Good morning, this is your Spokane Local Frequency for Thursday, April 2nd. Kick off your day with the buzz thats shaping our city, from fresh policy shifts to weather thats keeping everyone on their toes. Starting today, Spokanites are feeling the pinch from a brand new parking tax thats just gone live a 12 percent hike on surface lots and 6 percent on garages.[1] City officials say it spares employees, students, residents, and on street spots, but downtown business owners are pushing back, calling those exemptions misleading and worrying itll drive away customers at a time when foot traffic is everything for local shops.[1] If youre heading downtown, double check your parking pass to avoid surprises that could add up quick. On the crime front, Spokane Valley deputies nailed two suspects Tuesday night after a wild chain of events at a store on North Pines Road.[4] It kicked off with a 16 year old swiping a 33 dollar power bank, only for the manager to chase him down and snag it back phone still plugged in.[4] Then four folks tried breaking into the office to grab that phone, with a 38 year old woman using a credit card to jimmy the lock until deputies swooped in.[4] Shes facing felony burglary and tool possession charges, the teen got hit with theft, and quick action kept things from escalating further great reminder to stay vigilant, neighbors. April brings a heartfelt call to action as Spokane County officially marks it Child Abuse Prevention Month.[3] Commissioners are rallying parents, educators, caregivers, and businesses to team up, creating safer spaces for our kids through awareness and support programs that make real differences in families lives.[3] Weather wise, expect a soggy start with periods of rain pushing highs to 51 degrees today, winds from the southeast at 5 to 10, and nearly 90 percent chance of showers.[5][2] Tonight brings steady rain early, up to a half inch, dropping to 37 with south winds picking up.[5] Mountains around Stevens, Snoqualmie, and Sherman Pass are under Winter Weather Advisories for slick, warm wet snow so drivers, take it slow.[5][9] Looking ahead, showers linger tomorrow at 47, then we warm into the 60s by midweek with partly sunny breaks.[2][5] For fun and safety, the citys rolling out four new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons crosswalks with lights that flash to protect walkers on busy non intersection roads, making our streets smarter for everyone.[7] Plus, tune into tonights virtual open house on Spokane Countys 2046 Comprehensive Plan update its your chance to shape the future.[6] Stay dry out there, support local, and keep an eye on those little ones. This has been Spokane Local Frequency. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI