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
Equity How programs for homeless youth pivoted in the pandemic Upended by COVID-19, some service providers went online, took to the road or otherwise found new ways to aid homeless youth and young adults. by Allegra Abramo & Sam Leeds Youth Today / February 7, 2022
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
Environment Inside the tumultuous debate behind Seattle’s tree ordinance The debate over more density or more tree canopy got personal as developers clashed with the city’s Urban Forestry Commission. by Eric Scigliano / September 1, 2023 / Updated at 9:40 a.m. on Sept. 3
Environment How politics have stalled tsunami prep efforts on the WA coast It’s not a matter of if but when the tsunami comes. Whether Washington is prepared depends a lot on the will of voters. by Eric Scigliano / May 26, 2022 / Updated at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 16
Equity Washington sees surge of foster kids placed in hotels while they wait for treatment The Legislature may boost funds requested by Gov. Jay Inslee to better address severe behavioral cases. by Allegra Abramo InvestigateWest / January 30, 2020 / Updated at 10:50 a.m.
Equity State Patrol under pressure to examine bias in traffic stops following investigation Officials have not filed a report since 2009 that examines the race and ethnicity of drivers who troopers stop and search. by Jason Buch InvestigateWest / January 28, 2020
Equity Native American drivers are more likely to be searched by Washington State Patrol While the searches occur at five times the rate for white drivers, they are less likely to turn up drugs or other contraband. by Jason Buch & Joy Borkholder Investigate West / December 19, 2019
Equity In Washington’s foster care system, aging out often means ending up in prison When state support ends, many leaving the foster system find themselves on their own with no job skills or support system. by Allegra Abramo Youth Today / December 17, 2019