Special Report

Farmers expect relief in 2025 from past years' headwinds

Growers anticipate lower interest rates in new year

December 19, 2024

Karina Elias

Looking to 2025, growers in Washington hope to find some relief from high labor costs and interest rates.

Data abound on both sides of bull, bear argument

Financial planner advises outlook should be viewed with guarded optimism

December 19, 2024

John Graham

Financial adviser John Graham describes both “bull” and “bear” perspectives for potential market directions in 2025.

Manufacturing continues steady growth, budding fields emerge

Green energy, hydrogen, satellite sectors arise

December 19, 2024

Karina Elias

Manufacturers in Spokane are taking up work in the satellite industry, while companies in other emerging fields also are looking here to build out their supply chains.

Mining industry observers are optimistic about coming year

Silver Valley production is expected to increase

December 19, 2024

Mike McLean

The mining industry in the Inland Northwest and beyond has an optimistic outlook for the coming year.

Some retailers are hopeful for revenue growth

Customer experiences expected to help boost in-store sales

December 19, 2024

Erica Bullock

Retail sales in Spokane had a sluggish start through the first half of the year ahead of what's expected to be flat or slightly higher sales through the last two quarters of 2024.

Affordability issues to dampen real estate activity

Despite high costs, North Idaho commercial market shows promise

December 19, 2024

Erica Bullock

Real estate affordability has been a top concern in Spokane and Kootenai counties this year for both the commercial and residential markets, and high costs are expected to persist in the new year.

Construction activity to stabilize at slower rate in 2025

North Spokane Corridor is under bidding pause

December 19, 2024

Erica Bullock

A burst of construction activity in the beginning of the year has given way to a development slowdown that's projected to stabilize at a slower rate in 2025.

Heart Institute upgrades to help meet demand

Planned $42 million renovation project slated to begin next year

December 5, 2024

Dylan Harris

The need for cardiovascular care is growing, and the planned renovation of Providence Heart Institute is expected to help meet that demand.

Health care news briefs

December 5, 2024

Journal of Business Staff

Whitworth works to address mental health needs of youth

$3.4M grant to support rural, refugee students

December 5, 2024

Karina Elias

Whitworth University has received a $3.4 million grant to establish a new program to address critical mental health needs of students in rural communities and refugee and immigrant students in Spokane County schools.