🌱 Chamberlin Withdraws From Race + District To Join Juul Lawsuit

Up and at 'em, Spokane! Here's everything you need to know to get this Friday started off right.

First, today's weather:

A little morning snow; cloudy. High: 47 Low: 27.

Here are the top three stories today in Spokane:

1. Former Spokane County Sheriff Deputy Craig Chamberlin withdrew his name from the race for Sheriff. Chamberlin was terminated in February after an investigation into his writing a character reference for a volleyball coach charged with possessing child pornography. Policy required Chamberlin to ask permission to write a reference letter. (KXLY Spokane)
2. The Spokane school board decided Wednesday night to direct the district to join a lawsuit against Juul Labs Inc. and Altria, its largest investor. That same day, Juul had reportedly agreed to pay $22.5M to settle an earlier lawsuit with the state of Washington that alleged the company purposefully targeted teenagers without making known the addictiveness of its vaping products. The national lawsuit by school districts also alleges that Juul downplayed the health risks of vaping while marketing its products to young people. (The Spokesman Review)
3. The Washington State Board of Health (BOH) said on Wednesday that students will not be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend school. The BOH reached this decision based on the findings of a technical advisory board it commissioned last October. Public meeting comments and comments online from parents questioned the need for considering a vaccine requirement. (KXLY Spokane)

Today in Spokane:

• Family Storytime (ages 2 - 5) At North Spokane Library (9:30 AM)
• Master Gardeners Plant Clinic At North Spokane Library (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Bring your family to the Shrine Circus today, Apr. 15 at the Spokane Valley Mall. Additional show dates under the Big Top include Apr. 16 - 17, 21 - 24. (Visit Spokane)
• Come see stand-up comedian, Greg Fitzsimmons, at the Spokane Comedy Club tonight at 6:30 p.m. Fitzsimmons has been a regular guest on The Howard Stern Show, Chelsea Lately, and The Adam Carolla Show. (Visit Spokane)
• Downtown Spokane Children's Theatre presents A Year with Frog and Toad, a whimsical show that follows two great friends through fun-filled seasons and adventures. The show opens today at 7:00 p.m. with afternoon performances on Saturday and Sunday. (Visit Spokane)

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 Friday off right! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Carla Varner