Tod Stephens

Current Position: business reporter

Tod Stephens joined The Spokesman-Review in July 2023 as a business writer. He is a graduate of the University of Wyoming with degrees in English Studies and Economics. He recently covered business, education and military beats at the Rapid City Journal in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Email: tods@spokesman.com
Phone: (509) 459-5581

All Stories

Sports > Area sports

Flooring is the ‘unsung hero’ of The Podium’s success that other cities are hoping to replicate

UPDATED: Mon., March 18, 2024

When Dan Rucker celebrated with his seventh girls basketball team after winning the state championship on Sunday, he was unaware he was standing on one of the most advanced flooring technologies in the country.

News > Local business

New apartment complex planned behind the Garland Theater as part of revitalization effort for ‘the coolest neighborhood in town’

Fri., March 8, 2024

Since changing hands in December, the Garland Theater has closed, renovated and held a sold out opening night.

News > Local business

Foothills Lincoln Mazda acquired by Post Falls dealership

UPDATED: Tue., March 5, 2024

Foothills Lincoln Mazda has been purchased by Eve Knudtsen, president and owner of Knudtsen Chevrolet in Post Falls.

News > Religion

Psychedelic Spokane church working toward legal immunity to consume ayahuasca, a sacred tea considered both a powerful mood stabilizer and a risky experiment

UPDATED: Sun., March 3, 2024

As early as this spring, the federal government could allow members of a Spokane religious congregation to lay on the grassy floor of a nondescript building to consume their sacrament – a hallucinogenic tea from South America known as ayahuasca.

News > Business

The Dirt: Kindred & Co.opens book store-bistro concept in Post Falls

Sun., March 3, 2024

A 14,000-square-foot bookstore opened Thursday in Post Falls that includes craft coffee and a bistro.

News > Local business

Tournaments flood downtown with fans and money: ‘Sports in Spokane are incredible to us through the month of March’

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 29, 2024

Players from 32 teams around Washington are competing in the State B basketball tournament, bringing with them family members and friends – but most importantly for downtown businesses, economic activity.

A&E > Dining

California transplants get taste of home at Spokane’s new Wienerschnitzel restaurant

UPDATED: Wed., Feb. 28, 2024

When Larry Chao saw the vibrant red and yellow Wienerschnitzel restaurant pop up in north Spokane, the California transplant knew a taste of home was around the corner – eventually.

News > Local business

South Hill’s Gordy’s Sichuan Cafe moving to takeout only: ‘The world has changed the way they eat out’

UPDATED: Tue., Feb. 20, 2024

Just two years ago, Gordy's Sichuan Café expanded its dining room at its South Hill location.

News > Business

Spokane Airport receiving $2 million for improvements

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 15, 2024

Spokane International Airport is one of 114 facilities across the country that will receive a portion of $970 million in federal funds to pay for projects supported by President Joe Biden's Investing in America agenda.

News > Business

The Dirt: Apartment complex planned for north Spokane

UPDATED: Sat., Feb. 17, 2024

A construction project that would add 192 units of housing has been proposed for the Shiloh Hills neighborhood in North Spokane.

News > Business

Spokane Airport receiving $2 million for improvements

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 15, 2024

More than 100 US airports will be awarded $970 million in federal grants, the latest effort to upgrade the nation’s infrastructure - a top priority of President Joe Biden.

News > Business

Soulful Soups owner announces plan to sell business

UPDATED: Sat., Feb. 17, 2024

Lauren D'Arienzo is ready to put down the ladle.

News > Business

Jubilant HollisterStier Allergy names new CEO

UPDATED: Tue., Feb. 13, 2024

Jubilant HollisterStier Allergy on Monday announced the appointment of Kyle Ferguson as its new CEO.

News > Business

Jubilant HollisterStier expansion enters next phase

Sun., Feb. 11, 2024

A few years ago, Jubilant HollisterStier was the only Washington company producing COVID-19 vaccines.

News > Agriculture

Economist predicts future of Cosmic Crisps and other Washington commodities

Thu., Feb. 8, 2024

Cosmic Crisps, the proprietary apple variety of Washington, is expected to plateau in price for the first time.

News > Local business

Downtown Pullman revitalization project gets OK, but some business owners say it’ll doom them

Wed., Feb. 7, 2024

Pullman residents have been discussing a transformative project to their downtown since 2019.

News > Business

Spokane Ag Expo to attract thousands

UPDATED: Mon., Feb. 5, 2024

The Spokane Ag Expo and Farm Forum kicks off Wednesday when it welcomes vendors and speakers to help inform and equip Inland Northwest farmers for the coming year.

News > Business

Rosauers COO Mike Shirts retiring after 50 years

UPDATED: Mon., Feb. 5, 2024

In 1974, Mike Shirts was bagging groceries at the local Rosauers Supermarket in Moscow. Numerous promotions and 50 years later, he is retiring as the chief operating officer.

News > Business

The Dirt: Dave and Buster’s proposed for Spokane Valley

Sun., Feb. 4, 2024

The city of Spokane Valley has met with representatives of restaurant Dave & Buster’s to discuss a proposed location near the intersection of East Indiana Avenue and East Mirabeau Parkway.

News > Local business

From smutty to sacred: Spokane Valley strip club is being reborn

UPDATED: Thu., Feb. 1, 2024

Stripper bar Deja Vu Showgirls has been sold and will soon operate as a religious organization that helps victims of human trafficking.

News > Business

Oregon nonprofit to build affordable homes in Spokane area

Fri., Jan. 26, 2024

First Story, a Bend, Oregon-based non-profit, announced a goal to build a minimum of one affordable home every year in the greater Spokane region.

Numerica Credit Union holds inaugural open house for new housing program

UPDATED: Wed., Jan. 24, 2024

To help address Spokane’s housing crisis, Numerica Credit Union created a new type of loan to make homeownership more attainable for low-income individuals.