Environment Fishers are back in Washington — but can they survive? Biologists released a handful of the endangered, weasel-like animals in 2008, but now they must find out if the population is sustaining itself. by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / January 31, 2018
Politics Social workers fleeing troubled foster care system Lousy pay, a toxic workplace and excessive workloads are driving away the people who serve vulnerable kids and their families. by Susanna Ray for InvestigateWest / December 7, 2016
Environment The quest to create a greener guitar Steve McMinn runs Pacific Rim Tonewoods near Concrete, Wash. The company mills wood grown in the Pacific Northwest for guitarmakers. by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / December 1, 2016
Environment Your fleece is contaminating our oysters Many shellfish grown in coastal British Columbia have plastic in them, according to research led by shellfish biologist Sarah Dudas. by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / September 14, 2017
Environment Wildlife refuge renamed for Native American leader The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is being renamed in honor of late Nisqually tribal leader Billy Frank Jr. by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / July 18, 2016
Politics Foster parents abandoning troubled system Washington state lost nearly one in five foster homes between 2008 and 2015 amid complaints of discord and disarray. by Susanna Ray for InvestigateWest / October 27, 2016
Politics 4 fixes for Washington’s foster-care crisis Brandon Fogg, who has experience both as a foster child and foster parent, says foster care needs a celebrity champion. by Susanna Ray for InvestigateWest / September 21, 2016
Equity State’s foster system sets kids up for failure When foster children spend the night in a hotel or in a foster home that agrees to keep them for only one night at a time, they typically don’t make it to school the next day. by Susanna Ray for InvestigateWest / September 20, 2016
Politics Foster Care Crisis More than a decade after the courts ordered the state to clean up its foster care program, kids are still left rootless, vulnerable. by Susanna Ray for InvestigateWest / September 19, 2016
Environment On a beautiful and remote NW beach: Trash Derelict floats and other fisher gear make up some of the most visible marine debris dotting Pacific Northwest shorelines. by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / December 12, 2017