Latest News

Young workers in Spokane hit hardest by job losses

25-34 age group files greatest percentage of pandemic-related claims here, data show

November 5, 2020

With seven months of employment data in the books since the spread of COVID-19 to the U.S., a somewhat clearer picture of the region's jobs scene has emerged.

Cannabis sales surge in Spokane County

Increase in activity here outpaces state as whole

November 5, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Fiscal 2020 was a banner year for cannabis sales in Spokane County, and retailers here say behavior changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic was the main driver of the increase.

In contracting retail market, some surviving shops thrive

Extended holiday shopping season benefits some here

November 5, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Despite the fact thousands of retail storefronts across the U.S. have struggled or gone away in recent years, some Spokane-based retailers say they could be on the verge of all-time holiday sales records in 2020.

Downtown Spokane For Rent: Street-level vacancies stack up with fewer office workers in core

Property managers express optimism, but caution that vacancy rates may worsen before improving next year

November 5, 2020

Natasha Nellis

There was a time when one couldn't walk downtown without bumping into someone else, but now you can stand in the middle of the sidewalk with arms stretched wide and not touch another soul.

Amazon-like Valley facility boasts $105M price tag

Warehouse to employ over 700 when open

November 5, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Updates to the massive facility being constructed in Spokane Valley show more markers of an Amazon project, which if true puts the e-commerce giant in the running to become one of Spokane County's largest employers.

Guest Commentary: US attempts to break China's hammerlock on rare metals

National security matter:

October 22, 2020

Don Brunell

To the average American, China's control of the world production, processing technology, and stockpile of critical metals is not their concern. However, to our military and high-tech leaders, it is a very big deal.

The Journal's View: Though overturned, I-976 should be a cautionary tale

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October 22, 2020

Staff Report

The Washington state Supreme Court made the right call last week when it overturned Initiative 976, also known as the Bring Back Our $30 Car Tabs measure.

Liberty Lake coffee shop to rebrand as Bocopop

Restaurants & Retail

October 22, 2020

Staff Report

The Well Coffeehouse is being rebranded as Bocopop, says new owner Steven Kelly. Kelly bought the popular Liberty Lake coffee shop and eatery, located in nearly 1,000 square feet of space at 21980 E. Country Vista Drive, in July.

Potential unemployment tax hikes concern builders group

State's post contrasts association's forecasts

October 22, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Members of the Associated Builders & Contractors' Inland Pacific Chapter have expressed concerns to Gov. Jay Inslee's office about the possibility of businesses experiencing steep unemployment insurance rate hikes in coming years.

Analysis suggests stability is returning to most INW public companies

Kaspien Holdings makes its debut in Hart index

October 22, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Some stability appears to be returning to the Inland Northwest's publicly traded companies after turbulence in the first half of the calendar year, as evidenced in an analysis by Spokane-based Hart Capital Management Inc.