Investigations Legislators are shaping their staff’s collective bargaining rights But workers it would affect can’t weigh in. Ethics rules prevent them from lobbying on bills — even ones that would define their ability to unionize. by Lizz Giordano / January 24, 2024
Investigations Over a third of WA’s job safety fines are reduced after appeals One company negotiated a $1.3M reduction with the state’s safety agency after a worker’s hand was crushed, following multiple other violations. by Lizz Giordano / January 5, 2024
News Podcast | A Seattle hotline supports sex trafficking survivors June Guzman and Audrey Baedke offer housing and emotional support through the nonprofit Real Escape from the Sex Trade (REST). by Sara Bernard / January 31, 2024
Investigations A WA bill would extend unemployment pay to workers on strike Advocates say fear of financial hardship undermines bargaining leverage. Opponents say the bill will increase business costs or prolong work stoppages. by Lizz Giordano / February 8, 2024
Politics Despite industry pushback, WA farmworkers will keep overtime pay Since Jan. 1, agriculture has a 40-hour work week. But the system drew concerns from some growers over labor costs — and has workers split, too. by Mai Hoang / February 6, 2024
News Podcast | Why a WA mom's child support payments never arrived Reporter Brandon Block shares an example of how the state intercepts parental assistance to people who also receive TANF, or welfare. by Sara Bernard / February 7, 2024
News Podcast | Is the Washington Legislature ready to curb rent hikes? A Bellingham tenant and a housing advocate explain how steep rent increases are hurting state residents, and how HB 2114 could help. by Sara Bernard / February 13, 2024
News Spokane’s Black community newspaper is making a comeback After a two-year hiatus and the 2022 death of founder Sandy Williams, The Black Lens returns with a new website and a wider circulation. by Mai Hoang / February 27, 2024
Politics Federal court likely to redraw Central WA Latino-majority district Democratic lawmakers said they chose not to reconvene the bipartisan Washington State Redistricting Commission after a judicial ruling for a new map. by Mai Hoang / September 14, 2023
Politics Five new maps proposed for Central Washington redistricting A group of advocates sued the state for dividing Latino voters between Pasco and Yakima. Now the court will draw a line before the fall elections. by Mai Hoang / January 18, 2024