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
Environment Skagit dams in crosshairs of renewed push to save salmon, orcas With Seattle’s power supply in the balance, tribes and activists are demanding changes to how Seattle City Light’s dams are run. by Lester Black High Country News / July 26, 2021
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
Politics Washington schools don't have to teach sex education. That could soon change Advocates hope legislation requiring comprehensive K-12 sexual health education will be successful in 2020. by Liz Brazile / December 13, 2019 / Updated December 17, 2019 at 12:44 p.m.
Equity ‘It's like glorified day care’: Washington parents demand rigor in special education for young adults Preparing for adult life is critical for all high school students. But those with disabilities face a greater risk of missing postsecondary opportunities. by Liz Brazile / November 25, 2019
Equity Washington schools can’t keep up with a growing need for special education teachers The number of students with disabilities living in Washington state is growing. But the number of special ed teachers has remained stagnant. by Liz Brazile / November 8, 2019