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
Environment In Washington, people keep building houses where they might burn Researchers found as more Americans move into fire-risk areas, they increase the likelihood and impact of wildfires. by Carl Segerstrom RANGE / June 26, 2023
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 Human Elements: When giraffes speak, this scientist listens Animal welfare scientist Dr. Bonnie Baird helps zookeepers by using numbers and graphs to learn what animals are trying say. by Beatriz Costa Lima / February 10, 2020
Growth Newcomers fleeing expensive housing are finding it again in Spokane. Now they want protections A slate of measures intended to support low-income residents and reduce homelessness awaits a vote by the city council. by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / January 14, 2020
Environment The world's first commercial electric aircraft could take off in the PNW The region is poised to lead the way in electric flight thanks to an ambitious partnership between MagniX and Harbour Air. by Beatriz Costa Lima / December 5, 2019 / Updated at 3:06 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2019.
Environment These young activists want Washington and Oregon to be bolder on climate — so they sued their governors A win could mean more aggressive action to avoid climate disaster. Some environmental leaders think the lawsuit is a distraction from the action Jay Inslee and Kate Brown are pushing for. by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / November 15, 2019
Girls hockey is growing in Washington — and it isn’t dependent on boys programs anymore After years of sticking with the sport, female players are thriving — and helping turn the state into a hockey hub. by Beatriz Costa Lima / October 25, 2019
Environment Amid pandemic meat shortage, a stampede for local beef Washington's small slaughterhouses see a boom as COVID hits big meat processors. Will it last? by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / May 26, 2020