Investigations Whatcom County paid $225K to settle sexual harassment complaints Multiple women accused a public works director of inappropriate conduct. Officials helped him get a new job by agreeing not to share the allegations. by Brandon Block / April 19, 2024
Investigations Washington UTC chair who used racial slur asked to resign An investigation found two commissioners allegedly used derogatory language, disregarded harassment complaints and failed to advance equity policies. by Brandon Block / March 15, 2024
Investigations WA intercepts millions in child support for low-income families In 2022, the state took over $40 million meant for impoverished children. A bipartisan bill could redirect a portion of future payments to families. by Brandon Block / January 25, 2024
Investigations WA health officials throw away millions of pandemic supplies Masks, gowns, gloves and more: States are culling their expired stockpiles, but medical experts say the waste shows a system unprepared for disasters. by Brandon Block / February 23, 2024
Investigations WA spent $500M to help small, minority businesses. Did it work? A Crosscut analysis of Working Washington grants found mixed results on equity initiatives and millions for large chains or franchises. by Brandon Block / October 18, 2023 / Updated at 6 p.m. on Oct. 23, 2023
Investigations Q&A: WA’s broadband director on the $1.2B expansion challenge ahead As Mark Vasconi prepares to retire, he outlines how the state can invest historic federal aid in connecting rural communities left out of past efforts. by Brandon Block / December 14, 2023
Investigations Why have Washington eviction cases doubled in the past six months? Billions in federal pandemic aid masked dysfunction in the rental market. But that money is gone — along with some legal protections. by Brandon Block / November 28, 2023
Environment Wooden high-rises don’t guarantee reduced emissions Cross-laminated timber building could help fight climate change. But its threat to ecosystems could make it a mixed blessing. by Peter Fairley Undark Magazine & InvestigateWest / May 8, 2020
Environment Cascadia needs cleaner fuels to trim carbon emissions by 2030 Cascadia needs cleaner fuels to start decarbonizing heavy vehicles and industry. That means pushing biofuels to the max, and more. by Peter Fairley / April 30, 2021
Environment Lessons from a year of reporting on climate solutions in the PNW 11 steps Washington, Oregon and British Columbia can take to decarbonize the economy. by Robert McClure & Peter Fairley InvestigateWest / December 15, 2021