Northwest News Archives - Page 19 of 111 - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Northwest News

How some in the Pacific Northwest are preparing for King Charles III’s coronation

By Lauren Gallup May 4, 2023

Tea guests enjoying the British tea room, Sweet Peas Tea Room, in Battle Ground, Washington. Photo courtesy of Sweet Peas Tea Room.

At Sweet Peas Tea Room in Battle Ground, Washington, the Union Jack will fly proudly for the coronation, May 6 of King Charles III. Owner Sharon Harbeck is hosting a full English tea at the British tea room she and her daughter, Chantelle, have run for six years. Read More

Language exchange program brings communities together in Yakima

By Johanna Bejarano May 3, 2023

Language exchange students work on activities during a class in Yakima. Credit: Johanna Bejarano / NWPB. Listen (Runtime 1:55) Read In Yakima, a community-based organization helps Spanish and English speakers […]Read More

WSU researchers win historic FDA approval for gene-edited pork

By Courtney Flatt May 3, 2023

Six brown sausages sit on top of a black grill. Orange flames crawl up the grill and onto the sausages.

Blake Foraker grills gene-edited German-style sausages at Washington State University. Credit: Connor Henricksen Listen (Runtime 3:58) Read At a barbecue on campus last week, flames licked a set of sausage […]Read More

High school students discover invasive crayfish in Idaho

By Lauren Paterson May 3, 2023

A bright red crayfish sits atop grey gravel with its red and bumpy claws outstretched.

Red Swamp Crayfish have been discovered in the Lewiston Levee ponds, thanks to science students at Lewiston High School. (Credit: istockphoto) Listen (Runtime 00:59) Read Lewiston High School teacher Jamie […]Read More

Controversial mega-dairy and farm under fresh scrutiny by Oregon officials

By Anna King May 2, 2023

This photo from a Oregon Department of Agriculture report shows water runoff on a field. Runoff events, along with fertilizer leaks, have incurred violations for Easterday Dairy. (Courtesy: Oregon Department […]Read More

Federal regulators want public input on Goldendale Energy Storage Project

By Courtney Flatt May 1, 2023

A view from the edge of the cliff where the Goldendale Energy Storage Project could be built. An underground tunnel would carry water from a upper reservoir to a reservoir […]Read More

New online toolkit to provide help, comfort to families with missing loved ones

By Lauren Gallup May 1, 2023

Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1512 into law on Monday, May 1 as supporters and bill sponsors looked on.

By signing into law House Bill 1512, Washington state will create an online toolkit meant to assist families and law enforcement seeking to locate and recover missing persons. The act, known as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Persons and Lucian Act, is in part named after Lucian Munguia, who was 4 years old when he went missing in Yakima last September. His Read More

Washington’s regular legislative session is over. Here are some of the highlights

By Northwest News Network May 1, 2023

Washington's 2023 regular session adjourned "Sine Die" April 23

Washington's legislature adjourned its 2023 regular session with a new two-year state budget, alongside dozens of policy changes focused on housing, health care and public safety – and a surprising last-minute bill failure.Read More

Washington governor signs new gun bills into law, including ‘assault weapons’ ban

By Northwest News Network May 1, 2023

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed three new gun bills into law Tuesday, including an assault weapons ban that takes immediate effect

Surrounded by gun reform advocates, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed three new gun control bills Tuesday morning, including a ban on the import and sale of high capacity and semiautomatic firearms.Read More

Here’s what Washington lawmakers say is behind drug possession bill’s last-minute failure

By Northwest News Network May 1, 2023

Washington lawmakers adjourned this year's regular legislative session late Sunday, after 105 days

In an unexpected development, the Washington state Legislature adjourned for the year late Sunday night having failed to put a new drug possession law on the books.Read More

Bridge Industrial gets land use permits to develop warehouse in South Tacoma

By Lauren Gallup April 28, 2023

The site where Bridge Industrial has proposed building a warehouse in South Tacoma. Photo courtesy of Michelle Mood.

The City of Tacoma approved land use permits to develop a warehouse in South Tacoma. The decision came April 21 after over a year of feedback from residents and public agencies expressing environmental equity concerns over the development. Read More

More wildlife rehabilitators needed in the Northwest

By Lauren Paterson April 27, 2023

A barn owl stands over six white eggs in a nest of hay against a plywood background.

