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
Environment Washington’s climate woes: First wildfires, then debris flow Dry soil in burn scars can lead to roaring earthen rivers that are more powerful than mudslides. by Kylie Mohr High Country News / November 16, 2023
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
Environment Already-endangered WA salmon may take a hit from flooding As region's rivers overflowed from historic rainfall, the next generation of the struggling fish may have been swept away, too. by Kylie Mohr High Country News / December 23, 2021
Environment Wildfire smoke disrupts flight of migrating birds The Tule geese's journey from Alaska to central Oregon took twice as long in 2020 due to megafires and smoke. by Kylie Mohr High Country News / November 18, 2021
Politics Approval vs. ranked-choice voting: What's the difference? Voters in Seattle, as well as San Juan and Clark counties, will consider a major philosophical change to voting this November. by Andrew Engelson / October 17, 2022
Politics What happened after the Jan. 6 confrontation in Olympia? Since the 2021 attack on the capitol campus, security has increased, two people have faced prosecution and reporters continue to feel the shock. by Andrew Engelson / January 6, 2023 / Updated at 5 p.m. on Jan. 13