Barring some big news in the next couple of days, here are the top 25 business stories of 2021, in chronological order.

Mining companies active in North Idaho's Silver Valley are optimistic about 2022 and beyond. Mike Satre, Coeur d'Alene-based Hecla's Mining Co.'s director of governmental affairs, says the company expects to see steady production of silver, gold

Washington wheat production for 2022 depends on whether the Pacific Northwest receives a good amount of rainfall and moisture this coming winter, says Glen Squires, CEO of the Spokane-based Washington Grain Commission. This year, Washington experienced

Prices for wood products have been up and down this year, and experts say that volatility will remain into 2022. Shawn Church, editor of the Eugene, Ore.-based FastMarkets Random Lengths, a publication that tracks lumber prices and forest-products

Momentum from a decade of strong growth in North Idaho is enabling the region to continue its rapid recovery from the pandemic-induced recession of 2020, claims Sam Wolkenhauer, Post Falls-based regional labor economist for the Idaho Department of Labor.

Tourism in the Spokane region is expected to roar back in 2022 following two muffled years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eric Sawyer, president and CEO of Spokane Sports Commission, says sports tourism in 2022 could exceed 2019 goals.

Demand for real estate in the Spokane-area market is expected to remain high in 2022, according to real estate industry leaders here. The number of single-family homes sold through this November is 1.3% ahead of sales through the first 11 months of 2020

Financial industry experts here say 2021 has been stronger than many institutions had expected, and that momentum could carry into 2022, especially if the Federal Reserve raises interest rates. Steve Scranton, chief investment officer and economist at