Cases filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court here jumped 44 percent during the first half of this year, compared with the same period last year, and observers say this year's total could hit 8,000 cases, pushing the level closer to the peaks seen in 2004 a

Despite a spate of big recreation-related projects here, those who work in that industry say still more public investment in ball fields, swimming pools, gyms, and other sports facilities is needed to meet tremendous growth in demand.In Spokane,

From cars and trucks to mortgages—and now gourmet foods—one never knows what the Dave Smith family will sell online next. The newest venture is a company inspired by Dave Smith Motors CEO Ken Smith's wife, Debbie, who also is the front an

Few people can say their class prophecy in high school was that they'd spend their lives making bridges. Even fewer can say such a prophecy came true. Jerry Nicholls, of Spokane Valley, has that distinction. Since his high school days in he has

Patty Stiffler has combined her knack for doing hair with an affinity for working with the elderly. Even as a child in Norco, Calif., she liked helping her elderly neighbors, with a pony express service she and other children in the rural community