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
News Administrative delays cost Yakima County $1.1M in federal rent relief Yakima was the only Washington county to have rent assistance funds forcibly reallocated under the federal 'use it or lose it' approach. by Brandon Block / June 14, 2022
News How Comcast and other telecoms scuttle rural WA broadband efforts The state Public Works Board is considering changes after private internet companies successfully objected to local government initiatives. by Brandon Block / March 30, 2022 / Updated at 3 p.m. Friday, April 1
News Rural Jefferson County is building its own broadband network The Washington county's public utility district is taking advantage of federal dollars and a new state law to deliver broadband internet straight to its residents. by Brandon Block / March 21, 2022 / Updated at 2:15 p.m. on March 23
Culture As more people seek help for gaming disorder, experts and gamers look for answers When a Seattle boy couldn’t stop playing video games, his parents came to a hard truth: Their son was addicted. And he’s not alone. by Erica C. Barnett / May 29, 2019
Politics After 15 years, Seattle’s radical experiment in no-barrier housing is still saving lives Once derided as "bunks for drunks," 1811 Eastlake pioneered a harm-reduction model that other cities now emulate. by Erica C. Barnett / September 25, 2019