Lauren Paterson, Author at Northwest Public Broadcasting

Film Society Builds Community Through Movie Events

By Lauren Paterson May 24, 2022

A dimly lit theater with full seating shows a crowd under glowing red and green lights.

Screenings of older films and cult classics by Moscow Film Society have been selling out. Listen Correspondent Lauren Paterson tells us a new film society in north Idaho is showing classic films and bringing the community together. (Runtime 1:25) Read Moscow Film Society has only been around for two months, but its latest showing sold… Read More

A Pacific Northwesterner’s Guide to Mushroom Gathering

By Lauren Paterson May 24, 2022

Hands hold recently harvested light brown morel mushrooms.

Mike Pruss with recently harvested morels found in north Idaho last weekend. Read Mushroom season in the Pacific Northwest stretches from early spring until late fall. Botanist Helen Lau from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, along with Jennifer Becar and Mike Pruss from the Nez-Perce Clearwater National Forest, have tips to get the most out of… Read More

Better Late Than Never: It’s Mushroom Hunting Season in the Pacific Northwest

By Lauren Paterson May 24, 2022

A pile of morel mushrooms sit atop white paper.

Morel mushrooms gathered this past weekend near Leavenworth, Wash. by Emily Conklin. Listen Journalist Lauren Paterson tells us why now is the time to start mushroom hunting in the Pacific Northwest. (Runtime 1:00) Read Mike Pruss might be a wildlife program manager for the U.S. Forest Service, but he’s been a hobbyist mushroom collector for… Read More

Students From Ukraine Finish Online WSU Class Despite War Breaking Out Around Them

By Lauren Paterson May 19, 2022

A screen shows brightly colored pastries, soup, and other dishes from Ukrainian culture.

Ukrainian student Kateryna Debera shares Ukrainian foods and culture. Listen Ukrainian and American students learn about each other’s cultures while the Russian invasion continues. (Runtime 3:52) Read Students from King Danylo University in Ukraine were scheduled to begin their business tourism class in February. Professor Nadiia Grebeniuk, who serves as Read More

Indigenous Totem Travels From Salish Sea To Snake River

By Lauren Paterson May 17, 2022

A young toddler touches the head of a black and white carved Orca.

The young daughter of Anessia Scott interacts with the traveling totem. Anessia, who is a descendant of the Nez Perce and Blackfoot tribes, says she wants her daughter to learn about her heritage and culture. Listen Carved by members of the Lummi Nation, the Spirit of the Waters Totem made an appearance in Lewiston, Idaho.… Read More

Avian Flu Sweeping Through Washington State, Carried By Migrating Birds

By Lauren Paterson May 17, 2022

A black chicken and a black and brown chicken peck at food on a backyard table in a yard filled with greenery.

Avian Flu Sweeping Through Washington State, Carried By Migrating Birds Continue Reading Avian Flu Sweeping Through Washington State, Carried By Migrating BirdsRead More

Hazard Pay Helps Recruit Wildland Firefighters In Idaho

By Lauren Paterson May 11, 2022

Kane Steinbruecker stands near the ash and brick ruins of a house on top of a green field.

Hazard Pay Helps Recruit Wildland Rirefighters In Idaho Continue Reading Hazard Pay Helps Recruit Wildland Firefighters In IdahoRead More

Drone Technology, Sustainability Key To Grape And Wine Research In Washington For 2022

By Lauren Paterson May 11, 2022

A black, red and silver drone with two silver cannisters full of bugs prepares for takeoff near a green vineyard.

Drone Technology, Sustainability Key To Grape And Wine Research In Washington For 2022 Continue Reading Drone Technology, Sustainability Key To Grape And Wine Research In Washington For 2022Read More

Pandemic Relief Expiring Means Northwest Children Will Miss Healthy School Meals

By Lauren Paterson May 5, 2022

Pandemic Relief Expiring Means Northwest Children Will Miss Healthy School Meals Continue Reading Pandemic Relief Expiring Means Northwest Children Will Miss Healthy School MealsRead More

Checking Vineyard Soil Moisture Now Can Save Grapes Later

By Lauren Paterson May 4, 2022

Two rows of wine grape vines are freshly pruned atop green grass against a blue sky.

Checking Vineyard Soil Moisture Now Can Save Grapes Later Continue Reading Checking Vineyard Soil Moisture Now Can Save Grapes LaterRead More

Animal Abuse Case Against Idaho Rancher Moves Forward

By Lauren Paterson April 29, 2022

Black cows travel in a line on green grass as a cowboy on a brown horse supervises.

Doug Towles of Clearwater County is charged with ‘permitting animals to go without care.” Dozens of his cattle have been found dead or starving. They’ve also been found on his neighbors’ property. Continue Reading Animal Abuse Case Against Idaho Read More

Techno Against War: Concert To Benefit Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine

By Lauren Paterson April 27, 2022

Two blondes carry a Ukrainian flag across the WSU Pullman campus as snow lightly falls.

