Crews keep Newell Road Fire from reaching solar farm, landfill A fire in south-central Washington has threatened renewable energy projects, livestock and wildlife, and a major landfill for the state. Courtney Flatt
How Luma, an ancient cedar, has transfixed Seattle Seattle is a young racehorse of a city, a mere babe at 172 years old, who propelled herself through the jet age and now a tech boom, amassing wealth and dreamers and high rises and artisanal bakeries that sell $11 loaves and no one bats an eye. Isolde Raftery
Congress moves to mandate leaded fuel sales The U.S. House of Representatives voted to require airports to keep selling leaded aviation fuel. The small-plane fuel is the biggest source of airborne lead pollution in Washington and nationwide. John Ryan
A blossoming success: federal protections removed for a once-threatened NW prairie flower A once-rare flowering prairie plant has recovered enough in Washington and Oregon to be removed from the federal Endangered Species List. Courtney Flatt
Tribes celebrate as lamprey make a comeback Pacific lamprey are returning to the Columbia River in record numbers. That’s boosting tribal efforts to help the fish, which are a big part of some tribe’s histories. Courtney Flatt
Tree-sitter seeks to save 'exceptional tree' in Seattle A massive Western red cedar is slated to be cut down in Northeast Seattle as part of a development project. But now activists have climbed into its branches, and say they’re seeking to preserve it. Amy Radil
Light Headed: In parts of the Northwest, roll open a head of wheat and there’s not much in it Light wheat is a problem this summer harvest in the Northwest. Farmers say the plants are stressed by heat and little rain. A fresh U.S. Department of Agriculture report says winter wheat crops in the Northwest are forecast to be down this year. Anna King
Biologists prepare for a possible northern pike invasion beyond Grand Coulee Dam Northern pike have massive, toothy jaws and even bigger appetites. The invasive fish have been known to even chomp down on bats and ducks. So, it’s no wonder biologists are worried about salmon – and the billions of dollars that have been poured into their recovery. Courtney Flatt
Why are we seeing more black bears in King County these days? It's that time of year when black bears are wandering into local neighborhoods looking for food and water. Some have recently set their sights on backyard animals, adding to the recent uptick in bear activity around King County. Katie Campbell
Solar development maps: where is there less conflict? As more wind and solar farms come online, it could be harder to find places to build that won’t upset wildlife advocates, farmers, ranchers or nearby communities. Courtney Flatt
