🌱 COVID Testing Site Reopens + Part Of VA Medical Center Could Close

Hello again, Spokane! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Spokane Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Spokane Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Spokane long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

A passing afternoon shower. High: 55 Low: 35.

Here are the top three stories today in Spokane:

1. A downtown Spokane COVID testing site is reopening ahead of a possible wave of omicron BA.2 infections. The Curative site, located inside a shipping container at 1001 W. Second Avenue, will be open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rapid tests will require insurance, but PCR tests will not. (Inlander)
2. A report from the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs noting a "decrease in services" at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center has Center employees concerned for their jobs. The report outlines possible closures or restructuring of VA medical centers in more than 20 states. Evelyn Burgos, a Mann-Grandstaff In-Patient staff member and veteran, said she has seen the VA hospital go from 45 beds to barely 16. (FOX 28 Spokane)
3. The Spokane City Council struck down a new ordinance that would allow a new shelter to be developed in a 33,000-square-foot warehouse in the industrial area of 4320 E. Trent Avenue in East Spokane. City Council Member for District 3 Karen Stratton said she felt it wasn't the time and that there would be more chances to look at the issue, ensuring that everyone is given the opportunity to weigh in. Stratton added that the City Council is expecting to hear more information at the next meeting on Monday, Apr. 25. (KXLY Spokane)

Today in Spokane:

• SCORE Business: Social Media Basics for Businesses - Online (12:00 PM)
• Jumpstart: Business Development and Sales At 801 W Riverside Suite 100 (12:00 PM)
• The LoweDown At Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (12:00 PM)
• Jiro Dreams of Sushi At Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Spokane Spring Clean Week, sponsored by Republic Services, will take place this Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m in downtown Spokane. The clean-up event, created to support downtown businesses, will include litter pick-up, sidewalk, alley, and parking lot sweep, and preparing for spring planting. (KREM.com)
• The "Finding Chemo" Podcast comedy show featuring nationally-known comedian Rod Long and Geoff Young and podcast hosts Nick Theisen and Eric Paine, will take place at The Bing Crosby Theater this weekend. The show explores the lighter side of living through cancer and will benefit the Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. (KXLY Spokane)
• After losing their son, Kellen, to suicide, Mike and Kimber Erickson started Kellen Cares, a foundation to help young men and their families navigate mental health issues. This Saturday, Sept. 23 Kellen Cares will hold "The Helping Boys Thrive Summit", an event bringing together professionals and families of boys who are struggling like Kellen. (KXLY Spokane)
• As of yesterday, Spokane bus passengers are no longer required to wear masks. The mandate has been lifted following the Federal Transit Administration's change in policy. (KXLY Spokane)

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— Carla Varner