Murrow News Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Murrow News

Idaho man arrested, charged with supporting terrorism

By Lauren Paterson April 9, 2024

Documents show the charges filed against Mercurio and a photo of Mercurio next to an ISIS flag in black and white.

The criminal complaint against Alexander Scott Mercurio is photographed on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Mercurio, 18, is charged with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group after… Continue Reading Idaho man arrested, charged Read More

Washington, Idaho receive “F” grades for tobacco prevention programs

By Lauren Paterson April 3, 2024

Food and Drug Administration officials on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023 pledged a reset in the agency’s tobacco program, responding to criticisms that a lack of direction has hampered federal efforts… Continue Reading Washington, Idaho receive Read More

Homicides in Clearwater, Nez Perce Counties possibly tied to Boise inmate escape

By Lauren Paterson March 21, 2024

This image provided by Boise Police Department shows Nicholas Umphenour (left), who has been identified by police as the man suspected of shooting corrections officers at a Boise hospital in… Continue Reading Homicides in Read More

UI memorial garden to come this summer

By Lauren Paterson March 14, 2024

A female student in plaid and jeans and a male student in a black jacket and light jeans use a measuring tape on the ground at the top of a green hill. Brick buildings can be seen in the distance.

Architecture students Jackson Wiedenfeld (left) and Harper Drake (right) take measurements at the future site of the Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial on the University of Idaho campus. (Credit: Lauren… Continue Reading UI memorial garden to come this Read More

Memorial in Olympia for firefighters in the works with bill passage

By Lauren Paterson March 6, 2024

Five people in suits and dresses stand inside a conference room at the Capitol building in Olympia, Washington under fluorescent lights.

Supporters of the bill, including lawmakers who are firefighters, gathered this week in Olympia to highlight the success of the bill’s passage. (Credit: Lauren Gallup / NWPB) Listen (Runtime :55)… Continue Reading Memorial in Olympia Read More

New bill would create minimum $420 fine for pot possession in Idaho

By Lauren Paterson February 28, 2024

A marijuana harvester examines a bud that is going through a trimming machine near Corvallis, Ore. Idahoans frequently cross into Washington and Oregon to buy cannabis. (Credit: AP Photo /… Continue Reading New bill would create Read More

Washington politicians push for federal affordable housing legislation

By Lauren Paterson February 20, 2024

Senator Maria Cantwell stands at a brown podium alongside Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown, while two other affordable housing advocates in winter jackets stand behind them.

Washington Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell held a press conference at the Mother Theresa Haven in Spokane, Washington – a 48-unit complex built a few years ago with funding from the… Continue Reading Washington politicians push Read More

Funding for Northwest tribes to help challenges with housing, climate change

By Lauren Paterson February 16, 2024

An aerial photo shows the lower village of Taholah near a bright blue ocean.

Listen An aerial view of the lower village of Taholah, Washington on the edge of the Pacific Coast. (Credit: Quinault Indian Nation) (Runtime :48) Read New funding from the U.S.… Continue Reading Funding for Northwest tribes Read More

Spokane’s Black newspaper relaunches

By Lauren Paterson January 30, 2024

A woman in an orange shirt speaks into a microphone at a Black Lives Matter rally.

Sandy Williams first launched The Black Lens, Spokane’s Black newspaper, in 2015. Her family has been working to bring the paper back. (Credit: The Black Lens) Listen (Runtime 1:07) Read… Continue Reading Spokane’s Black newspaper relaunchesRead More

Nez Perce Tribe honors the wolf

By Lauren Paterson January 30, 2024

A photo from a game trail camera shows a pack of white, grey and black wolves walking across a snowy mountainside with evergreen trees behind them.

In this Feb. 1, 2017, file image provided the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, a wolf pack is captured by a remote camera in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area… Continue Reading Nez Perce Tribe honors the wolfRead More

Judge denies appeal in Kohberger case, trial date could be more than a year out

By Lauren Paterson January 26, 2024

Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students, is escorted to an extradition hearing at the Monroe County Courthouse in Stroudsburg, Pa., Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.… Continue Reading Judge denies Read More

Wine on wheels? Mobile tasting rooms possible for Washington wineries, breweries

By Lauren Paterson January 26, 2024

trailer once went out on the road for satellite tastings across California. Although the Airstream is now retired, the concept could happen in Washington with new legislation. (Credit: Crimson Wine Group)

Malene Wines’ vintage airstream trailer once went out on the road for satellite tastings across California. Although the Airstream is now retired, the concept could happen in Washington with new… Continue Reading Wine Read More

New congressional tax package has incentive for more Northwest housing

By Lauren Paterson January 19, 2024

Workers in yellow hardhats and orange vests construct modular timber homes in a warehouse.

