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 Nonprofit finds hope against wildfires with unexpected ally: charcoal To capture carbon and jumpstart forest thinning, Methow Valley couple – and Washington taxpayers – bet on biochar. by Mandy Godwin InvestigateWest / September 2, 2021
Environment A first for Washington, locals advise lawmakers on climate change WA’s first climate assembly sends nearly 150 recommendations to lawmakers by Mandy Godwin / April 16, 2021
Environment Washington hosts first climate assembly in the United States Residents from all over the state begin virtual meetings to decide which climate change solutions to recommend to the Legislature in Olympia. by Mandy Godwin / January 19, 2021
Western Washington wildfire is different — and it’s coming Here's how we prepare. by Mandy Godwin / November 17, 2020
Environment What 13,000 wildfires teach us about Washington forests A deep dive into data from the Department of Natural Resources reveals some scary trends and surprising finds. by Mandy Godwin / November 6, 2020
