Connect Newsletter Archives | Northwest Public Broadcasting

Emergency Alert System: Clay Freinwald is at the Hub of Safety

By Sandi Billings July 28, 2021

image shows Clay Freinwald on stage receiving award.

“This is a test of the Emergency Alert System. This is only a test.” As fires and severe weather ramp up across the region, however, we may hear more from the Emergency Alert System (EAS)—and they will not all be test messages, but real warnings of danger. NWPB is key to the EAS, as the… Read More

QCD: Formerly Known as the Charitable IRA Rollover

By Sandi Billings July 23, 2021

“Qualified Charitable Distribution” is now standard terminology for donations made directly though your retirement account. Previously called “Charitable IRA Rollovers” by some, Qualified Charitable Distributions, or QCDs, remain powerful tools for making tax-wise contributions to your favorite non-profits, including to NWPB. If you meet the age Read More

Northwest Summer Music Festivals Are Back! Here’s A Guide Of What To Hear And How To Attend

By NWPB Music June 25, 2021

Great musicians from all over the world love to gather in the gorgeous Northwest in the summer, so last year’s heartbreaking cancellations of live events hit hard. This year, it’s exciting to report the reopening of many of this region’s beloved music venues. If you can, buy tickets, buy merch, and applaud loudly, for these hardworking artists are ready to renew the good Read More

What’s With The Radio Silence Treatment?

By Hannah Whisenant April 1, 2021

You’re listening and suddenly, there’s several minutes of silence. How frustrating! Then, there’s double audio. What’s going on? Let’s answer those questions about NWPB and learn why things are different right now, temporarily. Please, know that we are not satisfied with the quality of our broadcasts and are working every day to resolve these issues. On Read More

Saying Goodbye: Gillian Coldsnow Reminisces About 28 Years With NWPB

By Sueann Ramella January 7, 2021

As a supervisor, she has trained many to announce conversationally, to troubleshoot technical issues and combat lazy thinking. She expects and is able to bring out the best in those willing to learn. As a mentor, she has guided students who are now working in broadcasting with most in public media. As a friend, she has always been there to lend a hand and ear and to share Read More

Beethoven Birthday Supper: Recipes For The Composer’s Favorite Food

By Gigi Yellen November 5, 2020

What would Beethoven do when he was hungry? He’d have mac and cheese! The Viennese version, of course: Kaesespaetzle, or "cheese noodles;" tiny dumplings topped with crispy onions. For Ludwig’s 250th anniversary year, may we suggest he spice things up with a pepper and a sprig of rosemary? How about some Cougar Gold instead of that Parmigiano-Reggiano? Keep reading Read More

NWPB Sustaining Members Help Sustain Walla Walla

By Sandi Billings June 4, 2020

Mark Brucks and Susan Monahan have dedicated half an acre of their Walla Walla yard as a “neighborhood garden.” Recently all four participating families were out working their plots at the same time—a great way to keep distance and stay healthy and connected. This spring, one household, a family of eight put on a concert… Read More

Gardening During The Pandemic: It’s A Win-Win-Win

By Hannah Whisenant May 7, 2020

Summer's bounty starts with spring planting. CREDIT: S. Billings

The COVID-19 pandemic has everyone looking for ways to entertain and calm themselves at home and find joy in the stay-home-stay-safe pattern of life. Gardening provides entertainment, relaxation, and satisfaction every day. It’s prime gardening time right now, so use this article as your motivation to get gardening - it’s not too late to start! Read More

Teacher Appreciation Week

By Jordan Eby May 4, 2020

As the world has shifted, so has education. Teachers and schools have risen to the occasion to deliver lessons and learning from afar. They have moved classes online, and some schools are checking out computers to families as needed–like in Troy, Idaho. Some educators are pre-recording their lectures, others create work packets for students at… Read More

What NWPB Staff Are Up To While Staying At Home

By Sarah Mundi April 29, 2020

A colorful graphic with hobbies people can do at home such as exercising, dancing, reading, art, and crafting

