<p><p>U.S. stocks extended last week’s declines on Monday as aggressive central banks across the globe stoked fears of a recession.</p></p><p><p>The S&P 500 opened lower on concerns that Federal Reserve rate hikes to combat persistently elevated inflation will hurt the economy. Treasuries extended their worst bond slide in decades as a dollar gauge rose to yet…… Continue Reading
Food inflation sends the American Diner Index soaring 13%
<p><p>The cost of preparing a classic lunch at an American diner has shot up by almost 13% in a year.</p></p><p><p>To track inflation’s effect on a beloved menu choice, Bloomberg created an American Diner Index that includes ingredients for the toothpicked club sandwich, as well as the accompanying potato chips, ice cream and soda. Although restaurant…… Continue Reading
Jupiter closest to Earth in 59 years tonight
<p><p>Jupiter is closer to the Earth than it has been since 1963, meaning the solar system’s largest planet will be exceptionally bright in the sky tonight.</p></p><p><p>Every 13 months, the planet reaches “opposition,” when its orbit lines up so it is on the opposite side of Earth from the sun. When this happens, Jupiter rises in…… Continue Reading
Spokane Public Schools says transportation is better so far, but not perfected
<p><p>Three weeks into the school year, Spokane Public Schools is still dealing with some of the same transportation headaches as last year.</p></p><p><p>However, the district says the situation is far better than last spring, when routes were often delayed by an hour or more while others were suspended due to a severe shortage of drivers.</p></p><p><p>District spokesperson…… Continue Reading
Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich fires back after criticism to clear Camp Hope
<p><p>Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich intends to handle the East Central homeless camp known as Camp Hope the same way that Spokane Valley handles homeless camps. A “hand up” not a “hand out,” he said.</p></p><p><p>“Are you giving them services or are you just sustaining the camp?” the sheriff asked on Sunday. “Providing services means you are actually…… Continue Reading
After a stressful few years, school districts prepare to support students with fragile mental health
<p><p>Buffeted by the pandemic and social media, the mental health of children and teens appears increasingly fragile, according to one national survey.</p></p><p><p>However, local school districts are attempting to meet the challenge.</p></p><p><p>Spokane Public Schools and other districts have prioritized funding for counselors and other staff, while the Mead School District has launched a series of community…… Continue Reading
100 years ago today in Spokane, there was more drama in the sensational Dodd case
<p><p>Another surprise twist rocked the true crime drama known as the Maurice Codd case.</p></p><p><p>Someone had apparently been wiretapping the phone lines of Codd’s attorney and three Codd family members. James Codd became suspicious that something fishy was going on after he noticed some odd activity in a neighboring vacant home. When he investigated, “a girl…… Continue Reading
Shawn Vestal: The sleazy distortions of political porn are poisoning minds
<p><p>All pornographers have similar aims, whether they’re selling you sex or bad politics.</p></p><p><p>Titillate. Capture attention. Sink a hook into your prefrontal cortex, give you a blast of dopamine, turn off the executive functions of the brain.</p></p><p><p>We are awash in both kinds of porn. Neither is good for us, but at least there’s something honest in…… Continue Reading
Spokane County's housing market begins to normalize as interest rates rise
<p><p>Homebuyers in Spokane County may have an easier time finding a property in a real estate market is beginning to swing in their favor.</p></p><p><p>The Lilac City’s housing market is beginning to normalize following a homebuying frenzy during the pandemic that saw ever-increasing demand, bidding wars and skyrocketing prices.</p></p><p><p>Many area homes are undergoing price reductions. Some…… Continue Reading
The Dirt: Developer advances plans to convert former Shopko to retail center in north Spokane
<p><p>Santa Ana, California-based Rich Development Co. is advancing plans to convert a former Shopko into a retail center in north Spokane.</p></p><p><p>Building permits are under review by the city to redevelop the 94,000-square-foot building into the Esplanade at Northpointe at 9520 N. Newport Highway.</p></p><p><p>The building will be divided into three retail spaces, two of which will…… Continue Reading