Week in review

MONDAY

Washington and Idaho consumers who installed spyware software through music purchases from Sony BMG are entitled to portions of a $4.25 million settlement arranged by the company.

TUESDAY

Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park could add chairlifts and new runs if the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission gives the go-ahead in March for the nonprofit resort to explore an expansion onto north-facing slopes.

WEDNESDAY

Litehouse Inc., a Sandpoint manufacturer of salad dressings and dips, announced its plan to become an employee-owned company. The privately held family firm sold 30 percent of its stock to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan in December.

“Spokane business veteran Paul Wham announced plans to launch a Saturday radio talk show on KGA-AM.

THURSDAY

A nationwide home-building slowdown led to the furlough of 380 employees and manufacturing cutbacks at the Hearth & Home Technologies factory in Colville.

FRIDAY

A payday lender with four Spokane branches is one of two companies being fined $1.2 million in Washington state’s largest payday lending enforcement action. Advance Til Payday and Zippy Cash may be shut down statewide unless they can show they didn’t violate state law by exceeding maximum loan limits.

“Two local physicians are turning a former commercial building along the Spokane River east of downtown into 12 condominiums. The Iron Bridge Condos will range in price from $264,500 to $387,500.

“Former Hecla Mining Co. executive Bill Booth was appointed to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, which is charged with balancing the need for low-cost hydropower with protecting salmon runs.