Institutional dysfunction. Delayed or misused government spending. Failures in oversight or transparency. Crosscut’s investigations desk is committed to pursuing in-depth accountability reporting on matters of public interest across Washington state.
Our investigations are driven by tips from our sources and readers, built upon public records research and brought to life by in-person reporting. We have sent reporters to tiny farm towns and rainy port cities to see how public policies, practices and budgets impact local communities, and we have published stories and videos that have exposed systemic disparities that otherwise may have remained unknown to our readers.
Launched in March 2022, Washington Recovery Watch has published dozens of stories on how federal pandemic funding has been spent throughout the state. Those stories have explored relief program delays, equity barriers, transparency gaps and other issues. See our Follow the Funds reader guide for resources on finding spending records or data for your local community. Read our 2022 Impact Report.
This project investigates workplace safety and oversight issues across Washington. The pandemic upended how and where many people work, sparking conversations about essential workers, remote jobs and collective bargaining. From busy emergency rooms to far-flung orchards to the tech industry, Washington Workplace Watch pursues accountability coverage of working conditions and protections.
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Have a news tip for our investigations team?
We believe that some of the best stories originate from the people who are directly impacted by them, and encourage those who have experiences with, or questions about, our coverage areas to reach out.
The best news tips include a strong foundation for initial reporting such as the names of the people involved, relevant documents, databases, recordings or firsthand accounts.
Your questions about how specific businesses or agencies operate can also point us to key stories of public interest. Submit questions to Investigations editor Jacob Jones below.
How to submit a news tip:
- Traditional mail is still a secure way to give our reporters vital information. Mail documents or other tips to our newsroom:
ATTN: Investigations desk, Jacob Jones
401 Mercer St.
Seattle, WA 98109 - Leave a detailed message on our news tip line at 206-443-6704
- Email Jacob
- Contact us via Signal, an encryption tool to keep your electronic communications private and secure. (Read this article for tips on how to use Signal)
Jacob Jones
Jacob Jones is Crosscut's investigations editor, dedicated to pursuing public-interest accountability stories throughout the state. He previously worked as a staff reporter at The Inlander in Spokane and The Daily World in Aberdeen. He has also had his work published in The Washington Post, The Spokesman-Review and other regional publications. Find him on Twitter @jonesdaily or email at jacob.jones@crosscut.com.