The 3 Rivers Community Foundation distributed a record $372,501 in grants to 77 local nonprofits during its annual Celebration of Philanthropy luncheon on Dec. 10 in Kennewick.

Any Christmas tree’s leaves are unchanging, but for researchers at Washington State University, the smell of a Christmas tree is just as important. 

“We are facing falling revenue, rising costs, and budget cuts and chaos coming from the Trump administration,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said. “I’m providing a road map for the Legislature. This is, of course, the first step in a conversation about how best to balance our budget.” 

For the third time in 2025, a Mid-Columbia agricultural operation has agreed to a settlement with state justice officials for reportedly treating workers unfairly. 

Some legislative Democrats are eyeing a 9.9% “millionaires tax” on adjusted annual gross income over $1 million. Ferguson endorsed this version of the proposal. Less than 0.5% of Washingtonians would be subject to the tax, and it’s expected to raise $3 billion per year. 

The next legislative session is fast approaching and some state lawmakers are wasting no time in signaling their intent to either fully remove or limit the impacts of the slew of new state taxes approved in the 2025 legislative session. 

Walla Walla is increasingly known for its 120 wineries and tasting rooms. What many might not know, however, is that the town is also home to the No. 1-selling red wine stain remover.

A member of the Kennewick Public Hospital District who was among its board members to sell a then-bankrupt Trios Health and is now a supporter of the effort to turn the former downtown Kennewick hospital into a recovery center is stepping down. The deadline to apply for the board vacancy is Jan. 29. 

As pennies vanish from the American landscape, many businesses are clamoring for federal guidance on how to handle cash transactions in a penniless world.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson unveiled a plan Dec. 19 to steer $3 billion into preserving the state’s roads and bridges and building three new ferries over the next decade.