WSU Archives | Northwest Public Broadcasting

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

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

WSU Researchers Explore Questions Of Coronavirus Spread Between Humans And Their Pets

By Natalie Newcomb May 11, 2020

Researchers at WSU's Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory have been looking into any connection between COVID-19 in humans and pets. CREDIT: Henry Moore Jr/WSU

Are your pets at risk from COVID-19? According to animal scientists, no. The risk is low as there has not been an increase in the number of pets with respiratory issues. Continue Reading WSU Researchers Explore Questions Read More

6 Ways College Might Look Different In The Fall

By NPR News May 5, 2020

Colleges have been careful to leave the door open on their plans for the fall semester. Most experts say it will be anything but normal. Here's a sampling of how it could look. Continue Reading 6 Ways College Might Look Different In The FallRead More

Big Study Finds Small Territory Usage For Washington’s Medium-Sized Wild Lynx

By Courtney Flatt April 27, 2020

A Canada lynx in Washington spotted by one of 650 wildlife cameras in a Washington State University study. CREDIT: WSU Mammal Spatial Ecology and Conservation Lab

In a study recently published in the Journal of Wildlife Management, WSU scientists found that lynx only occupy about 20% of potential habitat in Washington. Continue Reading Big Study Finds Small Territory Usage For Washington’s Read More

Mobile Clinic Addresses Needs In rural Communities

By Murrow News - Lauren Ellenbecker February 18, 2020

A Spokane-based mobile health clinic began its trial run in eastern Washington to reduce health disparities in rural areas where healthcare is not available. Continue Reading Mobile Clinic Addresses Needs In rural CommunitiesRead More

Mitzi Montoya Left Job As WSU’s Provost After 2 Months. Newly Obtained Emails Shed Light

By NWPB News February 10, 2020

The French Administration building houses WSU's leadership office, including the president and provost. “I think the conclusion is that I am not a fit for what you need here,” former WSU provost Mitzi Montoya wrote to President Kirk Schulz in September 2019. CREDIT: Jacob Jones/Whitman County Watch

Newly released emails to and reporting from the Whitman County Watch news site show Washington State University’s former provost described receiving sexist performance assessments and other institutional pushback just days before she stepped down in September. Read More

WSU Sues Yakima Grower Over Alleged Apple Patent Infringement

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa January 31, 2020

Even after 20 years of development, there’s still more research to be done on Cosmic Crisp, particularly around ‘green spot,’ pictured above, a cosmetic defect whose causes are not entirely understood by horticulturalist but are likely caused by a calcium deficiency, according to WSU researchers. CREDIT: Enrique Pérez de la Rosa/NWPB

The apple in question is WA 2, known to consumers as Sunrise Magic. WSU claims that Yakima apple grower Pro Orchard Management and affiliated packer Apple King infringed on the patent by growing and selling Sunrise Magic without a license. Continue Read More

Ex-NFL Player, WSU Standout And Spokane Native Steve Gleason Honored By Congress For ALS Work

By NWPB News January 16, 2020

A Congressional Gold Medal is presented to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) advocate and former National Football League (NFL) player, Steve Gleason, in Statuary Hall on Capitol Hill, Jan. 15, 2020. Holding the medal is his wife Michel Gleason. CREDIT: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Former NFL player Steve Gleason has received the Congressional Gold Medal — the highest civilan honor bestowed by Congress — for his work as an advocate for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Read More

Pullman Police Identify 19-Year-Old WSU Student Who Died At Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity

By Scott Leadingham November 12, 2019

File photo of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity chapter house at Washington State University.

Pullman Police are investigating after a Washington State University student died at a fraternity Tuesday morning. The investigation is ongoing, but officials believe alcohol was a factor. Police identified the student late Tuesday night as Samuel Martinez of Bellevue. Read More

WSU fraternity member found dead

By Matt Loveless November 12, 2019

Pullman Police said the death of a student found Tuesday morning may be alcohol-related. Continue Reading WSU fraternity member found deadRead More

Crosswalk Safety is a Priority at WSU

By Murrow News - Logan Plant November 8, 2019

WSU Transportation Services says new signs aim to help pedestrians and drivers at dangerous intersections. Continue Reading Crosswalk Safety is a Priority at WSURead More

What Does It Take To Get A New Apple Variety To Market? A Lot. And Cosmic Crisp Shows It

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa October 22, 2019

After more than 20 years of development by the Washington State University Tree Fruit Research Commission, the Cosmic Crisp is ready to come to hit store shelves. The goal of new variety is to be attractive to consumers, easy to grow and easy to store over a long period of time. Read More

