Connell
Connell, WA · Business
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WA: POWER OUTAGES TO THOUSANDS AFTER WIND STORM
A powerful storm left thousands without power across western Washington, downing trees, disrupting travel and leaving residents cleaning up debris. COPYRIGHT 2026 BY APPLE VALLEY NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
tricitiesbusinessnews.com
Amazon layoffs affect Pasco operations
Management-level positions at one of Amazon’s Pasco distribution facilities are among those being cut in the latest round of layoffs for the online retailer. Ninety-five jobs total will be eliminated, including two in Pasco, according to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter sent to the state Employment Security Department. Workers in Sumner, Bellevue, Redmond and Seattle as well as some working remotely are also among those being laid off.
Automate Life
NonStop Local Tri-Cities/Yakima
Yakima, Walla Walla customers to see Pacific Power rate decrease
YAKIMA, Wash. — Pacific Power announced that Washington customers including those in Yakima and Walla Walla will see an overall 7.9% rate decrease starting November 7, 2026, after the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved the change. The company said a typical residential customer could pay $12.14 less per month. The update came through the Power Cost Adjustment Mechanism, a filing with the commission that was meant to keep rates aligned with actual power costs over time, according to a release by Pacific Power. Ryan Flynn, Pacific Power president, said the lower rates come as colder weather can drive up energy use. "We understand affordability is a top concern for our customers. When the costs of delivering power go down, customers should see the benefit. With this adjustment, we’re pleased to share that our Washington customers will see a decrease on their bills just in time for the colder months when power usage increases," he said. Pacific Power serves about 137,262 customers in Washington, mainly in the Yakima and Walla Walla areas.
tricitiesbusinessnews.com
Brace for heightened business taxes in 2027
All the attention may be on recent debates around the state’s coming income tax on high earners, but business owners also will be seeing a bigger tax bill. The business and occupation (B&O) tax rate for a slew of business activities will increase to 0.5% as of Jan. 1, according to the state Department of Revenue.