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
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
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
Politics 'Free' casino apps prey on addiction, users say, and WA lawmakers are considering a crackdown Several ongoing lawsuits allege that mobile casino games, as well as games that let players buy ‘loot boxes,’ amount to illegal online gambling. by Melissa Santos / February 7, 2020
Politics Iowa caucus chaos has Washington Democrats feeling 'brilliant' for switching to a primary For the first time this year, the state's Democrats won't use neighborhood caucus meetings to help choose a presidential nominee. by Melissa Santos / February 4, 2020 / Updated 1:08 p.m., Feb. 5, 2020
Politics State proposal would let King County tax large businesses to pay for homelessness and housing The measure, aimed at companies with highly paid workers, could allow the county to raise up to $120 million a year. by Melissa Santos & David Kroman / January 29, 2020 / Updated Jan. 29 at 5:58 pm
Politics 'It's a fairness thing': Testing positive for pot wouldn't disqualify you from most WA jobs under new bill Weed use has been legal in Washington state since 2012, but so has refusing to hire adults who lawfully consume the drug. by Melissa Santos / January 29, 2020
Politics WA could test its own version of Andrew Yang's universal basic income A proposed pilot program would give 500 low-income Washingtonians $500 a month. by Melissa Santos / January 27, 2020
Politics Lawmakers are going paperless in Olympia, but it’s not really about saving trees Confusion over the Public Records Act has Washington lawmakers adopting new practices that may or may not have anything to do with the actual law. by Melissa Santos / January 24, 2020 / Updated 1:35 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24
Politics Washington voters support limits on high-capacity gun magazines — but lawmakers still may not act About two-thirds of respondents in the latest Crosscut/Elway Poll support restricting access to firearm magazines capable of holding dozens of rounds. by Melissa Santos / January 16, 2020