Special Report

Banking AI in the Inland Northwest

New platform a starting point to automation of other services, systems

August 12, 2021

Two Inland Northwest credit unions are turning to artificial intelligence to make credit and loan decisions, a move representatives say will make the process more accurate and efficient, while opening up employees to more engagement with customers.

Staff vaccinations below goals at nursing homes

Facilities also seeing worker shortages, rise in urgent need for PPE

July 29, 2021

AARP ~

One in five nursing home facilities throughout the U.S. meets the threshold of having at least 75% of staff fully vaccinated, AARP has found. According to AARP's latest release of its Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard, which incorporates new data on

In planning, focus on controllables; ditch 'what ifs'

Financial management takes long-term strategy

July 29, 2021

Ben KlÃ¼ndt

There is always something to hold us back, someone telling us there's too much risk involved. We can't control the outcome enough. What if we fail? The game of 'what ifsâ€ can turn into a death spiral if we let it. Learning to control the

Harvard Park GM counters retirement home misperceptions

Harvard Park head's professional approach shaped by upbringing

July 29, 2021

Kevin Blocker

Harvard Park Retirement Residence LLC general manager Dave Workman has occupied his current position at the South Hill retirement home for 21 years. The 68-year-old Workman says he has a simple message for families and potential residents considering

Long-Term Insurance, Short Term Confusion

Advisers say demand for cheaper policies rises as deadline for new state mandate draws closer

July 29, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Some long-term care insurance providers here say Washington state has placed them in a confusing and financially risky position with the impending implementation of the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program, also known as the WA Cares Fund.

105 apartment units planned in two projects

Total value estimated at $7.5M, records show

July 15, 2021

Kevin Blocker

RYN Built Homes LLC, of Spokane Valley, has started construction on an apartment complex that will have 72 total units with an estimated construction value of $7.5 million, according to city of Spokane Valley documents.

Why Realtors, others pulled out of city's housing plan

Report said out of date, doesn't convey urgency of homebuyer barriers

July 15, 2021

Tom Clark

In the Housing Action Plan the Spokane City Council is expected to consider on July 26, you'll see the names of the Housing Plan Working Group, individuals and organizations included to provide guidance on existing housing challenges, provide input

Spokane Public Schools to wrap up conceptual plans for two middle schools

District plans to complete construction in fall 2023

July 15, 2021

Natasha Nellis

Spokane Public Schools is finalizing the schematic designs for the new Carla Peperzak Middle School project and the Sacajawea Middle School replacement project.

MacDonald-Miller expands into Spokane market

Seattle-based facilities company has connections with contractors here

July 15, 2021

Virginia Thomas

Mechanical contractor MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions Inc. has established an office in Spokane, its second in the Inland Northwest. Based in Seattle, MacDonald-Miller provides energy efficient building systems, mechanical repairs,

Three new Spokane-area townhome projects in the works

Dozen new units in Valley to wrap up by year-end

July 15, 2021

Natasha Nellis

Three townhome-style projects with construction values totaling $5 million are planned or underway in the Spokane area. Will Clark, owner of Union Townhomes at 1724 N. Union Road in Spokane Valley, says work on the first phase of a two-phase