NWPB staff are managing to get as much work done as possible, but have also found time for at-home projects, hobbies, cooking and creative writing. Here are some things we’ve been up to. Continue Reading What NWPB Staff Are Up To While Staying At HomeRead More

Staying Inside A Lot? Some Food Thoughts

By Sarah McDaniel April 2, 2020

If you’re hunkered down, doing your part to flatten the curve…maybe food is on your mind. You may be feeding your family – or cooking to deal with cabin fever. Here are some suggestions from NWPB staff. Continue Reading Staying Inside A Lot? Some Food ThoughtsRead More

Sue Knows How to Say “Thank You” (and so does WSU)

By Sandi Billings March 5, 2020

For nearly 25 years, Sue has represented WSU’s public media to thousands of donor-members as a key part of the two-person Member Relations staff. Her role is key to everything Northwest Public Broadcasting does, and she performs functions that are essential, routine, and jam-packed with activity: daily check and credit card processing, member record updates.… Read More

Magic In The Making: Food And Love

By Hannah Whisenant February 6, 2020

red and yellow potatoes in the shape of a heart.

Potatoes were once considered aphrodisiacs. Photo Credit: Hannah Whisenant When you think of aphrodisiacs, what images come to mind? An oyster on the half shell? A glass of wine? A chocolate-dipped strawberry? Let’s release the performance pressure valve right now: there really is no magical food ingredient for a romantic dinner. So don’t feel the… Read More

A Popular Way to Donate May Save You Money

By Sandi Billings February 4, 2020

Are you required to take a minimum distribution from your IRA? Would you benefit from a lower income on your tax filing? If you answer “YES” to both of these, consider making your donation to Northwest Public Broadcasting through a charitable IRA qualified charitable distribution. Giving this way means donating all or part of your… Read More

NWPB Staff New Year’s Resolutions

By Jordan Eby January 6, 2020

As we enter a new year, there are two fairly frequent occurrences: 1. The inner argument about whether or not to leave holiday decorations up through January. 2. Setting New Year’s resolutions. The staff of Northwest Public Broadcasting is no exception when it comes to the latter annual tradition and share the goals they have… Read More

NWPB Holiday Gift Guide For The Discerning Northwesterner

By Jordan Eby December 7, 2019

Here is a list of ideas that will hopefully help you get your list checked off (though make sure to check it twice!), whether gifts for friends, family or even for yourself. Continue Reading NWPB Holiday Gift Guide For The Discerning Read More

Students Learn Rad Radio Skills And Podcasting With NWPB

By Anna King December 3, 2019

Reporter Anna King teaches a student how to edit audio on a computer.

What happened at this year's RadioActive youth journalism workshop in the Tri Cities? Students learned how to write, record and edit stories. Continue Reading Students Learn Rad Radio Skills And Podcasting With NWPBRead More

Celebrate Thanksgiving With NWPB

By Gillian Coldsnow November 19, 2019

Special programs examine different aspects of the quintessential American holiday this month: scientific, culinary, musical and literary. Meantime, how’s your holiday prep going? If you don’t know what to do or where to start, here’s a guide to keep you on track for the perfect Thanksgiving meal. Bring on the turkey and pie! The Pulse:… Read More

Halloween Costumes Inspired By The Northwest

By Jordan Eby September 19, 2019

Lola Green Baldwin, Portland, Policewoman, history

Halloween costumes are a great way to express your creativity. Whether you are going to a party, participating in a costume competition or just spending the evening handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, dressing up is a fun way to get into the spirit – pun intended – of Halloween. With so many costumes on the… Read More

Meet NWPB’s New Yakima Valley Reporter

By NWPB News September 1, 2019

NWPB listeners and viewers have a new voice and face helping to bring them the news of the Northwest – particularly central Washington’s Yakima Valley. Continue Reading Meet NWPB’s New Yakima Valley ReporterRead More

August 2019 Outages Explained

By Hannah Whisenant August 29, 2019

Computers, switches, and broadcast equipment

Photo Credit: Hannah Whisenant. Only a very small piece of the NWPB system for audio delivery. If you were listening the first week of August, you may have heard the audio dropouts that were plaguing Northwest Public Broadcasting. Here is a recap of what happened. At the bottom of this recap is a list of… Read More

