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Northwest News

This 86-year-old has officiated 8,000+ games — and counting

By Susan Shain April 25, 2025

A man with white hair and a white beard sits outside in a yellow chair

Referees and umps don't often get the spotlight. But the city of Walla Walla has declared today "Vic Walker Day" in honor of one of Washington's longest tenured school sports officials. He's helped bring sports to the community for almost six decades. Read More

Pasco couple fondly remembers blessing from Pope Francis

By Anna King April 25, 2025

Alexia Estrada and Alberto “Beto” Anguiano, newlyweds from Pasco, Washington, were blessed by Pope Francis last November. (Courtesy: Alexia Estrada and Alberto “Beto” Anguiano) Listen (Runtime: 3:55) Read Here’s a […]Read More

Unpacked: Washington state’s budget deficit

By Phineas Pope April 24, 2025

People with signs stand near the Washington state Capitol building in Olympia.

A discussion with host Phineas Pope and NWPB reporter Lauren Gallup about Washington state's budget deficit.Read More

Tacoma physicians are trying to unionize

By Lauren Gallup April 23, 2025

Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma has been around for 70 years. Physicians there are now attempting to form a union. (Credit: Lauren Gallup // NWPB)

Joining a growing trend, physicians at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma are trying to unionize. “ We really want to be able to have a voice, have a seat at the table and work with them and be a little bit more collaborative. And we think this unionization effort is the best way to do that,” said Derek Tam, a pediatric emergency physician at the hospital. Read More

Cantwell, Schrier talk possible Medicaid cuts with local health care stakeholders

By Reneé Diaz April 23, 2025

Two women sit at a table. A sign that reads "reject costs to Medicaid" is next to them.

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell and Rep. Kim Schrier met with hospital executives, doctors and community health stakeholders from across North Central Washington on Thursday to discuss the impact of potential cuts to Medicaid.Read More

Programas Head Start reabren en el centro de Washington

By Johanna Bejarano April 22, 2025

Inspire Development Centers Sunnyside II, en Sunnyside, Washington. (Crédito: Johanna Bejarano / NWPB).

Más de 400 niños de varias comunidades del centro de Washington regresaron a sus aulas tras la llegada de los fondos federales para los programas Early Head Start y Head Start de Inspire Development Centers. Read More

One woman finds healing by caring for wild animals on the Palouse

By Phineas Pope April 22, 2025

A closeup of a pig's face. The pig has its mouth open.

Haku the pig, a resident at Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, draws lots of attention from visitors. (Credit: Ryan Law) Listen (Runtime 3:49) Read It’s dark inside this large red […]Read More

Head Start programs reopen in Central Washington

By Johanna Bejarano April 22, 2025

Inspire Development Centers Sunnyside II (Credit: Johanna Bejarano / NWPB)

More than 400 children in Central Washington are returning to their classrooms following the arrival of federal funds for Early Head Start and Head Start programs at Inspire Development Centers. The organization offers early childhood education programs to low-income children through various centers.Read More

Federal funding cuts, freezes hit Palouse nonprofits

By Lauren Paterson April 21, 2025

A man in a red and white shirt and khaki pants stands under a large theatre marquee with the words "Help us fix it" written on the marquee.

Palouse area nonprofits focused on helping with emergency food and the arts have had their funding frozen or cut.Read More

Why affordable housing providers say they’re facing an ‘existential’ crisis

By Susan Shain April 18, 2025

A tan apartment building. It is surrounded by trees.

Affordable housing providers across the Northwest have been contending with rising insurance premiums — and, in some cases, getting kicked off their plans altogether. Read More

Pacific Northwest author’s new novel captures atmosphere of the region

By Lauren Gallup April 18, 2025

On a gray, early spring morning, I drove to Steilacoom, Washington, to catch the ferry to Anderson Island. I boarded alongside the line of other cars and after parking, stepped out onto the deck of the boat. The ferry pushed off from the dock and rocked a little in the Puget Sound before steadying. I took this journey to the real Anderson Island to see from the water Read More

Repentina suspensión de Head Start afecta a cientos de niños en el centro de Washington

By Johanna Bejarano April 18, 2025

Inspire Development Centers lleva más de 40 años sirviendo a las comunidades del centro de Washington. (Crédito: Johanna Bejarano / NWPB).

Suspensión de los programas Early Head Start y Head Start afecta a siete Inspire Development Centers en el centro de Washington, dejando a más de 400 niños sin apoyo educativo después de que la financiación federal nunca llegara. También provocó el despido de más de 70 personas.Read More

Idaho gave families $50M to spend on private education. Then it ended a $30M program used by public school families

By NWPB April 18, 2025

A photo illustration of a backpack. Half of the backpack appears normal, while the other half of the backpack has a $100 bill overlay on it.

