Environment A decade after the Oso landslide, WA works to improve preparedness The Snohomish County disaster killed 43 residents in 2014. Today, geologists can better help people get out of harm’s way due to boosts in tech and funding. by Tom Banse Washington State Standard / March 20, 2024
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
Environment Salish Sea's 'humpback comeback' is a good sign, but concerns remain More whales mean greater risk of ship strikes and fishing line entanglement. by Tom Banse Northwest News Network / August 16, 2019
Environment These giant rats failed mine-sniffing school. Now they have a new career in Tacoma While their relatives are saving lives around the world, Point Defiance's adorable African giant pouched rats are ambassadors for rodents everywhere. by Tom Banse Northwest News Network / July 24, 2019
Environment A proposed San Juans sanctuary may offer hope for captive orcas — and risks for wild ones Nonprofit advocates think sea pens will improve the retired killer whales' quality of life. SeaWorld vets disagree. by Tom Banse Northwest News Network / July 17, 2019
