Environment What the pandemic has done to WA’s flagship shellfish industry The pandemic tanked the shellfish industry, but growers are “tentatively optimistic” that things are looking up. by Hannah Weinberger / October 9, 2020 / Updated at 9:08 a.m. on Oct. 9, 2020
The New Normal A pandemic-sized strain on Washington parks The state’s park system has been the ultimate outdoor refuge this year, but crowds, trash and social distancing have caused stress. October 7, 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
Environment Wildfire smoke is still hurting Washington, weeks later An epic season of smoke damages our environment and economy in ways that could last much longer than the haze. by Hannah Weinberger / October 2, 2020 / Updated at 5 p.m. on Oct. 2, 2020
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
Crosscut Now Sept. 29, 2020 - WA Has a New Marine Wildlife Hospital For years, marine mammal responders have operated without easy access to a crucial facility. But in September, that changes. September 30, 2020
Opinion WA can't contain epic wildfires without state, federal help Unhealthy forests and a changing climate brought on this season's wildfires — but lawmakers can help. by Hilary Franz & Mike Stevens & Mark Doumit / September 29, 2020
Environment Bullitt Prize winner uses affordable housing to fight climate change Patience Malaba works with advocates to develop affordable housing that also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. by Mandy Godwin / September 29, 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
Environment In 'Grouse,' one odd bird helps explain WA's political divisions Seattle journalist Ashley Ahearn's move to the Methow Valley inspired a podcast that seeks to understand her rural neighbors through the controversial sage grouse. by Hannah Weinberger / September 25, 2020
Opinion We lose more than salmon and orcas to the Snake River dams A member of the Makah tribe writes that losing salmon is akin to losing her identity. by Patsy Doherty / September 23, 2020
Mental health support can't keep up with wildfires or hurricanes As climate change drives more and more disasters, mental health support is in greater need than ever. America is not ready. by Dean Russell & Jamie Smith Hopkins & Molly Taft & Sally Deneen Columbia Journalism Investigations, Center for Public Integrity and InvestigateWest / September 23, 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 When White Salmon, WA, had the world’s worst air quality For the residents of a small town bordering Oregon, this weekend’s smoke felt like “the apocalypse was happening right here.” by Hannah Weinberger / September 18, 2020
