Spokane-area home sales started out 2025 with 319 single-family homes sold in January, up nearly 12% compared with the year-earlier month.

Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an executive order to create a workgroup that evaluates the impacts of data centers on the state’s economy, tax revenue, energy use, and environment.

Portland, Oregon-based engineering consulting firm David Evans & Associates Inc. has acquired electrical and systems engineering firm Elcon Associates Inc., also of Portland.

Gold Reserve Ltd. has deregistered its Class A common shares. The company also announced its response to a proposal from the Canadian Revenue Agency.

Gov. Bob Ferguson and the Washington State Department of Commerce announced $14.6 million in grants to support housing projects that will create more than 1,800 affordable units in 10 counties, including for two projects in Spokane County.

Avista Corp. filed a proposal with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission that would raise rates for Idaho customers, allowing the utility company to recover costs for fixed expenses and ongoing investments.

W.T.B. Financial Corp. last week announced fourth-quarter 2024 net income of about $20.8 million, an increase of $9 million over the previous quarter, and a $10 million increase compared to fourth-quarter 2023.

RiverBank Holding Co. reported 4th-quarter 2024 net income after tax totaled $677,656, or $0.61 per fully diluted share, compared to $356,283, or $0.32 per share, for the year-earlier 4th quarter.