Week in review

Sun., May 25, 2008

The Spokesman-Review

TUESDAY

Gas prices are high, food’s more expensive and the job market’s cold, but the U.S. may still avoid a recession. The New York-based Conference Board said its forecast of future economic activity rose 0.1 percent in April, matching a 0.1 percent increase in March. Economists had expected a 0.1 decrease in April.

“President Bush, acknowledging the economic “tough times” for many Americans, said that he remains opposed to any homeowner rescue legislation that would be a bailout for lenders.

“In a soft economy, the tourism industry is starting to feel the pinch. Big cities such as New York and Washington may attract more foreign visitors thanks to the weak dollar, but ticket sales can be erratic, and Americans are thinking about fewer, shorter, less-expensive trips.

WEDNESDAY

Expect Washington’s other WorkSource centers to borrow from Spokane’s award-winning model, Gov. Chris Gregoire said .Gregoire said the center, which earlier this month was named the best among 1,800 in the United States, has established best practices she wants other state work force training and placement centers to adopt.

“The number of international air travelers flying in business or first-class fell in March by the largest amount in five years, the latest bad news for an industry buckling under record fuel prices and slowing global economies.

THURSDAY

A recent letter from the Federal Aviation Administration has renewed concerns residential development on the West Plains could jeopardize the futures of Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane International Airport.

Inappropriate land use could expose Fairchild to closure during future U.S. Air Force base reviews, officials said.

“To drive more growth to central areas of Spokane, the city needs revised regulations, positive examples of infill and public education about density, developers and other panelists told Mayor Mary Verner. Spokane’s comprehensive plan lays out guidelines for 21 mixed-use “centers and corridors.”

FRIDAY

Tony Bonanzino, the head of Hollister-Stier Laboratories for 18 years, has resigned effective May 30.

Bonanzino, 56, said he began thinking about stepping down early this year, when the contract pharmaceutical maker closed out a record calendar year.

“Americans are about to fire up their barbecues for the start of the summer cookout season, and one thing has become painfully apparent: It’s going to cost a lot more than it did last year.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.