Residents from 42 states have committed to spending more than $1 million at struggling small businesses in their respective communities through an initiative co-founded by a young professional in Spokane.

Spokane-based custom awnings, sunshades, and canopy maker Vestis Systems Inc. has shifted its manufacturing operations to make and install clear vinyl barriers for businesses.

Fueled by nationwide consumer demand in toilet paper, Spokane-based Clearwater Paper Corp. was the lone publicly traded company in the region to experience an increase in market capitalization in the first quarter of 2020, according to an analysis by Hart

The city of Spokane Valley is planning to move forward with all of its planned public projects and has moved up some start dates due to the school closures, says city spokesman Jeff Kleingartner.