🌱 How WSU’s new vice provost could shape faculty — and students’ — futures

Hey hey Pullman! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How WSU’s new vice provost could shape faculty — and students’ — futures
• What the 2027 federal lawsuit could mean for WSU in Pullman
• Which Cougar legends just made the 2027 Hall of Fame ballot?

Today's riddle: What did the carpenter ant say when he walked into the bar? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 74 and low of 49 degrees.
• Thursday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 69, low: 42.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 72 and low of 44 degrees.

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📰 News we're reading

1. Catherine ‘Katie' Cooper named vice provost for faculty affairs and development (wsu.edu) — Washington State University, based in Pullman, has named Catherine “Katie” Cooper as its next vice provost for faculty affairs and development, beginning a phased transition on June 15. Her new role will shape how hundreds of WSU faculty are hired, supported, and promoted, which in turn influences teaching quality, research, and student experiences on the Pullman campus and across the system.
   

2. Moscow murders lawsuit against WSU scheduled for September 2027 (dailyevergreen.com) — Families of the Moscow homicide victims have a federal lawsuit against Washington State University, based in Pullman, now scheduled for trial on September 13, 2027. They allege WSU ignored warning signs about former Ph.D. student Bryan Kohberger’s behavior, and the case could bring intense scrutiny, potential costs, and policy changes affecting the Pullman campus community.
   

3. Ryan Leaf and Mike Leach now eligible for 2027 College Football Hall of Fame (klewtv.com) — Pullman fans have fresh reason to celebrate Cougar football history as former WSU head coach Mike Leach and star quarterback Ryan Leaf are now eligible for the 2027 College Football Hall of Fame ballot. Their Pullman-era success, from record winning seasons to a long-awaited Rose Bowl trip, is being recognized nationally as voters consider the next Hall of Fame class.
   

4. WSU Student Helps Rediscover Long-Lost Apple Variety in Pullman (dailyfly.com) — A WSU graduate out for a walk near Lawson Gardens in Pullman helped researchers identify what appears to be the long-lost Walbridge heirloom apple, once common across the Northwest. Genetic testing tied the Lawson Gardens tree to similar mystery trees in other states, and WSU scientists are now propagating the rediscovered variety for preservation and possible future cultivation.
   

5. Can Mulch Film From Farms Be Effectively Recycled? Cleanliness Is Key (morningagclips.com) — WSU researchers in Pullman have found that plastic mulch film from farms can be successfully recycled if it’s thoroughly cleaned first, even though Washington’s clay soils make that harder than in states like Florida. Their work suggests cleaner film could become a more valuable recycled material, cutting landfill waste, reducing reliance on new plastics, and potentially lowering costs for growers.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• It's Children's Awareness Month!
  Children’s Awareness Month was initially founded in the loving memory of all the children who have died violent deaths in America. It has evolved… (Nextdoor Sunnyside Hill)
• It’s Medicare Fraud Prevention Month!
  The month everyone can learn about protecting yourself, your friends, and your loved ones from scammers. There are a lot of ways to participate so… (Nextdoor )

• WSU posted a job opening for Fiscal Specialist | Office of Academic Engagement (Pullman, WA) in Pullman. Apply here.
• Rosauers Supermarkets, Inc. posted a job opening for Floor Manager in Pullman. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Pullman here.

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Ok Pullman! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Is the bar tender here? (Thank you W. M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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