Business & Economy
Business & Economy
Labor Shortage And Fall Weather Stack Up To Leave Apples Rotting In Orchards
For the love of Johnny Appleseed! Why are so many apples left hanging (and rotting) on trees in Northwest orchards after the fall harvest? Industry experts and growers says it’s a combination of factors – but really not due to tariffs, as some people think.
‘We Won’t Build It’: Northwest Tech Workers Struggle With Company Ties To Immigration Enforcement
The Southern border may be far from Washington state, but software used by immigration officials is built in Seattle. Now tech workers are grappling with their responsibility as the creators of that technology. Some have become unlikely activists.
New Law Aims To Help Americans Without Retirement Plans. Will It Work?
The most powerful way to get people to save for retirement in recent decades has been through benefits offered at their job. But a lot of people — about half the American workforce — don’t get that from their employers.
Dams Vs. Salmon: Workshops Aim To Get Past ‘My Study Can Beat Up Your Study’ On Snake River
More than 300 people showed up to hear speakers talk about why it’s important to either keep or alter the dams. The panel stems from a Washington state study that will guide the state’s position on dam removal.
Unemployment Pushes More Men Into Jobs Fields Dominated By Women
In the last few decades, many high-paying jobs that are mostly done by men – like manufacturing – have contracted or disappeared. At the same time, many jobs in fields dominated by women – like education and health care – have significantly increased.
Public Invited To Clarkston-Pasco-Vancouver Workshops On Question Of Snake River Dams
Upcoming public workshops will examine a draft report that gauges how people in Washington want to deal with the fate of the dams. At the workshops, officials will present the report’s findings, followed by a panel discussion. People can submit written and online comments on the draft report through Jan. 24.
2020 Census Kicks Into High Gear Next Month With State Taxpayer Assist
The once-every-ten-years census count of everyone living in the United States starts next month, beginning with remote villages in Alaska. West Coast states are spending local tax dollars to boost the response when their turn comes beginning in March.
New Energy Storage Project On Upper Columbia Brings Jobs — And Concerns From Colville Tribes
A new energy storage project is in the works near eastern Washington’s Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River. The project is expected to bring construction jobs to the region. But the nearby Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation worry it would harm important cultural areas.
After 2 Years, GOP Tax Cuts Prove More A Lump Of Coal Than A Shiny Economic Gift
Two years ago, Republicans in Congress passed a sweeping tax cut. It was supposed to be a gift-wrapped present to taxpayers and the economy. But in hindsight, it looks more like a costly lump of coal.
After Impeachment, U.S. House Gives President A Victory In New U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Deal
One day after its historic impeachment votes, the Democratic-led House gave President Donald Trump an overwhelming bipartisan victory Thursday on a renegotiated trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. By a 385-41 vote, the House approved a bill that puts in place terms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
U.S. House Passes Bipartisan Bill For Relief To Undocumented Farmworkers, Farmers Short On Labor
The possible impeachment of President Donald Trump is not the only thing moving through the U.S. House of Representatives. On Wednesday, the House passed a bipartisan bill that could give undocumented farmworkers a path to legal residence and relief to farmers short on labor.
If You’re A Salaried Worker In Washington, You May Soon Be Eligible For Overtime With New Rules
The Department of Labor and Industries finalized the rules Wednesday and will phase them in by 2028. By that time, salaried workers making up to about $83,400 a year will be entitled to time-and-a-half pay if they work more than 40 hours per week.
