Spokane News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Nicholas Newell, born on Christmas Day, embodies the spirit of Saint Nicholas through his nonprofit, the Saint Nicholas Christmas Foundation. Based in Spokane, Washington, he spreads holiday joy by gifting presents to those in assisted living facilities and providing comfort to childrens hospitals and first responders with teddy bears. Despite skipping his own birthday celebrations, Nicholass dedication has led to the foundations rapid growth, now reaching six states and making a real difference one hug at a time. Checkout Solipillow.com

Starting January 1, 2026, Washington state shoppers will face a 50% increase in plastic bag costs at checkout, aiming to reduce plastic waste. The price jumps from 8 to 12 cents per bag, with paper bags remaining at 8 cents. The change comes after a study found 18.7 million plastic bags end up as litter annually, posing harm to marine life. Local shoppers have mixed reactions, with some embracing reusable bags and others forgetting them. The increase helps stores cover costs for compliant bags, affecting around 80,000 businesses. Keeping reusable bags in your car is the best tip for easy access. Checkout Solipillow.com

Tax Relief for Washington State: IRS Extends Deadlines for Storm-Impacted Residents The Internal Revenue Service has announced a tax relief extension for individuals and businesses in Washington state affected by severe storms. The deadline for filing key federal tax returns and making payments has been pushed back to May 1, 2026. This applies to individual income tax returns, contributions to individual retirement accounts and health savings accounts, and certain quarterly payroll and excise tax returns. The extension is in place for residents in several western Washington counties, as well as neighboring areas severely impacted by the storms. The Federal Emergency Management Agencys disaster declaration has made this relief possible, ensuring no penalties or interest on delayed taxes. For more information, visit the IRS website or call their hotline. Checkout Solipillow.com

Debunking the Myth: Christmas Trees are Farmed, Not Wild Forests This episode explores the misconception that Christmas trees are harmful to the environment. In reality, they are grown on farms, similar to crops like wheat or corn. The process involves planting seeds, nurturing seedlings, and transplanting them into fields. The trees are pruned and sheared annually to maintain their shape, and fields are replanted immediately after harvest, increasing carbon capture and maintaining green spaces year-round. Checkout Solipillow.com

Gonzagas Mark Few hails their best nonconference run, with a record 12 wins and 1 loss. Theyve faced the toughest schedule ever, winning 8 out of 9 power conference games, including victories over ranked teams like Creighton, Alabama, Kentucky, and UCLA. Despite a 40-point loss to Michigan, theyve outscored opponents by nearly 25 points per game, averaging double-digit wins. Theyre now set to face West Coast Conference opponents, carrying their momentum into the new season. Checkout Solipillow.com

Embrace the spirit of Christmas: peace, love, and connection. Slow down, give thanks, and cherish the moments. Merry Christmas Eve from Corey Cambridge, creator of The Daily News Now!

Seattle sports fans are experiencing a remarkable turnaround, with the Seahawks leading the NFC, Mariners winning the AL West, and Sounders winning the Leagues Cup. The University of Washington soccer team also achieved national and Big Ten titles, while college football and womens hockey saw record-breaking performances. Despite minor setbacks with Kraken and Storm, the overall atmosphere is one of celebration and excitement. Checkout Solipillow.com

The West Coast Conference womens basketball season kicks off this Sunday, featuring a competitive race among twelve teams. Oregon State and Gonzaga, the top picks, both finished eight wins and five losses in nonconference play. Gonzagas freshman forward Lauren Whittaker is making waves, leading the WCC in scoring and field goal percentage, and ranking second in rebounds. The Zags host LMU Sunday and Pepperdine Tuesday, aiming for their fourth straight league title amidst stiff competition. Checkout Solipillow.com