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
Culture WA farmers to Trump: Show us the trade deals Quincy, Washington, potato farmer Rex Calloway by Taryn Phaneuf / April 2, 2017
Culture In Washington orchards, hope, anxiety around Trump Orchardist Phil Doornink, 37, voted for Trump. He hopes the new president will make good on his promise to reduce government regulations. by Taryn Phaneuf / March 13, 2017
Equity A farm town ponders how to protect its immigrant workers Eustacio Mendoza Casarez, 46, of Yakima, harvests Jazz apples from an Allan Bros. Fruit orchard in Union Gap, Wash. by Taryn Phaneuf / April 30, 2017
Tech Taming the Northwest's beloved huckleberry Ripe huckleberries in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness last weekend by Taryn Phaneuf / August 25, 2016