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🌱 Patch AM: What changes are coming to medical care at Spokane County Jail?

And on the Spokane Patch calendar - All Is Calm

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Greetings Spokane! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What changes are coming to medical care at Spokane County Jail?
  • How Spokane’s child care crisis is draining families and local employers
  • How will Spokane sports pump $110 million into the local economy?

Also on today's calendar: 52 Weeks of Organizing TIps - FREE and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Spokanefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Spokanefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Occasional rain and drizzle, with a high of 48 and low of 36 degrees.
  • Friday: Breezy in the morning, temps: high: 41, low: 34.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a flurry, with a high of 42 and low of 33 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. More to Every Story: Spokane County approves new medical provider for jail, promises expanded care (krem.com) — Spokane County has hired MEDIKO Correctional Healthcare to take over medical services at the Spokane County Jail and Geiger Corrections Center starting February 2026, promising more staff and seven-day-a-week provider access. The new contract emphasizes faster intake screening, expanded opioid-use treatment, and discharge planning, following years of scrutiny and lawsuits over inmate medical care. County officials say the current provider will stay on briefly to ensure a smooth transition.
   

2. Spokane area's child care crisis costs employers (spokanejournal.com) — Spokane County families and employers are feeling a major squeeze from a child care shortage that’s driving parents out of the workforce and costing businesses millions each year. Local providers, advocates, and Spokane city officials describe how low wages, limited subsidies, and restrictive zoning fuel the crisis, and outline new zoning changes and proposed funding fixes aimed at expanding access and stabilizing the workforce.
   

3. Spokane races towards $110M in sports-driven economic impact (spokanejournal.com) — Spokane County is gearing up for more than $110 million in sports-driven economic impact in 2026, led by Bloomsday, Hoopfest, and local pro teams. Organizers expect record or near-record attendance, millions in visitor spending, and stronger ticket sales for USL Spokane and the Spokane Indians, all feeding hotels, restaurants, and other Spokane-area businesses.
   

4. Spokane man sentenced to 5 years for running over girlfriend's foot (kxly.com) — A Spokane County man has been sentenced to five years in prison in Spokane Superior Court for running over his girlfriend’s foot with her own car during a July dispute in Veradale. Prosecutors say the judge imposed the maximum term allowed, citing his prior vehicular assault conviction, and also ordered a no-contact order. The case was handled by the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Office.
   

5. ‘These people show up no matter what': Valley Hospital employees load up ‘fun and essential' presents for needy Spokane Valley families (spokesman.com) — Valley Hospital employees in Spokane Valley packed five cars with more than 400 gifts for students at Broadway Elementary and North Pines Middle School, many from low-income or unhoused families. Despite rough weather and lingering economic strain, staff personally shopped for both basic necessities and fun presents so local parents wouldn’t have to choose between rent and holiday joy.
   

📸 Around Spokane

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Spokane

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 19
  • All Is Calm
    Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N Howard St, Spokane
    7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Spokane Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Is this your sweet boy?
    He followed my husband and our dog home from Coeur d’Alene Park on Sunday morning. We tried to take him to SCRAPS, but they won’t accept him. He’s at… (Nextdoor Browne's Addition)
  • day 3 someone’s got to be missing her please share proof to pick up your dog.
    i’ve been taking care of her but i have 4 dogs already. (Nextdoor Bemiss)
  • G2 Secure Staff posted a job opening for Ramp Agent in Spokane. Apply here.
  • Spokane Airport posted a job opening for Fuel Facility Operator, Part Time in Spokane. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Spokane here.

Ok Spokane! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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