Conrad Wilson

A labor dispute at the Port of Portland has brought container shipping from there to a halt. That means lentil and chickpea farmers are having a difficult time getting their crops to foreign markets.

The dispute between two Native American tribes comes down to historical claims on a casino's proposed site — and also business.

The push for cleaner fuels in Oregon and Washington could bring the region more crude oil and a new refinery along the Columbia River. It would be the first refinery on the West Coast in 25 years.

Oil companies hope to build the nation's largest oil-by-rail terminal on the Columbia River in Washington. Proponents say it will bring economic growth, but others fear it could mean fiery accidents.

Work has resumed at West Coast ports after nearly nine months of slow downs and work stoppages. Despite last week's tentative labor agreement, it could take months to get things back to normal.

In Washington and Oregon, local governments argue they should get more tax funds from marijuana, because legalized pot will increase their expenses. States say cities' costs will actually fall.

Saturday is the opening of the walleye fishing season, and it's usually one of the busiest weekends for the state's resort communities. This year, many of the lakes in northern Minnesota are still iced over, putting a chill on the season.