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 Best of 2018: Renovation unearths Seattle Prohibition-era jazz club art Murals that date back to Seattle's Prohibition Era jazz scene have been unearthed inside a stairwell at the old Louisa Hotel. by Karen Ducey / December 24, 2018
Environment Can tribes sue the government over climate change? Tribal nations' efforts to force the U.S. to honor treaty rights could bolster environmental protections. by Anna V. Smith High Country News / May 21, 2019
Opinion Take a knee? Why we need to rise up for the working class Construction workers install a wooden deck on the roof at the new Hugo House building, housed in its old location in Capitol Hill. by Ross Cohen / October 4, 2017
Culture Once homeless, now they're creating art Ted Moen works on a project as part of the LEAP Artist Collective. (© Karen Ducey for Crosscut) by Karen Ducey / November 23, 2017