Washington Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

A ‘perfect’ season for Washington’s sweet cherries turns sour because of deportation fears

By NWPB News June 18, 2025

Tubs filled with rainier cherries are displayed on a table. A sign reads "Rainier, $7.99/lb."

Cherry growers say the threat of deportations under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown is keeping the migrant workforce they rely on this time of year from showing up to work. They describe an increasingly urgent labor crisis that could leave cherries rotting in the field, and farmers holding the bill.Read More

Wenatchee Valley businesses collect cash donations in memory of Decker sisters

By Reneé Diaz June 12, 2025

Cash donations were raised by local businesses in the Wenatchee Valley to help support the mother of the three Decker girls.Read More

Congress holds moment of silence for the Decker sisters

By Reneé Diaz June 6, 2025

U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse and Kim Schrier and other members of the Washington Congressional Delegation held a moment of silence this week on the House floor for the deaths of the three Decker sisters. Read More

Search continues for the father of 3 girls found dead near Leavenworth

By Reneé Diaz June 5, 2025

Candles, flowers and a framed picture are in the foreground of the picture. A large group of people stand behind the items.

Authorities are continuing the search for Travis Decker. His three daughters were found dead Monday near a campsite near Leavenworth following a multi-day search for the girls.Read More

What’s coming out of the stack? Hanford’s Waste Treatment Plant must pass emissions muster

By Anna King May 30, 2025

Workers offload chemicals into the Low-Activity Waste Facility at Hanford Vit Plant. Nitrogen, mixed with other materials, will simulate Hanford tank waste and be used to prepare the facility for operating with radioactive and chemical waste, possibly later this year.

A nearly two month long study is underway at the Hanford cleanup site, in southeast Washington state. Read More

Clarkston man works as caregiver at home, on the job

By Phineas Pope May 28, 2025

One man in Clarkston, Washington, is a caregiver at work and at home. What does a day look like for him?Read More

Silent film series brings cinema and organ to life in Wenatchee

By Reneé Diaz May 23, 2025

A man sits in semi-darkness. His back is to the camera, and he's playing a pipe organ.

A pipe organ that’s over a century old has been bringing silent cinema back to life at the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center.Read More

Senators Cantwell, Van Hollen speak out against possible cuts to National Science Foundation

By Lauren Paterson May 22, 2025

Senator Maria Cantwell sits at a brown wooden podium.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., questions U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer as he testifies before the Senate Finance Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) […]Read More

Officials warn of norovirus in Tri-Cities

By Rachel Sun May 21, 2025

An infographic with details on how people can protect themselves against norovirus.

The Benton-Franklin Health District is reporting a sharp rise in norovirus.Read More

Walla Walla closes housing voucher waitlist for the first time

By Susan Shain May 20, 2025

The Walla Walla Housing Authority closed its waitlist for Housing Choice Vouchers, also known as Section 8, earlier this month.Read More

Alano Club of Wenatchee hosts open house to share about recovery services

By Reneé Diaz May 15, 2025

The Alano Club of Wenatchee offers resources like peer support and education assistance to its clients.Read More

Coexisting with wildlife: When to help and when to walk away

By Lauren Paterson May 15, 2025

Four fawns with brown coats and white spots stand in green grass near a silver fence. One looks at the camera.

A number of animals who arrive at wildlife rescues are brought in throughout the springtime. When should wild animals be left alone or given help?Read More

Federal funding cut a program that would place mental health professionals in rural schools

By Reneé Diaz May 15, 2025

A stone pathway leads to a building. There's green grass and trees near the building as well.

A program that helps put mental health professionals in south central Washington schools is losing federal funding and will be discontinued.Read More

Unpacked: Wenatchee nonprofit teaches lowrider bike building, culture

By Phineas Pope May 14, 2025

Host Phineas Pope and Wenatchee reporter Renee Diaz dig into a recent article on lowriders and high hopes. Read More

As Washington cannabis grows, certificate programs spring up

By Lauren Paterson May 6, 2025

A man looks at a glass shelf with dozens of brightly colored cannabis products on display.

Cannabis is a $1.1 billion industry in Washington, and there are programs across the state designed to get people into the business or to help those who are already in it. Read More

May Day protests held throughout the Northwest

By Johanna Bejarano May 3, 2025

May Day events drew crowds around the Northwest. NWPB takes you to Yakima, Wenatchee and Moscow. Read More

What’s next for the Harvest Hills Wind Project on the Palouse

By Diana Romero May 1, 2025

Supporters say the project promotes renewable energy and economic growth. People against the wind farm have raised concerns over potential impacts on local landscapes, wildlife and property values.Read More

Lowriders, high hopes: Wenatchee leaders use bike program to curb gang influence

By Reneé Diaz April 29, 2025

Adrian Nava, 11, and Jose Navarrete, 15, sit on lowriders at the Community for the Advancement of Family Education (CAFÉ). (Credit: Jacob Ford / Wenatchee World) watch Listen (Runtime 1:04) […]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

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

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

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

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) watch Listen (Runtime :58) Read Four students at the University of Idaho and three students at Washington State […]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

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) watch Listen (Runtime 1:00) Read Both […]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

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

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

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

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