Bloglander

ON INLANDER.COM

ARTS: Harold Balazs, an iconic Spokane artist, died at 89.

SPORTS: It's a new year, but one thing will never change: The Zags will always dominate the WCC.

IN OTHER NEWS

New Year bonuses
With 2018 here, many workers in Washington are getting a raise. Minimum wage in Washington increased from $11 to $11.50 per hour. Also this year, most employed Washingtonians get paid sick leave. (Seattle Times)

Limited shelter
For the homeless in Spokane, the cold temperatures overnight are increasing demand in the city's 24/7 shelters. KXLY reports that House of Charity has had to turn people away.

Leaking Hanford tank closed
A double-shell tank at Hanford for radioactive waste will be permanently closed after Hanford officials found damage and leaking. (Tri-City Herald)

Making a difference
A Spokane woman who graduated from University High School in Spokane Valley is training dogs in Tanzania that are used to help stop elephant poaching. (Spokesman-Review)

North and South Korea talks
After North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, suggested opening a dialogue on easing military tensions with South Korea, the South today proposed a time and a place for that dialogue. President Trump offered these words on Twitter: "Rocket man now wants to talk to South Korea for first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see!" (New York Times)