A barn own with her eggs at the Blue Mountain Wildlife center in Benton City, Washington. Many barn owls are rehabbed at the center after building nests in haystacks throughout […]Read More

‘Don’t wait’: Hospital staff, first responders practice active shooter response

By Rachel Sun April 26, 2023

Clarkston police say they’re running more active shooter drills as the number of mass shootings climb. On Friday, they ran one of those drills at Tri-State Memorial Hospital.Read More

Donating life: how a young man’s organ donation decision helped a father live

By Rachel Sun April 24, 2023

How a young man’s decision helped a father live to see his own son grow upRead More

Relentless wintry weather means tragedy for many cattle ranches across the West

By Anna King April 21, 2023

Ranchers struggle to keep enough fresh hay and bedding down for new calves and their mothers during the recent blizzards across southeast Oregon and much of the West. (Credit: Angie […]Read More

Washington establishes cold case unit to investigate missing and murdered Indigenous peoples cases

By Lauren Gallup April 20, 2023

A photo of families gathered for May 5th MMIWP Awareness Day 2022

On April 20, Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law House Bill 1177 that establishes a cold case unit specifically for missing and murdered Indigenous women and people in the state. “This legislation will ensure that Indigenous victims of crime receive robust, thorough investigations, and potential prosecution,” Inslee said. Read More

Tri-State Hospital to hold active shooter drill Friday

By Rachel Sun April 20, 2023

Tri-State Memorial Hospital in Clarkston will hold an active shooter drill on its main campus from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday.Read More

‘Idaho Vital Statistics’ reports COVID-19 third highest killer behind heart disease, cancer

By Rachel Sun April 20, 2023

Idaho’s leading causes of death as reported in the 2021 Vital Statistics Summary Listen (Runtime 00:48) Read A report announced this week by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare […]Read More

In biggest turnout in ten years, Richland citizens fill city council meeting to speak out against drag show harassment

By Johanna Bejarano April 20, 2023

A record number of people attended the Richland City Council regular meeting to continue discussion about holding family-friendly drag events in Tri-Cities. Criticism of children's access to drag events has led to demonstrations, vandalism and threats in Pasco and Richland. Read More

More firefighters needed to control wildfire hotspots in Eastern Washington

By Lauren Paterson April 19, 2023

A white tanker plane drops bright orange flame retardant onto a smokey forest of evergreen trees.

A tanker airplane drops fire retardant on a wildfire burning near Twisp, Wash. Three firefighters were killed battling the blaze. (Credit: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press) Listen (Runtime 1:07) […]Read More

Underground fire, harmful fumes prompt cleanup plan for Yakima landfill

By Courtney Flatt April 17, 2023

While hiking, Nancy Lust, with Friends of Rocky Top, watches a truck dump waste into a landfill in Yakima County. Lust lives near the landfill and has fought to learn […]Read More

Protestas contra espectáculos drag en Tri-Cities llevan a amenazas de muerte y vandalismo – Tercera parte

By Johanna Bejarano April 14, 2023

Después de que ciudadanos se manifestaran a favor y en contra de los espectáculos drag para toda la familia en Tri-Cities, el restaurante The Emerald of Siam de Richland recibió un sobre amenazador.Read More

Ciudadanos piden a concejo que impida acceso de niños a espectáculos drag – Segunda parte

By Johanna Bejarano April 14, 2023

All ages drag shows protests in Richland, WA.

Manifestantes han organizado múltiples demostraciones en Tri-Cities. Unos se alinearon afuera de un espectáculo drag con temática de Disney en Pasco. Y en Richland otros protestaron afuera de un drag brunch de Pascua. La discusión se está extendiendo también a las reuniones de los concejos locales y comisiones en los condados de Benton y Franklin.Read More

Familia se reúne tras 15 años de la deportación de su madre

By Johanna Bejarano April 14, 2023

Family reunion after 15 years of deportation.

Largos abrazos y lágrimas de alegría. Así fue el reencuentro de Claudia Cifuentes con dos de sus hijos -Claudia y Kevin- tras 15 años de separación.Read More

Wildfire Defense Grants to fund 14 programs in Washington

By Lauren Paterson April 14, 2023

A plume of smoke rises above a yellow field flanked by three evergreen trees against a blue sky.