A grassroots organization is planning a music night on Friday to benefit humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Continue Reading Techno Against War: Concert To Benefit Humanitarian Aid in UkraineRead More

Idaho To Provide Hazard Pay For Wildland Firefighters, Now Recruiting For Upcoming Fire Season

By Lauren Paterson April 22, 2022

A firefighter stands with a hose before a raging fire on a charred field.

Washington’s “Bring them home” law takes effect in June. It allows tribal members to pray over a deceased indigenous person without compromising the scene before an autopsy is conducted, and supports survivors of trafficking. Read More

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Gifts $20 million To Washington State University

By Lauren Paterson April 19, 2022

A rendered drawing shows a conceptual building with a large glass front and students standing on the building steps.

Washington State University has received one of its largest ever gifts. The 20-million dollar gift from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and its founders Edmund and Beatriz Schweitzer was directed to WSU’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. Read More

Language Of The Rockies: Linguist Seeks Speaking Patterns In Idaho And Utah

By Lauren Paterson April 12, 2022

A bird's eye view of the Rocky Mountain range in varying shades of blue and grey.

Researcher Joey Stanley says the linguistics research push in the last 50 years has mostly been to study urban areas, rather than the language patterns of the countryside. Continue Reading Language Of The Rockies: Linguist Seeks Read More

Reclaim Idaho Nears Signature Goal To Increase Education Funding In Gem State

By Lauren Paterson April 12, 2022

A group of Reclaim Idaho volunteers pose together in front of the big green Reclaim Idaho camper van.

Mayville was the driving force behind the Medicaid Expansion initiative that Idaho voters approved in 2018. Now, he’s back with what he calls the Quality Education Act. Continue Reading Reclaim Idaho Nears Signature Goal To Read More

Calling All Dogs Of The Inland NW: Photography Project Aims To Raise Funds For Spokane Humane Society

By Lauren Paterson April 6, 2022

Angela Schneider sits with her big white dog atop a rock in front of a bright blue river with green trees on either side.

A new photography project will feature images of people and dogs from the Pacific Northwest in a limited edition collector’s book. Continue Reading Calling All Dogs Of The Inland NW: Photography Project Aims Read More

Hearing Set For Clearwater County Animal Abuse Case Of 98 Cattle

By Lauren Paterson April 6, 2022

Cowboys on horseback ride near a black cow on the ground against a green tree line on grass and gravel.

A hearing has been set for Douglas Towles of Orofino after the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office found several dead cows and almost 100 head of cattle left uncared for on his property. Continue Reading Hearing Set For Clearwater County Read More

Feed the weed: WSU examines relationship between cannabis and breast milk

By Lauren Paterson March 31, 2022

Listen A new Washington State University study will examine if breast milk with cannabinoids can affect child development / Runtime – 0:50 Read The political wheels on cannabis have moved quickly. “We’re seeing fairly consistent and large increases in the number of women who use cannabis in their reproductive years,” says Courtney Meehan, a human… Read More

Former Defense Secretary James Mattis speaks at WSU

By Lauren Paterson March 25, 2022

James Mattis stands at a wood podium in front of a red curtain.

James Mattis / Photo by Lauren Paterson Listen NWPB’s Lauren Paterson reports on James Mattis’ visit to WSU this week / Runtime – 1:08 WEB EXTRA: Listen to Gen. Mattis answering a series of reporter questions before his speech / Runtime: 8:51 Read Retired General and former U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis spoke to a… Read More

New documentary showcases cultural ties of camas root to Nez Perce people

By Lauren Paterson March 25, 2022

Bright purple flowers at the top of green camas plants fill the photo with a white tipi and trees in the distance.

Packer’s Meadow at Lolo Pass / Photo by Samantha Berglund Read The camas plant can be found across much of the western U.S. It’s known for its bright purple flowers and edible roots. A new documentary produced by Colleen Mathisen of Discover Your Northwest explores the cultural significance of the camas plant to the Nez… Read More

Multiple Agencies Working To Solve Coeur d’Alene Housing Crisis

By Lauren Paterson March 23, 2022

A newly constructed multi-home complex in shades of grey stands before a wooden house frame still under construction.