Rosemary, A Proud NWPB Sustainer: “Joshua Johnson Won Me Over”

By Sue Sheppard July 10, 2019

Rosemary Stevens has been a listener and supporter of public radio since the 1960’s, when she taught Theater Arts in California. In 1991, while helping friends in Anacortes, Rosemary fell in love with the Northwest. She made a permanent move and has never considered moving back. “The scenery was beautiful, but that isn’t why I… Read More

Pick Your Manners: Huckleberry Etiquette 101

By Hannah Whisenant July 5, 2019

If you’re a seasoned purple-stained Huckleberry Head, or if you’re just starting to forage the forests of the Northwest, here are some tips about huckleberries you should know. Continue Reading Pick Your Manners: Huckleberry Etiquette 101Read More

July 2019: New Program Schedule

By Gillian Coldsnow June 6, 2019

New program schedules take effect July 1, 2019. These are the programs joining the lineup: Newshour brings global news to NWPB at 1 PM weekdays. BBC Newshour: The BBC World Service’s flagship program comes to weekday afternoons, live from London with the latest news, and conversations with newsmakers, eyewitnesses, correspondents and analysts. PRI’s The World… Read More

What Happened To My Radio? A Recap Of The KNWR/KHNW Outage In May

By Hannah Whisenant June 6, 2019

If you listen to the NPR and Classical Music station in Central Washington, you probably noticed in early May that the station was off the air for a long time. KNWR and KHNW and subsequent translators were off the air for six days due to a power outage. Continue Reading Read More

NPR’s Melissa Block Visits Pullman, Reflects On Murrow’s Legacy: ‘Without Facts, What Do We Have?’

By Zachary Garner April 17, 2019

Melissa Block during live election night coverage. CREDIT: Stephen Voss/WBAA, courtesy of NPR.

NPR's Melissa Block sat down with NWPB’s Thom Kokenge during 'All Things Considered' to discuss her experiences as a journalist, NPR’s legacy and the state of journalism today. She was in Pullman to receive The Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award at Washington State University. Read More

Suzanne Bona Speaks Passionately About Classical Music: Concert Tonight!

By Sueann Ramella March 20, 2019

Radio host of Sunday Baroque and accomplished flute player, Suzanne Bona tells NWPB listeners at a fundraiser luncheon how classical music influenced her life. Continue Reading Suzanne Bona Speaks Passionately About Classical Music: Read More

Cancelled: Lewiston Brown-Bag Lunch With Suzanne Bona

By Sandi Billings March 19, 2019

Regretfully, the Brown-Bag Lunch with Suzanne Bona, host of Sunday Baroque, as scheduled for March 21 at the LCSC Center for Arts and History has been cancelled due to a number of logistical factors. If you planned to attend the gathering and can travel up the grade instead, please contact [email protected] for an alternate opportunity… Read More

Expert Women Explore The Heavy Burden Of Hanford Cleanup In Tri-Cities Event On March 21

By NWPB News March 12, 2019

Anna King interviewing Jane Hedges, the now retired head of Washington Ecology’s Hanford office. Hedges grew up swimming off the docks in Richland, but only understood the massive scope of the cleanup needed at Hanford later in life. CREDIT: Kai-Huei Yau / Daughters of Hanford

PHOTO: Anna King interviewing Jane Hedges, the now-retired head of Washington Ecology’s Hanford office. Hedges grew up swimming off the docks in Richland, but only understood the massive scope of the cleanup needed at Hanford later in life. CREDIT: Kai-Huei Yau / Daughters of Hanford You’ve heard Tri-Cities correspondent Anna King on the radio for years,… Read More

Celebrate Women’s History Month With Special Programs

By Gillian Coldsnow March 6, 2019

Four programs this March examine myriad aspects of women’s history, from poetry. Tina Fey takes you into the hidden world of girls around the world, Meryl Streep narrates a program about how women poets radically changed American poetry, and hear about the women pilots of World War II. More about these programs and when to… Read More

