Audit finds more problems with how WA spent federal COVID aid A new report found 86 issues, a record number, with how state agencies spent funds, listing documentation deficiencies and $1.17B in questioned costs. by Jacob Jones / June 12, 2024
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
Northwest Reports Podcast | The gray areas of surveillance tech in WA police forces Season 1 , Episode 32 / July 26, 2023 Federal relief funds are financing new surveillance technology across the state. Reporter Brandon Block discusses why privacy advocates are concerned.
Investigations Washington counties, tribes get more than $110M in federal land aid A small part of the American Rescue Plan provides direct, flexible dollars to compensate for untaxable national parks or other federally owned lands. by Brandon Block / June 13, 2023 / Updated at 12:15 p.m.
Investigations Fake business loans land Yakima, Seattle entrepreneurs in prison An immigrant businesswoman and a Mariners ticket hawker faced sentencing this week over separate schemes to steal thousands in COVID-19 stimulus money. by Brandon Block / May 19, 2023
Investigations The WA ‘strike force’ chasing millions in COVID-19 relief fraud From a Spokane T-shirt scheme to a Nigerian unemployment scam, federal prosecutors are grappling with how to prioritize cases amid limited resources. by Brandon Block / May 3, 2023
Northwest Reports Podcast | How pandemic relief became a fraud frenzy in Washington Season 1 , Episode 22 / May 3, 2023 Emergency actions put money in the hands of struggling small businesses — and opened the door for some scammers. Brandon Block shares his reporting.
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 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 'Community navigators' bridge the healthcare gap for BIPOC groups In King County, public health ambassadors with cultural connections help break down patient/provider barriers. by Lizz Giordano / February 9, 2023
Inside Cascade PBS Crosscut’s Recovery Watch project wins WashCOG’s Bunting Award The Washington Coalition for Open Government recognized records and data reporting that helps readers learn about local pandemic relief spending. by Jacob Jones / February 6, 2023
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
Crosscut Now: Special Reports Living in the flood zone A new levee could offer protection to Grays Harbor from future climate disasters. January 17, 2023
Investigations Battered by destructive floods, Grays Harbor bets on a $182M levee A 'once-in-a-generation' project could help Washington coastal cities Hoquiam and Aberdeen hold off economically devastating climate disasters. by Hannah Weinberger / January 17, 2023