Investigations New Washington energy chair’s industry ties raise ethics questions Former energy consultant Kurt Beckett now heads the agency tasked with permitting his ex-clients’ wind and solar plants. by Brandon Block / April 30, 2025
Environment Podcast | It's not easy going green A new Northwest Reports series digs into the tensions, backlash and bureaucracy around building wind and solar energy facilities in Washington. by Sara Bernard & Maleeha Syed & Brandon Block / March 26, 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
Investigations Washington counties, tribes get more than $110M in federal land aid A small part of the American Rescue Plan provides direct, flexible dollars to compensate for untaxable national parks or other federally owned lands. by Brandon Block / June 13, 2023 / Updated at 12:15 p.m.
News Bisected by highways, a Spokane neighborhood shapes what's left The final stretch of North Spokane Corridor construction reopens old wounds in East Central — and sparks a pilot program to address historical damage. by Brandon Block / August 8, 2022
Environment Closing a highway to save Washington salmon Washington state road crews will make large-scale improvements to roads to help promote fish survival. by Eilís O'Neill EarthFix/KUOW / September 13, 2018
Environment Despite climate threats, Seattle's swallowtail butterflies thrive As Seattle summers heat up, swallowtail butterfly sightings have become more common. by Eilís O'Neill EarthFix/KUOW / July 30, 2018
Environment What’s lurking in WA lakes — and should you swim in it? It's hot outside, but toxic algae blooms have some wondering about swimming in local lakes. by Eilís O'Neill EarthFix/KUOW / July 17, 2018
Environment For rural WA kids, asthma is the norm, not the exception UW, along with Yakima Valley Farm Workers’ Clinic, is trying to address uncontrolled asthma in farm worker communities. by Eilís O'Neill EarthFix/KUOW / April 27, 2018
Environment The ‘salmon-safe’ food label — and what it means Ever wonder about that 'salmon-safe' label on your eggs, wine and cheese? by Eilís O'Neill EarthFix/KUOW / April 23, 2018