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Washington

Tax credit revamp could mean more affordable housing

By Lauren Paterson June 5, 2023

White and grey houses under construction sit on sandy ground under a blue sky.

Houses under construction in Richland, Washington. More homes are needed in urban and rural areas, said Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell. (Credit: Lauren Paterson / NWPB) Listen (Runtime 00:53) Read The… Continue Reading Tax credit revamp could Read More

New Washington wine research focuses on climate change, sustainability

By Lauren Paterson May 18, 2023

The sun shines over a mountain peak in central Washington behind rows of green vineyards.

Sunrise over Red Mountain vineyards in central Washington. (Credit: Andrea Johnson Photography/Washington State Wine Commission) Listen (Runtime 1:03) Read It’s been a slower start to spring in the Pacific Northwest,… Continue Read More

More wildlife rehabilitators needed in the Northwest

By Lauren Paterson April 27, 2023

A barn owl stands over six white eggs in a nest of hay against a plywood background.

A barn own with her eggs at the Blue Mountain Wildlife center in Benton City, Washington. Many barn owls are rehabbed at the center after building nests in haystacks throughout… Continue Reading More wildlife rehabilitators needed in the Read More

More firefighters needed to control wildfire hotspots in Eastern Washington

By Lauren Paterson April 19, 2023

A white tanker plane drops bright orange flame retardant onto a smokey forest of evergreen trees.

A tanker airplane drops fire retardant on a wildfire burning near Twisp, Wash. Three firefighters were killed battling the blaze. (Credit: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press) Listen (Runtime 1:07)… Continue Reading More Read More

Washington community and technical colleges to stage walkout April 11

By Lauren Paterson March 31, 2023

People wearing coats and jeans are gathered in front of a stone building holding picket signs. Someone is kneeling over a poster on the ground as they draw out a message.

American Federation of Teachers members picket for more investment in community and technical colleges at the Capitol sundial. (Credit: Cortney Marabetta / AFT) Listen (Runtime 00:56) Read Students, faculty and… Continue Reading Read More

New Washington legislation aims to stabilize rent as housing crisis worsens

By Lauren Paterson February 24, 2023

A lone, small white house surrounded by yellow sagebrush is framed against a blue sky with white, wispy clouds.

A lone house stands on the outskirts of Kennewick, Washington. Bills aiming to curb the cost of high rents are before the state legislature. (Credit: Lauren Paterson) Listen (Runtime 1:00)… Continue Reading New Washington Read More

New federal funds will boost broadband expansion in Washington, Idaho

By Lauren Gallup February 10, 2023

A man in jeans and a black sweatshirt climbs up an orange ladder on the side of a beige house framed by green trees and blue sky.

Brian Hanson, an engineer who works remotely in Idaho, adjusts the Starlink satellite on his house for better internet reception. (Credit: Lauren Paterson / NWPB) Listen (Runtime 3:53) Read Reporting… Continue Reading New federal Read More

First Washington wines made from sustainably grown grapes to hit stores this spring

By Lauren Paterson January 18, 2023

Green grapevines fill the photo as a wooden birdhouse peeks up from the vines. A large mountain with snow can be seen in the distance.

Wine grapes growing at Two Mountain Vineyard in Zillah, Wash. Credit: Two Mountain Winery Listen (Runtime :57) Read Growers have harvested the first grapes under Washington’s new sustainability program, and… Continue Read More

Suspect Kohberger waives right to timely preliminary hearing, next court appearance set for June

By Lauren Paterson January 12, 2023

Bryan Kohberger appears next to a law enforcement officer in an orange jumpsuit as he enters the courtroom.

Bryan Kohberger enters the Latah County Courtroom January 12 for his second hearing in Moscow, Idaho. He is being held at the Latah County Jail without bond. (Credit: Court TV)… Continue Reading Suspect Kohberger waives Read More

Kohberger could push for venue change, speedy trial, says Idaho law professor

By Lauren Paterson January 6, 2023

A white, three story house sits on snow covered ground in front of trees framed by clouds and a blue sky.

A police officer watches over the crime scene at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho. Credit: Lauren Paterson Listen Documents in the case of four University of Idaho students released… Continue Reading Kohberger could push for Read More

Moscow homicides: what we know and where we go from here

By Lauren Paterson January 3, 2023

A poster shows a collage of photos of the four victims of the Moscow homicides. Four small candles sit before the poster on a dark brown table.

