Latest News

A $3.5M hangar is underway at StanCraft Jet Center

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Construction of a new $3.5 million hangar is underway at the StanCraft Jet Center, a full-service fixed base operator at the Coeur d’Alene Airport.

Raising Cane's considers Spokane Valley venue

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A new Raising Cane’s restaurant development is under consideration in Spokane Valley.

Green Bluff growers rely on fall festival profits

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

For the dozens of independent growers of Green Bluff, October isn't just pumpkin season — it's the four-week stretch that determines whether farms turn a profit or end the year in the red. Following a summer marked by wildfire smoke, high well-water pumping costs, and rising inflation, farmers are counting on clear fall weekends and steady Harvest Festival crowds to carry them through until spring.

New Markets pipeline grows in Spokane

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Organizations behind a growing pipeline of projects across Spokane — including a behavioral health center, a mixed-use childcare development, and an expanding transitional pediatric health facility — are actively positioning themselves for a federal tax-credit program to help their projects move forward.

Fire repairs are ongoing at Northside Landfill

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

An emergency repair project at Spokane's Northside Landfill is underway afterthe massive property sustained damage during the August wildfires.

Lilac & Pine settles into downtown Spokane

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Lilac & Pine is settling into its first fall at the Davenport Grand Hotel after a $600,000 renovation transformed the former Table 13 restaurant into a Pacific Northwest-inspired dining concept.

Catching up with: Vestis Manufacturing Inc.

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Thirteen years ago, Vestis Manufacturing Inc. was a five-person operation producing and installing fabric awnings for homes and businesses within 100 miles of Spokane. Today, Vestis focuses on manufacturing aluminum canopies, louvered sunshades, and bolt-on balconies for commercial clients, shipping its products throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Work starts on $32M Frequency apartment complex

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Construction is currently underway on The Frequency, a $32 million senior apartment complex at 4980 S. Regal, on Spokane's South Hill.

Coca-Cola distributor sees growth after expansion

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Draper, Utah-based Swire Coca-Cola USA is continuing to grow steadily almost a year after expanding its Spokane Valley facility.

Commercial muralist builds brand identity, value

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Riveting Paint & Pearl owner Desire McGinn approaches murals less like commissioned fine art and more like a skilled trade, working directly with business owners, contractors, and design firms to turn walls and other surfaces into extensions of a client's brand.

McKinstry Co. launches 'Building What Matters'

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Contractor and energy-efficiency systems manufacturer McKinstry Co. has launched a new podcast, “Building What Matters,” featuring conversations with leaders who decide how schools, hospitals, and major infrastructure projects are built in communities across the Pacific Northwest.

Whipple Consulting Engineers expands offerings

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Driven by recurring requests from custom homebuilders and small developers, Spokane Valley-based Whipple Consulting Engineers Inc. has expanded its offerings in an effort to keep costs manageable for smaller projects.

North Spokane Nordstrom Rack eyes October opening

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A new Nordstrom Rack store is expected to open Oct. 15 in North Spokane. The discount fashion retailer will operate in a revamped 31,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Big Lots at the Northpointe Plaza, at 9612 N. Newport Highway.

Raising the Bar offers spirited history lessons

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Once a month, at Hogwash Whiskey Den in downtown Spokane, historian Renée Cebula takes a roomful of students through centuries of American and global history that trace the wars, immigration, tariffs, and changing tastes that have helped determine what ingredients end up in her students’ glasses.

Chair sees strength amid county budget pains

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane County has added $1.5 billion in new construction this past year — its second-highest total on record — driven by steady population expansion and economic development. However, that regional growth is placing intense pressure on county finances, Commissioner Mary Brooks explained during her State of the County address.

Stirring up success with Austin Harrington

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Long before Spokane Valley native Austin Harrington won a global bartending championship in London, his craft was already taking shape in Spokane — built on his mother’s culinary lessons, his family’s martial arts discipline, and his younger brother’s sci-fi drawings.

North Idaho bakery builds up skills from scratch

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The Village Bakery owners, Dana and Todd Bellefeuile, have built their Hayden establishment around a workforce model that helps people with disabilities develop skills for future employment and independent living.

Immersive Studio CDA opens in Coeur d'Alene

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A new visualization and creative experience space designed as a resource for builders, architects, homebuyers, and other creators now is open in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Former McKinley School property listed for $3M

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Six months after updated plans were submitted to redevelop the former McKinley School in Spokane's East Central neighborhood, the historic property is being put up for sale.

New gym is underway at Christian Center School

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Construction is underway on a $9 million multicourt gymnasium at Christian Center School in Hayden.

Kilgore Tec expands its distribution, workforce

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Kilgore Tec Products Inc. is expanding its distribution territory and plans to grow its Spokane Valley workforce by about 40% as the building-envelope contractor targets 100% sales growth over the next five years.

Voters' view of Spokane region holds steady

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:49:00 -0400

Spokane County voters’ overall view of the region held steady this fall, even as concerns about homelessness and public safety rose and financial anxiety eased, according to the latest results from The Pulse, a survey commissioned by Greater Spokane Incorporated.

Manufacturer invests $150M in Post Falls

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. is investing $150 million in a Post Falls manufacturing facility to meet the company's high demand for power grid protection products.

Many INW businesses report AI integration issues

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Some Inland Northwest companies are facing security concerns and public perception issues as they integrate artificial intelligence tools into their operations. A new program at Gonzaga University, however, could help businesses address some of those challenges.

The Lilac Room opens in downtown Spokane

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The Lilac Room, an upscale craft cocktail lounge tucked between Spokane Comedy Club and Gamers Arcade Bar, is now open at 319 W. Sprague, in downtown Spokane.

Powering the Inland Northwest

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane-based Novara Energy Alliance is preparing to host its inaugural Novara Energy Summit 2026, where innovators, researchers, and leaders will convene to identify the most pressing energy challenges facing the Inland Northwest.

Four public amenities planned at Riverfront Park

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Several public amenity projects collectively valued at over $4 million are planned at or near Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane.

Spokane sees spate of summer acquisitions

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Primarily driven by outside capital and nationwide corporate interest, a wave of business acquisitions and early-stage investments has swept through the Inland Northwest this summer. From Missouri and South Dakota to Georgia and Utah, out-of-town buyers and national firms are acquiring and investing in established Spokane-area companies across a variety of industries.

Catching up with: Ginger Ewing, executive director of Terrain

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Terrain, the nonprofit arts organization that began as a one-off event nearly two decades ago, is entering a new era of growth as it expands its staff, programs, and economic impact on Spokane’s creative community.

March 2027 opening slated for Vineyard Park

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A March 2027 opening is now slated for a new five-story senior living community, dubbed Vineyard Park North Spokane, at 7609 N. Division, bringing 128 new units to Spokane's North Side.