Special Report

Credit challenges rise; standards don’t necessarily change in tightening environment

Interest, inflation raise costs, reduce margins

November 9, 2023

Lenders in Spokane say several economic factors have made it increasingly more expensive for borrowers when trying to obtain a loan, including high inflation, high interest rates, and an erosion of COVID-era stimulus funds that allowed many to save, pay off loans, and invest.

Withdrawal rules are intricate for inherited IRAs

Some penalties waived through 2023 for vague parts of SECURE acts

November 9, 2023

Jon Heideman

Inherited-beneficiary individual retirement accounts are typically an emotional topic. Generally, they represent diligent savings from a loved one who has passed away, and you have now inherited an IRA or 401(k) from them since you were named the beneficiary on the account.

Adviser AI: Technology’s role in financial management

Machine learning expected to assist, not threaten, say INW investment managers

November 9, 2023

Dylan Harris

As artificial intelligence technology continues to evolve, it’s expected to improve efficiency for financial advisers, allowing them more time to build relationships with their clients, some advisers here say.

Providence names division chief of primary care

Dr. Trace Julsen will oversee nine clinics in Spokane County

October 26, 2023

Dylan Harris

Dr. Trace Julsen wears several different hats in the Inland Northwest's health care field. Most recently, the Eagle River, Alaska native was named division chief of primary care for Providence Medical Group.

Maddie's Place finishes remodel, mulls expansion

Nonprofit signs option to purchase acre of land

October 26, 2023

Karina Elias

With renovations on 2,000 square feet of space at Spokane-based Maddie's Place completed last month, the nonprofit neonatal transitional care facility in the South Perry District now is considering an expansion, says Shaun Cross, CEO and president of

Kinwell Medical Group to staff up in Spokane

Physician-owned practice aims to grow after taking over Vivacity clinics here

October 26, 2023

Karina Elias

Kinwell Medical Group, a physician-owned practice that took over three clinics in Spokane last fall and treats Premera Blue Cross clients exclusively, is focused on staffing up the clinics, says Dr. Sarah Crow, regional medical director for Eastern

Breast exam volume to increase due to new law

Eliminating out-of-pocket expenses said to reduce some financial barriers to early cancer detection

October 26, 2023

Erica Bullock

An increase in demand for breast imaging examinations is expected in the new year due to a new Washington state law that will eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for patients who require medically necessary exams. Breast screening and imaging is a

Owning out-of-state property calls for special plans

Care is needed to avoid going through probate in multiple jurisdictions

October 12, 2023

Beau Ruff

Commonly called 'probate,â€ the laws that dictate the handling of a person's assets after their death usually depend on the state in which they reside. However, when it comes to real property, the laws regarding its administration are determined by

Avoid common pitfalls in construction contracts

Errors in agreements said to be top cause of legal challenges

October 12, 2023

Peter J. Smith and Katie Daniel

A 2023 report on construction disputes found that the average value of legal disputes in North America increased 42% last year compared with 2021. The top cause for legal disputes? Errors within construction contracts.

$1M infill project proposed in Perry District

Townhomes, house with ADU to be built next year

October 12, 2023

Karina Elias

Brian Smith, a retired Inland Empire Paper Co. employee, says he's taking advantage of the city of Spokane's Building Opportunity and Choices for All interim ordinance to develop a nearly $1 million multifamily project on a lot he owns in the