Lauren Paterson, Author at Northwest Public Broadcasting

A Pacific Northwesterner’s Guide to Mushroom Gathering

By Lauren Paterson September 22, 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

Washington Wine Grape Harvest Could Be “Biggest Yet”

By Lauren Paterson September 21, 2022

A sunbeam glistens over a green vineyard of red wine grapes near a river in Vantage, Washington.

The Washington wine grape harvest is underway. Pinot Noir grapes are being harvested near Vantage, WA. Listen (Runtime :56) Read This year’s wine grape harvest is about two or three weeks later than usual, said Vicky Sharlau, executive director of the Washington Wine Growers Association. “I think this time of year, growers are worried about… Read More

Hay Is For Horses – Until It’s Gone

By Lauren Paterson September 20, 2022

A woman in green pants and a grey top leads a white horse and a brown horse to a barn in Pullman, Washington.

Erin Tomson bringing her horses into the family barn. Her mother Dee used to board horses at their ranch in Pullman, WA. The price of hay is making it harder to afford horses. Listen Most of us have already noticed an uptick in the cost of groceries. There are a variety of reasons for that.… Read More

Recent Rain Tames Idaho Wildfires

By Lauren Paterson September 15, 2022

A group of men in tan and yellow shirts sit at a table in front of a log house near evergreen trees.

Incident Management Team members responding to fire activity towards Orogrande on 97, which prompted the evacuation. (Photo courtesy USFS) Listen Rain and cooler temperatures have helped firefighters tame two major wildfires in north Idaho. Correspondent Lauren Paterson gives us an update. (Runtime :45) Read After burning more than 15,000 acres, the Williams Creek Fire Read More

‘Camp Crier’ App Gives Tribes Custom Way To Communicate

By Lauren Paterson September 14, 2022

A young Native American girl with long black hair and a bright blue shirt holds a mobile phone with the Camp Crier app.

Alyssa Farrow, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, is one of the early users of the Camp Crier app. Listen The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation have launched a new app to improve communications between residents. Correspondent Lauren Paterson tells us how it’s going. (Runtime :59) Read As… Read More

Malden Rises From The Ashes

By Lauren Paterson September 8, 2022

A bird's eye view shows newly constructed houses upon a brown and muddy street.

Since the wildfire disaster, 24 homes have been rebuilt in Malden. The mayor says the goal is to have the new fire station built by August 2023. (Photo by Geoff Roth) Listen It’s been two years since the towns of Malden and Pine City were devastated by the 15-thousand acre Babb Road fire. Correspondent Lauren… Read More

Smaller Apple Harvest From Washington This Year Due To Cold Snap, Rising Costs

By Lauren Paterson August 31, 2022

A bird's eye view shows a dozen light brown bins filled to the brim with red delicious apples being loaded onto a truck.

The Washington apple harvest is underway. Bins of Red Delicious are loaded onto a truck. (Photo courtesy of the Washington Apple Commission) Listen Washington’s apple crop is projected to be 108 million forty-pound boxes of fresh apples, according to the Washington Apple Commission report released this month. That’s down eleven percent from last year’s 122… Read More

Legal Agreement To Address Hanford’s Leaking Tanks Finalized

By Lauren Paterson August 30, 2022

Buildings on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation along the Columbia River are seen from the Hanford Reach National Monument near Richland, Wash.

The Hanford Site sits along the Columbia River near Richland, Wash., 35 miles from the Oregon border. Listen Federal and Washington state agencies finalized an agreement last week to address two leaking underground tanks at central Washington’s Hanford Nuclear Reservation. Correspondent Lauren Paterson reports. (Runtime :46) Read The U-S Department of Energy announced in Read More

Bear Sightings Up As New Residents Move To Rural Washington

By Lauren Paterson August 26, 2022

A brownish black bear stands on a gravel road next to green grass.

A black bear spotted on a forest road this spring in Eastern WA. (Photo courtesy of WA Dept Fish & Wildlife) Listen The pandemic has increased the number of visitors to recreational areas and national forests. Correspondent Lauren Paterson tells us more of those people report they’ve encountered bears. (Runtime 1:00) Read With the Colville… Read More

Supernatural thriller featuring Salish language filmed in Pacific Northwest

By Lauren Paterson August 25, 2022

An actor in traditional Spokane tribal clothing canoes on the water of a river with stormy clouds overhead.