A photo collage of the four slain students sits on the counter at Mad Greek restaurant in Moscow, Idaho, where Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen were both servers. (Credit: Lauren… Continue Reading Moscow homicides: what we know and where we go Read More

Northwest waterways: Nez Perce canoe project infuses culture into after school learning

By Lauren Paterson December 1, 2022

Fourth grader Jalone Green works on his paddle in Lapwai, Idaho.

Fourth grade student Jalone Green works on his paddle in Lapwai, Idaho. Credit: Lauren Paterson Listen (Runtime 3:05) Read Julian Matthews walks the stairs to his downtown Moscow office. He’s… Continue Reading Read More

WSU student workers unionize

By Lauren Paterson November 10, 2022

WSU Students stand beneath a tree in front of the CUB with hand written signs in support of a student workers union.

WSU student workers and union organizers gather for a rally on the Pullman campus on September 14, 2022. Credit: Lauren Paterson / NWPB Listen As the wave of unionization across… Continue Reading WSU student workers unionizeRead More

Elusive blessing: Some Washington providers say state certificate hinders hospice care

By Rachel Sun October 10, 2022

Suan Kilgore holds a photo of her late husband, Dale Goble, in her Moscow home on Friday. Photo courtesy Zach Wilkinson/the Lewiston Tribune Listen (Runtime 4:23) Read There came a… Continue Reading Elusive blessing: 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… Continue Reading Malden Rises From The AshesRead 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… Continue Reading Bear Sightings Up As New Residents Move To Rural Read More

Washington’s Electoral College Meeting In Olympia Full Of Emotion And Gratitude

By Doug Nadvornick December 15, 2020

Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman presides over the state's Electoral College vote in Olympia

Electoral college delegates in all 50 states cast their ballots Monday. In Olympia, Washington’s 12 Democratic electors cast their ballots for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. It was an emotional experience for some, including for person running the meeting. Read More

Washington Voters Said ‘No’ To A Constitutional Amendment. Now There’s A $15 Billion Problem

By Austin Jenkins December 3, 2020

Graphic showing election results for Washington engrossed Senate Joint Resolution 8212 - rejected 54 percent to 46 percent

It was a little-noticed constitutional amendment to allow for the investment of long-term care trust fund dollars in private stocks. Voters soundly defeated the measure 54 to 46 percent. Now comes the surprise cost of that under-the-radar vote: an estimated $15 billion. Read More

Incumbent’s Advantage: Why Whitman County Votes For Biden And Inslee, But GOP For Congress

By Scott Leadingham November 19, 2020

Republican Cathy McMorris Rodgers did well in Whitman County, getting more votes than Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, who won the county in 2020 and 2016. Courtesy of Whitman County Elections

Even in a county that generally supports Democrats for governor and president, Republican Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers won. In fact, she got more votes in Whitman County than Jay Inslee did for governor. Continue Read More

Dynamics Of Washington’s 2020 Election: Governor’s Race, State Legislature Looks Mostly The Same

By Scott Leadingham November 11, 2020

Incumbent Gov. Jay Inslee met with his GOP challenger, Republic Police Chief Loren Culp, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, for a debate sponsored by the Washington State Debate Coalition and broadcast statewide.

The Washington state legislature is shaping up to be … pretty much how it looked before the election – with Democrats in control of both houses. But not with super-majorities. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins breaks down the 2020 election in Washington state, on this episode of NWPB's Uniquely NW News. Read More

UPDATES: Jay Inslee Wins Reelection In Washington; More Northwest Election Results In Key Races

By NWPB News November 6, 2020

If Washington voters don't mail in ballots, they can return them in person to drop boxes like this one at the Yakima County Elections Office. CREDIT: ESMY JIMENEZ/NWPB

Election results are rolling in Tuesday night, but it's expected to take time to count all the ballots across the Northwest and many other states. Below are key races to watch, and links to resources and results from across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Read More

‘Dry Side’ View: Inland Northwest Residents Anxiously Await Election Results

By Anna King November 5, 2020

Tattered American flags wave in the strong wind of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area on October 27, 2020. CREDIT: Anna King/N3

In the weeks leading up to the election, residents in five smaller areas around eastern Washington and Oregon spoke about how they were feeling. Now, as people are awaiting results, we checked in with a few. Continue Reading ‘Dry Read More

From Marijuana To Mushrooms, Voters Want Drug Laws Eased, Following Washington State’s Lead

