Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown has proposed implementing a new state law early to streamline the process for opening child care facilities.

Taxable retail sales in Spokane County rose 3.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024, mirroring the statewide increase of 3.14%, according to data released this week by the Washington state Department of Revenue.

The unemployment rate for the Spokane-Spokane Valley Metropolitan Statistical Area dropped to 3.4% in June, down from 3.8% a year earlier and 4% in May, preliminary data from the Washington state Employment Security Department shows.

The Washington State Department of Commerce has announced a maximum allowable rent increase of 9.683% for 2026.

W.T.B. Financial Corp., the Spokane-based holding company for Washington Trust Bank, posted second-quarter net income of about $19.6 million, or $7.91 per diluted share, an increase over the year-earlier quarter’s net income of about $11.7 million, or $4.69 per share.

Northwest Specialty Hospital opened its 11th and 12th operating rooms this week, expanding surgical capacity at the Post Falls medical facility.

The Azteca Mexican Restaurant in North Spokane will close July 20, the restaurant chain announced on social media this week.