Drought conditions lead to several new, large fires in WA, OR The Northwest is dealing with several new, large fires. However, lightning has started fewer fires this season, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Courtney Flatt
Government Does Seattle’s tree protection ordinance protect developers more than trees? Libby Denkmann Hans Anderson
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
Environment 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
Environment 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
Environment 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
Environment 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