WSU Kappa Sigma Pulls Away From IFC

By Matt Loveless September 27, 2019

More Murrow News Stories PULLMAN, Wash. – Kappa Sigma was released from the Interfraternity Council membership and is banned from returning to University recognition until 2024, according to the IFC Senate. The national fraternity has been promoting its chapters to leave the IFC in effort to gain more freedom and control of their own operations. “They finally… Read More

Mistrial Declared In Case Of Former Pullman Officer Charged With Sexual Assault Of WSU Student

By Scott Leadingham September 19, 2019

Pullman Police Sgt. Dan Hargraves resigned Nov. 26, 2018. He was arrested Oct. 30 on charges of sexually assaulting a WSU student. COURTESY PULLMAN POLICE

A Whitman County judge has declared a mistrial in the sexual assault case of a former Pullman Police officer. Daniel Hargraves was accused of assaulting a Washington State University student. Continue Reading Read More

Cougs set for prime time kickoff vs. UCLA

By Matt Loveless September 10, 2019

More Murrow News Stories PULLMAN (Murrow News 8) – It will be another late Saturday night at Martin Stadium, as WSU hosts their first Pac-12 game of the season in prime time. The conference announced a 7:30pm PT start to the September 21 game vs. UCLA to start the conference season for both teams. The… Read More

‘Inland Folk With Dan Maher’ Came To An Abrupt End. Why?

By Dirk VanderHart September 5, 2019

The reasons for the sudden end of Dan Maher's "Inland Folk" are murky, and have led to speculation and questions among fans and associates. Continue Reading ‘Inland Folk With Dan Maher’ Came To An Abrupt End. Why?Read More

Campus Police Will No Longer Store Guns For WSU Students After New Legal Interpretation

By Scott Leadingham August 15, 2019

Reflecting on the glass door of the WSU Public Safety Building, a sign on the door announces the gun storage policy change Aug. 14, 2019. CREDIT: SCOTT LEADINGHAM/NWPB

Firearms are not allowed on the Washington State University campus in Pullman. But now students will no longer have that option, due to a new interpretation of state law applying to university police forces like WSU’s. Continue Read More

Rare Corpse Flower To Release Its Foul Stench At WSU Vancouver

By Molly Solomon July 13, 2019

Washington State University Vancouver associate professor of molecular biosciences Steve Sylvester planted the corpse flower seed 18 years ago at the Salmon Creek, Wash., campus. CREDIT: MOLLY SOLOMON/OPB

With the name corpse flower, this rare, tropical plant set to bloom at Washington State University Vancouver has quite the reputation to live up to. “People describe the smell as a mix of rotten fish and dirty socks,” said Steve Sylvester, associate professor of molecular biosciences at the Salmon Creek, Washington, campus. Read More

Indian Students’ Association Celebrates Holi

By Murrow News - Canara Heinke April 29, 2019

More Murrow News Stories PULLMAN – On April 31st, Reaney Park was filled with residents and students celebrating an ancient Hindu festival called Holi. Individuals attending the event covered themselves in neon colors and participated in a feast that signified the arrival of spring. President of the Indian Students’ Association Ruchira Tandel enjoyed celebrating Read More

WSU Swimmer Takes This Season By Storm

By Murrow News - Canara Heinke April 29, 2019

More Murrow News Stories PULLMAN – Sophomore Mackenzie Duarte not only broke several records this year, but was also able to compete in the 2019 NCAA Championships in Austin texas. Friend and teammate of Duarte Maia Petrides believes one of the highlights of the season was watching Duarte qualify for the championships. “I was on… Read More

ASWSU Creates Initiative To Keep Cliffs Clean

By Murrow News - Canara Heinke April 29, 2019

More Murrow News Stories PULLMAN -Granite Point, also known as the cliffs may look spotless now, but it hasn’t always looked quite this beautiful. Last year, approximately 800 pounds of garbage was found at the park causing it to close. With the warm weather finally rolling in and the cliffs reopening, ASWSU has started a… Read More

Student Stress Spikes As The Semester Ends

By Murrow News - Canara Heinke April 29, 2019

More Murrow News Stories PULLMAN -With the 2019 Spring semester coming to a close, staff and students are dealing with high amounts of pressures and stress. Director of Student Services of the Murrow College, Sara Stout, says she sees a definite increase in student stress post spring break. “Yes, so by the end of both… Read More

