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Frustrated By Delayed Unemployment Benefits, Laid Off Workers Turn To Washington Supreme Court

By Tom Banse June 6, 2020

Laid-off restaurant worker Katrina Thiessen is frustrated by the weeks-long delay in having her unemployment claim approved.

Frustration with long delays in getting jobless benefits is boiling over into a lawsuit against the Washington State Employment Security Department. Attorneys representing two laid off workers and the nonprofit Unemployment Law Project filed the case directly with the state Supreme Court on Friday. Read More

Spokane Prepares For Another Rally, With Shadow Looming Of Last Sunday’s Downtown Clashes

By Nicholas Deshais June 5, 2020

Protesters gather at the Spokane County Courthouse Sunday, May 31, 2020 as part of nationwide demonstrations in cities against police killings. The Spokane event started in the city's downtown Riverfront Park, with several thousand people marching peacefully in streets across the city's Monroe Street Bridge to the courthouse. CREDIT: Nick Deshais/N3

Organizers for this Sunday’s rally say they are waiting to announce a location because of threats. Continue Reading Spokane Prepares For Another Rally, With Shadow Looming Of Last Sunday’s Downtown ClashesRead More

Dayton, Washington’s Historic Liberty Theater Hopes For A Summer Reopening

By Doug Nadvornick June 5, 2020

Dayton's Liberty Theatre has been closed to events since March, but hopes to reopen in July. Courtesy of Liberty Theater

The lights have dimmed for a couple of months at the historic Liberty Theater in Dayton, Washington, due to the coronavirus. But its manager has plans to reopen the doors this summer. Continue Reading Dayton, Washington’s Historic Read More

Manuel Ellis Died In Tacoma Police Custody, Saying He ‘Can’t Breathe,’ Report Says

By NWPB News June 4, 2020

Hundreds gathered at a vigil Wednesday night to remember Manuel Ellis, who died March 3 in the custody of Tacoma police officers. His death has been ruled a homicide by the Pierce County medical examiner, and the officers have been placed on leave. CREDIT: Will James/KNKX

The name of Manuel Ellis is now being added to the list of black people who died in police custody, after an autopsy report ruled his death in Tacoma was a homicide. And in an echo of the George Floyd case, Ellis was heard saying he "can't breathe," as he was being restrained. Read More

During Pandemic, Opponents Of Oregon Partisan Redistricting Pursue New Ballot Initiative Strategy

By NWPB News June 4, 2020

This package was sent to a half-million Oregon households containing petitions for an initiative that would take congressional and legislative redistricting out of the hands of the Oregon Legislature.

The COVID-19 pandemic has killed several would-be initiative campaigns in Oregon because organizers can’t send canvassers out to gather the tens of thousands of signatures needed to qualify for the November ballot. Read More

Former Defense Secretary Mattis, Now A Resident Of The Tri-Cities, Issues Stunning Rebuke Of Trump

By NPR News June 4, 2020

President Donald Trump in October 2018 with, from left, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Retired Marine Gen. Jim Mattis, who resigned as President Trump's defense secretary nearly a year-and-a-half ago over policy differences, has issued an extraordinary critique of the White House's handling of nationwide unrest, saying Trump has sought to divide Americans, and warning against "militarizing our response" to the protests. Read More

Washington’s Smallest Counties Will Lead The Way Into Phase 3 Of State’s Reopening Plan

By Tom Banse June 4, 2020

Nine rural counties are eligible to apply to the state Secretary of Health this week to move to the next stage in Gov. Jay Inslee's four-phase reopening plan. Lincoln, Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Columbia and Wahkiakum counties wasted no time and submitted the necessary paperwork and letters of support on Wednesday to advance from Phase 2 to Phase 3. Read More

Okanogan Public Health Workers Report Hostile Threats And Fears About Contact Tracing

By NPR News June 3, 2020

At the Salt Lake County Health Department, a woman teaches new contact tracers on May 19 how to identify potential new exposures after a person tests positive for the coronavirus

Online misinformation is fueling a backlash in some places against coronavirus containment strategies such as contact tracing and isolation. Some health officials have even received violent threats. Continue Reading Read More

No Evidence Hydroxychloroquine Is Helpful In Preventing COVID-19, Study Finds

By NPR News June 3, 2020

President Donald Trump announced in May that he was taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventive measure against COVID-19. But a study published Wednesday finds no evidence the drug is protective in this way.

