Latest News

Inland Power to delay rate increase until next spring

Spokane-based co-op's wholesale power cost to rise about 7.5 percent

July 30, 2009

Inland Power & Light Co., the Spokane-based electric cooperative, will be hit with a roughly 7.5 percent increase in its wholesale power costs on Oct. 1, but has decided not to boost its members' rates until next spring, says CEO Kris just don't We

Former Pacific Security head launches business brokerage

Guthrie affiliates with venture founded by Fred Zirkle

July 30, 2009

Jeanne Gustafson

David Guthrie, former president of Spokane-based Pacific Security Cos., is launching a new business brokerage here named Guthrie & Associates Inc.The company is affiliated with IndustryPro, of Midvale, Utah. IndustryPro is an international and

Sharing music and lifestyles

July 30, 2009

Mike McLean

The Long Ear Compact Discs & Tapes, an independent music store in Coeur d'Alene, has seen music formats go by the wayside, supposedly replaced by something better. Now, with the growth of music downloads, the store is relying on its deep CD and of

'Affordable' health clinic opens in Valley

Freedom Health Group charges about $700 annually for membership

July 30, 2009

David Cole

A new health-care clinic has opened in Spokane Valley that will target uninsured and underinsured consumers who are willing to pay an annual membership fee in return for getting discounted services for primary and urgent care. The clinic, a new

Bankruptcies shoot up in weak economy

Eastern Washington cases up 44 percent through June; filings in Cd'A court jump 93 percent

July 30, 2009

Jeanne Gustafson

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

Six-month foreclosure filings jump

Further rises said likely to push default level here near or over 2002 peak

July 30, 2009

Mike McLean

The Spokane County Auditor recorded 378 foreclosure filings here in the first half of this year, up 49 percent from 254 filings in the year-earlier period.If that rate were to continue, total foreclosures here for the year would reach 834, which

News media employment here shrinks

Industry loses 500 jobs over last several years as ad revenues slump

July 30, 2009

Kim Crompton

Due heavily to falling advertising revenues, the Spokane-area news media industry and related industry subsectors have shed 500 jobs since peaking in 2006, with the most precipitous decline occurring over the last 12 months, figures show. Some of

County spat with Valley simmers on

Commissioner says Valley has 'wrong mindset;' mayor says Valley 'carried' county

July 30, 2009

David Cole

Elected leaders of Spokane County and the city of Spokane Valley have been feuding over everything from snow removal to law enforcement to sewage treatment, but now say there are signs their relationship is improving.The spat hit a fevered pitch

If you build it, they will play

Recent projects said not enough to quench region's thirst

July 30, 2009

Jeanne Gustafson

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,

FDIC costs hammer banks here

Premium hikes, special assessment propel bills higher

July 30, 2009

Richard Ripley

Soaring Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. premiums have delivered a body slam to Spokane-area banks, which already were grappling with the costs of dealing with problem loans.The FDIC hiked its deposit-insurance premium rates in 2008 and again as