Environment Washington slates $50M for trees to shade salmon streams Gov. Jay Inslee and a bipartisan group of legislators are using a low-tech approach to combat deadly warming waters. by John Stang / May 16, 2023
Environment To protect orcas, boats in Puget Sound must stay 1,000 yards away SB 5371 expands the buffer zone for endangered southern resident killer whales, who depend on sonar to hunt and communicate in the Salish Sea. by John Stang / April 18, 2023 / Updated at 4:20 p.m. on April 19
Environment U.S. House Republicans halt plans to breach WA's Snake River dams Previous plans to help endangered salmon by removing four dams are likely on hold with Republicans in the majority. by Nicholas K. Geranios / April 3, 2023
Investigations Auditors flag half of Washington counties over COVID-19 aid Findings of fraud or misuse remained rare despite short deadlines set for local governments to spend billions in emergency relief. by Jacob Jones / March 23, 2023
Politics How federal weed legalization would impact Washington state Senate Bill 5069 — one of several marijuana-related bills this legislative session — lays the groundwork for interstate trade. by John Stang / March 3, 2023
Investigations WA auditors flag $1.2B in federal aid over incomplete records State agencies said most dollars are accounted for, but unclear guidance on pandemic relief made complying with reporting rules difficult. by Jacob Jones / July 11, 2023
Politics Who will pay to fix Spokane Valley’s sinking City Hall? The city had to close sections of the six-year-old building after cracks appeared in the walls and floor and water started seeping in. by Nicholas K. Geranios / June 8, 2023
Politics Why are gas prices rising at stations unaffected by cap-and-trade? Even oil companies not participating in the state’s new carbon auction system are pumping up the cost to the consumer. by John Stang / October 23, 2023
Equity WA colleges say Indigenous students need more support post-pandemic Oregon and Montana have offered tuition assistance for American Indian/Alaska Native students, but similar proposals have stalled in Washington. by Nicholas K. Geranios / October 10, 2023 / Updated Nov. 10, 2023
Investigations A review of 2023’s WA worker safety, COVID relief investigations Crosscut published more than 40 stories on job safety, housing instability, police and business aid. Read our top and most impactful reporting. by Jacob Jones / December 18, 2023