Qemtsna paddles across the Lake of Silence on her way to the End of the World. (Photo courtesy Rajah Bose) Listen Projects featuring indigenous culture are taking off from big studios to small towns, often as a way to share and preserve culture. Correspondent Lauren Paterson reports on how a member of the Spokane Tribe… Read More

New Technology Designed At PNNL Will Help Predict Storm Damage From Hurricanes, Climate Change

By Lauren Paterson August 11, 2022

A gif demonstrates the software by moving a line across the path of a possible hurricane. The line is light blue drawn across a dark blue sea and map of an island.

The new EGRASS program uses cloud software designed to work with all kinds of grid systems, so it can be employed around the world. In Puerto Rico’s case, the goal is to prepare the island for big storms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency paid to develop the software. (GIF courtesy of PNNL) Listen Tri-Cities researchers… Read More

Scientists Release Plan To ‘Rewild The American West’

By Lauren Paterson August 11, 2022

A brown beaver sits near a wooden dam above the water.

Professor William Ripple says the wetlands and streams created by beavers act as firebreaks that could slow wildfires, a big issue in the West. Listen Amid droughts, wildfires, and climate change, a group of scientists are proposing a plan to, quote, ‘rewild the American West.’ Correspondent Lauren Paterson reports. (Runtime 1:06) Read William Ripple is… Read More

Quarantine Likely Due To Japanese Beetle Infestation In Eastern WA, Says WSDA Official

By Lauren Paterson August 9, 2022

Shiny black beetles with a green and copper glow feast on the leaves of a Linden tree. The leaves are full of holes.

Invasive Japanese Beetles are devouring crops and gardens in eastern Washington. The WSDA says it will take years of effort to eradicate them. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, file) Listen Lauren Paterson reports on what the uptick in beetles means for growers and gardeners. (Runtime :53) Read The small and shiny invasive Japanese Beetles were first spotted… Read More

Local Organization Pairs With University Of Idaho To Build Affordable Housing

By Lauren Paterson August 4, 2022

Two women in construction helmets stand in the frame of an unfinished house against a blue sky surrounded by green fields.

Madalyn Asker and Amanda Eller stand in the frame of the first of six houses being designed and built by University of Idaho students. Listen Communities across the country are getting creative when it comes to finding a way to build more housing amid historic demand. Correspondent Lauren Paterson tells us how a college and… Read More

With Limited Fair Showings Of Poultry, 4-H Youth Get Creative

By Lauren Paterson August 3, 2022

A young lady with glasses and her hair in a bun sits at a red picnic table with a white and black chicken on the table in front of her.

4-H participant Katie Johnston will be taking photos of her chickens instead of taking them to the fair this year. This chicken, a silver laced Bantam Wyandotte, is named Tallie. Listen With the warming weather, the migratory birds are flying north, and bringing avian flu with them. County fair organizers are canceling poultry showings.Lauren Paterson… Read More

Sangre nueva en el Noroeste: Candidatos por primera vez en el Este de Washington

By Lauren Paterson August 1, 2022

Las tarjetas para las elecciones primarias están en manos de los votantes de Washington. Deben ser devueltas o enviadas por correo antes del martes. De izquierda a derecha: Maggie Yates, Lindsley Keesling y Chris Faison. Ellos son candidatos por primera vez. Muchos candidatos se presentan por primera vez, algunos bajo un tema común: luchar contra… Read More

New Blood Northwest: First Time Candidates In Eastern Washington

By Lauren Paterson August 1, 2022

Professional headshots of Maggie Yates, Lindsley Keesling, and Chris Faison

The primary election ballots are in hands of Washington voters. They need to be returned or mailed by Tuesday. [From left to right: Maggie Yates, Lindsey Keesling, and Chris Faison] Listen Many candidates are running for the first time, some under a common theme: fighting crime by investing in their communities. We meet three of… Read More

Nearly One Third Of Homes In US Purchased By Investors, New Study Reveals

By Lauren Paterson July 29, 2022

A white for rent sign hands in front of a home with a dark blue door.

