Investigations WA intercepts millions in child support for low-income families In 2022, the state took over $40 million meant for impoverished children. A bipartisan bill could redirect a portion of future payments to families. by Brandon Block / January 25, 2024
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 WA unions wary of proposed Kroger/Albertsons supermarket merger Workers fear that the move — which would be the nation’s largest-ever grocer consolidation — could undermine bargaining or close current locations. by Kevin Teeter / January 12, 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
Investigations Podcast | It’s a Youth Today News takeover The third episode of the investigative series co-produced with Crosscut focuses on one woman’s experience with foster care and homelessness in WA. by Elizabeth Whitman / January 3, 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 Podcast | Mobile home tenants’ complaints spur state investigation Earlier this year, Crosscut reported on an Aberdeen park facing rising rents and cut services. Farah Eltohamy shares how the story has evolved. by Sara Bernard / December 27, 2023
Investigations What tenant protections will WA lawmakers consider in 2024? Officials plan to reintroduce mobile home and renter rights bills involving rent stabilization, tax breaks and civil penalties against landlords. by Farah Eltohamy / December 22, 2023
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
Investigations Q&A: WA’s broadband director on the $1.2B expansion challenge ahead As Mark Vasconi prepares to retire, he outlines how the state can invest historic federal aid in connecting rural communities left out of past efforts. by Brandon Block / December 14, 2023