Special Report

Third-quarter bank earnings offer mixed bag

Some blame low interest rates for reduced income

November 5, 2020

Some banks with a Spokane presence are reporting an increase in third-quarter net income due to strong mortgage production, while others posting a decline for the quarter point to lower interest income due to record-low interest rates as the reason.

Target of integrity

Cd'A-based company bought by Texas firm

November 5, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Nearly seven years ago, Sean Ruggiero, a Coeur d'Alene-based financial investment adviser, started an annuity and retirement company in large part because of the financial uncertainties he experienced in his childhood.

Payday lending loses favor among borrowers

Effects of pandemic might reverse trend, however

November 5, 2020

Virginia Thomas

The popularity of payday lending in Washington state has been decreasing steadily, according to data released in August from the Washington state Department of Financial Institutions' 2019 Payday Lending Report.

New colleagues step into deanships together at WSU

Meantime, Health Sciences grabs record grants in '20

October 22, 2020

Kevin Blocker

After spending more than the past two decades with their previous employers, Mary Koithan and Mark Leid each saw an ideal opportunity when they accepted their positions as deans at Washington State University's Health Sciences Spokane campus.

Teletherapy's popularity declines in era of isolation

Providers brace for rise in demand for services

October 22, 2020

Natasha Nellis

While telemedicine services treating the body are increasing in popularity, isolation and the desire for human connection are driving those seeking mental health care services back into physical offices.

A bad year for good sleep

Pandemic stress thought to exacerbate disorders, Spokane sleep specialist says

October 22, 2020

Virginia Thomas

It's a bad year for good sleep. Dr. Don Howard says many people are struggling with sleep issues related to being at home a great deal due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the stresses resulting from the pandemic's ripple effects.

Hagadone to expand towers project

Third building proposed, could include mix of hotel rooms, condos, apartments

October 8, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Hagadone Hospitality Co. has received the Coeur d'Alene planning commission's approval to pursue a new mixed-use development in southeastern Coeur d'Alene, just west of Fernan Lake.

Arterial alternative proposed in Airway Heights

Traffic relief could spur even more growth, say West Plains proponents

October 8, 2020

Kevin Blocker

While U.S. 2 has long served as the main arterial in and out of Airway Heights, city planners say they're working on a $20 million plan to alleviate congestion on that busy roadway.

Old Lowe's building to undergo overhaul

Delivery station project similar to those Amazon has in other markets

October 8, 2020

Natasha Nellis

The former Lowe's Home Improvement store on North Division Street could get a $15 million upgrade, according to pre-development documents on file with the city of Spokane.