Bills to allow backyard cottages in new areas, to expand where developers can receive tax breaks for building apartments and to let property owners split their plots are all making their way through the legislative process. 

The research team’s findings could ultimately make it easier to harness hydrogen’s potential as a high energy and zero emissions fuel source. 

The large Franklin County operation reported high numbers of sudden death in their chickens at one of its farms on Jan. 22. Other birds were lethargic and showing additional signs of illness, prompting an investigation by state and federal veterinarians. 

Fees to use a credit card for purchases cost the average family more than $1,000 a year and also increase costs for businesses while banks and credit card companies see record profits from collecting those fees with each swipe. 

Despite a wet winter so far, the drought declared in April 2024 is still in effect, state ecology officials say. Experts are still watching for definitive evidence of sustained drought recovery, such as improved snowpack, streamflows and soil moisture. 

Walla Walla-based Banner Corp. reported a net income of $46.4 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, leading the company to announce a quarterly cash dividend of 48 cents per share. 

REI Co-op president and CEO Eric Artz, announced Jan. 23 that he will retire in March and the outdoor specialty retailer co-op’s board has named a former board member and executive with other active lifestyle brands as his successor. 

From recruiting, retaining and retraining an effective workforce to mitigating potential supply chain disruptions, the group says it is more critical than ever for manufacturers to be prepared to navigate an increasingly dynamic marketplace. 

The report, led by experts from Washington State University and the University of Washington, described the citizen-led commission as “dysfunctional” and in need of reform. State lawmakers are discussing the effectiveness of the commission’s structure and what can be done to improve it – including potentially dissolving the citizen-led panel altogether. 

Two U.S. lawmakers have introduced new legislation to ensure the continued operation of the Lower Snake River dams to provide power and irrigation to the region.