Week in review
Tuesday
The Washington State Office of the Attorney General is partnering with other agencies to do a comprehensive study of Washington’s gasoline prices. Spokane is among an initial group of markets that will be studied, including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham, Bremerton, Olympia, Vancouver, Tri-Cities and Yakima.
Wednesday
Through a shrewd combination of investing in environment-friendly vehicles, offering sharp new models and wooing drivers with brand power, Toyota has toppled GM from the top global sales spot for the first time ever, sales figures released on Tuesday show.
“Local retailers say they’re not to blame for the rising gas prices that are once again hitting the $3 a gallon mark in Spokane. Although it might seem unlikely that gas station operators would feel pain instead of gain as prices at the pump climb, operators say that when wholesale prices rise it creates a domino effect that can actually hurt business.
Thursday
Wild Waters is adding a $1.5 million lazy river this summer as part of an effort to appeal to the parents who bring their kids to the Coeur d’Alene water park. The 1,200-foot Sunnyside Lazy River ride is tentatively scheduled to open on June 22, which would coincide with families visiting the area for the Ironman competition.
“The Dow Jones Industrial Average swept past its latest milestone, passing the 13,000 mark. The Dow, which has risen in 18 of the past 20 sessions and gained more than 780 points in that time, closed at 13,089.89, up 135.95, or 1.05 percent. It was the Dow’s 35th record close since the start of October.
Friday
Avista Utilities is seeking higher electricity rates that would cost the average homeowner an extra $120 a year. If approved, the 15.85 percent boost in power rates would be the first since January 2006, according to the company request filed with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. The company also wants a 2.27 percent rate increase for natural gas. That would average $1.93 more per month for ratepayers.
“In a class-action case that could eventually affect many recent car buyers throughout the state, Washington’s highest court on Thursday ruled that it was illegal for a Spokane auto dealership, Appleway Chevrolet, to try to pass its business taxes on to shoppers.