Investigations WA spent $500M to help small, minority businesses. Did it work? A Crosscut analysis of Working Washington grants found mixed results on equity initiatives and millions for large chains or franchises. by Brandon Block / October 18, 2023 / Updated at 6 p.m. on Oct. 23, 2023
Politics Tacoma to consider new tenant rights measure on Nov. 7 ballot The debate over renter protections in Washington’s third-largest city could foreshadow broader statewide action. by Joseph O’Sullivan / September 29, 2023
Politics National culture wars on race, LGBTQ+ rights come to WA schools Right-wing pushback on school policies and curricula are leading to educator burnout — and fear of personal harm. by Joseph O’Sullivan / September 27, 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
Politics 22 WA counties sue the state over lack of mental health care They say the Department of Social and Health Services is failing people in the criminal legal system who also have mental health issues. by Joseph O’Sullivan / August 23, 2023 / Updated at 5:24 p.m., on Aug. 23
Politics WA senators just released more previously redacted records Leaders said they didn’t have more hidden information, but memos show blacked-out emails to cannabis lobbyists and texts with redacted bill names. by Joseph O’Sullivan / August 17, 2023
News Washington state buys shuttered psychiatric hospital in Tukwila Cascade Behavioral Health’s parent company closed the 137-bed facility last month. Now the state hopes the acquisition will expand treatment options. by Joseph O’Sullivan / August 11, 2023
Politics WA governor candidate Semi Bird set for school board recall vote The military veteran and Republican from Richland said he'll continue his gubernatorial campaign regardless of the result. by Joseph O’Sullivan / July 31, 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
Politics Washington governor’s race sparks stricter campaign-finance rule AG Bob Ferguson's $1.3M transfer, an attorney turned ‘finance gadfly’ and a Public Disclosure Commission vote that could shake up the election. by Joseph O’Sullivan / July 21, 2023