Just weeks after creating a $50 million tax credit to help families pay for private school tuition and homeschooling, Idaho has shut down a program that helped tens of thousands of public school students pay for laptops, school supplies, tutoring and other educational expenses.Read More

Hundreds of children affected by sudden Head Start closures in Central Washington

By Johanna Bejarano April 17, 2025

Arminda Caballero, manager of the center, looks around an empty classroom at the Inspire Development Center Sunnyside II in Sunnyside, Washington. (Credit: Johanna Bejarano / NWPB)

More than 400 children in Central Washington are without educational support services after federal funding did not arrive. Dozens of staff members were also dismissed.Read More

Study in the works on effects of Tacoma’s Landlord Fairness Code

By Lauren Gallup April 16, 2025

An apartment complex in Tacoma with a "Now Leasing" sign out front. Tacoma voters passed regulations on renting in the city that one group is trying to understand the impacts of. (Credit: Lauren Gallup // NWPB)

Tenants and landlords will soon have a chance to voice their opinions on how Tacoma’s new tenant protections have impacted them. It’s been nearly two years since voters here approved the Landlord Fairness Code. The regulations, ranging from a $10 cap on late fees to a ban on economic evictions during certain times of the year, were an attempt to address increased rents Read More

Kennewick finds ‘forever chemicals’ in its drinking water for the second spring in a row

By Courtney Flatt April 16, 2025

The city of Kennewick has found “forever chemicals” in its drinking water.

For the second spring in a row, Kennewick has found “forever chemicals” in its drinking water that are above Washington state’s standards.Read More

A voice from Buchenwald: How Murrow’s broadcast unlocked family history from the Holocaust

By NWPB April 15, 2025

A white memorial with flowers next to it is pictured.

Eighty years ago today, Edward R. Murrow delivered his landmark broadcast from the Buchenwald concentration camp.Read More

Idaho man wins bronze in international Special Olympics competition

By Lauren Paterson April 15, 2025

A man in a purple Olympics uniform and black sunglasses on raises his arms in the are near a flag poster that says, "FINISH."

Jeff Greene crosses the finish line at a snowshoe event in Turin, Italy, in March 2025. (Credit: Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025) Listen (Runtime :42) Read Jeff Greene, […]Read More

Lewiston-based insurance company pulled Asotin MedAdvantage plans, citing growing financial pressure

By Rachel Sun April 15, 2025

In Asotin County, Washington, just over a quarter of the population is 65 or older. This year, a locally based insurance provider pulled its Medicare Advantage plans in the county. Read More

Head Start atiende a 15.000 niños en Washington y su oficina regional acaba de cerrar

By Susan Shain April 14, 2025

La oficina regional de Head Start en Seattle se enteró de que cerraba la primera semana de abril. El cierre de esa oficina, así como de al menos otras cuatro, se produjo en medio de despidos masivos en la agencia matriz de Head Start, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos. Read More

About 200 people attend Democrats’ town hall in Yakima

By Reneé Diaz April 11, 2025

At the Yakima Convention Center on Wednesday more than 200 people gathered for a town hall hosted by the Washington State Democrats. Some people passed out flyers with Representative Dan Newhouse’s phone number,urging people to demand a town hall from the congressman. Organizers say the event was held in response to Newhouse not hosting a public town hall this term.Read More

Multiple students at University of Idaho, Washington State University have student visas revoked

By Lauren Paterson April 11, 2025

Student visas are being revoked at universities around the nation. (Credit: Pixabay) Listen (Runtime :58) Read Four students at the University of Idaho and three students at Washington State University […]Read More

Blueberry bust: Hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars blueberry biz in the Northwest and Canada act as one, tariffs could complicate the relationship

By Anna King April 11, 2025

Snow melts in drops off bare blueberry bush twigs at a sprawling farm in Franklin County in Washington state. (Credit: Anna King / NWPB) Listen (Runtime 2:47) Read At one […]Read More

Washington state workers voice opposition to proposed budget cuts

By Lauren Gallup April 10, 2025

Washington Federation of State Employees members Ryan Schmautz and Chris Vasseur-Landriault hold a WFSE flag at a rally in the state capital. Workers voiced their opposition to proposed budget cuts to state services. (Credit: Lauren Gallup // NWPB)

A state budget deficit is normally nothing to sing about. But, workers with the Washington Federation of State Employees have turned their frustration over potential budget cuts into a song, “Washington For All.” The refrain, “Washington’s for all, not just for the rich,” evokes the union’s stance that instead of making cuts to state services and workers, lawmakers Read More

Ocean conditions mixed for salmon, leading to average salmon returns

By Courtney Flatt April 10, 2025

At least twice a year, scientists board the Bell M. Shimada, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research vessel, to study the Northern California Current ecosystem

