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
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 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
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
Tech The unexpected entrepreneur Vicci Martinez rocking a Seattle Secret Show at the College Club on Lake Union. by Charles Bermant / February 26, 2013