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RANGE Media
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The Press for the People.

Spokane-based, local, worker-owned independent online media. We hold the powerful accountable and empower the people!

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Now, after waiting five months for our records request to be filled, we know they were. Though WA law prohibits this kind of compliance with out-of-state agencies who are looking to prosecute abortion seekers, it did not prevent Spokane County’s data from being searched for that reason.
Screenshot of the search the cop made
November 26, 2025 at 2:09 AM
rangemedia.co
Another quote, I think this one was from Zappone thought I can't double check because I can't play audio outloud in council chambers, talking about council staff cuts and then "rebuild," the office for new council members:
 However, I don't think we've been that efficient with our council office. I think we have some Cadillac positions where we could use a Chevy, and I honestly think that like, regardless of who's above positions and how well they have worked before, I don't think we're being as efficient. And providing the community benefit at the level that the library are. I feel passionately about that based on my own experience in the council office and just based on the fact that we haven't really made a big effort to look at this and everyone else in the city is having to look at layoffs and other hard decisions of hardworking, talented people as well. I think that we could step up a little more and do a little bit of more of our own work and restructure for now and see if we can go with some project employees that we hire based on what we really need for interns or whatever.
November 25, 2025 at 5:17 AM
rangemedia.co
Side note: A screenshot of my transcription of Klitzke's comments from last week's budget meeting that shows she proposed project employees/interns.
 However, I don't think we've been that efficient with our council office. I think we have some Cadillac positions where we could use a Chevy, and I honestly think that like, regardless of who's above positions and how well they have worked before, I don't think we're being as efficient. And providing the community benefit at the level that the library are. I feel passionately about that based on my own experience in the council office and just based on the fact that we haven't really made a big effort to look at this and everyone else in the city is having to look at layoffs and other hard decisions of hardworking, talented people as well. I think that we could step up a little more and do a little bit of more of our own work and restructure for now and see if we can go with some project employees that we hire based on what we really need for interns or whatever.
November 25, 2025 at 5:13 AM
rangemedia.co
Here's a statement on the budget from Council Member Jonathan Bingle.
The following is a statement from District 1 Council Member Jonathan Bingle: “Washingtonians have just faced the largest tax increase in state history. Families and small businesses are feeling the strain. Everyone is being asked to do more with less, everyone except the government. I have consistently opposed raising your taxes and will continue to do so. I refuse to support increasing the taxes you pay on your utility bills, when you shop at a downtown business that has to pay for parking, or when you renew your car tabs. I refuse. Raising taxes when reasonable alternatives exist is lazy at best and, at worst, fiscally immoral. We should focus solely on funding essential government functions, such as public safety, roads, and utility infrastructure. At the very least, we should keep our budget flat for the next few years, avoiding the creation of new departments and the hiring of redundant staff. Raising taxes has become the government's default response, but enough is enough. The people deserve a government that lives within its means, just as every family in Spokane does. I will continue to advocate for a leaner, more accountable budget that respects taxpayers and the voters who expect us to be responsible stewards of their hard-earned money.”
November 25, 2025 at 2:04 AM
rangemedia.co
And a statement on the Wilkerson/Dillon amendment sent by Council President Betsy Wilkerson this morning:
“We can all agree that we are in unstable economic times. We’ve seen the turmoil it can cause across different sectors and institutions, from federal and state governments to local cities and even within our own homes. Many of us have had to rethink our budgets, figuring out how to get through another tough month, season, and year with the resources we have. As one of your city leaders, I’ve had the chance to talk with residents all over the city. These conversations often involve explaining, and sometimes defending, the city budget, how our council office works, and how we reached these financial crossroads. The truth is that the process of budgeting is never easy. Council Members serve in their elected roles part-time. Many members have other jobs to support their families. And all of us have additional responsibilities on local and regional boards. That’s where our council staff becomes critical to our work. It’s nearly impossible for us to do the necessary research, fulfill our responsibilities, and make informed decisions without the support of our core staff. Our council has eight central staff positions that serve all seven council members and influence how we serve our community, advising on topics like housing, transportation, budget, intergovernmental affairs, policy, community engagement, and more. All of these positions are aimed at serving our residents effectively and efficiently. These staff both support Council Members and partner with community organizations and businesses to make our city more vibrant, functional, and livable. Times are changing quickly, and I rely on core staff to analyze, dissect, and respond to these changes in real-time. I recognize the challenges facing our city and our country and without a strong core staff in our council office, we cannot fully deliver the work needed to make our city great. I value the Brown Administration’s partnership in this year’s budget revision. My fellow council members and I have …
November 24, 2025 at 7:49 PM
rangemedia.co
A statement sent out last Friday by Council Members Zack Zappone and Kitty Klitzke on their budget amendment:
“We have heard loud and clear from our constituents. Libraries are a vital resource in our community. In addition to incredible digital and book collection, libraries provide safe and free programming for families enjoying story time, seniors participating in a sewing club, low-income residents accessing internet, children and adults to learn about heathy cooking, and everyone to enjoy free arts and literary programming. Voters have repeatedly approved additional funding of the libraries. But revenue shortfalls due to forces outside our control are threatening service hours and programing. Our budget proposal provides gap funding to continue to meet community priorities and bridge libraries into the next biennium,” said Zappone. “Our constituents have asked us to lead in fiscal responsibility while focusing funds on direct community benefits. By finding efficiencies in our council office and sharing resources with the mayor we can fund the library’s necessary request, and we can fulfill our constituents’ priorities and meet state standards on public safety. The economic outlook for everyone is dire at the moment, and the City is no different. City Council needs to be a leader in lean operations, just like community members are dealing with at home so that we can move forward and focus on creating a well run, well maintained city that cultivates economic development” Klitzke said. The Klitzke and Zappone amendment would increase library funding by $800k, add an additional public defender position, add funding for a regional fire authority study, restore a City Channel 5 position, and decrease funding for the City Council Office. “Budget cuts of any kind are always difficult. We also must balance community needs and priorities. By making cuts to the Council Office, we can match our budgeting to the priorities that residents are asking for and reimagine our operations to provide quality services,” Zappone said. “We also want to continue investments in publi…
November 24, 2025 at 7:48 PM
rangemedia.co
From Erin Sellers: I love local politics, maybe a little too much. Between marathon city council meetings & analyzing campaign finances, I’m reminded every day that most people don’t get paid to stay informed. That's why at RANGE, our mission is to bring politics to the people.
A photo of RANGE reporter Erin Sellers, who has black and red hair and is wearing a green snake patterned jumpsuit, smiling and pointing at a chalkboard sign that says "Politicrawl @ 7 pm"
November 12, 2025 at 9:31 PM
rangemedia.co
UPDATE: Dixit just passed Bingle.
Sarah Dixit 5,73249.93 % Jonathan D Bingle 5,67949.46 %
November 7, 2025 at 11:10 PM
rangemedia.co
Join us at our Office Hours session this week! We’ll be holed up at TayTay’s Cafe this Wednesday, October 22 from 2 to 4 pm to talk politics, elections, civics, journalism and really anything else you want to discuss. We hope to see you there!

