🌱 Spokane Welcomes Ukrainian Refugees + Car Thefts Increase 90%

Good morning! My name is Carla, and I’ll be your new curator for the Spokane Daily. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening today.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy and mild. High: 62 Low: 43.

Here are the top three stories in Spokane today:

1. The White House announced yesterday that 100,000 Ukrainian refugees will be coming to the United States. Spokane is one of many cities throughout the country that will be welcoming the new immigrants. While it is not known what percentage will settle in Spokane, World Relief Spokane spokesman Justin Li said the city is more than ready to serve them. (The Spokesman Review)
2. The Spokane Police Department said that car thefts have gone up nearly 90 percent in the last year. 2022 has already seen the theft of 378 cars. The Neva-Wood neighborhood, between Division Street east to Crestline and from North Foothills to the North Division Y, saw the biggest increase. (KXLY Spokane)
3. The City of Spokane and four regional charities will split $4.3M in federal funds to rehouse and provide support services to the homeless. Catholic Charities, Volunteers of America, YWCA, and Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners were the other recipients of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Continuum of Care (COC) Competition award. Jenn Cerecedes, director of the Community Housing and Human Services Department, stated that the funds are deeply appreciated and will a long way towards fighting against homelessness. (Omak Okanogan County Chronicle)

Today in Spokane:

• Take It Apart At North Spokane Library (10:00 AM)
• Free AARP Tax Aide At North Spokane Library (10:00 AM)
• Science from Home At North Spokane Library (11:00 AM)
• Creando y Conversando en Español / Craft & Talk in Spanish - Online (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition-Journey from Sketch to Screen will open at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture this Sunday, March 27. The exhibit focuses on the films "Shrek" and "How to Train Your Dragon" and will run through September. (The Spokesman Review)
• Learn about Spokane's most adorable adoptable pets on Patch! These cats, dogs and bunnies are sure to win your heart. (Spokane Patch)
• SpokAnimal and Sullivan Care Center have teamed up to temporarily place shelter dogs in the nursing center. The new dog fostering program, "Hearts and Paws," will give residents a chance to participate in taking care of the pup while the shelter looks for their permanent home. (KXLY 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

You're officially in the loop for today! See you tomorrow for another update.

— Carla Varner