Latest News

Heritage Bank moves, receives branch approval

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Olympia, Washington-based Heritage Bank has moved to a new permanent location following recent approval to operate as a full-service branch, says James Krejci, senior vice president and commercial team leader.

STCU partners with Associated Industries

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane-based Associated Industries’ nearly 1,000 members can now access business services and products through a new partnership with Liberty Lake-based STCU.

Lee & Hayes wins liability ruling against former client

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane-based intellectual property law firm Lee & Hayes PC has won a major court ruling in its effort to recover unpaid legal fees from its former client, 3D printing company Continuous Composites Inc.

River City Apartments purchased for $6M

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A recently constructed 30-unit apartment complex near the Spokane River changed hands last month, indicating growing investor demand for finished multifamily projects, says Bryan Walker, land development and investment specialist at Spokane-based NAI Black.

The Silver Surge

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

North Idaho’s silver mining corporations expect to benefit from faster permitting and increased demand since the U.S. Geological Survey added the precious metal to its 2025 List of Critical Minerals late last year.

Cd'A Tribe purchases 43K acres of timberland

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has purchased nearly 43,000 acres of timberland from Oregon-based Stimson Timber Company over the past two years, restoring land lost within the Coeur d’Alene Reservation during the late 1800s.

Newspaper's legacy revives through nonprofit model

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The planned transition of The Spokesman-Review from more than a century of Cowles family ownership to nonprofit stewardship has moved into a new phase after Comma Community Journalism Lab announced it has reached its fundraising goal of $2 million that allows for the transfer to move forward.

Philanthropic planning strategies for 2026

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

It's not lost on individuals, estate planning attorneys, financial advisers, and CPAs that several changes to tax laws could impact charitable giving this year.

People's Waffle expands into Coeur d'Alene

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane-based restaurant People's Waffle is expanding into North Idaho with a new location opening May 22 at 400 N. Fourth, in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

$4M Kendall Yards apartment project commences

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Overlooking the Spokane River from a hillside along the southern edge of Spokane's Kendall Yards neighborhood, construction is underway on a new $4 million, two-building apartment complex.

Zone home: City considers zoning changes for housing needs

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

City of Spokane planning department officials are considering residential zoning changes to increase housing density as part of PlanSpokane 2046, the city's comprehensive growth strategy.

Spokane nonprofits see giving habits shift

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

While baby boomers currently favor supporting traditional Spokane area institutions such as hospitals and universities, a younger generation of givers is prioritizing social justice and environmental causes, often choosing to donate their time over money, some Spokane-area nonprofit leaders say.

Wandering Bear readies smoked food for May launch

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Wandering Bear Kitchen is prepping to open at 429 E. Second in Spokane, with a focus on wood-smoked meals, take-and-bake dishes, and community connection. Belinda and Shaunn Wenig expect to open the 800-square-foot facility in late May, offering a gathering spot where people can meet and eat.

Rising from the ashes: Home insurance rates show signs of steadying

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Wildfire risk is reshaping the homeowners insurance market in Washington state, particularly for residents living in areas that are more vulnerable to wildfire activity, including many residences in Spokane County. While premiums have increased sharply in recent years, new data from the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner shows rate increases are now beginning to cool down.

I-90 Aerospace Conference readies for takeoff

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Nuclear power, quantum technology, and data centers are among the topics planned for discussion at the I-90 Aerospace+ Corridor Conference & Expo this month.

Novara Energy Alliance launches

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Novara Energy Alliance, a newly formed organization, is focused on challenges at the intersection of energy and water systems.

Valley biotech launches probiotic odor spray

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Integrated Lipid Biofuels LLC, a biotech and sustainability company based in Spokane Valley, has developed and launched its first consumer product and is preparing a Kickstarter campaign to support its initial market rollout.

$25M renovation at SCC scheduled for July start

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane Community College is preparing to start construction on a $25 million partial renovation of the campus’s oldest building, known as Old Main, that will relocate the building's primary entrance from the North Spokane Corridor-facing west side to face the east and consolidate the school’s student services under one roof.

Chinook boosts beef with dry-aging program

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A new dry-aged beef program at the Chinook Steak, Seafood & Pasta restaurant in the Couer d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel is driving both flavor innovation and increased sales, according to executive chef Alex Santos-Cucalon.

$10M townhome project planned in Garland area

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Developers of the North Hill Millennium apartments in Spokane's Garland District are planning to construct 18 four-story townhomes as part of the next step in the property's development, says developer James Gallina.

Logan Tavern owners acquire iconic Spokane property

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The former Bulldog Tavern property in Spokane's Logan neighborhood has changed hands. Erik Morris and J.D. Winn, co-owners of Logan Tavern — which occupies the site — acquired the property in April for $1.6 million through their company Morrwinn LLC, from Willard Quinn III.

ALSC helps shape city through community lens

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

ALSC Architects PS, of Spokane, has helped shape skylines across the Inland Northwest by pairing its deep-rooted history with forward-looking design for over seven decades, says ALSC President and CEO Indy Dehal.

2026 Icons: Bill Simer

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Retired certified public accountant and Spokane community leader Bill Simer says his life would have looked much different had he not happened to meet a young woman and her brother in Spokane more than 50 years ago.

Spokane's 27 by 2027 takes root in West Central

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

After more than a decade in the works, long-planned infrastructure projects in Spokane’s West Central neighborhood are beginning to take shape, with the first wave of street, sidewalk, and bike network upgrades now complete.

Spokane's cinematic ascent: TV, film industry captures sustainable growth

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane has served as a filming location for movies and television shows dating back decades, for notable productions such as "Vision Quest" in 1985, "Benny & Joon" in 1993, and "Z Nation," which aired for five seasons from 2014 to 2018. Industry leaders here say the region continues to build on that legacy, with a steady pipeline of productions, studio infrastructure, and a focus on sustaining the area's workforce.

ZBA stays busy due to housing, shelter needs

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

ZBA Architecture PS's niche of designing affordable housing is helping the Spokane-based sustainable design and architectural firm secure a consistent pipeline of work regardless of market conditions.

Charlie's Produce scales back warehouse plans

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Seattle-based Triple "B" Corp., which does business as Charlie's Produce, is moving forward with plans to expand its Inland Northwest footprint with a new 66,000-square-foot warehouse at 6505 W. 40th in west Spokane.

2026 Icons: Barry Baker

mikem@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Barry Baker, longtime head of prominent Spokane-based general contracting company Baker Construction & Development Inc., says he doesn’t need to go into the office every day, but now he’s having too much fun there to stay away for long.

2026 Icons: Phyllis Campbell

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Phyllis Campbell, 2026 Spokane Journal of Business Icon, led an accumulative 50-year career in banking, philanthropy, and board service across the Inland Northwest and western Washington.

Good Medicine Apothecary blends coffee, culture

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A new gathering place in downtown Spokane aims to offer more than just an average cup of coffee. Instead, Good Medicine Apothecary & Culture Lounge is meant for cultural exchange, conversation, and a curated listening experience.