Politics Should cops be involved in all Washington human trafficking cases? Some advocates say that legislation requiring law enforcement endangers survivors at risk of retaliation. by Kelsey Turner InvestigateWest / January 22, 2024
Investigations Legislators are shaping their staff’s collective bargaining rights But workers it would affect can’t weigh in. Ethics rules prevent them from lobbying on bills — even ones that would define their ability to unionize. by Lizz Giordano / January 24, 2024
Investigations Over a third of WA’s job safety fines are reduced after appeals One company negotiated a $1.3M reduction with the state’s safety agency after a worker’s hand was crushed, following multiple other violations. by Lizz Giordano / January 5, 2024
News WSU medical school raises homegrown doctors east of the Cascades New residencies at the 11-year-old Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine hope to address health care disparities between urban and rural communities. by Megan Burbank / January 24, 2024 / Updated at 11:35 a.m. on Jan. 26
Investigations A WA bill would extend unemployment pay to workers on strike Advocates say fear of financial hardship undermines bargaining leverage. Opponents say the bill will increase business costs or prolong work stoppages. by Lizz Giordano / February 8, 2024
Indigenous Affairs How the case of a missing Indigenous teen fell through the cracks No one was looking for Kit Nelson-Mora, despite warning signs, until a friend contacted police over a year after their disappearance in Omak. by Kelsey Turner InvestigateWest / February 14, 2024
Equity More Washington companies offer doula services in health benefits Businesses like Microsoft and Walmart are covering costs for birth workers, which advocates say can help lower racial disparity in pregnancy outcomes. by Megan Burbank / February 15, 2024
News WA school districts aren’t following up on their truant students Laws on unexcused absences are meant to keep kids safe, but a lack of resources and fear of court have kept districts from completing necessary steps. by Kelsey Turner InvestigateWest / March 5, 2024
News WA courts are meant to fine convicted sex buyers. Most don’t Courts could have collected over $2.5 million in fees in the past decade, which would have gone to programs to alleviate trafficking. Why didn’t they? by Kelsey Turner InvestigateWest / March 25, 2024
Politics History has a near-death experience The Southern Oregon Historical Society, in Jacksonville's 1883 courthouse by Joe Follansbee / September 23, 2009