A surge of new residents has caused housing challenges for Kootenai County / Photo by Geoffrey Roth. Listen In the second of a two-part series on the housing crisis in Coeur d’Alene, NWPB’s Lauren Paterson looks at the efforts being made to mitigate the problem / Runtime – 5:16 Read “It’s pretty crazy to see… Read More

Bill To Support Rural Idaho Teachers Goes To Governor’s Desk

By Lauren Paterson March 22, 2022

A Idaho bill would provide incentives to attract and retain teachers in rural schools (AP Photo/Craig Lassig) Listen NWPB’s Lauren Paterson reports on a bill to retain teachers in rural schools in Idaho / Runtime – 53 seconds Read Shortages of qualified teachers are affecting every school district in Idaho. A bill to help retain… Read More

Study Says 75% Of Coeur d’Alene Residents Can’t Afford To Buy A Home

By Lauren Paterson March 16, 2022

Housing prices in Coeur d’Alene and other parts of Kootenai County are soaring Read Listen: NWPB’s Lauren Paterson looks at the housing crisis in Kootenai County / Runtime: 4 minutes A surge of new residents has caused housing challenges for Kootenai County. Photo by Geoffrey Roth 75% of Coeur d’Alene residents cannot afford to… Read More

Malden Recovery Slow But Steady. Residents Get Six New Homes

By Lauren Paterson March 8, 2022

Newly constructed houses sit atop a hill of brown mud surrounded by rolling hills and trees.

The Western Anabaptist Missionaries have built six houses since January for homeless Malden residents. Listen Read An aerial view of new homes being built in fire-damaged Malden / Video by Geoff Roth Mayor Dan Harwood has one word to describe what it was like to watch the Babb Road fire devour the town of Malden.… Read More

High School Student in Kamiah Sits On City Council

By Lauren Paterson March 2, 2022

Kaylee Hunt in front of the Kamiah City Hall Listen Read KAMIAH, ID – As lockers slam and students move through the hallway, I make my way to the Kamiah High School library to meet with Kamiah City Council member Kaylee Hunt. She’s 18 years old, and still in high school. “I never really considered… Read More

Seeing The Inland Northwest In Black And White: 20 Years Of Photography Through An Artist’s Eye

By Lauren Paterson February 14, 2022

'Middlelife' is showing now at the Bryan Oliver Gallery on the Whitworth University campus in Spokane, Wash.

After more than 20 years of photographing the pacific northwest, Rajah Bose considers himself an “insider.” Continue Reading Seeing The Inland Northwest In Black And White: 20 Years Of Photography Through An Read More

The Forest Is Calling – Want To Be A Campground Host?

By Lauren Paterson February 11, 2022

A picnic table sits beneath a large green tree on a bright green meadow.

If you love being in the forest consider becoming a volunteer ‘campground host’ this summer. Several sites throughout the Northwest are hiring. Continue Reading The Forest Is Calling – Want To Be A Campground Host?Read More

The Forest Is Calling – Want To be A Campground Host?

By Lauren Paterson February 10, 2022

Laird Park Campground is located on the Palouse River east of Harvard, Idaho. The Forest Service is looking for campground hosts for sites like these. Photo Credit US Forest Service

Each year the Forest Service needs people to help campers and visitors make the most of their visit, check in to their camping spot, and maintain campground facilities. These are the duties of a ‘campground host.’ Continue Reading The Forest Is Calling Read More

Film Society Builds Community Through Movie Events

A Pacific Northwesterner’s Guide to Mushroom Gathering

Better Late Than Never: It’s Mushroom Hunting Season in the Pacific Northwest

Students From Ukraine Finish Online WSU Class Despite War Breaking Out Around Them

Indigenous Totem Travels From Salish Sea To Snake River

Avian Flu Sweeping Through Washington State, Carried By Migrating Birds

Hazard Pay Helps Recruit Wildland Firefighters In Idaho

Drone Technology, Sustainability Key To Grape And Wine Research In Washington For 2022

Pandemic Relief Expiring Means Northwest Children Will Miss Healthy School Meals

Checking Vineyard Soil Moisture Now Can Save Grapes Later

Animal Abuse Case Against Idaho Rancher Moves Forward

Techno Against War: Concert To Benefit Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine

Idaho To Provide Hazard Pay For Wildland Firefighters, Now Recruiting For Upcoming Fire Season

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Gifts $20 million To Washington State University

Language Of The Rockies: Linguist Seeks Speaking Patterns In Idaho And Utah

Reclaim Idaho Nears Signature Goal To Increase Education Funding In Gem State

Calling All Dogs Of The Inland NW: Photography Project Aims To Raise Funds For Spokane Humane Society

Hearing Set For Clearwater County Animal Abuse Case Of 98 Cattle

Feed the weed: WSU examines relationship between cannabis and breast milk

Former Defense Secretary James Mattis speaks at WSU

New documentary showcases cultural ties of camas root to Nez Perce people

Multiple Agencies Working To Solve Coeur d’Alene Housing Crisis

Bill To Support Rural Idaho Teachers Goes To Governor’s Desk

Study Says 75% Of Coeur d’Alene Residents Can’t Afford To Buy A Home

Malden Recovery Slow But Steady. Residents Get Six New Homes

High School Student in Kamiah Sits On City Council

Seeing The Inland Northwest In Black And White: 20 Years Of Photography Through An Artist’s Eye

The Forest Is Calling – Want To Be A Campground Host?

The Forest Is Calling – Want To be A Campground Host?

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