By NPR News November 5, 2020

A Washington, D.C., resident has an operation growing psilocybin mushrooms. With the legalization of marijuana, advocates in several states, including Oregon, have pushed for the legalization of other drugs such as "magic mushrooms." Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Several states approve marijuana for recreational and medicinal use. Oregon votes to decriminalize possession of small amounts of hard drugs. Continue Reading From Marijuana To Mushrooms, Voters Want Drug Laws Eased, Read More

Dams, Salmon, Wolves: How Key Issues Played Out In Eastern Washington Congressional Races

By Courtney Flatt November 3, 2020

Elliott Moffett, a member of the Nez Perce Indian tribe, holds a sign that reads Free The Snake as he takes part in a rally organized by a coalition of environmental and tribal groups to promote the breaching of dams on the Snake River and other measures intended to benefit salmon and orcas. CREDIT: Ted S. Warren/AP

The campaigning is done. Now what's left is the counting. Here is how candidates in Washington’s 4th and 5th Congressional districts have talked about key environmental and natural resource issues during the campaign. Continue Read More

Newspaper’s Trump-Inslee Editorial Prompts The Question: Do Endorsements Matter In 2020?

By Scott Leadingham November 2, 2020

The Spokesman-Review endorsed Donald Trump for president and Jay Inslee for Washington governor in October 2020. But that was just the view of one person: the paper's owner and publisher. Screenshot by NWPB

The Spokesman-Review newspaper recently caused a splash when it endorsed Donald Trump for president after calling him a bully and a bigot. The paper also endorsed Democrat Jay Inslee for a third term as Washington governor. After backlash, the Spokesman-Review’s editor-in-chief said the paper would no longer endorse candidates or run unsigned editorials. Read More

1,000 Miles, 100 Perspectives, 5 Sunrises: The Voting View From Eastern Washington And Oregon

By Anna King November 2, 2020

In total, Anna King saw five sunrises and drove more than 1,000 miles on her way to five towns spanning both sides of the Columbia in eastern Washington and Oregon. She listened hard to the worries and hopes of as many as 100 hundred residents in the region. Read More

Despite Intense Interest In Election, Washington Voter Registrations Lag Compared To 2016

By Austin Jenkins October 31, 2020

Washington's August 4 primary ballot is chock full of candidates even though traditional campaigning has, in many cases, been put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic. CREDIT: Washington Secretary of State's Office

According to figures provided by the Secretary of State’s office, 513,000 people registered to vote in Washington prior to the 2016 election. So far this year, this state has seen approximately 440,000 new registrants, a 14 percent drop compared to four years ago. However, the last two months have shown something of a rebound. Read More

Why Washington Accepts Ballots Postmarked By Election Day Well Into November, Unlike Oregon

By Austin Jenkins October 28, 2020

A ballot drop box in Thurston County, Washington. While ballots must be returned to a drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day, they can still be counted if they come in through the mail weeks later as long as they're postmarked by Election Day. CREDIT: Austin Jenkins/N3

Washington’s latitude about late-arriving ballots stands in stark contrast to Oregon, and more than half of states, where ballots must arrive by Election Day. In fact, by allowing ballots to still be counted nearly three weeks after the election, Washington has the most generous policy in the nation, according to a recent analysis. Read More

Washington Elections Officials Bracing For Last-Minute Disinformation Campaigns

By Austin Jenkins October 26, 2020

drops her ballot in a drop box at Lacey City Hall in Thurston County on Monday, Oct. 26. CREDIT: Austin Jenkins/N3

State and local election officials in Washington sought to reassure voters Monday that robust security measures are in place to protect against interference with the general election, even as they acknowledged the likelihood that bad actors will try to sow distrust and undermine confidence in the national election results. Read More

Elections Officials Say There’s No Evidence Washington State Systems Have Been Compromised

By Austin Jenkins October 23, 2020

A person drops off a ballot for Washington state's primary election, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, at a collection box at the King County Administration Building in Seattle. CREDIT: Ted S. Warren/AP

State and local election officials in Washington said Thursday that election systems here are secure and haven’t been hacked. Those assurances follow multiple reports in recent days of efforts by foreign actors to interfere with the upcoming national election. Read More

Two Democrats Running For Washington Lt. Governor Highlight Distinctions, Similarities In Debate

By Scott Leadingham October 23, 2020

Washington state Sen. Marko Liias, left, met with Congressman Denny Heck on Thursday, Oct. 22 for a statewide debate for lieutenant governor. CREDIT: NWPB/TVW

The two Puget Sound-region Democrats running to be Washington’s next lieutenant governor had the chance to distinguish themselves in a statewide debate Thursday night. Washington’s election system advances the top-two vote getters from the primary to the general election. Read More

Newcomers, Up-And-Comers, And Almost Lifers: Your Guide To Washington’s Statewide Races

By Austin Jenkins October 21, 2020

Since 2011, Washington has been an all vote-by-mail state. This year, ballots will be mailed out no later than October 16. They must be returned to an official ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day or postmarked by that day. Election officials recommend voters use one of the nearly 500 official ballot drop boxes or voter centers statewide. Read More

Mask Or No Mask? Washington Governor’s Race Is A Study In Stark Contrasts

By Austin Jenkins October 20, 2020

One candidate embraces masks, the other shuns them. It's just one of the many differences between Washington's candidates for governor this year.

