Environment Seattle’s canopy shrinks as ordinance protects the wrong trees Since 2023, the city has classified more than 2,000 trees as “protected” — without regard to whether they ever were threatened by development. by Robert McClure / InvestigateWest / February 3, 2025
News Forget banning books — a rural WA county may close its library After a fight over LGBTQ+ young-adult titles, a November ballot measure will decide the fate of the only library in Columbia County. by Meg Butterworth / August 9, 2023
Environment Lessons from a year of reporting on climate solutions in the PNW 11 steps Washington, Oregon and British Columbia can take to decarbonize the economy. by Robert McClure & Peter Fairley InvestigateWest / December 15, 2021
Equity WA schools catching up on Black history and ethnic studies The state is following in the steps of more progressive states that have led the way on making history classes reflect our diverse country. by Meg Butterworth / April 29, 2021
Environment How Cascadia’s climate activists fought off fossil fuels and succeeded During a decade when the region’s governments flouted their carbon emissions goals, activists who came together to stop exports surpassed their wildest expectations. by Robert McClure InvestigateWest / January 18, 2021
Politics WA voters to decide whether to mandate sex ed in schools Parents, advocates, candidates and religious groups debate what students should be taught about sex in WA public schools. by Meg Butterworth / October 15, 2020
News Pandemic pushes WA foster care group homes into lose-lose dilemmas With one group home losing a state contract after turning away infected youth, operators at other homes fear state retaliation. by Rachel Nielsen & Robert McClure InvestigateWest / August 14, 2020 / Updated at 5:53 p.m. Aug. 14
Equity It's white parents' responsibility to integrate Seattle schools, some parents say Integrated Schools is a volunteer organization that aims to get privileged parents to opt for schools with the benefit of diversity. by Meg Butterworth / March 9, 2020
News Military families are getting sick from mold in their homes. Now they’re suing A recent Army report showed that some residents at Joint Base Lewis-McChord worried about facing reprisals if they raised concerns or complained. by Kevin Knodell / November 21, 2019
Politics Fear of a new nuclear arms race revives hotbed of anti-nuclear action Trump's plans for escalation kick off a new chapter in Washington's long history with nuclear proliferation and resistance. by Kevin Knodell / October 18, 2019