A recent report by Harvard revealed that yes, investors are buying up homes to make money. Listen (Runtime :59) Read Research from Harvard recently confirmed that investors are buying up homes to make money. Alexander Hermann, one of the lead researchers of the State of the Nation’s Housing report, says the data show lower income… Read More

Idaho Rancher Fined $1200 For Abuse Of 98 Cattle

By Lauren Paterson July 20, 2022

A view off a brown deck shows green pine trees on a field of light green grass beneath a blue sky on a summer's day.

Listen Orofino resident Linda Crawford said more deer and elk have returned to her property this summer since the wandering cows were removed in the spring. They often passed through her property searching for food and water. (Photo by Linda Crawford) A north Idaho court has levied $1200 in court costs to a cattle rancher… Read More

WA Senator Says Legislature Needs To ‘Focus On Housing’

By Lauren Paterson July 20, 2022

A white house on fire on a black background has a red arrow going up.

Rising home prices and inflation are making it difficult for people to find – or keep – a home. Listen Lauren Paterson reports one Washington state legislator believes housing will be a big focus of the next legislative session. (Runtime :53) Read Democratic Senator Patty Kuderer from Bellevue chairs the Senate Housing Committee. She says… Read More

Western State Center Continues To Monitor Extremist Activity In Northwest

By Lauren Paterson July 12, 2022

Three people stand together in a park facing a stage. One wears black lipstick, one other wears a pride flag draped around their shoulders.

Despite the interruption of Coeur d’Alene’s pride event last month, the North Idaho Pride Alliance said this year’s celebration was the largest yet. (Photo courtesy of the North Idaho Pride Alliance) Listen A watchdog organization warns there’s a rise in homophobia. Lauren Paterson reports. (Runtime :55) Read Anti-extremism groups have been monitoring the white Read More

Employee death at Dworshak Dam Spurs Multiple Agency Investigations

By Lauren Paterson July 11, 2022

The Dworshak Dam glows red white and blue surrounded by the black of night.

Eric Engle was involved with the installation of the new red, white, and blue lights on Dworshak Dam. His family said he was a proud veteran. (Photo by Leevon Pinson ) Listen Several agencies are investigating the death of an employee at north Idaho’s Dworshak Dam. Correspondent Lauren Paterson reports. (Runtime 1:09) Read Eric Engle’s… Read More

Washington State And Feds Need “Marriage Counseling” On Hanford, Says Government Official

By Lauren Paterson July 7, 2022

Wokers with orange vests and yellow hard hats make their way to a large grey nuclear waste facility.

Workers walk at the end of the workday on the site of a facility being constructed to treat nuclear waste, Thursday, June 2, 2022, during a tour of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Richland, Wash. by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Listen Congress recently allocated more than two billion dollars for cleaning… Read More

Northwest Apricots Are Bigger And Better This Season

By Lauren Paterson July 6, 2022

Bright orange Robada apricots grow on a green leafed apricot tree against a blue sky.

The Robada variety, bred for its larger size and beautiful coloring, is a newer variety of apricot. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Fruit Commission) Listen The state of Washington is the second largest producer of apricots in the US. Correspondent Lauren Paterson tells us why we might see record amounts of the fruit in markets… Read More

Nueva investigación ayudará a identificar floraciones de algas tóxicas en aguas del noroeste

By Lauren Paterson June 30, 2022

Una gran floración de algas tóxicas Microcystis crecen en el embalse de Copco, en el río Klamath, lo que supone un riesgo para la salud de las personas, los animales domésticos y la fauna. Foto Cortesía Universidad Estatal de Oregón. Read Las personas que acuden al lago para divertirse se encuentran a menudo con que… Read More

New Research Will Help Identify Toxic Algae Blooms In Northwest Waters

By Lauren Paterson June 29, 2022

A green lake filled with algae fills the horizon line against chalky red mud shores with green trees.

Toxic Microcystis algae grow in a large bloom in the Copco Reservoir on the Klamath River, posing health risks to people, pets and wildlife. (Photo courtesy of Oregon State University) Listen Read People who go to the lake to recreate often find water sources might not be safe. Correspondent Lauren Paterson reports on how research… Read More

Scientists Discover Class Of “Smoke Taint” Compounds Affecting Wine Flavor

By Lauren Paterson June 29, 2022

Smokers are stationed outside a vineyard draped with black cloth to expose grapes to smoke for 36 hours.

