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
News Yakama Nation case could set precedent for sacred tribal sites in WA The tribe seeks to stop gravel mining near a historic village and burial ground. The litigation could change the way tribal sites can be developed. by Emily McCarty / September 28, 2020
Equity New WA law helps Native voters this election. Is it enough? Washington lawmakers passed the Native American Voting Rights Act last year, but they couldn't have expected the pandemic and wildfires to come. by Manola Secaira / September 24, 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
Opinion Joining the fight for racial justice? Learn to find accountable leaders Ask yourself: Have they created effective change? Are they accountable to the community? by Lola E. Peters / September 18, 2020
Opinion Inmate fire crews, essential to WA fire fighting, deserve better Despite meager pay and occasional abuse, many incarcerated people find pride in the job. When I was young and adrift, I did too. by Stacy Selby / September 17, 2020
Child care was already dysfunctional. COVID-19 could break it completely As Washington state pushes through the pandemic, a shortage of child care options forces parents and providers to make difficult choices. by Melissa Santos / September 14, 2020
As WA restaurants struggle, workers weigh physical and economic survival Beyond coronavirus exposure and making rent, service workers are likely coping with long-lasting mental health effects. by Margo Vansynghel / September 14, 2020