507 S Howard St, Spokane, WA 99204
Election Season Office Hours! Oct 22, 2-4pm, Tay Tay's Cafe. 507 S Howard St, Spokane, WA 99204. A list of things people have done at past office hours.
October 21, 2025 at 12:56 AM
rangemedia.co
Join RANGE + our guests of honor - local electeds and candidates - for our second annual Politicrawl. The totally free politics-themed bar crawl starts at 6 pm tomorrow, tickets available at the link below: bit.ly/ThePoliticrawl
Guests of Honor: For the second time in a row, Mayor Lisa Brown and Council President Betsy Wilkerson will be joining us. From District 1, Council Members Michael Cathcart and Jonathan Bingle (who is also a candidate) will both likely be in attendance. From District 2, Council Member Paul Dillon has confirmed, and for District 3, Council Members Kitty Klitzke and Zack Zappone (also a candidate) have confirmed! City Council candidates Alejandro Barrientos and Sarah Dixit will both be joining, as will judge candidate Sarah Freedman.
October 9, 2025 at 10:40 PM
rangemedia.co
TONIGHT (9/30) at 5 pm, Luke & Erin are going live on YouTube + Twitch and starting a Baldur’s Gate 3 campaign. They'll chat about local news like the upcoming election, the state of local media & a preview of a big story from Erin coming soon. Put your questions below so they can answer on stream!
A graphic for RANGE's 'Live at 5' event showing a sword piercing the RANGE logo and the Baldur's Gate 3 logo with lightning and magic behind the "live at 5" headline. There's a bald eagle wearing a wizard hat and a marmot with a magical circlet tiara. Both have shocked faces. There's a pixelated red, white and blue flag election-y background.
September 30, 2025 at 4:58 PM
rangemedia.co
Missed Spokane's Spiciest Candidate Forum? We're teaming up with Spokane Public Radio, The Inlander, KYRS and Spokane Public Library to bring you another candidate forum, featuring all 6 council candidates. Spotlight at Central: Oct 2, 6 to 8 pm, the Spokane Central Public Library.
Event graphic with a gray background, white text and pink/red accents of a microphone and a ballot with all the event details for Spotlight at Central + the participating organizations logos.
September 19, 2025 at 8:17 PM
rangemedia.co
District 3 candidates, challenger Christopher Savage and incumbent CM Zack Zappone, who once sat on local student government together:
Savage take a bite! Zappone holds up his wing, while speaking
September 10, 2025 at 8:28 PM
rangemedia.co
District 2 candidates Kate Telis and Alejandro Barrientos, who are both running to fill an incumbent-less seat:
Barrientos, in pain, bites into a wing Telis digs in, before taking the RANGE civics test
September 10, 2025 at 8:26 PM
rangemedia.co
As a little teaser for tonight's live stream, here's one pic of each candidate + RANGE reporter
@merrywanderer.bsky.social
who suffered through Chef Brown's spicy wings not once but THREE times on Sunday!

