Latest News

For small businesses, it's almost time to SHOP

Health-plan options set to increase starting Jan. 1

October 23, 2014

Katy Durning

The Small Employer Health Options Program (SHOP) will open Jan. 1 across Washington state for the first time.

Spokane Valley council mulls new parking restrictions for big rigs

Mayor hopes to nail down plan at Oct. 28 meeting

October 23, 2014

Judith Spitzer

Spokane Valley city council members will consider two options next week that would prevent commercial tractor-trailers and potentially even recreational vehicles from parking in residentially zoned parts of the city, says Dean Grafos, Spokane Valley mayor

Caterpillar buys land next to its West Plains facility

Some speculate that company will expand

October 23, 2014

Mike McLean

Caterpillar Logistics Services Inc. has purchased a parcel of land next to its big distribution center on the West Plains, leading some people familiar with the transaction to conclude that the company is planning to expand there soon. Dick Edwards, a co

CHAS leases lower South Hill space for new health clinic

Center to offer primary care, possibly specialty services

October 23, 2014

Katie Ross

Community Health Association of Spokane (CHAS), the Spokane-based nonprofit provider of medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services, has leased almost 6,000 square feet of space in the South Perry District for a new clinic, says spokeswoman

Spokane Valley-based online education company grows

Founder looks to expand offerings into new sectors

October 23, 2014

Katie Ross

Mick Jackson, who started Spokane Valley-based Virtual Education Software inc. on a $1 bet, says the company has signed 14 new colleges, universities, and other educational centers this year, taking its total to 91, and is expecting six more before the en

Research probes sleep cycle, cancer treatment link

Timing drugs to patient's internal clock could increase efficiency

October 23, 2014

Katie Ross

A researcher at Washington State University Spokane is studying the way the body's biological regulatory system, called the circadian clock, influences skin cancer and the treatments used for it.

Weight loss surgery surge

More insurers now said to be covering procedures

October 23, 2014

Judith Spitzer

Last year at this time, Mari Shay, a registered nurse at the Rockwood Weight Loss Surgery Center in Spokane, weighed in at about 100 pounds heavier than she does today. Shay says she was prediabetic, her cholesterol was rising, and she suffered from hypog

Riverpoint Campus has room for two medical-school programs, Chancellor Brown says

UW separates WWAMI from WSU, plans to keep it here

October 23, 2014

Mike McLean

This state, this town, and even the Riverpoint Campus is big enough for two university medical-school programs, contends Lisa Brown, chancellor at Washington State University Spokane. Brown says there's enough physical space in WSU Spokane's Biomedic

Marijuana retailers in Spokane grapple with pricing

Customers start to roll in; banking issues remain

October 23, 2014

Katie Ross

As the recreational marijuana industry slowly rolls out throughout Washington state, retailers here are reporting modest initial sales. However, several challenges remain. As of Oct. 21, Spokane County has 55 approved marijuana producers, 39 approved

Umpqua Bank gives $420,000 to two organizations here

Grants benefit programs aimed at youth, education

October 23, 2014

Mike McLean

In an initial round of grants to Spokane-area nonprofits, the Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation has awarded a total of $420,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of the Inland Northwest and Excelerate Success, says Eve Callahan, an Umpqua spokeswoman.