A study of more than 800 health workers, first responders and others finds that taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19 is no better than a placebo in preventing the illness. Continue Reading No Evidence Hydroxychloroquine Is Read More

Idaho Primary Election Results Show Familiar Names Returning To November Ballot

By Doug Nadvornick June 3, 2020

The matchups have been set for Idaho’s November election. Results were announced Tuesday night in the state’s first all-mail primary election. Continue Reading Idaho Primary Election Results Show Familiar Names Returning To Read More

The Coast Is Clear(ing): Tourist Lodgings Reopening Along Washington And Oregon Shores

By Tom Banse June 3, 2020

A getaway to the seashore is back in the realm of possibility as many coastal Oregon and Washington towns relax closure orders on tourist lodgings and vacation rentals. Continue Reading The Coast Is Clear(ing): Tourist Read More

‘None Of This Is True’: Protests Become Fertile Ground for Online Disinformation

By NPR News June 2, 2020

A fake story began circulating online before it was disputed by journalists as well as a number of bots. Experts say the campaign may have been intended to make people question whether anything they see online is true.

A well-funded and elaborate social media disinformation campaign played out online Sunday night, experts say, showing how polarization creates situations where lies go viral. Continue Reading ‘None Of This Is True’: Read More

Washington And Oregon Join Multi-State Lawsuit Over Federal Fuel Emissions Rollback

By Cassandra Profita June 2, 2020

Tailpipe emissions. CREDIT: FLICKR/EUTOPICATION AND HYPOXIA

Oregon and Washington have joined 26 states and cities in suing the Trump administration over a new rule that weakens emission standards for cars and trucks. Continue Reading Washington And Oregon Join Multi-State Lawsuit Read More

‘He Did Not Pray’: Fallout Grows From President Trump’s Photo-Op At St. John’s Church

By NPR News June 2, 2020

President Trump's photo opportunity in front of St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington has set off criticism, as police used tear gas and force to clear a path for him to walk from the White House. CREDIT: Tom Brenner/Reuters

"He did not pray. He did not offer a word of balm or condolence to those who are grieving," says the bishop who oversees the church. Washington's mayor was more direct: "Shameful!" Continue Reading ‘He Did Not Pray’: Read More

Need A Witness For Your Mail-In Ballot? New Pandemic Lawsuits Challenge Old Rules

By NPR News June 1, 2020

An election worker in Renton, Wash., begins processing mail-in ballots during that state's presidential primary in March. Varying state-by-state requirements around signatures and other rules have become the focus of legal fights as absentee voting expands due to the pandemic

Among the main targets are requirements such as signing a ballot envelope, or getting a witness or notary to sign it. Small details matter a lot and could affect the outcome in November. Continue Reading Need A Witness For Your Read More

All-Electric Commuter Plane Begins Flight Testing In Moses Lake

By Tom Banse June 1, 2020

A modified Cessna Grand Caravan takes off from Moses Lake, Washington, on its inaugural flight using fully-electric propulsion on Thursday.

