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
Investigations WA bridges still in poor condition, despite $630M in federal aid The state transportation agency has allocated about 13% of early funding for repairs, but more is needed to address the backlog of projects. by Lizz Giordano / December 27, 2023
Investigations A WA worker’s death reveals the limits of safety enforcement A fatal trench collapse in 2016 set precedent for holding employers criminally liable, but officials still struggle to head off repeat violations. by Lizz Giordano / November 29, 2023
News Local Armenians seek community, support in Redmond Allies in the Pacific Northwest gather to raise awareness and funds amid ongoing attacks in Artsakh, a region in Azerbaijan. by Taija PerryCook / October 11, 2023 / Updated at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 11
Investigations With 3 recent wins, Starbucks union gains traction in Eastern WA Reduced hours and dwindling benefits spur baristas to action as a small Prosser cafe becomes the 27th in the state to vote to unionize. by Lizz Giordano / September 21, 2023
Investigations Sound Transit settles whistleblower case over safety complaints The former employee alleged that supervisors retaliated against him for raising concerns about repair records and other safeguards. by Lizz Giordano / July 24, 2023 / Updated at 10 a.m. on Sept. 15, 2023
Investigations A new WA law may not cure hospital staff shortages, nurses say Local committees will still set nurse/patient ratios amid new state oversight, but workers argue the current complaint system falls short. by Lizz Giordano / May 25, 2023
Investigations Everett shelter got $3M in COVID relief despite complaints Local officials signed new contracts with The Hand Up Project after two residents died last year and former employees alleged financial mismanagement. by Lizz Giordano / May 22, 2023
Politics WA transgender youth bill targeted in national culture war Senate Bill 5599 expands an existing law to cover minors seeking protected healthcare services, including gender-affirming treatment. by Taija PerryCook & Joseph O’Sullivan / May 1, 2023
Investigations King County prosecutor’s office accused of ‘self-dealing’ promotion An investigation found no hiring policies were violated but noted there is no consistent process for filling leadership positions. by Lizz Giordano / April 13, 2023