First up, Sellers and District 1 candidate Sarah Dixit:
Sarah Dixit cracks into a local beer after eating two wings Sellers bites into one of Brown's wings
September 10, 2025 at 8:25 PM
rangemedia.co
We're in the Inlander! Tickets have been flying out the door all week and it's very possible we sell out. Don't miss your chance to see Spokane's Spiciest Candidate Forum live and in person, this Sunday from 5 to 8 pm.

Tickets available (for now) here: rangemedia.co/spokan...
Highlighted event in the Inlander: Spokane's Spiciest Candidate Forum
September 5, 2025 at 12:16 AM
rangemedia.co
We've found the chosen one for Spokane's Spiciest ticket giveaway! Congrats to @/oggeda on Instagram!
September 4, 2025 at 12:17 AM
rangemedia.co
A recent update to charts in our Flock story after receiving records requests from Cheney Police Department today: CPD, which says they have no cameras online yet, is already sharing their Flock network with two federal agencies, Idaho State Police and departments in Texas + Florida.
Detailed chart showing local PDs and details on their Flock networks
September 3, 2025 at 8:06 PM
rangemedia.co
Meet the final candidate taking the stage for Spokane's Spiciest Candidate Forum: Sarah Dixit. Because incumbent Council Member Jonathan Bingle is dj-ing a wedding that evening, he's unable to attend (despite his best intentions - he said he had been practicing eating spicy food in preparation.)
Graphic Promoting Spokane's Spiciest candidate forum on Sept 7 from 5-8 pm at the Guardian in Spokane, WA. Meat the Candidate: Sarah Dixit vs. The Hot Sauce
September 2, 2025 at 10:17 PM
rangemedia.co
Two relatively fresh faces to Spokane politics will be taking the stage for Spokane's Spiciest next Sunday to help District 2 voters decide who should fill the incumbent-less seat this November.

Get your tickets now: buytickets.at/rangemedia/1...
Meat the Candidates, District 2: Kate Telis vs. Alejandro Barrientos Event details: Sept. 7, 5-8 pm, The Guardian, 1403 N Washington St. Tickets + Food available on a sliding scale. Buy now at Bit.ly/SpokaneSpiciest
August 29, 2025 at 5:30 PM
rangemedia.co
Spokane district 3 voters, both of the candidates running to represent you have agreed to take the Hot Seat! One of them requested milk be provided. We won't tell you who 😈

Get your tickets for the hottest event of the campaign season now at www.tickettailor.com/events/range....
Candidate poster for Spokane's Spiciest Candidate Forum. Join RANGE, Chef Tony Brown, Intangible Light + local City Council Candidates For Spokane's Spiciest Candidate Forum - spicy food, spicy questions. Info: September 7th | 5 pm to 8 pm, The Guardian, 1403 N Washington St, tickets + food available on a sliding scale, Buy Now at bit.ly/SpokaneSpiciest Meat the candidates: District 3. Zack Zappone and Christopher Savage
August 22, 2025 at 5:52 PM
rangemedia.co
Baumgartener is up there and protesters are saying "where's Mikey?"
Some of the fundraiser goers are yelling down to the protesters and laughing, but I can't hear what they're saying
August 18, 2025 at 12:21 AM
rangemedia.co
The terrace ppl are wearing name tags and WA Rep Suzanne Schmidt appears to be up there, so it's an easy bet that they're there for the fundraiser.
August 18, 2025 at 12:15 AM
rangemedia.co
It's hard to get pics from this angle, but when ppl on the Grand's terrace come to the edge and look down, the protesters yell things like "that's what a scab looks like" and "shame". The terrace ppl have smiled and waved with their drinks in hand and taken pics of the protest.
August 18, 2025 at 12:06 AM
rangemedia.co
One speaker said that Baumgartener knew that voting Yes for the Big BB was a vote against his constituents. There's slips of paper where ppl can write a note to him.
August 17, 2025 at 11:31 PM