NOAA biologist Brian Burke says mixed ocean conditions may lead to average salmon runs, but climate change is disrupting ecosystems—making continued research critical.Read More

La región de Tri-Cities quiere saber cómo el clima afecta su vida

By Courtney Flatt April 10, 2025

Cable Bridge (Ed Hendler) Bridge - Kennewick, WA. By Wirestock

Una ley estatal obliga a ciudades, pueblos y condados a elaborar planes contra el cambio climático. Los dirigentes de Tri-Cities quieren su ayuda.Read More

Ecologists help with burrowing owl ‘spring cleaning’ at Umatilla Chemical Depot

By Courtney Flatt April 10, 2025

A woman in a green hat is laying on the ground, which has green grass and yellow flowers. She is looking into a dirt hole and holds a blue bowl in her hand with dirt in it.

Lindsay Chiono, wildlife habitat ecologist for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), does some seasonal maintenance, or spring cleaning, on one of the 180 total artificial nesting […]Read More

Washington’s state library just lost federal funding — here’s what that means

By Susan Shain April 9, 2025

A woman in a white sweater looks at the camera while sitting behind a desk

Heather VanTassell, director of the Walla Walla Public Library, is worried about federal cuts to the Washington State Library. (Credit: Susan Shain / NWPB) Listen (Runtime 1:00) Read Both the […]Read More

In one Idaho town, nurse-midwives stepping up as hospital struggles to recruit obstetricians

By Rachel Sun April 9, 2025

Rural communities are struggling to bring in obstetricians. Nurse-midwives are helping to fill the gap, but more is still needed to ensure long-term health care accessRead More

‘A humanitarian crisis’: Legal aid for unaccompanied minors slashed in Washington state

By Reneé Diaz April 9, 2025

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project office in Wenatchee, Washington. (Credit: Reneé Dìaz / NWPB) Listen (Runtime 1:02) Read A federal judge in California ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore legal […]Read More

New project maps Washington’s local media landscape

By Lauren Paterson April 8, 2025

Students in suits sit behind a brown desk under black hanging studio lights across from a large floor camera in a broadcast studio.

Journalism students learn about broadcasting at Washington State University’s campus. One of the solutions for the decline in newsroom staff is more journalism education, according to WSU researchers. (Credit: Matt […]Read More

US Forest Service employees return to work after mass terminations

By Reneé Diaz April 7, 2025

Katijo Maher, president of a local chapter National Federation of Federal Employees, stands next to a fire danger sign Tuesday in Leavenworth. Maher said she has 37 years of experience […]Read More

Head Start serves 15,000 kids in Washington. And its regional office just closed.

By Susan Shain April 4, 2025

A little hand plays with colorful blocks

The regional Head Start office closed this week, making some advocates nervous about the program’s future. (Credit: Barnaby Wasson / Flickr Creative Commons) Listen (Runtime 1:00) Read The regional Head […]Read More

Astronauta de la NASA José Hernández inspira a estudiantes durante visita a Tri-Cities

By Johanna Bejarano April 3, 2025

El astronauta José Hernández compartió su experiencia con los estudiantes de Tri-Cities. (Crédito: Johanna Bejarano / NWPB).

EL astronauta de la NASA José Hernández visitó el este de Washington y compartió su historia de resiliencia y determinación con estudiantes locales. Read More

Washington, Idaho rank high for public health emergency preparedness

By Rachel Sun April 3, 2025

Both states saw steady or increased funding for public health, but Idaho still among lowest for vaccinations.Read More

How does climate affect your life? Tri-Cities survey open now

By Courtney Flatt April 3, 2025

A white cable bridge is silhouetted by the sun. The sky is a pale blue. A river is under the bridge.

Cities, towns and counties are starting to plan for a future with climate change. Now, the Tri-Cities area is asking people about regional hazards and historical trends. (Credit: Simon Foot […]Read More

Con manifestación en Tacoma, Unión de Campesinos llama a boicot contra Windmill Mushrooms

By Lauren Gallup April 3, 2025

United Farm Workers (UFW), o Unión de Campesinos, y sus simpatizantes se manifestaron frente a un supermercado de Tacoma el lunes por la tarde. Piden a la gente que boicotee los productos de Windmill Farms. (Crédito: Lauren Gallup / NWPB)

Personas de diferentes lugares del estado de Washington viajó a Tacoma para manifestarse en apoyo a los trabajadores agrícolas frente a una tienda Safeway el lunes por la tarde. Read More

NASA astronaut José Hernández inspires students during visit to Tri-Cities

By Johanna Bejarano April 3, 2025

Astronaut José Hernández signed autographs and shared his story with students from different institutions in the city during his visit to Tri-Cities (Courtesy: Pasco School District).

