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
Environment Pacific Northwest forests fit trifecta for curbing climate change — if we stop logging them Study shows trees along the coast and in the Cascade and Olympic mountains have the most potential to sequester carbon. by Cassandra Profita Oregon Public Broadcasting / January 1, 2020
Environment ‘Rife with flawed science’: OR and WA fight Trump’s emissions rollback The states join 26 others to argue the president's plan increases public health risks and violates the federal Clean Air Act. by Cassandra Profita Oregon Public Broadcasting / June 4, 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 PNW voter education efforts aim to combat election fraud claims New campaigns in Washington and other states hope to shore up public trust ahead of the November midterms. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / October 12, 2022
Politics Washington and Oregon may regulate the wild West of crypto mining Environmental policies would affect bitcoin operations in the Northwest, which have seen a swell of interest driven by cheap hydropower. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / January 31, 2023
Equity Study reveals internet access inequities in Seattle and Portland CenturyLink offers some poorer neighborhoods with more residents of color slower internet for higher prices, an analysis found. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / January 4, 2023
News PNW schools scramble to find staff before the start of classes Districts report worker shortages from bus drivers to special education teachers. They're hiring less experienced candidates to fill the gaps. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / August 29, 2022
News WA foster parents say the state still hasn’t fixed its investigative system The state has been aware for years that fears of retaliation and frustration around investigations have driven away some otherwise willing foster parents. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / August 10, 2023