Business & Economy
Business & Economy
Home On The (Solar) Range: Energy Developers Clamor For Washington’s Grazing Land
Renewable energy developers are showing interest in converting public grazing lands in sunny central Washington into large solar farms. The state Department of Natural Resources says around 15 companies have expressed interest in long-term leases of public rangeland properties, primarily in Klickitat County but also in Yakima, Grant, Douglas and Kittitas counties.
Tariffed Northwest Cherry Growers Don’t Have Much Time To Sort Out Marketing Strategy
So how do you convince a Chinese customer to pay a bit extra for already-expensive fresh Northwest cherries this summer?
Major Wenatchee Fruit Company Stemilt Growers Settles Sexual Harassment And Retaliation Suit
In the wake of the Me Too movement, a sexual harassment and retaliation case at a large fruit company brings the issue closer to home in Wenatchee. Stemilt Growers, a leader in Washington’s apple and cherry industry, has agreed to pay nearly $100,000 to settle a lawsuit with a former employee.
We’ve Got A Pit-Load Of Exports To China. Will Tariffs Hurt?
New tariffs on exports to China could have a big impact on Washington state. Tariffs went into effect Monday on 128 American products, including fruit, pork and metal pipes, in retaliation for proposed U.S. tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum.
Funding Revived For Timber-Reliant Oregon Counties, But Economic Problems Linger
Members of Oregon’s congressional delegation say they’ve revived funding for an expired federal aid program that provided money to rural counties whose economies relied heavily on federal timber harvesting.
Net Neutrality Protection Passes Washington House
Washington lawmakers vowed to protect net neutrality after the Federal Communications Commission rolled back the Obama-era regulations. Now that effort is making progress.
Stocks End Tumultuous Week On An Up Note
The Dow rebounded Friday, closing up more than 300 points. But the index lost about 5 percent for the week as the markets focused on inflation and ballooning government debt.
Lyft, Uber Drivers In Washington May Face Fingerprint Background Checks
Uber and Lyft drivers may soon have to undergo tougher background checks in Washington state. Lawmakers are considering a proposal that would require drivers to pass a fingerprint background check before being allowed to operate.
Residents Displaced By Rattlesnake Ridge Slide Confront Yakima’s Tight Housing Market
The slow-moving landslide on Rattlesnake Ridge in Washington’s Yakima Valley points to a larger problem plaguing the region: affordable housing. When residents were told to move away from their homes in the slide area, there were few places to go.
Washington Hemp Growers In Limbo, Some Cast Eyes To Oregon
A regulatory snafu in Washington has industrial hemp farmers in limbo over planting a crop in 2018. Some of them are looking to shift acreage to Oregon.
As Seattle Booms, A New Reality: The Carbon-Concrete Conundrum
As the Pacific Northwest economy booms, it’s using a lot of concrete to build buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. Making all that concrete is a big part of our carbon footprint, and it all comes from one plant: Ash Grove in south Seattle.
Small Town, Big Flavor: Union Gap Tamaleria Wins James Beard Award
The James Beard Foundation recently announced five nationwide winners of its prestigious awards in the America’s Classics category. One is right here in the Northwest, tucked away in the hills of Central Washington. The tamales are, well, award-winning (and delicious).
