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 Coronavirus could make fighting Washington wildfires harder Agencies that prepare for wildfires and recruit firefighters are busy responding to the pandemic. That could be a problem come summer. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / March 27, 2020
Environment Climate bills in WA a ‘comprehensive failure’ in 2020, critics say Key legislation to cut carbon emissions died, while goal-setting bill offers no path to reach target. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / March 25, 2020
Environment WA lawmakers pave the way for electric cars, but activists want more As the legislative session comes to a close, the green lobby is pushing lawmakers to do more to take on climate change. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / March 10, 2020
Politics WA lawmakers want to fund solutions for healthier soil — and less gassy cows Bipartisan proposals before the state legislature would help scientists learn about storing carbon in soils and invest in GPS-guided tractors and climate-friendly cattle feed. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / February 20, 2020
