Owen Henderson
Morning Edition Host and ReporterOwen Henderson hosts Morning Edition for SPR News, but after he gets off the air each day, he's reporting stories with the rest of the team. Owen is a 2023 graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he studied journalism with minors in Spanish and theater. Before joining the SPR newsroom, he worked as the Weekend Edition host for Illinois Public Media, as well as reporting on the arts and LGBTQ+ issues. Having grown up in the Midwest, he’s excited to get acquainted with the Inland Northwest and all that it has to offer. When he’s not in the newsroom or behind the mic, you can find Owen out on the trails hiking or in his kitchen baking bread.
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Plus, WA state exchange healthcare premiums could increase by more than 20% again. Outgoing Kootenai County GOP officials look to undercut the incoming moderate leaders. Death toll rises to two, remains of nine still unrecovered after Longview chemical rupture. Beavers could pose a bigger threat than mountain lions to most north Idahoans—financially, at least. And maybe the wine industry isn't dying because millennials and Gen Z don't want to drink wine; maybe it's because they can't afford it. -
Plus, 9 people still unaccounted for after Longview industrial implosion leaves at least 1 dead. NW immigrants scramble after rule change means green card applicants may have to leave the U.S. DCYF can't deny foster parent licenses based on religious views on LGBTQ issues, per a new settlement. WA and ID McClatchy journalists strike over wages, AI. WA land managers warn of high fire danger. And WDFW to kill 1 wolf over livestock attacks. -
Hantavirus levels in Palouse rodents are 'very surprising' to WSU researchers. North central, northeast WA are in a long-term precipitation deficit; forecasters say that could mean an early start to fire season. An Eastern WA theater adopts vests to let deaf, hard of hearing patrons physically feel concerts. WSU Cougar baseball team advances to NCAA regional tournament, hopes for first College World Series appearance in 50 years. And feeling intimidated about reducing your individual climate impact? Here's one piece of tech that could help home chefs. -
After a land donation by the Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington and a multimillion-dollar campaign, the language immersion school will eventually move to a site along the Spokane River, near Spokane Falls Community College. -
Plus, Head Start students in WAn show strain from increased immigration enforcement, according to a new survey. Avista is switching into fire safety mode earlier than any time in the last 6 years. Spokane Transit expands service for World Cup festivities. The Salish School of Spokane breaks ground for its new campus along the Spokane River. -
Plus, the federal government is eliminating limits on certain toxic chemicals, but WA officials say that shouldn't stop contamination reduction on the West Plains. Nearly a quarter of Washington business owners surveyed are considering leaving the state. Despite some far-right wins, moderates gained seats overall in Idaho's legislative primaries. A new Idaho law forces cities to eliminate any restriction on short-term rentals, but Sandpoint officials are dragging their feet on complying. Sandpoint City Council defers kratom sale ban after public opposition. And the Spokane Zephyr folds after two seasons. -
Washington gas prices continue to climb, but a gas tax holiday seems unlikely. Septic systems can threaten groundwater quality. New revenue from Spokane's Aquifer Protection Area could help fund residents' septic-to-sewer transitions. Spokane is supposed to collect more compost soon, but there's nowhere to put it. Adams Elementary School, the oldest school in Spokane, breaks ground on a new chapter. Stevens County resident could soon weigh in on the location of a new jail. -
Washington sues Providence Health & Services for illegal treatment of pregnant employees. A host of reasons, like Washington’s Climate Commitment Act and fuel costs, will likely cause higher utility rates next year for Spokanites. State Sen. Shelly Short (R-Addy) faces three challengers in her re-election bid. Washington cities are increasing public transit frequency for World Cup festivities. Sandpoint's century-old Panida Theater needs grant money to become ADA and fire code compliant. -
Plus, Kootenai County considers more nuanced restrictions on kratom than Eastern Washington neighbors. The public will get the chance to weigh in on dissolving the Kootenai Health District. Spokane Long Term Recovery Group looks to build 24 new houses in the next two years for families who lost homes in the Oregon Road and Gray fires. Providence increases training requirements for psych triage. Let's Go Washington launches initiative signature gather with less than two months until submission deadline after the state rebuffed a referendum attempt. -
Plus, AG Nick Brown says states are having to pick up the slack on anti-trust litigation as feds drop cases. Central Valley School District expands free preschool, but the superintendent worries it's not enough. A "fish helix" could make salmon restoration easier without creating agricultural difficulties. And the Trump administration officially cancels a Biden-era conservation rule for public lands.