The Cow Canyon Fire burns near Naches, Washington in August 2022. New funding from the federal government is earmarked to help Northwest communities become more resistant to wildfire. (Credit: Washington […]Read More

NWPB is no longer posting to Twitter: A message from General Manager Cara Williams Fry

By Cara Williams Fry April 13, 2023

Logos of Twitter and NPR on their respective buildings.

Dear NWPB audiences and supporters, Twitter recently labeled NPR’s (National Public Radio) official Twitter account as “state-affiliated media,” which is incorrect and then changed it to “government-funded media,” falsely implying that […]Read More

Olympia school board president thinks RIF is likely

By Lauren Gallup April 13, 2023

School funding experts predicted a looming financial disaster for the nation's K-12 schools. CREDIT: LA Johnson/NPR

The Olympia School Board plans to vote tonight on whether to begin a reduction in force (RIF) process. School board President Darcy Huffman said it’s likely the board will approve the process, which would mean staff below a certain seniority level could be let go. Read More

Professor’s blood test could increase access, speed of STD screening

By Rachel Sun April 13, 2023

A new test that uses just a drop of blood could help more people get tested and treated for a common, and frequently undetected, sexually transmitted infection. Read More

Espectáculos drag generan protestas en Tri-Cities – Primera parte

By Johanna Bejarano April 12, 2023

Manifestantes de Pasco y algunos ciudadanos preocupados de Richland quieren limitar el acceso de menores a los espectáculos drag. Dueños de establecimientos y artistas defienden los espectáculos para todos los públicos.Read More

How controlled burns benefit fire-dependent ecosystems

By Lauren Gallup April 12, 2023

Firefighters with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources conducted a controlled burn in Cougar Canyon near Naches, Washington last fall. Photo courtesy of DNR Communications.

For decades, the federal government declared all forest fires in the West a destructive force. Now, it is viewed as a fundamental part of the western ecosystem. Lauren Gallup and Mary Ellen Pitney explain.Read More

Arianne True named new Poet Laureate of Washington

By Lauren Gallup April 12, 2023

Arianne True will serve at the Washington State Poet Laureate beginning May 1. Photo courtesy of ArtsWA.

April is National Poetry Month and today/Wednesday, the Washington State Arts Commission announced that Arianne True will serve as the state’s new poet laureate beginning in May. Lauren Gallup spoke with the Tacoma-based writer and educator.Read More

Drag show protests throughout Tri-Cities lead to death threat, vandalism — Part Three

By Johanna Bejarano April 11, 2023

After supporters and protesters demonstrated for and against family-friendly drag shows in the Tri-Cities, the Emerald of Siam restaurant in Richland received a threatening envelope. Read More

Tri-Cities citizens urge city council members to keep children from drag shows – Part Two

By Johanna Bejarano April 11, 2023

All ages drag shows support and protests in Richland.

Supporters and protesters outside of The Emerald of Siam in Richland. (Credit: Johanna Bejarano / NWPB) Listen (Runtime 1:52) Read Drag shows in the Tri-Cities have come under protest. Some […]Read More

Olympia School District facing potential $11.5 million deficit, deciding on RIF process

By Lauren Gallup April 10, 2023

The Olympia School District, like others across the state, is facing a budget deficit that could result in layoffs. The district is estimating a shortfall of up to $11.5 million for the 2023-24 school year. Read More

Family reunited 15 years after mother’s deportation

By Johanna Bejarano April 10, 2023

After 15 years, Claudia Cifuentes reunited with her children. She returned to the U-S from Guatemala through a family reunification process after being deported in 20-08 when her children were still underage. Read More

Drag shows face protests in the Tri-Cities – Part One

By Johanna Bejarano April 9, 2023

Demostrations against all-ages drag shows events in Pasco.

Protesters in Pasco and concerned citizens in Richland want to limit children's access to drag shows. Business owners and performers defend the all-ages events. Read More

What we learned from COVID: Nancy A. Hansen

By Rachel Sun April 7, 2023

A woman stands in front of a white door frame indoors. She wears a large, floppy black hat, black sun glasses and a white, medical face mask. She wears a light green cardigan over a green flower-print button up shirt.

