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 The San Juans are GMO-free. Is Washington next? Members of GMO-Free San Juans celebrate their win at the ballot box. From left, Ken Akopiantz, Council member Jamie Stephens and Marney Reynolds. by Amy Pennington / January 22, 2013
Culture Legalizing baking: What's the hold-up with Washington's Cottage Law? Felicia Hill, an early champion of the Cottage Industry Law, runs a cake-baking business out of her Vancouver, Wash. kitchen. by Amy Pennington / May 21, 2012
Culture Storefront mushroom farm opens in Pioneer Square [storefront] Olson Kundig Architects, home to the Mushroom Farm by Amy Pennington / February 28, 2012
Culture Winter eating: beyond kale sandwiches Rainbow chard grows all winter in the Northwest and can be used liberally in omelets, pastries, stirfries and more. by Amy Pennington / December 28, 2011