WSU Student Pursues Her Passion

By Murrow News - Elijah Clayton April 28, 2019

https://youtu.be/wpqlFJg0IZ8 Pullman-Molly Nakao is a Junior at WSU who is getting to pursue her passion for sports videography while still in school. Molly volunteers her time making videos for the cougar women’s basketball team. Molly has been interested in video since she took her high school video production class. Since then she has secured internships… Read More

University of Idaho and Washington State University Cadets Train Together

By Murrow News - Elijah Clayton April 28, 2019

https://youtu.be/CCJ3KNny2uA The University of Idaho and Washington State University Army ROTC programs conducted there final training exercises of the year together near the beginning of April. The joint field training exercise, or JFTX was the only time that the two schools had trained together this school year. the exercises included combat scenarios, and mission Read More

WSU Senior Designers Showcase Their Work

By Murrow News - Kayla Bautista April 26, 2019

Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. Continue Reading WSU Senior Designers Showcase Their WorkRead More

Students Leave Their Mark On The Spark

By Murrow News - Kayla Bautista April 26, 2019

Last night students got creative as they painted cougar head tiles which are replicas of Todd Hall’s door handles Continue Reading Students Leave Their Mark On The SparkRead More

WSU Pyromaniacs Clay Club

By Murrow News - Kayla Bautista April 23, 2019

Klay Thompson isn’t the only clay WSU is known for. Continue Reading WSU Pyromaniacs Clay ClubRead More

WSU Hosts First Unified Field Day

By Murrow News - Kayla Bautista April 23, 2019

WSU hosted its first Unified Sports Field Day this past weekend. Continue Reading WSU Hosts First Unified Field DayRead More

NPR’s Melissa Block Visits Pullman, Reflects On Murrow’s Legacy: ‘Without Facts, What Do We Have?’

By Zachary Garner April 17, 2019

Melissa Block during live election night coverage. CREDIT: Stephen Voss/WBAA, courtesy of NPR.

NPR's Melissa Block sat down with NWPB’s Thom Kokenge during 'All Things Considered' to discuss her experiences as a journalist, NPR’s legacy and the state of journalism today. She was in Pullman to receive The Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award at Washington State University. Read More

WSU Students Open New Restaurant

By Murrow News - Kayla Bautista April 9, 2019

Five WSU students opened a bubble tea and chinese restaurant in Pullman this school year. Continue Reading WSU Students Open New RestaurantRead More

President Schulz Emphasizes Access and Opportunity In State of the University

By Murrow News - Elijah Clayton April 2, 2019

President Schulz shares his State of the University Address. Continue Reading President Schulz Emphasizes Access and Opportunity In State of the UniversityRead More

Have Celiac Disease? Researchers Are Close To Delivering A Gluten-Free Grain For You

By Esmy Jimenez February 21, 2019

File photo. Ripe ears of wheat lit by the morning sunlight. CREDIT: WSU News

People with Celiac disease are a bit closer to enjoying gluten products again. With the help of genetic modification, a team of Northwest scientists have engineered a unique wheat variety that’s safe for people with gluten sensitivities and allergies. Read More

Buddy Levy: The Man, The Myth, The Writer

By Murrow News - Sara Quenzer January 23, 2019

Levy, 58, is a freelance writer, a TV personality, and an English professor at Washington State University with 31 years of teaching experience. Continue Reading Buddy Levy: The Man, The Myth, The WriterRead More

Pullman Police Officer Resigns After Arrest On Charge Of Sexually Assaulting WSU Student

By Zachary Garner November 29, 2018

A Pullman Police officer who was arrested for custodial sexual misconduct resigned from his position on Monday, a day before he was to be interviewed by Pullman Police investigators. Continue Reading Pullman Police Read More

UW Marching Band Won’t Perform At Apple Cup After Bus Crash En Route To Pullman

By NWPB News November 23, 2018

Dozens of members of the University of Washington marching band, shown here in 2017, were transported to hospitals after a bus overturned on Thursday. CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

The University of Washington marching band will not perform during the Apple Cup, the annual football rivalry game against Washington State University, after one of its three charter buses rolled Thursday onto its side while traveling from Seattle to Pullman. The accident happened near George, Wash., in central Washington, between the Columbia River Vantage bridge and Read More

Getting To Know Logan Wheeler, A Washington State Veteran And Alum Who Died A Century Ago

