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
Opinion To fight climate change, Washington needs a clean fuel standard Doing so will cut carbon emissions and spur jobs of the future, write Port Commissioner Fred Felleman and King County Executive Dow Constantine. by Dow Constantine & Fred Felleman / March 10, 2020 / Updated at 8:04 am March 3, 2020
Opinion Why I’m holding my applause for Washington’s new foster care law It’s laudable that the state law focuses on preventing family separations, but is it enough? by Claudia Rowe / May 11, 2021
Opinion WA still holds teens in solitary confinement — and worse, suit says A lawsuit claims three teenagers were handcuffed while in isolation, violating the state’s own policies and raising profound moral questions. by Claudia Rowe / April 22, 2021