Business & Economy
Business & Economy

Why Bill Gates Is Investing Big Time In Farmland Across Washington And The Country
Seattle’s technology billionaires are many things: innovators, visionaries, philanthropists and some less polite descriptors, depending on whom you ask. But thanks to some scrupulous digging by industry journal The Land Report, which tracks land ownership across the country, we now know that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has another feather in his multi hyphenated career cap: America’s Top Private Owner of Farmland. Continue Reading Why Bill Gates Is Investing Big Time In Farmland Across Washington And The Country

All Washington Counties Can Advance To Phase 2 Reopening As State Fixes Hospital Data
The south-central region of Washington’s 8-region area for coronavirus restrictions can immediately reopen. That news came Sunday from the state Department of Health. It means the counties encompassing Walla Walla, the Tri-Cities, Yakima and Ellensburg can advance to Phase 2. Continue Reading All Washington Counties Can Advance To Phase 2 Reopening As State Fixes Hospital Data

Federal Budget Deficit Expected To Hit Second Largest Since World War II
Congressional forecasters are projecting a federal deficit of $2.3 trillion this fiscal year, even without the additional $1.9 trillion in spending that President Biden has proposed. Continue Reading Federal Budget Deficit Expected To Hit Second Largest Since World War II

Washington Lawmakers Pass $2.2 Billion COVID Relief Bill, Now Heads To Governor’s Desk
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says he looks forward to signing a $2.2 billion COVID relief bill in the coming days. The measure cleared the Legislature Wednesday after a bipartisan vote in the state Senate. Continue Reading Washington Lawmakers Pass $2.2 Billion COVID Relief Bill, Now Heads To Governor’s Desk

Washington Scrambles To Avoid Mass Evictions As Moratorium Nears End
After Gov. Jay Inslee extended the moratorium multiple times, most lawmakers, lobbyists and advocates expect March 31 will mark its true end — at least at the state level. Then the question of what will happen to renters without the moratorium’s blunt relief will go from hypothetical to very much real. Continue Reading Washington Scrambles To Avoid Mass Evictions As Moratorium Nears End

‘The Game Is Rigged’: How Fury Over The Great Recession Fueled The Reddit Trade
WallStreetBets started as an investment forum — and its moderators continue to insist it is just that as the group has now grown to boast nearly 9 million members. But interviews with some of its members and an examination of its threads also show something else — that it’s morphed into a movement of sorts, riding a giant wave of unresolved anger from the Great Recession. Continue Reading ‘The Game Is Rigged’: How Fury Over The Great Recession Fueled The Reddit Trade

Governor Signs Bill To Help Washington Businesses, Workers With Unemployment Benefits
A bill that increases the minimum weekly benefit for unemployed workers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and prevents a dramatic increase in unemployment taxes paid by businesses was signed into law Monday by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. Continue Reading Governor Signs Bill To Help Washington Businesses, Workers With Unemployment Benefits

Study: Economic Effects Of Wildfire Smoke Linger Long After Flames Subside
The damage caused by wildfires can be devastating, gutting structures and driving out people who live and work nearby. And researchers say the smoke from the annually recurring blazes also delivers economic damage to areas that were never touched by the flames. Continue Reading Study: Economic Effects Of Wildfire Smoke Linger Long After Flames Subside

President Biden Doesn’t Think $15 Federal Minimum Wage Hike Will Survive COVID-19 Relief Bill
President Biden said on Friday that his plan to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour is unlikely to happen as part of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 aid package. Continue Reading President Biden Doesn’t Think $15 Federal Minimum Wage Hike Will Survive COVID-19 Relief Bill

Congress Approves Budget, Paving The Way For President Biden’s COVID-19 Relief Package
The House quickly approved a budget resolution intended to speed the drafting of President Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. The Senate approved the same budget resolution early Friday morning. With the Senate evenly divided, Vice President Harris cast the tiebreaking vote. Continue Reading Congress Approves Budget, Paving The Way For President Biden’s COVID-19 Relief Package

President Biden Moves Ahead On Relief Bill Without GOP, But Signals Checks Could Be Targeted
President Biden and congressional Democrats are pressing ahead on a massive $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill, taking the steps in the House and Senate to approve the measure without Republican support. Continue Reading President Biden Moves Ahead On Relief Bill Without GOP, But Signals Checks Could Be Targeted

Governor Advances Idaho Into Next Phase Of Reopening, Citing Declining COVID Case Rates
Idaho Gov. Brad Little says his state will move from Stage 2 to Stage 3 in its coronavirus reopening protocol. Little announced Tuesday that groups of up to 50 may now gather, as long as they take precautions with masks and physical distancing. Continue Reading Governor Advances Idaho Into Next Phase Of Reopening, Citing Declining COVID Case Rates