Environment WA farmers brace for summer drought on heels of harvest shortfalls Washington’s agriculture industry has been hit hard by climate change. Growers are working to develop crops that can thrive in shifting landscapes. by Mai Hoang / April 25, 2024
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 Yakima residents aim to boost walkability with new Mile Loop concept Although the Central Washington city's car culture reigns, intentional planning in similar small cities might be the ticket to getting environmental best practices to stick. by Mai Hoang / December 13, 2021
News Yakima Valley plastics industry is seeking to replace ... plastics Consumers want, and governments demand, less of the non-biodegradable substance. These manufacturers are looking for alternatives. by Mai Hoang / November 15, 2021 / Updated 9:45 a.m. Nov. 15
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
News WA farmers search for silver linings after a tough year for crops Instead of praying for better weather in the future, Washington's tree fruit growers are buckling up for more cold and wet conditions. by Mai Hoang / December 21, 2022