Investigations FCC broadband service maps disputed at thousands of WA locations States were given a narrow window to fix long-standing flaws before federal agencies divvy $42B in infrastructure funds. by Brandon Block / January 24, 2023
Investigations Can a $42B internet expansion plan close WA's digital divide? After billions in telecom subsidies, it may take a new public approach to connect some 'last mile' areas like rural Grays Harbor County to broadband. by Brandon Block / January 19, 2023
Investigations WA has 530 bridges in 'poor' condition — and limited repair money Even with $605 million in federal aid, the state can't catch up with its growing maintenance backlog. by Lizz Giordano / January 18, 2023
Investigations 'The whole thing is broken': Temp staffing costs strain WA hospitals Amid a retention crisis, rural hospitals turned to pricey travel-nurse agencies with little oversight or transparency. Now they need a way forward. by Joy Borkholder / January 13, 2023
Investigations A year of Crosscut investigations into federal pandemic aid WA Recovery Watch published over 30 stories on funding delays, disparities and unspent aid. Here's what came from that reporting — and what's next. by Jacob Jones / December 20, 2022
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
Investigations What WA’s new wildfire smoke rules might mean for outdoor workers Washington could be the second state to impose permanent safety regulations, but employers and workplace advocates disagree on the proposal. by Hannah Weinberger & Farah Eltohamy / August 2, 2023
Investigations WA homelessness group exposed sensitive data on kids, young adults A Way Home Washington launched an internal investigation after health and safety information on hundreds of young clients was made public. by Elizabeth Whitman / July 27, 2023
Investigations Podcast | The gray areas of surveillance tech in WA police forces Federal relief funds are financing new surveillance technology across the state. Reporter Brandon Block discusses why privacy advocates are concerned. by Sara Bernard / July 26, 2023
Investigations Federal aid is supercharging local WA police surveillance tech Pandemic relief funds are bankrolling new – and often unregulated – law enforcement tools such as license-plate readers, drones and AI video software. by Brandon Block / July 26, 2023