Environment PFAS in Washington’s well water could make you sick ‘Forever chemicals’ linked to ailments from high cholesterol to cancer are in our clearest aquifers — but steep costs pose cleanup challenges. by Andrew Engelson / February 14, 2024
News Puget Sound transit and riders navigate post-pandemic commutes With more people working in-office, local agencies try to make light-rail and bus services more consistent. But they face staff shortages and delays. by Andrew Engelson / March 22, 2024
News WA’s new drug law could help needle exchanges — or restrict them The possession bill passed this year includes $63M for treatment centers. But it also gives local governments the power to regulate them. by Andrew Engelson / November 2, 2023 / Updated at 5 p.m. on Nov. 7
News High grocery costs challenge Washington families, food banks Nearly 29,000 households in King County don’t have enough income to cover household basics, according to data from the University of Washington. by Andrew Engelson / November 21, 2023
Environment Tribes worry a Canadian mine could poison Washington salmon Across the border in British Columbia's Skagit River headwaters, a proposed open-pit mine has drawn protests from Native tribes, environmentalists and politicians. by Andrew Engelson / February 21, 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
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