News Yakima, Spokane counties forfeit nearly $2M in federal rental aid The U.S. Treasury pulled funds from jurisdictions that didn't meet the deadline to distribute at least 20% of their most recent allocation. by Brandon Block / October 27, 2022
News How federal ‘revenue’ relief obscures local government spending Washington cities and counties claimed more than $750 million of federal relief as ‘revenue replacement’ – and they don’t have to say where it’s going. by Brandon Block / September 6, 2022
Investigations $1.1M in COVID relief steered to Auburn horse racing track State lawmakers earmarked some of Washington’s last pandemic funds to support Emerald Downs, bolstering the racing industry and drawing criticism. by Brandon Block / August 25, 2023
Investigations Federal aid is supercharging local WA police surveillance tech Pandemic relief funds are bankrolling new – and often unregulated – law enforcement tools such as license-plate readers, drones and AI video software. by Brandon Block / July 26, 2023
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
News Flush with federal cash, WA cities steer resources to police Justice reform advocates have been disappointed by choices to spend flexible federal recovery funds on items such as tasers and new police cruisers. by Brandon Block / May 16, 2022
News How rent relief fraud allegations left Thurston County tenants hanging Evidence suggests fraud in federal rent relief programs is rare. But in some states, fraud fears have kept tenants from getting help. by Brandon Block / April 25, 2022
Inside Crosscut Watchdog work to track federal spending in WA Washington has received billions in federal recovery money. Our new investigative reporter is determined to figure out where it's landing. by Brandon Block / April 12, 2022
Culture Seattle’s Short Run comics and arts festival is in it for the long run Forced to cancel the 10th annual edition of the beloved small press event, organizers have three books and a new space in the works. by Paul Constant / May 17, 2021
Culture A 2020 bright spot: this comic book about a Seattle goat boy The new graphic novel from Fantagraphics sets mad science and social commentary in a familiar landscape. by Paul Constant / August 5, 2020