spokane)

---

Today's Spokane Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Spokane!

---

Today in Spokane:

• Northwest Winterfest - Spokane County Fair And Expo Center (8:00 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• Based on the severe weather conditions, Washington State Fair's Holiday Magic hours of operation will be 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. through Dec. 30; final entry will be at 8:30 p.m. (Instagram)
• This holiday season, the YWCA Spokane reminds everyone that its 24-hour confidential helpline is available for anyone experiencing or witnessing intimate partner domestic violence. (Facebook)
• Enjoy the Spokane Symphony's New Year's Eve concert of Beethoven's Ninth — one of the city's great traditions. (Facebook)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Ring In the New Year With 15 Percent Off Beautiful Blooms From FTD! (December 31)
• 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

---

You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow 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.