A Cessna commuter plane retrofitted in Washington state has taken the crown of biggest all-electric airplane now flying. Redmond, Washington-based electric motor maker MagniX teamed up with flight testing contractor AeroTEC to convert a 10-passenger, single engine Cessna 208B Grand Caravan to fly on battery power. Read More

Pullman’s RTOP Play House Adapts As It Navigates Coronavirus Restrictions

By Doug Nadvornick June 1, 2020

Pullman's RTOP - Regional Theatre of the Palouse - in downtown. CREDIT: Google Maps

When COVID-19 struck, the theatre in Pullman was preparing its final show of the season, Thoroughly Modern Millie. Associate director Michael Todd says it had even hired actress Sandrinne Edstrom to come from New York for a couple of months to play the lead role. When the show was postponed, Ms. Edstrom was quarantined in Pullman. Still is. So they made the best of it. Read More

Research From Northwest Scientists Shows Negative Climate Change Effects On Old Growth Forests

By Courtney Flatt June 1, 2020

OSU scientists detect a tagged hermit warbler in the canopy of an old growth grove in the Oregon Cascades. Learning how the small song birds travel over the course of a day could provide insight into why bird populations are doing well in old growth forests while declining in other warming landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. CREDIT: GREG DAVIS

Deforestation, climate change and the disturbances it can exacerbate – like wildfires, extreme droughts and insect outbreaks – are decimating old growth forests across the globe. That means forests worldwide are filling in with younger and shorter trees, according to a new study. Read More

UPDATES: In Northwest And Nationwide, Peaceful Protests Of Police Action Mix With Violent Clashes

By NWPB News May 31, 2020

Spokane joined a list of cities across the Northwest and the nation on Sunday, with thousands of marchers protesting police treatment of black people and other groups, sparked most recently by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Read More

‘Public Health Has Been Politicized’: Spokane Case Highlights Complexity In Quarantine Orders

By Nicholas Deshais May 30, 2020

Mordecai L. Cochrane was one of at least 49 employees at a Spokane food plant to test positive for COVID-19. He also had two DUIs over five days, causing police to quarantine due to exposure. Courtesy of Spokane County Jail

As the coronavirus pandemic continues across the world, local health officials in Washington are beginning to employ a power given to them by state law that allows to keep contagious people in quarantine. Continue Read More

Cases In Chelan And Douglas Counties Challenge Governor’s Statewide Coronavirus Measures

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa May 29, 2020

The Chelan County Courthouse in Wentachee, Washington. Courtesy of Chelan County

Residents of Chelan and Douglas counties have filed lawsuits against Gov. Jay Inslee, demanding an injunction on his emergency measures to address coronavirus in Washington. Continue Reading Cases In Chelan And Douglas Read More

Washington’s ‘Stay Home’ Order Ends June 1, With State Moving To County-By-County Approach

By NWPB News May 29, 2020

A COVID-19 test kit. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has instructed state health officials to test all nursing home staff and residents in the coming weeks, according to a state doctor.

Gov. Jay Inslee's stay-at-home order will end at midnight on May 31. Instead, state officials will use a phased plan outlined at the beginning of the month to govern county-by-county reopening permissions. Continue Reading Read More

Nearly 100-Year-Old Historic Marker Stolen From Washington Capitol Campus

By Austin Jenkins May 29, 2020

This bronze plaque commemorating the location of the home of Washington's first territorial and state governors was stolen from the Capitol Campus earlier this month. Now the Washington State Patrol is seeking tips from the public.

A nearly 100-year-old historical marker has been mysteriously stolen from Washington's Capitol Campus and, with no leads on who took it, the state patrol is now asking the public for help solving the crime. Continue Reading Nearly Read More

A Bellingham Doctor Lost His Job After Criticizing His Hospital On COVID-19. Now He’s Suing.

By NPR News May 29, 2020

Dr. Ming Lin was fired from his position as an emergency room physician at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Washington after publicly complaining about the hospital's infection control procedures during the pandmic.

