WA Recovery Watch

Billions in federal pandemic aid masked dysfunction in the rental market. But that money is gone — along with some legal protections.

A Crosscut analysis of Working Washington grants found mixed results on equity initiatives and millions for large chains or franchises.

After residents filed complaints, a state investigation alleges Port Orchard-based management company Hurst & Son violated tenant protection laws.

Port Orchard-based Hurst & Son LLC bought dozens of parks in recent years. Now residents say the company is raising rents and cutting services.

State lawmakers earmarked some of Washington’s last pandemic funds to support Emerald Downs, bolstering the racing industry and drawing criticism.

Pandemic relief funds are bankrolling new – and often unregulated – law enforcement tools such as license-plate readers, drones and AI video software.

State agencies said most dollars are accounted for, but unclear guidance on pandemic relief made complying with reporting rules difficult.

A small part of the American Rescue Plan provides direct, flexible dollars to compensate for untaxable national parks or other federally owned lands.

State administrators overruled or helped mediate telecom objections that have previously disqualified local governments from similar grant awards.

Local officials signed new contracts with The Hand Up Project after two residents died last year and former employees alleged financial mismanagement.

An immigrant businesswoman and a Mariners ticket hawker faced sentencing this week over separate schemes to steal thousands in COVID-19 stimulus money.

From a Spokane T-shirt scheme to a Nigerian unemployment scam, federal prosecutors are grappling with how to prioritize cases amid limited resources.

Findings of fraud or misuse remained rare despite short deadlines set for local governments to spend billions in emergency relief.

As food-stamp recipients see grocery budgets tighten, state proposals would shift money to already strained and short-staffed local services.

Of the 24,000 residents with felony records now able to vote, just 414 did so last fall. Advocates hope to increase registration and voter education.