Black History Month 2019: Fridays in February

By Gillian Coldsnow January 23, 2019

Friday, February 22, 7 PM, NPR News service

Celebrate Black History Month every Friday on the NPR News service. We pay tribute to the struggle of generations of African Americans with special programs: Friday, February 1, 7 PM, NPR News service: The Freed People In one of the most fascinating chapters of American history, Congress established The Freedmen’s Bureau as the Civil War drew… Read More

Climate and Environment Radio Programs Begin in January

By Gillian Coldsnow January 9, 2019

Concern over climate change rose in late November with the release of a United Nations report on limiting global warming. “An ear-splitting wake-up call to the world,” the UN said of the report: “It confirms that climate change is running faster than we are — and we are running out of time.” What do climate scientists have… Read More

Here’s What NWPB Music Hosts Are Excited About In 2019

By Anjuli Dodhia January 9, 2019

The new year has just begun, and NWPB music hosts are eagerly anticipating a few events, concerts and interviews in 2019. Continue Reading Here’s What NWPB Music Hosts Are Excited About In 2019Read More

Don And Marianna Matteson Provide For Musical Future At NWPB

By Sandi Billings January 9, 2019

With their donation of $100,000, Pullman-based listeners Donald Matteson and Marianna Merritt Matteson have created a permanent public radio music fund. The endowment will provide ongoing support for classical music with a focus on the music library. “This is a gift to everyone across the Northwest,” said General Manager Marvin Marcelo. “Don and Marianna have… Read More

January Programs To Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

By Gillian Coldsnow January 9, 2019

The third Monday of every January, America commemorates the birthday of civil rights leader and icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. NWPB is pleased to present three special radio programs which recognizes his life and achievements. On Being with Krista Tippett: Ruby Sales Where does it hurt? That’s a question the civil rights icon… Read More

Keep Your Candles Burning Brightly: 2018 Holiday Radio Programs On NWPB

By Anjuli Dodhia November 30, 2018

Turn on your radio, pour a cup of tea, cozy up to a warm fire, and enjoy uplifting music, heartwarming stories and inspiring performances to celebrate the season. Here’s a list of special programs coming your way throughout the month of December. Read More

Finding Inspiration Amidst Chaos: Classical Music Of The First World War

By Steve Reeder November 7, 2018

November 11 marks the centennial of the end of World War I, otherwise known as the “Great War” and the “War to End All Wars.” Simply put, it was a cataclysm, a conflict that marked a threshold in modern history. In the world of classical music, composers responded in many different ways. Read More

NWPB TV Station, KTNW, Is Getting An Upgrade

By Tom Hungate October 4, 2018

On November 14, KTNW, the PBS station for the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla will switch to a new transmitter and antenna. Viewers who watch the station using cable or satellite will not see a change. However, KTNW will be broadcasting on a new frequency which will require people who watch free using an antenna to rescan their TV to be able to see the channel. Read More

Apple Rescuer, Gentle Composer: Gerald Finzi

By Gigi Yellen September 20, 2018

Baxter's Pearmain (Credit: National Fruit Collection); Gerald Finzi, reprinted by kind permission of Boosey & Hawkes

Consider this year’s apples: Born from the seeds of an earlier generation’s trees, the fruit you hold in your hand this fall will allow you “to shake hands with a good friend over the centuries.” That’s how the composer and antiquarian Gerald Finzi put it. As your apples ripen, with the sweet strains of classical music… Read More

September Focus: The Internment Of Japanese-Americans

By Gillian Coldsnow September 1, 2018

San Bruno, CA, 29 April 1942: This assembly center has been open for two days. Bus-load after bus-load of evacuated persons of Japanese ancestry are arriving on this day after going through the necessary procedures, they are guided to the quarters assigned to them in the barracks. CREDIT: DOROTHEA LANGE/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Every September more than a million people go to the Washington State Fair -- oblivious that the Puyallup fairgrounds site was where people of Japanese ancestry were rounded up and incarcerated during WWII. Continue Reading September Focus: The Internment Read More

Leonard Bernstein: How ‘Noise That Keeps People Awake At Night’ Helped Ignite A Brilliant Career

By Steve Reeder August 6, 2018

Black and white photo, Gazebo with musicians

The first known photograph of Leonard Bernstein (left) as a conductor, taken at a summer camp on 1937. CREDIT: Library of Congress, Music Division “Moynik!” (“Music!”), the young Leonard Bernstein would exclaim, even before his second birthday. He was clearly fascinated by the sounds emanating from his parents’ Victrola at home in Lawrence, Massachusetts and… Read More

Goodbye And Good Luck, Jessie Jacobs!

