Erik Neumann

1 month ago | opb.org | Erik Neumann

Chinook Indian Nation Chairman Tony Johnson stands on Johnson Beach in Bay Center, Wash., on April 17, 2025. When Tony Johnson walks the beach at Bay Center, a small peninsula that hooks north in Washington’s Willapa Bay, he feels connected to both the past and the present. First off, it’s called Johnson Beach, after his grandfather who was born nearby. It’s also where he and other members of the Chinook Indian Nation dig for clams and gather oysters when the tide goes out.

2 months ago | spokanepublicradio.org | Owen Henderson |Erik Neumann |Monica Carrillo-Casas

Spokane's anti-discrimination ordinance for LGBTQ+ community approvedThe Spokane City Council has approved an ordinance aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ community members. The ordinance adds anti-discrimination language to city code, prevents city resources from being used to investigate someone for seeking gender-affirming care, and protects against releasing information about a person’s sex assigned at birth. These changes largely put Spokane’s city code in line with Washington state law.

2 months ago | opb.org | Erik Neumann

In the coming months, local and tribal governments in Washington could reap the benefits of $100 million in one-time state grants to pay for new law enforcement positions, but only if local officials raise sales taxes long-term. The Vancouver Police West Precinct, in Vancouver, Wash., June 29, 2024. In cities and counties where voters have repeatedly shot down tax hikes for public safety, the grant program could give local leaders a workaround. It was approved by lawmakers on Sunday, and Gov.

2 months ago | opb.org | Erik Neumann

Washington Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez deflected voter criticism during a town hall event in Vancouver on April 24, 2025. The Luepke Community Center near downtown Vancouver was at capacity Thursday night, with attendees spilling out around the building. Gluesenkamp Perez was repeatedly interrupted by the crowd as she tried to defend her vote to censure fellow Democratic Rep. Al Green following his vocal protest at President Trump’s speech to Congress in March.

2 months ago | spokanepublicradio.org | Doug Nadvornick |Owen Henderson |Erik Neumann

Divisive rent control bill heads to negotiations after House refuses to approve amendmentsA bill that would cap annual rent increases has split Democratic lawmakers in Olympia. The House passed a version putting a seven percent limit on rent increases for any given twelve-month period of a lease. Then the Senate changed the cap to 10 percent plus inflation.