Rachel Alexander

Chronic pain patients caught in the complexities and controversies as opioid epidemic draws tighter scrutiny of prescription policies.

After serving 18 years behind bars in Uzbekistan, enduring beatings, starvation, solitary confinement and almost no contact with the outside world, Muhammad Bekjanov is free to tell his story.

During a hot summer evening, women at Spokane’s Hope House shelter shared their thoughts, impressions and life experiences. The shelter is part of Spokane’s 24/7 network for homeless people, built on the idea that everyone, regardless of age or gender, should have a safe place to be inside at all times.

Spokane County has hired a new criminal justice administrator to oversee reforms aimed at reducing the county’s jail population and racial disparities. Data from the reform effort so far makes clear that the new administrator, Spokane native Maggie Yates, is stepping into a challenging role.

Drug overdoses fell in Spokane County in 2017, in yet another sign the trend of opioid-related deaths may be reversing in Washington.

Opioid prescription rates and diagnoses of opioid addiction are declining nationally and in Washington, according to a report from Blue Cross Blue Shield released Thursday.

Spokane police Chief Craig Meidl said Monday he’s opposed to an ordinance that would allow the city to post some internal affairs and officer-involved shooting investigations online, citing concern about victim privacy and public perception of the department based on unfounded cases.

Washington fares better than most U.S. states in taking care of its kids, especially when it comes to health, according to a new report by Kids Count.