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
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
Indigenous Affairs The Boldt Decision’s impact on Indigenous rights, 50 years later The landmark 1974 case ordered Washington to uphold its treaties, affirm Indigenous salmon fishing rights and recognize Native nations’ sovereignty. by Nicholas K. Geranios / February 12, 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 WA lawmaker moves to fix system for child sex trafficking victims A 2020 law was supposed to create two trauma-informed treatment centers for exploited children. They still haven’t opened. by Kelsey Turner InvestigateWest / October 26, 2023
Equity WA colleges say Indigenous students need more support post-pandemic Oregon and Montana have offered tuition assistance for American Indian/Alaska Native students, but similar proposals have stalled in Washington. by Nicholas K. Geranios / October 10, 2023 / Updated Nov. 10, 2023
News Why convictions lag compared to sex trafficking reports in the PNW While Washington has some of the toughest trafficking laws in the nation, law enforcement in Seattle and Portland struggle to put policy into practice. by Kelsey Turner InvestigateWest / December 8, 2023
News Parents outraged Tahoma School District failed to stop accused predator The district admitted it was negligent in employing paraeducator Bryan Neyers for nearly five years after being told of his behavior. by Kelsey Turner InvestigateWest / August 29, 2023
News Tahoma superintendent resigns after child sex-abuse investigation Two board members have also stepped down after it was revealed the school district didn’t discipline an accused predator. by Kelsey Turner InvestigateWest / September 25, 2023