Modular homes are assembled at Mercer Mass Timber in Spokane Valley, Washington. An expansion of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit could fund more housing construction projects in the Northwest… Continue Reading New congressional Read More

WSU student workers reach tentative deal after one day of picketing, strike

By Lauren Paterson January 17, 2024

Students stand with handmade signs in the snow on the Pullman WSU campus. A cougar statue is seen nearby.

Members of the Washington State University Coalition of Student Employees (WSU-CASE) Held rallies in the snow at WSU campuses throughout the state on Wednesday, January 17, 2023. (Credit: Jen Acker… Continue Reading WSU student Read More

Unionized WSU student workers going on strike

By Lauren Paterson January 16, 2024

Students stand on steps holding signs with sayings like "Eat the Admins" in front of a brick building under a blue sky. A student gives a speech with a megaphone in front of the crowd.

Members of the Washington State University Coalition of Academic Student Employees (WSU-CASE) hold a rally on the Pullman campus on September 27, 2023. (Credit: Lauren Paterson / NWPB) Listen (Runtime… Continue Reading Unionized WSU student workers going Read More

New technology helps forensic scientists, police do more with less DNA

By Lauren Paterson January 12, 2024

The Idaho State Police Forensic Services lab tests for DNA samples. The submission of rape kits for DNA collection is left entirely up to law enforcement discretion and the submission… Continue Reading New technology helps forensic Read More

For Nez Perce, Fight for Salmon Extends for Generations

By Murrow News Service January 10, 2024

Photo by Cole Quinn. Snake River Dam Campaign supporters prepare to launch canoes into the Snake River to advocate for the removal of multiple nearby dams, Sept. 30, 2023, at Hells Gate State Park in Lewiston, Idaho.

By Sophia Flippin/Murrow News Service NEZ PERCE, IDAHO _ Government snipers lined the hills above Idaho’s Rapid River. It was the summer of 1980, just five years after… Continue Reading For Nez Perce, Fight for Salmon Extends for Read More

Paid leave for families in Washington helps some, frustrates others

By Lauren Paterson December 30, 2023

A baby in a green top holds a beige rattle toy to her month while laying on a pink blanket.

Five-month-old Hailey plays with a rattle at her parents’ apartment in Moscow, Idaho. Her parents are taking part in Washington state’s new leave program. (Credit: Lauren Paterson / NWPB) Listen… Continue Reading Paid leave Read More

King Road House, where four University of Idaho students were killed last fall, has been demolished

By Lauren Paterson December 28, 2023

An orange excavator tears into a white three story house.

Demolition of the King Road House in Moscow, Idaho began shortly after 6 a.m. local time on December 28, 2023. (Credit: Julie Scott) Listen (Runtime 1:03) Read The house where… Continue Reading King Road Read More

“Dr. Christmas Tree” working to prevent disease in Northwest conifer trees

By Lauren Paterson December 21, 2023

Gary Chastagner stands near a green fir tree while wearing a black WSU jacket and jeans.

Gary Chastagner, a Washington State University professor called “Dr. Christmas Tree” shows an example of a less-desirable tree due to fewer top branches, grown in a small plantation of Turkish… Continue Reading “Dr. Read More

King Road House in Moscow to be demolished December 28

By Lauren Paterson December 14, 2023

A three story dark white house with plywood in the windows sits surrounded by trees under a cloudy sky.

The house on King Road where four university of Idaho students were killed last fall will be demolished in late December, according to the university. (Lauren Paterson / NWPB) Listen… Continue Reading King Road House in Moscow to be demolished Read More

New statewide survey of LGBTQ community in Washington to launch next year

By Lauren Paterson December 12, 2023

A state worker unfurls a rainbow flag in front of the Washington state Capitol. (Courtesy: Elaine Thompson / AP Photo) Listen (Runtime 1:02) Read The state of Washington has a… Continue Reading New statewide survey of LGBTQ Read More

Unionized WSU students stage sit-in at Chancellor’s office, strike still possible

By Lauren Paterson December 7, 2023

Students with handmade signs hold a rally around a table inside a building on the WSU campus. Many students are raising their fist in the air.

WSU students staged a sit-in at Chancellor Elizabeth Chilton’s office on Monday, December 4, 2023. The table is meant to symbolize the students bringing the bargaining table to Chilton and… Continue Reading Unionized Read More

Thousands of Northwest jobs could come from new Forest Service plan

By Lauren Paterson December 5, 2023

A sunrise over blue mountains. The mountains are dotted with evergreen trees.

A sunrise over the Rocky Mountains from Rocky Ridge Campground in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests on August 8, 2020 (Credit: Lauren Paterson / NWPB) Listen (Runtime :59) Read A… Continue Reading Thousands of Northwest jobs Read More

Othello teens want tourism, tech-start ups as town decides future with economic grant

By Lauren Paterson November 20, 2023

Hands of multiple teenagers rest upon a brown table as teens use pipe cleaners and pom poms alongside documents.

