Environment Washington-based U.S. Forest Service rangers reinstated — for now Ahead of the busiest season for outdoor recreation, staffing for trail clearing, search & rescue, toilet cleaning and other duties is still uncertain. by Dominick Bonny / March 7, 2025
News Full Washington State Ferries service to return this summer But Gov. Ferguson also announced the hybrid-to-electric conversion of two of the boats would be delayed. by John Stang / March 7, 2025
Equity Out & Back: The Pacific Northwest is fertile for fungi foraging Mushroom enthusiast PeiPei Sung guides Alison deep into the North Bend forest to seek unique natural treasures. by Shirlyn J. Wong / March 7, 2025
Investigations The obscure state agency that referees WA’s green energy battles The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council has power to overrule local zoning laws – putting it at the center of a backlash to renewable energy. by Brandon Block / March 4, 2025
Equity Out & Back: Learning to get back up again at a Seattle skatepark Alison shreds at All Together Skatepark with Sara Campos, co-founder of Queer Skate PDX, and finds out that falling isn't always failure. by Shirlyn J. Wong / February 28, 2025
Environment Out & Back: A West Seattle sanctuary for bees is buzzing Alison harvests honey with Chris Porter, an activist, conservationist and beekeeper, while discussing steps anyone can take to help fight extinction. by Shirlyn J. Wong / February 21, 2025
News Can Washington’s agriculture industry survive on H-2A workers? Many of the state’s 340,000 undocumented immigrants work in the agricultural sector. For farmers, mass deportation could exacerbate labor shortages. by Reneé Dìaz Wenatchee World / February 18, 2025
Equity Out & Back: Snowshoeing through the North Cascades Erica Abel, hiker & community activator, takes Alison on an off-trail adventure to explore the beauty and solitude of the Methow Valley. by Shirlyn J. Wong / February 14, 2025
Indigenous Affairs Native nations lead salmon restoration efforts in Columbia Basin The number of returning adult salmon and steelhead has doubled since the 1990s, but is still only halfway to the NWPCC’s goal of 5 million. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore + ICT / February 10, 2025
Environment The key to maintaining and renovating Seattle’s Ballard Locks Engineers work to replace machinery, prevent flooding and maintain antiquated equipment all while minimizing disruption at America’s busiest locks. by Andrew Engelson / February 10, 2025