Results of a nationwide survey of 1,200 businesses by a Washington state-based bank appear to run counter to the doom-and-gloom mentality pervading other recent assessments of business prospects. 

Spending time in Richland this weekend? Keep in mind the temporary road and river closures in place during Cool Desert Nights and the Richland Regatta. 

Even with the changes, revenues for the state’s two-year transportation budget are expected to be millions of dollars lower than previously forecast as demand for gas declines, fee collections drop, and there is continuing uncertainty around how much federal transportation funding for states will be available.

Prosser Memorial Health is making full use of its former hospital in the heart of Prosser after opening a new hospital in a new location more than a year ago. 

Washington state’s largest wine producer is consolidating its southeast Washington operations as it focuses on strengthening the company’s long-term sustainability. 

States and cities are loosening building code requirements in an effort to lower construction costs and boost affordable housing. But critics have raised safety concerns, noting that existing rules were shaped by past tragedies and aim to prevent future harm. 

Software development consistently ranks among the jobs that artificial intelligence is most likely to displace over the next decade, with customer service, graphic design, accounting and data entry also topping the vulnerability lists. Entry-level workers and those in Generation Z — people in their teens and 20s today — also could be hit hard, as experts predict AI will most easily automate the type of repetitive work they tend to do starting out.

A Montana native who has spent much of his professional career working in, regulating or advocating for the energy industry will be the next administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration. 

A retailer advocacy organization is encouraging employers to take advantage of a free program offering safety certifications for young workers to reduce workplace injuries. 

Looking to save some money until gas prices drop? Ben Franklin Transit may be able to help you in July.