Spokane-based credit union STCU has opened its 50th branch on Columbia Center Boulevard, the latest sign of its growing presence throughout the region. 

Those interested in serving as Benton County’s top law enforcement official now have an opportunity to throw their hat into the ring. 

Washington’s agriculture department is seeking more than $13 million to deal with a pair of invasive insects that can destroy and damage a variety of plants, crops and trees, including one with a growing presence in the Mid-Columbia. 

The university is at a difficult crossroads. Enrollment is down nearly 20% over the past six years across all of the university’s campuses. State and federal cuts are adding to financial pressure, and more tuition hikes could be on the way.

Three public infrastructure projects in Benton and Franklin counties are among those to receive a total of $137.5 million from the state’s Public Works Board. 

The city of Richland has kicked off the next phase of improvements at the three-way intersection of George Washington Way, Aaron Drive and Columbia Point Drive and it will be a bit more disruptive than the work that’s already occurring. 

Washington shoppers will pay 4 cents more per plastic grocery bag starting in January. But the bags themselves won’t get any thicker for at least another two years as lawmakers fine-tune the state’s single-use plastic bag restrictions. 

Starting today, no more surface water may be used for irrigation in the Yakima Basin through the remainder of October. 

Three people are taking on top roles at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates with the recent departure of its CEO. 

State officials are proposing to largely allow the developer of a wind farm in the Horse Heaven Hills to proceed with construction, though not to the extent desired by the developer.