If there was a meme for this race, it would be Jay Inslee wearing a face mask next to an image of Loren Culp without a mask. While Inslee has been evangelizing about masks, Culp has been holding mostly maskless outdoor rallies across the state. Those rallies are a symbol of the defiant nature of Culp’s campaign and his live-and-let-live political philosophy. Read More

With Elections Under The Microscope, Washington Has A Fierce Race For Secretary Of State

By Austin Jenkins October 16, 2020

Republican Kim Wyman, left, is seeking a third term as Washington Secretary of State. Democratic challenger Gael Tarleton is seeking to unseat Wyman.

For more than half a century, Republicans have had a lock on Washington’s Secretary of State’s office. This year, Democrats hope to end that five decade run by unseating incumbent Kim Wyman who’s seeking a third term. Continue Read More

COVID Response, Sex Education Bill Define Race For Washington Superintendent Of Public Instruction

By NWPB News October 14, 2020

Maia Espinoza, a candidate for Washington state superintendent of public instruction, is shown at left in an undated photo taken by Monica Marchetti and provided by her campaign. Espinoza is challenging incumbent state superintendent Chris Reykdal, right, shown in an AP photo taken Oct. 2, 2020, in Olympia, Wash., in the upcoming November election.

The coronavirus pandemic and a controversial sex education mandate are casting a shadow over the race for Washington state education chief in the November election. Continue Reading COVID Response, Sex Education Read More

Jay Inslee And Loren Culp Debate, Highlight Stark Differences In Race For Washington Governor

By NWPB News October 7, 2020

Washington voters got their first glimpse of how the two candidates for Washington governor feel about the same issues at the same time. Two-term Gov. Jay Inslee met with his Republican challenger, Republic police chief Loren Culp, Wednesday night for a one-hour debate. Read More

How Loren Culp’s Book Tour Turned Into A Campaign For Washington Governor

By NWPB News October 4, 2020

Republican gubernatorial candidate Loren Culp greets the crowd at a rally in Arlington in Snohomish County on Aug. 22, 2020. CREDIT: Jason Redmond for Crosscut

When he applied to be a police officer 10 years ago, Loren Culp was 49. He had no experience in law enforcement, but said the job would fulfill a childhood dream. Six years later, the former construction business owner was promoted to police chief in Republic, a town of 1,100 people in northeastern Washington. In that role, Culp has managed a department that, at its peak, Read More

NWPB Vote 2020 Debate Series: How To Watch And Listen

By NWPB Vote 2020 September 23, 2020

NWPB is proud to present this year's Vote 2020 Debate Series. We'll hear from candidates vying for a spot for state offices along with those running for positions in our cities. Join us to learn more about the candidates. Continue Reading NWPB Vote 2020 Debate Series: How To Read More

With Chanting Fans And Lots Of Yard Signs, A Small-Town Police Chief Tries To Become Governor

By Austin Jenkins September 19, 2020

Republican candidate for Washington governor Loren Culp speaks at a protest rally in May 2020. CREDIT: Austin Jenkins/N3

Back in May, Culp was one of three dozen candidates running for Washington governor. A first-time candidate, he lacked the statewide name recognition of Tim Eyman, the anti-tax initiative promoter who was also running. But the police chief of Republic, population 1,100, in the northeast corner of the state seemed to have something the other candidates didn’t: a fired-up Read More

Washington State Elections Officials Warn Of Misleading Information On USPS Post Card

By NWPB News September 15, 2020

This election mailer was sent out nationally to every postal customer in September 2020. But Washington state election officials say it's confusing and inaccurate for Washington voters in the already all-vote-by-mail state.