Othello teens brainstorm ideas for what kinds of activities and jobs would be most interesting to them at The Lighthouse Community Center. (Credit: Marci Miller / Rural Development Initiatives) Listen… Continue Read More

WSU Student workers could go on strike before final exams, end of semester

By Lauren Paterson November 17, 2023

Unionized Washington State University student workers hold signs at a rally on the WSU campus. They are standing in front of a brick building next to a big tree.

Unionized Washington State University student workers rally on the Pullman campus on September 27, 2023. (Credit: Lauren Paterson / NWPB) Listen (Runtime 1:00) Read As unionized Washington State University workers… Continue Read More

WSU, OSU win lawsuit, gain control of Pac-12 Board

By Matt Loveless November 15, 2023

WSU athletic director Pat Chun and OSU athletic director Scott Barnes shake hands following their legal victory in Whitman County Superior Court

More Murrow News Stories Colfax, Wash. – Actions speak louder than words. Whitman County Superior Court Judge Gary Libey offered that simple reasoning at the end of a 2-hour, 47-minute… Continue Reading WSU, OSU win lawsuit, gain control of Pac-12 Read More

As housing crisis deepens, local author explores how trailer parks might be “last affordable option”

By Lauren Paterson November 9, 2023

A mobile home community filled with grey and white trailer houses can be seen surrounded by tall golden grass under a cloudy sky.

The Appaloosa Community mobile home park outside Moscow, Idaho. Professor Leontina Hormel’s new book explains how trailer parks are some of the last affordable housing options left for people across… Read More

Local control, better recognition of tribal police could solve more MMIP cases

By Lauren Paterson November 3, 2023

Leotis McCormack sits at his desk with double computer monitors and a brown shelf behind him, filled with knick-knacks. He holds a phone in his hand.

Leotis McCormack answers the phone at his office at the Nez Perce Tribal Police Department in Lapwai, Idaho. (Credit: Lauren Paterson / NWPB) Listen (Runtime 4:02) Read More than 17… Continue Reading Local control, better Read More

Missing: What to do when someone disappears

By Lauren Paterson October 30, 2023

A drone photo shows a remote dirt road next to a green meadow surrounded by mountains covered by evergreen trees.

Terrence Woods went missing in October 2018 near Orogrande, Idaho while filming with a British TV crew from Raw TV. The wilderness of Idaho County (pictured here) is some of… Continue Reading Missing: What to do when someone disappearsRead More

As Biden negotiates future of lower Snake River dams, Northwest tribes push for removal

By Lauren Paterson October 6, 2023

People gather at the shores of the Snake River in Hells Gate State Park outside of Lewiston, Idaho. Desert mountains can be seen in the distance as canoes sit on a sandy shore under clouds.

Attendees gather on the shores of the Snake River at Hells Gate State Park to take place in the All Our Relations flotilla on September 30, 2023. (Credit: Lauren Paterson… Continue Reading As Biden negotiates future Read More

Spokane-based Indigenous activist shot at protest in New Mexico

By Lauren Paterson October 3, 2023

A Native American man with long dark hair in a red shirt stands in front of a brick wall with hand prints painted on it.

Jacob Johns speaks at an event September 19, 2023 in Spokane, Washington after unveiling his “Free the Vote” mural. (Credit: Jeff Ferguson) Listen (Runtime :57) Read Jacob Johns is an… Continue Reading Spokane-based Indigenous Read More

New scholarships will support Northwest students in wake of Moscow tragedy

By Lauren Paterson September 22, 2023

Two young men and a young woman in fall clothes stroll toward the camera between autumn trees.

Ethan Chapin (left) Maizie Chapin (middle) and Hunter Chapin (right) in a family photo. Hunter and Maizie are still attending University of Idaho and are part of Greek life. (Courtesy:… Continue Reading New scholarships will Read More

Police: Man shot himself during SWAT standoff

By Matt Loveless September 20, 2023

More Murrow News Stories https://www.nwpb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Automatic-1.mp4 PULLMAN, Wash. (Murrow News 8) – Police confirmed a man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a standoff off of Golden Hills Drive in… Continue Read More

We all scream for ice cream, and cheese! It’s the 75th anniversary of the WSU Creamery

By Lauren Paterson September 20, 2023

Two students with backpacks stand at the counter of Ferdinand's ordering ice cream. Ferdinand's is spelled out in big red letters above them.

