News WA’s new drug law could help needle exchanges — or restrict them The possession bill passed this year includes $63M for treatment centers. But it also gives local governments the power to regulate them. by Andrew Engelson / November 2, 2023 / Updated at 5 p.m. on Nov. 7
Politics New WA state budget won’t solve problem of foster kids in crisis The state Legislature approved nearly $16 million in new funding last week, but the effort may come up short in fixing an overwhelmed system. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / March 19, 2020
News Birth parents fight to visit kids in foster system during pandemic Seeing their children in person may put parents, as well as foster families and social workers, at risk, but can the state stop them? by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / April 22, 2020 / Updated on Friday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m.
News Pandemic pushes WA foster care group homes into lose-lose dilemmas With one group home losing a state contract after turning away infected youth, operators at other homes fear state retaliation. by Rachel Nielsen & Robert McClure InvestigateWest / August 14, 2020 / Updated at 5:53 p.m. Aug. 14
News WA misses deadline to bring foster kids back from out-of-state homes Following reports of abuse, the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families said it would bring back nearly 100 Washington youth by the end of September. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / December 2, 2020 / Updated Dec. 4 at 12:40 p.m.
Equity WA relying on hotels, state offices to house foster kids more than ever With nowhere else to go, the state’s most at-risk kids — and their caseworkers — are faced with limited options. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / September 7, 2020
Politics Approval vs. ranked-choice voting: What's the difference? Voters in Seattle, as well as San Juan and Clark counties, will consider a major philosophical change to voting this November. by Andrew Engelson / October 17, 2022
Politics What happened after the Jan. 6 confrontation in Olympia? Since the 2021 attack on the capitol campus, security has increased, two people have faced prosecution and reporters continue to feel the shock. by Andrew Engelson / January 6, 2023 / Updated at 5 p.m. on Jan. 13
Equity A decade after 'I do,' we revisit WA's first legally wed gay couples With the U.S. House and Senate voting to protect same-sex marriages, those involved in King County’s early celebrations remember the historic moment. by Andrew Engelson / December 6, 2022 / Updated on Dec. 8 at 1:30 p.m.
Politics Progress on WA climate bills could boost Inslee’s 2020 hopes After years of failure and frustration, Democrats are taking a piecemeal approach to climate legislation, and it appears to be working. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / April 16, 2019