The move by the USPS prompted a scramble by county auditors who run elections in their counties and the Washington Secretary of State’s office, which oversees elections statewide, to put out public messages to clarify the process. Read More

How To Register To Vote In Washington State: Everything You Need To Know For 2020

By NWPB News September 9, 2020

The 2020 Washington presidential primary ballot requires voters to select a party, which is new, and many people don't care for it. CREDIT: Scott Leadingham/NWPB

Whether you’re new to Washington state or just making sure you are fully prepared to vote in the Nov. 3 general election, here’s what you need to know about voting (plus lots of links for voters who live outside the state or have recently moved). Read More

Why Washington Leaders Aren’t Rushing To Address The State’s Pandemic-Caused Budget Shortfall

By NWPB News August 30, 2020

Washington state leaders say the earliest they would hold a emergency session at this point would most likely be after the November election, if they convene at all. It’s quite possible legislators won’t meet again until January, when their regular 105-day session is scheduled to begin. Read More

Washington’s 10th Congressional District Race Features Two Democrats. What Separates Them?

By NWPB News August 25, 2020

This ballot drop box in Pierce County is an example of one of the quarter-inch thick steel ballot drop boxes that local elections officials commissioned and designed with security in mind. CREDIT: Melissa Santos/Crosscut

Marilyn Strickland, the former mayor of Tacoma, and Beth Doglio, a state representative from Olympia, are competing to represent the 10th Congressional District, which includes nearly all of Thurston County, most of Pierce County and part of Mason County. Read More

Security And Ballot Drop Boxes In Washington: How It Works

By NWPB News August 23, 2020

Washington state has laws in place to prevent that. And the state, which has been all-vote-by-mail since 2011, has a decade of experience with ballot boxes that counters the president’s claims. Continue Reading Security And Ballot Drop Boxes In Read More

Uniquely NW News: Reviewing Trends To Watch From Washington State’s 2020 Primary Election

By Scott Leadingham August 15, 2020

Washington’s all vote-by-mail Aug. 4 primary is in the books, with final results certified soon. And it revealed some noteworthy trends. Republican Loren Culp will be Gov. Jay Inslee’s opponent on the November ballot as Inslee seeks a rare third term. Read More

As Loren Culp Campaigns For Governor, Ferry County Asks Republic To Pay The Bill For His Absence

By NWPB News August 14, 2020

Loren Culp, third from left, poses for a photo with supporters at a campaign stop in Colville in Stevens County. Courtesy of Loren Culp campaign

The Ferry County sheriff is asking for $138,000 to cover the costs of filling in for Republic Police Chief Loren Culp while he campaigns for governor. The sheriff's office is located in Republic, a town of about 1,100 people, but Republic has its own police force. Culp is the chief and only member of the force. Read More

Washington’s August Primary Election Saw The Highest Turnout In Decades

By NWPB News August 12, 2020

In this Aug. 5, 2020, vote-by-mail ballots are shown in sorting trays at the King County Elections headquarters in Renton, Wash. As of Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, nearly 53% of the ballots have been processed, with just over 53,000 remaining. CREDIT: Ted S. Warren/AP

Voter turnout in the Washington state primary is usually low, and turnout in 2016 was just under 35%. But Republican Secretary of State Kim Wyman had still advised counties to plan for turnout that could potentially exceed 60%. Continue Read More

Breaking Down Dynamics Of Washington’s Aug. 4 Primary, With A Crowded Race For Governor

By Austin Jenkins August 3, 2020

Washington state primary election ballot for the Aug. 4, 2020 all-vote-by-mail election. CREDIT: Scott Leadingham/NWPB

While turnout in November could easily top 80 percent, Washington’s August primary typically draws 40 percent or less of the electorate. We break down the dynamics of this year's unusual election season during the coronavirus pandemic. Read More

Democrat Chris Armitage Drops Out Of Washington’s 5th Congressional District Race

By NWPB News July 17, 2020

Washington Fifth District congressional candidate Chris Armitage drops out of the race, citing mental health concerns and an allegation related to a personal relationship. CREDIT: Chris Armitage campaign

Chris Armitage issued a statement Friday in which he said his mental health had declined during the last few months. “That trend continued until I reached a point where I knew that I could no longer be here for myself let alone our community.” He also said he recently learned about an allegation about a relationship he thought was consensual, but which the woman involved Read More

A Dog Days Of Summer Primary And A Ton Of Candidates: Guide To Washington’s Statewide Races

By Austin Jenkins July 15, 2020

Washington’s typically sleepy August primary will test the endurance of voters as they navigate a larger-than-usual crop of candidates. The robust turnout of would-be officeholders may be, at least partially, the result of the state making it easier to qualify for the ballot in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Read More