Dr. Ming Lin was let go in March from a hospital in Bellingham, Wash., after posting criticisms and suggestions on social media. The ACLU is helping him sue for damages and job reinstatement. Continue Reading A Read More

Idaho Moves To Phase 3 Of 4-Stage Reopening Plan

By Doug Nadvornick May 29, 2020

File photo. Gov. Brad Little speaks March 13, 2020 at a news conference. On Wednesday, April 15, he extended a stay-at-home order to the end of April, saying it’s needed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. CREDIT: Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman via AP

Idaho Governor Brad Little announced Thursday his state is ready to move on to the next phase of its coronavirus reopening plan, beginning Saturday, May 30. Continue Reading Idaho Moves To Phase 3 Of 4-Stage Reopening PlanRead More

In Pendleton, Rounding Up High Schoolers For A Graduation Before Grabbing Life By The Horns

By Anna King May 28, 2020

Pendleton High School senior Marcus Aaron Luke, left, was excited and ready for his last year running track. Then coronavirus disrupted everyone's plans. CREDIT: Marcus Luke (father)

Marcus Aaron Luke was a leader on his varsity track team, and also a senior at Pendleton High School. Now, like seniors everywhere, he’s missing a traditional graduation. But the city’s famous Round-Up grounds have a fix. Read More

Federal Rollback Of Environmental Rules Continue Despite Pandemic. Opponents Cry Foul

By NPR News May 28, 2020

Because of the pandemic, the Bureau of Land Management held virtual public hearings in April on a proposal to expand oil drilling in Alaska's North Slope. U.S. Department of the Interior / screenshot by NPR

The Trump administration is rushing to finalize some of its biggest environmental rollbacks ahead of November's election. Some affected groups say they're too distracted by the pandemic to engage. Continue Reading Federal Read More

Survey Shows Big Remote Learning Gaps For Low-Income And Special Needs Children

By NPR News May 28, 2020

In a survey of parents nationwide from ParentsTogether, parents from low-income homes are ten times more likely to say their kids are doing little or no remote learning.

Parents from low-income homes are twice as likely to say remote learning is going poorly or very poorly, and 1 in 3 of all parents say they are "very concerned" about children falling behind. Continue Reading Survey Shows Big Read More

New Guidelines For In-Person Religious Services As Washington Continues Phased Reopening

By NWPB News May 27, 2020

Father Jose Alvarez, right, during walk and drive through confessions on Friday, April 24, 2020, in the parking lot at Holy Roman Catholic Church in White Center. CREDIT: Megan Farmer/KUOW

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is allowing religious services to resume – but with restrictions. In Phase 1 counties, outdoor services with up to 100 people are now allowed. In counties approved for Phase 2, indoor services are allowed at 25-percent capacity or with fewer than 50 people, whichever is less. Read More

Kittitas County Can Moves To Phase 2 Reopening, Three Weeks After Outbreak Paused Application

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa May 27, 2020

Kittitas County paused its application to reopen some businesses early after positive COVID-19 case at food processer Twin City Foods in Ellensburg. CREDIT: Google Maps - July 2012

Many Washington counties have qualified to move on to Phase 2 and reopen certain businesses ahead of others. More than 20 already have. But Kittitas just got approved – after being one of the first counties to qualify. Read More

Oregon Scientists Develop A More Accurate Way To Date Past Earthquakes

By NWPB News May 27, 2020

USGS scientists examine a surface rupture created during the M7.1 Searles Valley earthquake in 2019.

The work by researchers at Portland State University and the University of Oregon, published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, offers a solution to a common problem that arises when using radiocarbon dating to determine the past activity of faults. Read More

After Unemployment Fraud, Washington’s Campaign Finance Watchdog Blocks Some Online Access

By Austin Jenkins May 26, 2020

The Washington Public Disclosure Commission website is where candidates file and the general public can see campaign expenditure reports.

At the request of a powerful Democratic state senator who warned of “foreign intrusion,” Washington’s Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) on Sunday temporarily suspended public, online access to the personal financial statements of elected officials, candidates and other public officials. Read More

Tourism-Dependent Methow Valley Wishes Tourists Would Stay Closer To Home For Now

By Courtney Flatt May 26, 2020

Old Schoolhouse Brewery owner Jacob Young serves food to his customers. He says when there's little smoke and fires are far away, he sees more patrons.CREDIT: COURTNEY FLATT

Photos circulating on social media showed cars lining streets of downtown Winthrop and along roads on the Interstate 90 corridor. The concern is that people can bring the coronavirus into these small towns that have fewer medical resources already available. Read More

National Parks Hope Visitors Comply With Virus Measures

By NWPB News May 26, 2020

Visitors watch as Old Faithful erupts on the day the park partially reopened after a two-month shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, at Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. Officials at Yellowstone and other national parks plan to let tourists mostly police themselves and not intervene much to enforce social distancing.