WSU students Reanna Liebl and Christina Flynn order ice cream at Ferdinand’s on the Pullman campus. (Credit: Lauren Paterson / NWPB) Listen (Runtime 1:30) Read Known for its student-made ice… Continue Reading We Read More

Northwest residents share stories of UFO sightings, hope for government disclosure

By Lauren Paterson September 1, 2023

A digital illustration shows the silhouette of a man looking out over the ocean at a floating orange orb framed by stars in the night sky.

Ryan Graves, Americans for Safe Aerospace Executive Director, from left, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) Maj. David Grusch, and U.S. Navy (Ret.) Cmdr. David Fravor, are sworn in during a House… Continue Reading Northwest residents Read More

October trial postponed as Kohberger waives right to speedy trial in case of student killings

By Lauren Paterson August 23, 2023

Bryan Kohberger wears a grey suit and striped grey tie as an officer in uniform walks behind him into the courtroom.

Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a hearing, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, at the Latah County Courthouse in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students… Continue Reading Read More

Ranked-choice voting in Idaho could happen with 2024 ballot initiative

By Lauren Paterson August 18, 2023

A clipboard reads "sign here to support open primaries in Idaho" in green lettering.

The goal of the Idahoans for Open Primaries initiative is to bring ranked-choice voting and open primaries to Idaho. If enough signatures are gathered, the initiative will be on the… Continue Reading Ranked-choice voting in Idaho Read More

Cosmic Crisp boasts big sales for Washington, with new apple varieties on the way

By Lauren Paterson August 4, 2023

Bright red Cosmic Crisp apples hang from a tree in Wenatchee, Washington.

Cosmic Crisp apples on the Mother Tree near Wenatchee Washington. (Credit: Bob Hubner / Washington State University) Listen (Runtime 1:06) Read Known for its crunch and sweet taste, the Cosmic… Continue Reading Cosmic Read More

As the money grows, Washington’s film and TV industry is taking root

By Lauren Paterson August 1, 2023

A camera is set up behind a white picket fence while crew members dressed in black fill the scene against a wheat field and blue sky.

Director Dan Merchant signals to actors on set during a “Going Home” scene filmed in Rosalia, Washington. (Credit: D.S. Schaefer / Outlier Imaging) Listen (Runtime 1:02) Read While the writer’s… Continue Reading As the Read More

Millions in wildfire funding coming to the West, projects already underway

By Lauren Paterson July 20, 2023

A creek flows centered by rows of black trees burned by a fire.

The Williams Creek Fire burned thousands of acres in the north Idaho wilderness last summer. Fire crews, with the help of heavy rains, eventually put out the blaze. (Credit: Lauren… Continue Reading Millions in wildfire funding Read More

Fundraiser set up for University of Idaho professor falsely accused of planning student murders

By Lauren Paterson July 14, 2023

Portrait of Rebecca Scofield. She wears a periwinkle suit and black top with long blonde hair.

Professor Rebecca Scofield is an associate professor of history and chairs the University of Idaho history department. She lives in Moscow with her husband and two young children. (Credit: Stefanie… Continue Read More

Only community college in North Idaho to retain accreditation … for now

By Lauren Paterson July 11, 2023

A drone photo shows the North Idaho College Campus along the shores of a lake surrounded by trees.

North Idaho College sits on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene. (Credit: NIC Flickr) Listen (Runtime 00:57) Read North Idaho College has been given another year to resolve issues outlined… Continue Reading Only community college Read More

Gay rodeos are queer spaces in rural places

By Lauren Paterson June 29, 2023

A woman with a blue shirt and a cowboy hat barrel races atop a brown horse at the Denver Gay Rodeo 2021.

A barrel race at the Denver Gay Rodeo in 2021. (Credit: Alyson Roy) Listen (Runtime 3:49) Read Curt Westberg sits on the porch of his house in Palouse, Washington. He… Continue Reading Gay rodeos are queer spaces in rural placesRead More

State of Idaho to pursue death penalty against Kohberger

By Lauren Paterson June 26, 2023

Bryan Kohberger walks into the Latah County Courtroom wearing a dark blue jacket, blue shirt and tie.

Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a motion hearing regarding a gag order, Friday, June 9, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students… Continue Reading State of Idaho to pursue death penalty Read More

European fruit, American roots: The science of better wine grapes

By Lauren Paterson June 22, 2023

Two women in sunglasses examine a grapevine leaf at a vineyard in Prosser, WA.

Graduate students Geraldine Diverres and Bernadette Gagnier examine grapevines leaves at the Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension of Washington State University, Wednesday, June 23, 2021 in Prosser, Washington. (Credit: Bob… Continue Read More

For ROTC student, a path to a degree

By Murrow News Service May 11, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoLPNK2l5EM By Frankie Beer/Murrow News Service A leap of faith led Marcellena Ebarb to Air Force ROTC and a desire to serve her country. From a class of 70 cadets,… Continue Reading For ROTC student, a path to a degreeRead More