Politics Could this plan tame Washington's wildfires — and pay for it, too? A new proposal at the state Capitol would provide a dedicated funding stream for wildfire prevention and firefighting. by Melissa Santos / April 10, 2019
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
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 Uber, Lyft would need to cut emissions under WA state plan Some studies have found the ride-hailing services increase vehicle miles driven and pollution. by Melissa Santos / February 1, 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
Politics 4 Puget Sound counties may do what the state couldn’t: Pass a clean-fuel standard The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is considering a new low-carbon fuel standard after state lawmakers didn't pass one earlier this year. by Melissa Santos / October 21, 2019
Politics WA’s new climate laws give Inslee a boost. But will they help his White House bid? The governor just signed a raft of climate legislation, helping to strengthen the backbone of his platform. by Melissa Santos / May 8, 2019