Government

Allen foundation study to aid virus response

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

July 30, 2020

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

Hearing examiner OKs Gun Club request

Decision appeals will be accepted until July 28

July 16, 2020

Natasha Nellis

The Spokane County Hearing Examiner has approved the Spokane Gun Club's application for a conditional-use permit to build a gun range on the West Plains. The hearing examiner handed down his decision on July 1. Spokane Gun Club officer Dave McCann

At least 44K jobs said to be preserved in Spokane area through PPP

Nearly 6,500 employers land loans totaling 100s of millions of dollars

July 16, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Nearly 6,500 Spokane-area employers received hundreds of millions of dollars tied to preserving at least 44,000 jobs through federal Paycheck Protection Program loans. The U.S. Small Business Administration declines to disclose the total loan volume

Ecology awards $23 million in grants

Conservation district gets $1.8M in funds for Hangman Creek

July 2, 2020

Natasha Nellis

The Washington state Department of Ecology has awarded nearly $1.8 million in grants and loans to the Spokane Conservation District for two Hangman Creek clean water projects. In total, 19 clean water projects in counties throughout Eastern Washington

Mixed export markets worry Washington's ag producers

International sales of apples could fall; wheat market likely to hold serve

July 2, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Uncertainties in overseas markets due to COVID-19 will almost certainly put a dent in the sales of most Washington commodities abroad. An observer of the state's grain market thinks wheat exports will remain unchanged this year, while the head of the a