A popular Prosser fruit and chocolate artisan shop will use a recently-awarded state grant to expand its ability to produce more of its cherry-based treats. 

Washington faces a budget challenge with a slowing economy and expected increased demand for services due to changes in federal law. Payroll tax proponents argue that the tax can raise money quickly to solve these pressures, whereas the income tax will take years to implement.

An economics think tank warns Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed budget would eventually lead to a nearly $2 billion shortfall partly due to $289 million in increased appropriations in the 2027-29 biennium. 

The Port of Benton fired its chief financial officer and auditor for unsatisfactory performance during a special meeting Feb. 2. The move is the latest in a series of abrupt changes at the port since commissioners suspended their executive director less than a month ago.  

Representatives from the ports of Benton, Pasco and Walla Walla will sign an agreement Feb. 5 in Olympia with the ports of Seattle and Tacoma to leverage the Tri-Cities’ strategic location and resources to ease trade with the global market.

Kennewick-based Cascade Natural Gas Corp. will pay $2 million to settle violations issued by the state Utilities and Transportation Commission for a 2023 explosion that killed one and injured another. 

Five awardees, including Energy Northwest, are on track to receive a combined $12.1 million in federal funding to build and operate electric vehicle charging stations at 14 locations along highways in Washington state.

Hanford contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo) will mentor two small businesses as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s efforts grow the number of those entreprises receiving work contracts at the Hanford site. 

If it makes it through the House and into law, Washington would join Utah with the toughest standard in the nation on July 1. Foes of the bill cite concerns with enforcing it and worries it will drive away customers from bars, wineries and other hospitality businesses. 

After more than a decade of failed attempts, supporters of amending Washington state law to allow for homegrown marijuana are growing frustrated, but not giving up.