By Katherine Barner November 11, 2018

Sometimes we grieve for people we’ve never met. Walking through a cemetery, looking at the graves of people who exist to you only as names in stone, it’s easy to wonder at the loss. It’s a shallow grief, not the long-term grief for a friend lost, but the fleeting interjection of some unknowable person into your periphery. Read More

With Control Of U.S House At Stake, Eastern Washington Race Could Hinge On College Students

By Ryan Blake November 6, 2018

WSU Pullman students return ballots to an on-campus drop box Nov. 6, 2018. CREDIT: SCOTT LEADINGHAM/NWPB

Lisa Brown fell about 8,000 votes short of incumbent and fourth-ranking Republican House leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers in August’s primary. But that was before roughly 60,000 students returned to campuses across the district. Read More

Paul Allen, Iconic Seattleite And WSU Alumnus To The End, Dies At 65

By NWPB News October 15, 2018

Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen tips his cap to fans as he is honored for his 20 years of team ownership before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Seattle. CREDIT: ELAINE THOMPSON

Paul Allen, Iconic Seattleite and Microsoft co-founder, died in Seattle due to complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was 65. Continue Reading Paul Allen, Iconic Seattleite And WSU Alumnus To The End, Dies At 65Read More

Fresh NW Voices: Armed Educators

By The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication | Student Work August 13, 2018

Toppenish is one of just a few districts in the state of Washington in which armed administrators walk the grounds. Continue Reading Fresh NW Voices: Armed EducatorsRead More

WSU Outlines Plan To Reduce Projected $85 Million Athletics Deficit

By Scott Leadingham June 8, 2018

Fans and players celebrate Washington State's 30-27 win over Southern California in an NCAA college football game in Pullman, Wash., Friday, Sept. 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) ORG XMIT: WAYK111

Washington State University’s athletics department is currently facing a nearly $67 million budget deficit as the 2018 fiscal year comes to close. Now, WSU leaders are outlining a plan to get the department back to fiscal stability. But the deficit is projected to grow much larger before it goes down. Read More

Audit Finds Mismanagement In Washington State University Athletics Amid $67 Million Deficit

By NWPB News May 3, 2018

An internal audit has found extensive mismanagement within the budget-challenged Washington State athletic department, including the possible inflation of home football attendance figures and the improper distribution of free tickets to football games. Read More

WSU And Biotech Firm In Legal Fight Over Cosmic Crisp Apple Variety

By Anna King March 14, 2018

A new apple variety called 'Cosmic Crisp' is at the center of a legal battle involving Washington State University.

Something has gone sour between Washington State University and a Seattle-based biotech company. It's over a new, highly-prized apple variety that has not yet hit the market. Continue Reading WSU And Biotech Firm In Legal Fight Over Cosmic Read More

Pullman Police Say No More Known Victims Of Now-Dead Psychologist Accused Of Rape

By Esmy Jimenez February 20, 2018

Pullman psychologist Dean Funabiki was found dead in a Whitman County jail cell late Sunday, February 18 after being arrested on a charge of sexually assaulting a patient. Police say at this point no additional victims have come forward with accusations. Read More

WSU Quarterback Tyler Hilinski Dies, Remembered As Team Leader

By Scott Leadingham January 16, 2018

Washington State University quarterback Tyler Hilinski has died. He was 21. Police in Pullman, Washington, confirmed they were called to an apartment Tuesday afternoon where they found Hilinski. Continue Reading WSU Quarterback Tyler Hilinski Dies, Read More

WSU Researchers Find ‘Sleep Gene’ Common To 3 Species Including Humans

By Tom Banse April 5, 2017

If you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep, it could be in your DNA. A team led by Washington State University-Spokane researchers has discovered a gene that influences the quality of sleep across species. The study started in mice, where the researchers identified a particular gene which when knocked out disrupted sleep. Then the findings were… Read More

WSU President: Student Athletic Fee May Be Withdrawn

By Katherine Barner February 1, 2017

Washington State University President Kirk Schulz said a proposed fee to alleviate the athletic department’s $13 million debt may not be on the student ballot. The WSU athletic department has been $13 million in debt since 2014. To help balance the budget the Board of Regents proposed an extra $50 fee on Pullman undergraduate students.… Read More

WSU Coach Leach Bans Players from Tweeting

By Sueann Ramella October 24, 2012

Washington State University Football Coach Mike Leach WSU ATHLETICS By Joe Utter and Adam Lewis Washington State University Coach Mike Leach banned players from using Twitter on Tuesday evening after a series of messages on the social media website was brought to his attention. “Twitter is now banned around here so don’t expect anything… Read More