Natasha Nellis

Freight volumes by planes, trains, trucks all drop steeply

Outlook in INW remains positive for rest of 2020, though, observers say

August 13, 2020

Use of the biggest freight transportations modes in the Inland Northwest all declined sharply in usage at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but are slowly starting to climb back to normal levels, industry representatives say. Spokane boasts all three

Spokane homeowners leave money in bank for now

Observers say far more people tapped equity in Great Recession

August 13, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Despite layoffs and wage reductions, industry observers say homeowners are avoiding using the equity in their homes during this challenging financial time. The mortgage data company Black Knight Inc. says Americans had $6.2 trillion in

EWU president steps down

Provost David May takes over in interim role

August 4, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Eastern Washington University President Mary Cullinan has retired effective immediately, the university announced this morning.

Olive Garden restaurant moves forward in Valley

Company demolishes old Hong Kong Buffet eatery

July 30, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Orlando, Florida-based Italian restaurant chain Olive Garden is planning a new 7,800-square-foot restaurant near the Spokane Valley Mall, at the site of the former Hong Kong Buffet restaurant, which closed in mid-March.

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

Some employers here make 401(k) adjustments

Study shows rising risk to post-work income due to virus outbreak

July 30, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Americans already were struggling to save for retirement, and the pandemic has only made the situation worse, reports show. Local industry observers say, however, some Spokane employers largely have stayed on track with retirement plans, while others

Tesla opens first Spokane service center

High-profile carmaker also adds its fourth Seattle service location

July 30, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Palo Alto, California-based electric car and clean energy manufacturer Tesla Inc. has established a service center in East Spokane. Tesla applied for a change-of-use permit at its facility at 3304 E. Springfield, near Playfair Commerce Park, early this

Portland developer advances U District housing plans

Company could start work this fall on $20M project

July 30, 2020

Natasha Nellis

A Portland-based development company could break ground on its planned $20 million Boxcar Apartments in the University District as early as October, says managing partner Tom Cody. The company, Project PDX

Electric car maker's West Plains plant appears to be moving forward

Complex could employ up to 4,000 people in coming years, Mullen CEO says

July 16, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Work on Mullen Technologies Inc.'s planned 1.3 million-square-foot West Plains manufacturing facility could start as early as September, says Mullen CEO and founder David Michery. While that timeline might prove to be optimistic, S3R3 Solutions is revi

Western States Equipment plans Liberty Lake facility

Work expected to start soon, finish in 2022

July 16, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Boise, Idaho-based Western States Equipment Co. plans to build a 127,400-square-foot heavy equipment dealership in Liberty Lake, according to planning documents on file with the city. Site plans show the heavy equipment dealer is planning a four-building