By Anjuli Dodhia July 6, 2018

This month, we say goodbye to our Music Director, Jessie Jacobs. You’ve heard Jessie on-air Friday afternoons on NWPB, and her contributions and dedication behind the scenes have made NWPB into a vital music resource for listeners and communities across the region. Jessie Jacobs sat down with Anjuli Dodhia to reflect back on her time with NWPB. Read More

Sustaining Member Annie, Of Vashon Island, Rescues Goats

By Sue Sheppard July 6, 2018

NWPB listeners are involved in a variety of animal-related organizations. We’re all familiar with groups that save and adopt dogs and cats, but goats? Rescue goats? Yes! Sustaining member Annie, from Vashon Island, is involved with the Puget Sound Goat Rescue, which typically assists with the adoption of 180 – 200 goats per year, saving… Read More

Celebrating 25 Years Of The Bellingham Festival Of Music: A Conversation With Michael Palmer

By Anjuli Dodhia July 6, 2018

The Bellingham Festival of Music is celebrating its 25th Silver Anniversary season. It’s also Artistic Director Michael Palmer’s 50th year as a conductor. Anjuli Dodhia sat down for a conversation with the Maestro about his career, the Bellingham Festival of Music, and what concert-goers can look forward to this season. Read More

Joshua Johnson’s Welcome Space For Discourse

By Gillian Coldsnow July 6, 2018

1A host Joshua Johnson had big shoes to fill: his show was the replacement for the Diane Rehm Show, which built a very loyal following over its 37-year run. But it didn't take long for him to go from “Joshua who?” to a very recognizable and popular host, at turns enthusiastic, expressive, and self-deprecating - and a bastion of "relentless civility." Read More

The Great American Read Is In Full Swing

By Kanale Rhoden July 6, 2018

The Great American Read is in full swing. Since it's premiere in May, PBS has received over 1,000,000 votes. NWPB is doing its role to get the word out there. We have a dedicated page on our website, nwpb.org/GAR, where you can: watch the premiere episode, vote for your favorite book and look over the list to discover new books you can read over the summer. Join us in Read More

Evolution of the Secret City: A Fireside Chat About the Hanford Story

By Kanale Rhoden July 6, 2018

In 1943, the Hanford Site was selected as the newest location for the top-secret Manhattan Project and began 75 years of innovation, discovery and leadership. To honor this legacy and the continued work at Hanford, Leidos will host panelists from Hanford’s past and present to share stories and discuss the evolution of this secret city.… Read More

How To Raise a Human: What Parenting Books Don’t Tell You

By Gillian Coldsnow June 8, 2018

Does raising kids have to be stressful? Is sleeping with your baby as dangerous as doctors say? NPR’s series How To Raise A Human presents the latest research on child development and the parenting practices of some of the oldest cultures in search of tried and true lessons on play, caretaking and learning. Read More

Goodbye And Good Luck, Connor, Kevin, Preston and Afiq!

By Gillian Coldsnow May 3, 2018

It’s almost graduation day, and students — an important part of NWPB — prepare to move on. Their time spent at NWPB is a resume builder and investment in their future. We wish them well as we say goodbye to Connor Henricksen, Kevin Vallene, Preston Snyder and Afiq Hisham. Here’s what they plan to do… Read More

‘Uniquely NW News’ On Air And Online

By Kanale Rhoden May 3, 2018

Northwest news is coming to KTNW, following PBS Newshour Weekend. Beginning May 4th you can join NWPB news manager Scott Leadingham on-air at 5:55pm. Each week he'll talk with regional news correspondents about the latest happenings around the Northwest. Stream episode 1 now on our website. Read More