Latest News

Visit Spokane to lobby for flexibility in hotel fee

Group, sports commission to go to state Legislature with assessment fee reform

November 7, 2019

Regional tourism marketing nonprofit Visit Spokane, in partnership with the Spokane Regional Sports Commission, is seeking the ability to raise the Tourism Promotion Area assessment fee on hotel stays, says Visit Spokane CEO and president Meg Winchester.

Financing restrictions eased for condo buyers

Such development in state remains stagnant despite recent nationwide reforms

November 7, 2019

Natasha Nellis

Recent changes to the Federal Housing Administration's condominium financing guidelines will make buying a condominium cheaper and such homeownership more accessible, says Darin Watkins, governmental affairs director for the Spokane Association

Toolbox manufacturing incubator finds new home in Logan neighborhood

Organization takes old National Furniture building

November 7, 2019

Kevin Blocker

The Toolbox manufacturing incubator, displaced from its original University District space due to pending construction of a new medical school, has found a new home in the nearby Logan Neighborhood.

Employment in Spokane cannabis market grows

Job totals statewide approach 10,000, but local data proves to be elusive, observers say

November 7, 2019

Kevin Blocker

Apex Cannabis co-founder Stacey Peterson spent the majority of the past weekend editing, then ultimately presenting, the marijuana and cannabis company's 75-page training manual to key personnel in the business.

Marijuana market mellows in Spokane

Once characterized by steep sales jumps and supply-demand swings, cannabis sector stabilizes

November 7, 2019

Virginia Thomas

Marijuana sales countywide and statewide continue to climb, albeit at a more gradual rate this year than in previous years, retailers and analysts say.

Guest Commentary: Invasive tool wouldn't be good replacement for gas tax

A toll on privacy ...

October 24, 2019

Mariya Frost

Last year, members of the Washington State Transportation Commission ran a pay-per-mile pilot program. The program tested several options, including a GPS-enabled transponder attached to your car and a mileage reporting app for your phone.

The Journal's View: Prop 1 should be approved to open city's labor dealings

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October 24, 2019

Staff Report

It's time that governments shed daylight on negotiations for public employee wages, salaries and benefits, and voter approval of Proposition 1 will do that for the city of Spokane, at least.

Mail Box Center changes hands

Restaurants & Retail

October 24, 2019

Kevin Blocker

After more than 30 years, the Mail Box Center, in Spokane Valley, has changed hands. But the genetic fingerprints aren't too dissimilar from the previous owner. Kaleena Greer recently purchased the business, located at 9116 E. Sprague

Snap Fitness to relocate to Ponderosa Village

Restaurants & Retail

October 24, 2019

Kevin Blocker

Owners of a Snap Fitness 24-hour fitness club in Spokane Valley are moving the gym roughly three miles southwest of its current location to a newly constructed site in the Ponderosa Village retail development at 11205 E. Dishman-Mica Road.

Maryhill Winery enters food space

Restaurants & Retail

October 24, 2019

Kevin Blocker

Maryhill Winery is moving beyond making wine and into food service. Now known as Maryhill Winery Tasting Room & Bistro, the award-winning business now serves regionally based foods at its Washington locations in Spokane, Goldendale, and Vancouver.