Government

Avista exceeds energy-savings target

Utility achieved savings of 99K megawatt hours

August 27, 2020

A Washington state Department of Commerce report released last month shows 17 utilities statewide exceeded their projected 2018 and 2019 energy efficiency targets. Spokane-based Avista Corp. reported reaching 111% of its conservation goal.

Spokane Conservation District moves forward with new building

New conservation campus to be a multiphase project

August 27, 2020

Natasha Nellis

The Spokane Conservation District has broken ground on its planned new facility in Spokane Valley, says Vicki Carter, director of the district. The project will be a multiphase development, Carter says.

1,400-plus organizations seek share of $10 million in CARES Act funds

GSI, Innovia expect to make decisions on CARES funding recipients soon

August 27, 2020

Natasha Nellis

More than 1,400 small businesses and nonprofits have sought a sliver of $10 million in federal funds made available in Spokane County. Those organizations, which have applied for nonprofit grants through the county's OpenTogether Small Business

A. The Journal's View: Collaboration encouraging in affordable housing issue

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July 30, 2020

Staff Report

It's encouraging that landlord and tenant representatives here are working together during the coronavirus crisis by seeking rental assistance to keep tenants in their homes during this time of widespread loss of employment and income.

Allen foundation study to aid virus response

$3.4M UW research to determine state's infection prevalence

July 30, 2020

Staff Report

The Washington state Department of Health and the University of Washington Medicine, backed by the Seattle-based philanthropic organization Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, have launched a major study to determine the percentage of Washingtonians who have

Journal selects Rising Stars

2020 class to be honored at Sept. 10 virtual event

July 30, 2020

Linn Parish

The Journal of Business has selected 10 Spokane-area young professionals as its 2020 class of Rising Stars. Those future leaders will be honored at a virtual event on Sept. 10. This year's honorees include five women and five men, all of whom are

Refugee Connection Spokane pivots services

Nonprofit receives $800K in grants to be disbursed during next five years

July 30, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Refugee Connections Spokane's flexible setup left it well-positioned to pivot its services when the COVID-19 outbreak spread here, says Marijke Fakasiieiki, the nonprofit's executive director. Over the past year, the organization, which was created

Socially distanced, socially conscious

Some nonprofits switch to longer fundraising cycles, spend less on overhead

July 30, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Instead of canceling fundraising events, many Inland Northwest nonprofits have moved them into the digital realm. Donor participation in charity events is lower, but some nonprofits say they're receiving nearly as many donations as in prior years from

Driving retirement

While bus driving is popular among retirees, uncertainty over students' return may push seniors into other part-time jobs

July 30, 2020

Virginia Thomas

The most popular part-time job for retirees in Washington state is that of school bus driver, according to a report released last month by national life insurance agency Choice Mutual. But whether that job will remain in the top spot for retirees is hard

Working the unemployment system

Many people are making more on unemployment than in jobs, some say

July 30, 2020

Virginia Thomas

While the number of people unemployed in Washington state is falling slowly, a combination of fear of contracting COVID-19 and an additional $600 in weekly federal pandemic unemployment benefits have led some people to refuse to return to work, some