When COVID-19 reached the Inland Northwest, few people could have predicted how profoundly it would change their life. NWPB’s Rachel Sun interviewed local residents about how the pandemic affected them. This is the last of a four-part mini series. Read More

NW scientists study the promises – and challenges – of offshore wind

By Courtney Flatt April 6, 2023

An illustration of a yellow cable sitting on a light tan ocean floor. The water is dark blue. In the background, the cable is connected to a light gray floating rod that appears to come from the ocean surface.

An illustration of a potential floating wind turbine under the water. Credit: University of Maine Listen (Runtime 1:00) Read With the climate rapidly changing, researchers are trying to find ways […]Read More

Local pharmacists worry for future as more patients switch to mail order

By Rachel Sun April 6, 2023

Deborah Beckett sits at a table with her husband Geoff’s prescriptions. Geoff, who is unable to walk due to his Parkinson’s, rests in a bed behind her. Photo by Rachel […]Read More

Civil rights activist Dolores Huerta speaks at WSU

By Lauren Paterson April 5, 2023

Dolores Huerta speaks at a podium at Washington State University. She wears a black shirt and a turquoise jacket.

Dolores Huerta spoke about her years of activism at the WSU Pullman campus April 3. (Credit: College Assistance Migrant Program) Listen (Runtime 1:07) Read Civil rights activist Dolores Huerta spoke […]Read More

Tacoma Art Museum workers still in limbo over union decision

By Lauren Gallup April 4, 2023

Tacoma Art Museum employees have been organizing and rallying for recognition of their workers' union for months. On Friday, March 31, committee members met with the museum board of trustees, during which no decisions were made. Photo by Lauren Gallup.

The Tacoma Art Museum Workers United committee is still in limbo after a special meeting March 31 with the museum’s board of trustees. The board did not announce a decision on whether to recognize the workers’ union. Read More

Conservation group hopes to protect habitats, skiing and affordable housing in WA’s Methow Valley

By Courtney Flatt April 3, 2023

A skier in a red and white jacket and black pants skis on a trail covered in snow. The field is covered in snow. There is a red building in the middle-distance with hay under it and a gray building across the trail. The background has snowy hills with evergreen trees on them.

A cross country skier follows a trail on the Sunny M Ranch property in the Methow Valley. The Methow Conservancy hopes to purchase the land this summer. Credit: Courtney Flatt […]Read More

Padres que trabajan en el campo necesitan más recursos para afrontar incendios forestales

By Johanna Bejarano March 31, 2023

Trabajadores agrícolas del centro de Washington y sus familias necesitan más información para protegerse del humo, opciones asequibles para el cuidado de sus hijos y otros recursos que los ayuden a estar preparados ante futuros eventos de humo. Read More

Study: farmworking parents need more resources to cope with wildfire seasons

By Johanna Bejarano March 31, 2023

Farmworkers’ families in Central Washington need more smoke safety information, accessible childcare, and other resources to be prepared for future smoke events. Those are the results of a recent study where researchers asked parents how they cope with wildfire seasons. Read More

Washington community and technical colleges to stage walkout April 11

By Lauren Paterson March 31, 2023

People wearing coats and jeans are gathered in front of a stone building holding picket signs. Someone is kneeling over a poster on the ground as they draw out a message.

American Federation of Teachers members picket for more investment in community and technical colleges at the Capitol sundial. (Credit: Cortney Marabetta / AFT) Listen (Runtime 00:56) Read Students, faculty and […]Read More

Organización sin ánimo de lucro pide a EPA investigar a Agencia Regional de Aire Limpio de Yakima

By Johanna Bejarano March 30, 2023

Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency website

La organización sin ánimo de lucro Friends of Toppenish Creek está pidiendo a la Agencia de Protección del Medio Ambiente de EE.UU. (EPA por sus siglas en inglés) que reabra una queja contra la Agencia Regional de Aire Limpio de Yakima (YRCAA en inglés). Read More

Tacoma Method Opera tells history from a new perspective

By Lauren Gallup March 30, 2023

A photo of the marquee outside the Tacoma Opera's premiere of the Tacoma Method opera shows a green rimmed marquee with the word "Rialto" in large block letters. There are office buildings in the background and the signs hangs above a street. In the far background is a blue sky with bright, white clouds.

That history tends to repeat itself, especially when people don’t learn lessons from the past, is the guiding sentiment for Teresa Pan-Hosley in her work as the president of the Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation. This organization is solely dedicated to reconciling the dark history of the Chinese expulsion from Tacoma in 1885. Read More