🌱 Task Force Builds New COVID Fraud Cases + Used Car Prices Rose 41%

Happy Friday, neighbors! Here's what's going on around Spokane today.

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 55 Low: 39.

Here are the top three stories today in Spokane:

1. U.S. Attorney for Eastern Washington, Vanessa Waldref, has formed a task force of prosecutors and investigators to target COVID-19 relief fraud. The team of investigators are building new cases of alleged theft of government funds intended to assist businesses and people get through the pandemic. "There was also a lot of incredible fraud, and a lot of deserving businesses did not get the funds they needed,” said Waldref. (The Spokesman Review)
2. Data from the Washington Auto Dealers Association indicates that the average price of used cars in Spokane rose 41 percent in the last two years. The demand for used cars has increased due to low inventory at car dealerships. This is a direct result of COVID-related chip shortages and supply chain disruptions, said WADA. (KXLY Spokane)
3. The Spokane Indians are preparing for opening night on Apr. 8 at Avista stadium. The new season will kick off with a weekend of three home games and two nights of fireworks. A wide variety of ticket options are available. (FOX 28 Spokane)

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Today in Spokane:

• Custer's 45th Spring Arts & Crafts Show At Spokane County Fair & Expo Center (10 AM)
• Master Gardeners Plant Clinic At North Spokane Library (1:00 PM)
• Free AARP Tax Aide At North Spokane Library (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Funny Girl opens today at the Spokane Civic Theatre. The theatrical performance is directed by Jake Schaefer and stars Kalla Mort as Fanny Brice. (The Spokesman Review)
• Inland Northwest poets will gather at the Hugo House on Saturday, Apr. 2 to celebrate National Poetry Month. The themed event, "Poetry and Civic Life", will present readings of works written during COVID, as well as a discussion of the power of poetry to explore social change. (Inlander)
• To help Americans impacted by inflation, local Denny's restaurants are offering a new $8.99 endless breakfast promotion from now until Jun. 21. The offer includes endless buttermilk pancakes, cheese scrambled eggs and hashbrowns. (KXLY Spokane)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Carla Varner