By Jennifer L. DreyWhen Sierra and Darin Chase Foster decided it was time to buy their first home, they naturally gravitated toward watching “House Hunters,” a popular television show on HGTV that takes viewers behind the scenes with homebuyers as they choose between three potential properties.As newlyweds with two dogs,...

By Jennifer L. DreyWashington’s agricultural exports increased significantly in 2017, but uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy has some producers worried the state may be on the verge of losing its competitive edge overseas.Although the numbers are still being finalized, Washington’s agricultural exports appear to have increased by at least 10...

By Jennifer L. DreyAn ongoing shortage of agricultural laborers is forcing some Washington farms to get creative in their efforts to attract and retain workers, while others are looking to the federal government’s guest worker program to bring in the help they need.More than 96 percent of Washington farms experienced...

By Jennifer L. DreyWashington wheat farmers face challenging times as the industry navigates changes in U.S. trade policy and potential cuts to crop insurance and key conservation programs included in the U.S. Farm Bill.Industry representatives have already taken to Washington, D.C., to make sure they have a seat at the...

By Jennifer L. DreyWhen it comes to mint, a little goes a long way. One drop of mint oil can flavor 2.5 tubes of toothpaste, 31 sticks of gum or  125 mint candies. But when it comes to Washington-grown mint, it may be more accurate to say that a lot...

By Michelle DuplerEverywhere you look in the Tri-Cities, there are new faces, new businesses and new homes being built. The area is in the midst of economic and population booms that keep ranking it on lists of desirable places to live, work and play. And local experts say the steady...

By Michelle DuplerThe Tri-City area continues to be a hot market for real estate, offering continued affordability, low unemployment and an attractive local economy in comparison to many other metro areas in the United States.Local experts said single-family home construction continues to boom, as do sales of existing homes, while...

By Stacey DennyColumbia Basin College’s new student housing opened in September, and Washington State University Tri-Cities officials expect to open the doors to their new housing complex next year.It’s a sign the Tri-City colleges are becoming destination campuses.Site and weather-related delays pushed back WSU Tri-Cities’ plans for its new 800-bed...

By Stacey DennyAs the Tri-Cities’ population swells, so have its schools and classrooms.The start to the 2017-18 school year saw student enrollment increases at each of the Kennewick, Pasco and Richland school districts.Kennewick saw the biggest student enrollment increase with 455 more students, for a total of 18,016 students.Pasco School...