Surrounded by students seeking autographs and photos, astronaut José Hernández finished one of his conferences at Pasco High School.Read More

Idaho law: Health care providers, institutions can refuse care

By Phineas Pope April 1, 2025

A new law in Idaho gives health care professionals the right to refuse care based on personal beliefs or principles. (Credit: AP / Charlie Litchfield) Listen (Runtime 00:49) Read A […]Read More

Whitman County reports first flu-related death of the season

By Rachel Sun April 1, 2025

Hospitalman Yenifer Gutierrez, left, and Hospitalman Brashea Ojeda treat COVID patients in the ICU Aboard USNS Comfort in April of 2020. Influenza deaths surpassed COVID-19 deaths for this first time […]Read More

Unpacked: Giving spiritual meaning to food during Lent

By Phineas Pope March 31, 2025

For Lent this year, the Rev. Rene’ Devantier of Spokane’s Fowler United Methodist Church uses real food and drink elements. (Credit: Cody Wendt / FāVS News) Listen (Runtime 1:47) Read […]Read More

United Farm Workers call for boycott of Windmill Farms products at Tacoma rally

By Lauren Gallup March 31, 2025

The United Farm Workers and their supporters demonstrated outside a Tacoma grocery store Monday afternoon. They're calling for people to boycott Windmill Farms products. (Credit: Lauren Gallup // NWPB)

People traveled from across Washington state to rally outside of a Tacoma Safeway store in support of farm workers Monday afternoon. The United Farm Workers and their supporters are calling on Windmill Farms in Sunnyside to recognize the unionization efforts and give workers a contract. The union said workers have been trying to get recognition for two years.Read More

Flatt named in 2025 WSU Tri-Cities Women of Distinction class

By Jenna Dennison March 28, 2025

Courtney Flatt, Northwest Public Broadcasting’s senior environment and energy correspondent. (Credit: Washington State University Tri-Cities) Read Courtney Flatt, Northwest Public Broadcasting’s senior environment and energy correspondent, was named a Woman […]Read More

Move over, therapy dogs: Study shows cats might be up for the job

By Lauren Paterson March 28, 2025

A woman with blonde hair pets a large fluffy white cat who is laying on a wooden floor. The cat is wearing a harness.

Mando, the campus cat at KU Leuven in Belgium, was the original inspiration for the study on the potential benefits of therapy cats. (Credit: KU Leuven) Listen (Runtime 1:00) Read […]Read More

Immigration enforcement concerns cause mixed attendance trends in North Central WA schools

By Reneé Diaz March 27, 2025

A group of students walk through a hallway.

Eastmont Junior High School students make their way past the 800 wing on the way to their second period in East Wenatchee. (Credit: Jacob Ford / Wenatchee World) Listen (Runtime […]Read More

Canadian leaders hope trade negotiations won’t derail Columbia River Treaty

By Courtney Flatt March 27, 2025

Green evergreen trees are on a hillside. A blue river stretches through the middle third of the photo, diagonally to the right. In the background is another hill. The sky is blue with white clouds.

A view of the Columbia River in British Columbia. The Columbia River Treaty is on “pause” while the Trump administration considers its policy options. However, recent comments by President Donald […]Read More

Frustrated Idaho constituents say they fear for Social Security at Lewiston town hall

By Rachel Sun March 26, 2025

A large group of people are seated indoors at a town hall.

A Lewiston town hall hosted by former United States Congressmen drew roughly 200 attendees on March 22nd. N-W-P-B’s Rachel Sun reports. Read More

What’s fuzzy, cute and sold out? Chicks

By Susan Shain March 26, 2025

As egg prices surge, baby chicks have been selling out across the region — and the country. (Credit: Susan Shain / NWPB) Listen (Runtime 3:59) Read The first person showed […]Read More

These churches offer shelter and sanctuary to vulnerable migrants. Here’s why

By NPR News March 25, 2025

Two men stand in front of a cross. Next to the men, to the right, is a display of flowers.

Bishop Joseph Tyson (left) and the Rev. Jesús Mariscal (right) of the Yakima Diocese worry about how their parishioners will cope with broad changes to immigration policy, which have had […]Read More

Striking workers in Washington could get access to unemployment claims if bill passes

By Lauren Gallup March 24, 2025

Boeing workers wave picket signs at passing cars as they strike Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, near the company's factory in Renton, Wash. If Washington state passes the proposed legislation, striking workers, after a waiting period, could receive unemployment benefits. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A proposed bill that would give striking workers some access to the state’s unemployment benefits is getting closer to becoming law in Washington. Majority lawmakers in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards moved the bill out of committee on Friday, with a recommendation to pass it. This, after the bill narrowly passed the senate with 28 yeas and 21 nays Read More