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
News The Showbox building is now a landmark. But will it remain a music venue? While the designation by the city's Landmark Preservation Board protects the building, it has no control over how the property is used. by Jake Goldstein-Street / July 17, 2019 / Updated at 3:13 p.m.
Politics Defying Durkan, council directs extra soda tax money to low-income programs The new legislation requires that the revenue be spent on designated programs that serve the communities most impacted by the tax. by Jake Goldstein-Street / July 22, 2019 / Updated at 9 p.m.
News Smoke shops brace for impact of temporary ban on vaping products — and wonder what’s next As the effects of a state ban on some e-cigarettes settle in, an industry that has grown accustomed to big changes contends with another. by Jake Goldstein-Street / October 15, 2019