Special Report

SNAP commercial loan volume on track for record year

Organization hasn't recorded any defaults in past two years,financial stability director says

November 3, 2022

Increased demand for financial assistance at SNAP Financial Access led to a record $1.1 million in loans last year. This year, another record volume is within reach, says Karen Campbell, the organization's director of financial stability.

Cash stuffing craze resurfaces

Placing money in envelopes, digital money buckets are among savings methods

November 3, 2022

Karina Elias

With inflation increasing the cost of everyday expenses, 'cash stuffingâ€ has become the latest trend on the social media platform TikTok, and other budgeting tactics also are on the rise, Spokane financial advisers say.

Mercer Global Advisors builds on Hart Capital's reputation

Former Spokane-based financial advisory firm expands service offerings under new ownership

November 3, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Since Hart Capital Advisors was acquired by Denver-based Mercer Global Advisors Inc. in the waning moments of 2020, the investment advising office has added an array of services.

Tooth Fairy Co. works to boost oral health awareness

Spokane entrepreneur's new book provides tips for kids, parents on dangers of decay

October 20, 2022

Erica Bullock

Spokane entrepreneur Edie Higby says her enthusiasm for children's oral health has helped her expand her business with a new children's book, '10 Tips from the Tooth Fairy.â€

Opioid epidemic calls for community response

Officials advise removing stigma often associated with narcotic addiction

October 20, 2022

Karina Elias

While funds from Washington state's $518 million settlement against three major pharmaceutical companies are yet to begin flowing into communities here, people familiar with the impact of the opioid epidemic in the Spokane area say addressing the pr

Travel nurses sent packing from Spokane-area hospitals

INW hospitals cut temps amid budget stress

October 20, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Hospitals here hope to cut costs by decreasing their reliance on travel nurses after labor expenses increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they'll likely have to pay staff nurses somewhat more to do so.

Funeral home to be constructed along North Division

Construction of facility set to begin next year

October 6, 2022

Erica Bullock

Rick McLean, executive director of Holy Cross Funeral & Cemetery Services, says the nonprofit plans to construct a 9,300-square-foot funeral home on Spokane's North Side next year, pending permit approval from the city.

Innovia moves to larger office space downtown

Nonprofit foundation wanted more space to accommodate LaunchNW initiative

October 6, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Spokane-based nonprofit organization Innovia Foundation is moving into a new office space downtown. Innovia was scheduled this week to complete its move to a 9,800-square-foot office space on the sixth floor of the Lincoln Plaza building, at 818 W. River

Real estate group to anchor mixed-use project in Liberty Lake

$1.3 million building in River District to house Avalon 24, rental units

October 6, 2022

Virginia Thomas

A real estate brokerage group plans to build a new $1.3 million mixed-use building in the River District of Liberty Lake. Joel Elgee, designated broker at real estate group Avalon 24 Real Estate LLC, says he and longtime friends and real estate agents

AGC launches construction workforce program

Campaign intended to link workers with employers

October 6, 2022

Erica Bullock

The Associated General Contractors of America Inland Northwest chapter has launched a new campaign focused on construction workforce development and community outreach in a bid to help fill local job openings, says Shannen Talbot, marketing and