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
Environment $50M isn't enough to save salmon hatcheries on the Columbia River With facilities at risk of collapse under the strain of climate change, nations say much more federal funding is needed for upgrades and repairs. by Tony Schick Oregon Public Broadcasting, ProPublica / April 4, 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
Politics All former WA prisoners can now vote. So far, few have 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. by Brandon Block / February 13, 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
Equity How one Yakama Nation fisherman inherited the fight for salmon After 150 years of broken treaties and declining salmon populations, Randy Settler worries there won't be enough fish for future Indigenous generations. by Tony Schick & Katie Campbell Oregon Public Broadcasting & ProPublica / January 5, 2023
News Help us fact-check the FCC’s spotty broadband maps Look up your address to check the accuracy of the maps, which could impact up to $900 million in federal aid to Washington. by Brandon Block / December 9, 2022
Equity Feds said salmon is safe to eat — but didn't consider Native diets Due to chemical pollution, the treaty-protected fish in the Columbia River Basin pose health risks for Indigenous tribes. by Tony Schick & Maya Miller Oregon Public Broadcasting & ProPublica / December 7, 2022
News New state rules could expand public broadband in rural WA A proposal from Washington's Public Works Board would limit the power of private companies' objections to stall public broadband projects. by Brandon Block / November 17, 2022