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Federal budget quietly cuts Social Security provision

File-and-suspend strategy to be eliminated in phases

December 3, 2015

The new federal budget contains a cut to Social Security benefits that could limit options for baby boomers close to retirement-and everybody who follows them. Hidden in the budget bill is a change to Social Security that eliminates file-and-suspend ru

Star Financial's widening range

Firm's revenue grew 200 percent from last year, owner says

December 3, 2015

LeAnn Bjerken

Melissa Williams, owner of Star Financial & Insurance Services Inc., says getting people to talk about money is a difficult and often emotional process. 'Finances are very personal and stir up all kinds of emotions,â€ says Williams. 'That's why

Studying global approaches to entrepreneurship

Rate of startups vary by country, research shows

November 19, 2015

John Cullen

At Washington State University's Carson College of Business, we examine why nations differ in producing an entrepreneurial mindset.

Agency launches website for unemployed claimants

Service increases benefit recipients' access to info

November 19, 2015

Staff Report

The Washington Employment Security Department says job seekers receiving unemployment benefits in the state now can access certain information about their claims on their computers or mobile devices.

Homeschooling interest said gaining strength here

More families tapping local resources, advocates say

November 19, 2015

Stacey Denny

Homeschooling is becoming somewhat more common in the Spokane area, advocates here say. Data aren't available for homeschooling in North Idaho, but homeschooling supporters there are a passionate, close-knit and growing group as well, proponents say.

Forum W program mentors women along career paths

Moss Adams' initiative aiding gender diversity

November 19, 2015

Cheri Burnham

When I first started in the accounting industry 20 years ago, I didn't necessarily think about any potential differences that might exist in opportunities for men and women in the profession. Moss Adams recruited 50 percent women out of college then, an

Veterans who seek civilian work should look to STEM

Transition can be difficult, but IT appeals to many

November 19, 2015

K.D Joshi

The state of Washington is home to more than 600,000 veterans, with almost 50,000 of them living in the Spokane area alone, and more are returning from active duty every day. A significant challenge facing these veterans is securing and retaining employme

Small tribal colleges sees enrollment, funding grow

School's curriculum strives to offer Native perspective

November 19, 2015

LeAnn Bjerken

As one of only 37 tribal colleges in the U.S., Spokane Tribal College-which offers classes here and on the Spokane Indian Reservation, at Wellpinit, Wash.-says it's continuing to grow, with increases in enrollment and its annual operating budget.

Communities in Schools looks for more mentors

Organization says requests for volunteers are increasing

November 19, 2015

The executive director of Communities in Schools Spokane County says the nonprofit is looking to train more mentors for at-risk students to keep them on track to attain their high school diplomas.

Copeland sees increase in commercial design

Firm strives to continue founder's 30-year legacy

November 5, 2015

LeAnn Bjerken

Copeland Architecture & Construction Inc. owners Bob Britton, Jeff Fountain, and Austin Dickey say the company, long known for its design of Spokane-area homes, is gradually becoming known for commercial design as well.