Latest News

Long-anticipated recession now expected by year-end

So far, resilient economy has provided reprieve from economic downturn; rate hikes may change that

June 22, 2023

Inland Northwest economists are predicting a recession will set in toward the end of this year-later than had been previously anticipated-yet there isn't consensus regarding projections for the length or depth of a long-anticipated economic

Spokane-area hospitals look to improve financials

Providence, MultiCare aim to persevere through economic challenges

June 22, 2023

Dylan Harris

Hospitals across the state of Washington suffered a total of $2.1 billion in operating losses in 2022, data compiled by the Washington state Hospital Association shows. The two largest health care organizations that operate in the Inland Northwest

Loosening of housing regulations leads to uptick in permitting

Still, fewer than 50 units approved, in process so far in city this year

June 22, 2023

Erica Bullock

Last June, the fanfare announcing changes to building development standards was at an all-time high and touted by some as a much-needed step forward to help the city of Spokane's housing crisis.

Spo-Canned: Large INW breweries gain market share as industry contracts statewide

Distribution expansion aids growth in some cases

June 22, 2023

Dylan Harris

Spokane's largest breweries are increasing distribution and gaining market share as the industry contracts statewide, Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board data show. According to the board's reports of net sales to importers and distributors,

Women are making gains in finance, small business

Confidence in managing money up 16 percentage points in last five years

June 8, 2023

Sara Desautel

Women are increasingly taking charge of their finances and future. While we move toward gender equality and equitable economic opportunity, we can see the outcomes of generations of hard work when we look at the increasing numbers of women

Sibling-owned dump truck businesses thrive in North Idaho

Young companies see strong growth thanks to construction demand

June 8, 2023

Keith Erickson

With sustained construction demand in Kootenai County, two family-owned, North Idaho dump truck businesses are picking up steam. Separately owned but family-connected Hidden Ridge Trucking LLC and Collins Trucking LLC have a combined

Circle K station planned in Valley

$1.5 million project slated on site in Greenacres area

June 8, 2023

Karina Elias

Tempe, Arizona-based convenience store chain Circle K Stores Inc. plans to build a store and fueling station at 18723 E. Cataldo, in the Greenacres area of Spokane Valley, says Emily Estes-Cross, public information officer for the city of Spokane Valley.

Early learning program receives upgrades in Hillyard

Three classrooms to grow capacity to 60 kids from 20

June 8, 2023

Erica Bullock

The Northeast Youth Center is in the midst of a $1.1 million remodel project to create three dedicated learning spaces for children in Washington state's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. Executive Director Sheila Geraghty says

New Mister Car Wash, Surf Thru operations planned

Values for two projects total about $2.7 million

June 8, 2023

Karina Elias

New carwashes are planned on Spokane's North Side and in the Moran Prairie neighborhood, according to records filed with the city of Spokane. For the North Side project, a pre-development application indicates North Carolina-based Surf Thru Inc.

First Look brokerage to move to Riverwalk building

Relocation will coincide with global rebrand effort

June 8, 2023

Erica Bullock

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Look Real Estate is currently rebranding, remodeling, and refreshing its real estate brokerage and property management company, says marketing director Chris Carpenter. The Spokane-area brokerage is preparing a new