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
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
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
Politics How Trump’s wall could hurt WA’s wildfire readiness An upgrade to the fire department at the Yakima Training Center is on the list of military projects that might be put on hold due to the president’s emergency declaration. by Kevin Knodell / March 26, 2019
News A murder in Island County A gruesome killing on rural Camano Island has locals worried their idyllic island life is slipping away. The killer is still on the loose. by Rick Anderson / September 17, 2018
News The Kirkland con man who just couldn’t stop Sung Hong stole $20M from dozens of churchgoers. A letter from his mother gives some insight into why. by Rick Anderson / November 15, 2018
Politics As Afghanistan peace talks progress, WA continues to suffer losses in America’s longest war For 18 years Joint Base Lewis-McChord has played an essential role in a war that has been forgotten by many Americans. by Kevin Knodell / May 27, 2019