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Amazon opens Valley facility

Amazon.com Inc. opened a 1.3 million-square-foot fulfillment center earlier this month at 18007 E. Garland, in Spokane Valley. The facility specializes in handling large items and brings 1,000 new full-time jobs to the Spokane Valley area, according to Amazon.

Health insurance hike approved

The Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner approved a 4.2% average rate increase for health insurance plans offered through the Washington health plan exchange next year. In all, 12 insurers will öfter individual health plans through the exchange.

Hecla to grow reserves

Hecla Mining Co., of Coeur d'Alene, increased its drilling and expects to grow its reserves and resources, the company reported. The company's exploration efforts span three operating mines and eight other properties.

Providence pauses procedures

Providence Health Care paused all non-emergency surgeries and procedures at Sacred Heart Medical Center and Holy Family Hospital, starting Sept. 15. The indefinite pause is "directly influenced" by the large number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 and staffing issues.

Public lands reopen

Washington state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz reopened Department of Natural Resources lands east of the Cascade Mountains on Sept. 15. Changing weather signaled an end to peak fire season.

Med schools, examiner ink deal

The Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office signed affiliation agreements with the University of Washington School of Medicine and the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Through the agreements, the medical examiner's office will provide an elective learning experience.

First Interstate to acquire SD bank

Billings, Montana-based First Interstate BancSystem, which has 15 bank branches in the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene area, reached an agreement to acquire Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based Great Western Bancorp. The $2 billion transaction would expand First Interstate into eight new states and more than double the size of its branch network. The combined company would have $32 billion of assets.

Employers add nearly 17K jobs

Employers in Washington state added 16,800 jobs in August, according to preliminary figures released by the Washington state Employment Security Department. The statewide unemployment rate fell to 5.2% in August, down from 5.4% the previous month and 8.4% in August 2020.

New downtown plan launched

A new Spokane Downtown Plan went into effect Wednesday, Sept. 8, replacing the 2008 Fast Forward Spokane plan. The new plan is intended to stimulate economic activity, guide future development and design, support an active community, create new housing choices, preserve historic character, and enhance economic, social, and cultural opportunities.