Four years ago, Washington State University made a promise to the state: Let us open a medical school, and we'll educate doctors to help address a critical shortage of health care providers in Washington.

Goals of the state's Growth Management Act are in conflict with sentiments of neighbors to urban infill development in many cases, and local governments must muster the political will to see that such development can occur within existing urban growth

The Mango Tree Indian Kitchen & Tap House is slated to open by May in the 5,300-square-foot space occupied until recently by the Hills Restaurant & Lounge, at 401 W. Main, says Casey Garland, Mango Tree operations manager.

The Spice & Tea Exchange, a franchise with headquarters in Palm Harbor, Fla., has opened at 2061 N. Main, in Coeur d'Alene's Riverstone neighborhood. Occupying 1,260 square feet, the shop includes a tea bar, serving hot and cold teas.

Krista Sander opened Essential Soap & Supply LLC in November. Now, the soap shop owner and sole employee has reconstructed her soap line to include ingredients designed to be friendly to sensitive skin.

Longtime friends Judy Cash and Celeste Estrada have opened Fit Flavors LLP, a new service based in northwest Spokane that prepares and delivers fresh, made-from-scratch meals.

The Air Force Materiel Command has launched a new mobile application called U.S. Air Force Connect. Although the USAF Connect app has been available to active duty Air Force personnel since last August

More than 460 new living units--both single-family homes and rental units--with values totaling roughly $85 million are planned for the West Plains. A 150-unit development, to be named Highland Village, is planned near the southwest corner of the Spokane

Eastern Washington University and Gonzaga University have collaborated to offer new opportunities to Eastern students looking to pursue a career in law.

Liberty Lake-based Itron Inc. says RGE, a Brazil-based subsidiary of CPFL Energia, will expand its Itron GenX network to the utility's commercial and industrial customers.