Wood smoke is dispersed into canopy covered wine grapes for 36 hours in order to measure how wildfire smoke affects grapes and wine flavors in Prosser, Washington June 2021. (Photo by Lauren Paterson) Listen Researchers from three West Coast universities have made a new discovery about how smoke affects wine grapes. Correspondent Lauren Paterson reports.… Read More

Ocean Shipping Reform Act Will Fund Investigations Of Unfair Shipping Costs, Says Cantwell

By Lauren Paterson June 21, 2022

A bright red cargo ship with teal green containers makes its way across the blue ocean to the port of Seattle.

A cargo ship arrives at the port of Seattle. Food meant for export has been left at Northwest ports, says Senator Cantwell. (AP Photo) Listen New federal funding from a recently-approved bill will be used to investigate high shipping costs and produce left to rot in US ports. Correspondent Lauren Paterson reports. (Runtime :53) Read… Read More

Northwest rents continue to rise, especially in Oregon and Idaho

By Lauren Paterson June 17, 2022

Apartments with colored walls are dimly lit from far away under evening light.

As prices continue to climb across the country, the Northwest is seeing big price hikes for rentals, too. Listen Correspondent Lauren Paterson reports on what the latest data on average rent reveals. (Runtime :54) Read Rent prices for a one-bedroom apartment have increased by an average of 46% in Oregon, 31% in Washington, and 45%… Read More

Rural Poverty “Less Visible,” Says Washington Sociologist

By Lauren Paterson June 14, 2022

A skyline of seattle shows big skyscrapers surrounded by green foliage against a blue sky with white clouds.

As the housing crisis continues across the Northwest, only three counties in Washington are affordable for first time homebuyers. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Listen What does “taking care of your own” look like for small Northwest towns after COVID relief expired six months ago? Correspondent Lauren Paterson reports on what a sociologist who studies rural… Read More

Cherry Harvest Begins As Farm Labor Falls Short

By Lauren Paterson June 14, 2022

A hand pulls a bright red bunch of cherries from a cherry tree with green leaves against a blue sky.

The labor shortage among Northwest farms is nothing new, but Mike Gempler of the Washington Growers’ League is hopeful agriculture tech could help. Listen (Runtime 1:03) Read It’s no secret labor is scarce when it comes to farm work. It has been for the last 10 years, says Mike Gempler, executive director of the Washington… Read More

Only Three Washington Counties Affordable For First Time Homebuyers

By Lauren Paterson June 9, 2022

A red line outlines the shape of a house with the arrow trending up against a grey background.

First time homebuyers in Washington are struggling to afford their first house. Listen Housing prices were ticking up in the Northwest before the pandemic as COVID removed reasons to be in the city. Lauren Paterson reports on how current real estate trends are especially tricky for first time homebuyers in Washington. (Runtime :52) Read If… Read More

Northwest Cherries Will Ripen Later This Year Due To Spring Snow

By Lauren Paterson June 7, 2022

Bright yellow Rainier cherries are stacked on top of each other in a huge pile.

Rainier cherries in the Northwest bloomed after the snow, so the crop should be stronger. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Fruit Commission) Listen Snow fell throughout the Northwest in early April just as the cherries were blooming. That has had an effect. Correspondent Lauren Paterson reports on projections for the cherry harvest. (Runtime 1:04)… Read More

“Prepare For Higher Than Average Fire Season,” Says Washington Forest Protection Association

By Lauren Paterson June 1, 2022

A woman walks through a thick green washington forest with light streaming in behind the trees.

Paula Swedeen, a forest policy specialist for the Washington Environmental Council, walks through forest land adjacent to Mount Rainier National Park. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Listen Reporter Lauren Paterson tells us how now is the time to prepare for wildfire season. (Runtime 1:00) Read Jason Spadaro is the executive director of the Washington Forest Protection… Read More

The Secret To Growing Cantaloupe In Colder Northwest Areas? Using The Roots Of Squash

By Lauren Paterson June 1, 2022

A group of people harvest cantaloupe atop green leafy mounds.

Carol Miles and volunteers assist with a harvest of this year’s cantaloupes in Mount Vernon, Wash. Listen Correspondent Lauren Paterson tells us how a bit of elegant plant science is used to make cantaloupes a more viable crop. (Runtime :51) Read Growing cantaloupes in the northwest’s coldest areas is tough enough. Plant diseases like fungi… Read More

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

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

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