Washington | featured news

MIAMI — Miami International Airport is best known as the Magic City’s gateway for tourists. But behind the scenes, an army of federal inspectors are usually working to clear imports and exports bound for the U.S. and around the world.
These are not usual times.
As a result of the government shutdown, non-essential employees at agencies including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have been furloughed.

PORTLAND — Intel is preparing for a massive buildup in Oregon, according to multiple people familiar with the conversations, potentially spending billions to build and equip a factory for its next generation of computer chips.
People with direct knowledge of the plans say Intel hopes to begin construction by the end of June. It would add an enormous, third section to the cutting-edge Hillsboro research factory known as D1X and add yet another project to Oregon’s already overloaded construction sector.

Northwest Pipe Co., an industry leader of engineered welded steel pipe products for the water transmission market, announced last week it was selected to supply 2.5 miles of the water pipeline for the River Supply Conduit Improvement, Upper Reach, Unit 7 project.

If you or your child plays Fortnite, you might want to take a closer look at your recent credit card statements.
Epic Games, the maker of the hit online battle royal title, admitted Wednesday that a flaw in the game’s log-in system could have allowed hackers to impersonate real players and purchase in-game currency using the credit cards on file.

Here are the nominees for The Columbian winter sports prep athlete of the week, sponsored by Athletes Corner, for the week ending Jan. 19.