News Labor shortages, heat bring tough tides for WA shellfish farm At Taylor Shellfish Farms, hiring is increasingly a challenge as skyrocketing housing costs and difficult working conditions make it hard to recruit. by Mara Kardas-Nelson High Country News / October 17, 2022
During wildfires, West Coast farmworkers forced to put harvest over health Little is done to protect the workers’ health, and many feel powerless to hold employers accountable. by Mara Kardas-Nelson & Jess Alvarenga & Rosa Amanda Tuirán InvestigateWest / October 6, 2020
How wildfires in the American West hurt the entire country As smoke travels, it can cause illness and economic hardship thousands of miles away. by Mara Kardas-Nelson InvestigateWest / October 1, 2020
As wildfires break records, firefighters face growing health risks Emerging scientific evidence shows they may be at risk of respiratory and heart illness, and maybe even cancer. by Mara Kardas-Nelson InvestigateWest / September 28, 2020
How British Columbia protects its people from wildfire smoke The Canadian province is well ahead of Washington and Oregon in protecting people’s health from wildfires. by Mara Kardas-Nelson InvestigateWest / September 22, 2020
Wildfire smoke’s health impacts have only just begun A growing body of evidence shows smoke sickens and can even kill. Is the government doing enough to protect residents? by Mara Kardas-Nelson InvestigateWest / September 21, 2020
Opinion Let’s make sure Orcas get what they need from us While we wait on the governor and Legislature for state action, local governments can also help. by Jeanne Kohl-Welles / December 12, 2018
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: Moeties, closed-door caucus meetings and our open government ideal Legislative caucuses are off limits to the press and public, including anthropologists. by David Price / March 19, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: What if lawmakers were more like the people they serve? State Sen. Andy Hill, a prototypical Washington legislator: white, male, well-educated and well to do. Not that there's anything wrong with that. by David Price / February 26, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: Legislating virtual worlds Laws about taxing or not taxing online sales are an example of a cultural invention that dictates the way we view and behave in the "real" world. by David Price / February 22, 2015