Investigations Washington food banks brace for 'hunger cliff' amid SNAP cuts As food-stamp recipients see grocery budgets tighten, state proposals would shift money to already strained and short-staffed local services. by Brandon Block / February 28, 2023
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
Politics Recap: 5 key takeaways from the 9th Congressional District debate Democratic incumbent Rep. Adam Smith faced off against Republican challenger Doug Basler to discuss climate, crime and government spending. Watch the recording here. by Brandon Block / October 25, 2022
Politics Washington candidates spin contrasting economic narratives Is runaway spending driving inflation? Or did a strong state response rescue the economy from COVID collapse? by Brandon Block / October 11, 2022
Politics All former WA prisoners can now vote. So far, few have Of the 24,000 residents with felony records now able to vote, just 414 did so last fall. Advocates hope to increase registration and voter education. by Brandon Block / February 13, 2023
Investigations $1.1M in COVID relief steered to Auburn horse racing track State lawmakers earmarked some of Washington’s last pandemic funds to support Emerald Downs, bolstering the racing industry and drawing criticism. by Brandon Block / August 25, 2023
News Flush with federal cash, WA cities steer resources to police Justice reform advocates have been disappointed by choices to spend flexible federal recovery funds on items such as tasers and new police cruisers. by Brandon Block / May 16, 2022
Politics Social workers fleeing troubled foster care system Lousy pay, a toxic workplace and excessive workloads are driving away the people who serve vulnerable kids and their families. by Susanna Ray for InvestigateWest / December 7, 2016
Politics Foster parents abandoning troubled system Washington state lost nearly one in five foster homes between 2008 and 2015 amid complaints of discord and disarray. by Susanna Ray for InvestigateWest / October 27, 2016
Politics 4 fixes for Washington’s foster-care crisis Brandon Fogg, who has experience both as a foster child and foster parent, says foster care needs a celebrity champion. by Susanna Ray for InvestigateWest / September 21, 2016