As our national deficit approaches $22 trillion-$180,000 per taxpayer-and state and local governments deal with skyrocketing costs for health care, pensions, education, and public safety, we will have to do things differently.

As state lawmakers address housing affordability this legislative session, they should heed calls to revise laws and regulations that create barriers to homeownership.e

Lucky You Lounge, a new eclectic music venue and night club, is set to have a soft opening in April and already has a music lineup for May.

Saffron Salon Inc., originally known as First Avenue Studio Salon, has moved and reopened in larger quarters at 8423 E. Sprague, in Spokane Valley. Saffron Salon owner Tiana Walter says that when her lease was up in the First Avenue location

Blue Zoo, an interactive aquarium and zoo hybrid that will feature about 100 to 150 different species of animals, will open in July or August on the second floor of the NorthTown Mall, says Blue Zoo co-owner Jon Hepworth.

Chris Jones, a new franchisee of Michigan-based moving company Two Men & A Truck, has opened his first office in Spokane Valley. Jones, 29, is basing the franchise in 5,000 square feet of leased office and warehouse space in the Vista Industrial Park

Independent financial advisory firm Hart Capital Management Inc. has moved to recently upgraded office space with onsite parking on the third floor of the RLH Building, on the periphery of downtown Spokane, at 201 W. North River Drive.

Liberty Lake-based Family Resource Home Care has acquired Arlington, Wash.-based Cascade In-Home Care. Originally known as Family Home Care LLC, the company changed its name after merging with Seattle-based Family Resource Home Care last November.

Coeur d'Alene-based business incubator Innovation Collective LLC plans to expand its programs into nine new communities and launch its new software, Reflect Space.