Now, as Yellowstone and other national parks end a two-month shutdown due to the coronavirus, park officials ask visitors to take simple precautions: wash hands, keep a safe distance apart, wear protective face coverings in public. Continue Reading Read More

Pandemic Puts A Crimp On Voter Registration, Potentially Altering Electorate

By NPR News May 26, 2020

A voter registration volunteer in Philadelphia in 2018. New registrations had surged going into 2020 but have dropped off dramatically as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Most places where Americans usually register to vote have been closed since March. It's led to a big drop in new registrations right before an election that was expected to see record turnout. Continue Reading Pandemic Puts A Crimp Read More

Trump Team Killed Obama Rule Designed To Protect Health Workers From Pandemic Like COVID-19

By NPR News May 26, 2020

Health care workers hold a placard that says From Heroes to Zeroes during a protest against hospital under-staffing and insufficient personal protective equipment for doctors and nurses treating COVID-19 patients amid the coronavirus pandemic. The protest took place outside Saint Joseph Medical Center hospital in Burbank, Calif. on May 19.

"If that rule had gone into effect, then every hospital, every nursing home would essentially have to have a plan," said David Michaels, former Occupational Safety and Health Administration chief. Continue Reading Read More

Herd Of Fuzzy Green ‘Glacier Mice’ Baffles Northwest Scientists Studying Them

By NPR News May 26, 2020

Glacier mice in Iceland. CREDIT: Ruth Mottram

Moss balls seem to roll around glaciers in a coordinated way, and researchers can't explain why the whole group moves at about the same speed and in the same direction. Continue Reading Herd Of Fuzzy Green ‘Glacier Mice’ Read More

A Novel Virus Exposes An Old Rift Within Idaho’s GOP

By NWPB News May 26, 2020

Gov. Brad Little delivers his State of the State address on Jan. 6, with Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin seated behind him. McGeachin has been among the state’s most vocal critics of Little’s coronavirus response. CREDIT: Sami Edge/Idaho EdNews

In Idaho, the divide between Gov. Brad Little and Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin is something we all could see coming — grounded, in part, by the fact that Idaho elects its governors and lieutenant governors independently. Little has no more say in this matter than any individual Idaho voter. Read More

President Trump Says ‘America Will Rise From This Crisis’ In Memorial Day Speech

By NWPB News May 25, 2020

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump participate in a Memorial Day ceremony at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Monday, May 25, 2020, in Baltimore. CREDIT: Evan Vucci/AP

President Donald Trump honored America’s fallen service members on Monday as he commemorated Memorial Day in back-to-back appearances in the midst of the pandemic. Continue Reading President Trump Says ‘America Will Rise Read More

Food Banks Get The Love, But SNAP Does More To Fight Hunger

By NPR News May 25, 2020

People load their vehicles with boxes of food at a Los Angeles Regional Food Bank earlier this month in Los Angeles. Food banks across the United States are seeing numbers and people they have never seen before amid unprecedented unemployment from the COVID-19 outbreak.

The charitable organizations called food banks are getting a lot of attention and donations right now. But they aren't nearly as important or effective as SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. Continue Reading Food Banks Get The Love, But SNAP Does Read More

From Camping To Dining Out To Weddings: How Experts Rate The Risks Of 14 Summer Activities

By NPR News May 24, 2020

Graphic - going to the beach CREDIT: Meredith Miotke for NPR

The weather's warming up and public spaces are starting to reopen. How do you decide what's safe to do? We have guidance to help you compare and evaluate the risks. Continue Reading From Camping To Dining Out To Read More

Northwest Cherries Are Almost Here, But There Will Be Less Fruit Than Usual

By Anna King May 23, 2020

An example of how so-called "little cherry disease" affects their growth and presentation on trees. Courtesy of Washington State University Extension

From The Dalles, Oregon to Brewster, Washington, Northwest cherry growers are checking their orchards now, just before harvest. Infected trees have to be cut down. And the disease can spread like wildfire from tree to tree until an entire orchard is just stumps. Read More

More Washington Counties Get Early Reopening Green Light, Including Spokane, Largest So Far

By NWPB News May 22, 2020

“I couldn’t be happier with the timing of all of this," Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward said Friday morning during a news conference. "Spokane County is the biggest community in the state to now move forward. So thank you for being Inland Strong." Read More

University Of Idaho Plans For In-Person Classes This Fall. WSU May, But Still Not Finalized

By Scott Leadingham May 22, 2020

In a school-wide announcement Friday, Green said UI, with its main campus in Moscow, will have in-person instruction beginning August 24. But, he said to prepare for big changes to how things have looked on campus before the pandemic. Read More

Washington State Paid Out ‘Hundreds Of Millions’ In Bogus Jobless Benefits

By NWPB News May 22, 2020

A sign explains the closure of a shop in the Pike Place Market in Seattle. As the coronavirus outbreak has caused record number of people to seek unemployment benefits Washington state officials said Thursday that impostors have used the stolen information of tens of thousands of people to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in unemployment benefits.

Impostors have used the stolen information of tens of thousands of people in Washington to fraudulently receive hundreds of millions of dollars in unemployment benefits, the head of the state’s Employment Security Department said Thursday. Read More

Washington Republicans Want To Block Pay Raises And Cut Spending In June Special Session

By Austin Jenkins May 22, 2020

Minority Republicans in the Washington Legislature are proposing a June special session to address the COVID-19 crisis.

Saying that it’s time for the legislative branch to “intervene” in the state’s COVID-19 response, Republican leaders in the Washington Legislature on Thursday called for a special session of the Legislature to begin in June. Read More

Our Pandemic Habits Cut Carbon Emissions, But It’s Not Clear They’ll Last

By NPR News May 22, 2020

Energy demand plummeted because of the pandemic shutdown. A big question is whether new habits like telecommuting and flying less will endure, and mean lower oil consumption in the future. Continue Reading Our Pandemic Habits Cut Carbon Read More

Public Lands Managers Ask: Have Plan A, B Or C Ready To ‘Recreate Responsibly’ This Weekend

By Courtney Flatt May 21, 2020

The new entrance sign telegraphs the state-tribal partnership to manage the new state park. CREDIT: WA STATE PARKS

On those trails, state officials are asking that you take precautions: stay six feet away from people, wear masks if you can’t meet that guideline, bring hand sanitizer, water and soap. You should also pack out what you pack in. Read More

‘Are Their Apples Worth More Than Our Lives?’ Yakima Valley Fruit Workers Strike For Protections, Pay

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa May 21, 2020

Perla Torres, a fruit packer at Jack Frost Fruit, poses for a photograph wearing a mask she says she bought from a supervisor. CREDIT: Enrique Pérez de la Rosa/NWPB

So far this month, more than 400 Yakima Valley fruit packing workers have gone on strike, according to Familias Unidas Por La Justicia. The farmworker advocacy group, based in Skagit County, is helping these workers organize committees, negotiate with employers and seek legal advice. Read More

Summer Camp Cancellations Multiply, But Some Hold Out Hope For Late Start

By Tom Banse May 21, 2020

The director of YMCA Camp Reed north of Spokane holds out hope to open classic summer camp in July.

The coronavirus is spreading a pandemic of disappointment among Pacific Northwest families and camp counselors via the widespread cancellation of traditional sleepaway summer camps. But some camp operators in Washington state and north Idaho are waiting to make the final call for this summer in hopes that overnight camps can still take place -- albeit with a late start Read More