Investigations Washington legislature considers strengthening youth labor laws A state rep and labor unions push for tougher regulations after Cascade PBS reported on a teen who lost both legs in a school work program. by Lizz Giordano / February 10, 2025
Politics Competitive field for open U.S. House seat in WA’s 6th District Support among Democrats is split between a state senator and the Lands Commissioner, while a Republican challenger thinks he can flip the seat. by Lizz Giordano / July 17, 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 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
News WA foster parents say the state still hasn’t fixed its investigative system The state has been aware for years that fears of retaliation and frustration around investigations have driven away some otherwise willing foster parents. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / August 10, 2023
News Military families battling mold, rodents in Washington base housing The Defense Department underwent reforms in 2019 after unsafe conditions were found on U.S. bases, but residents say there are still problems. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / June 12, 2023
Politics Washington and Oregon may regulate the wild West of crypto mining Environmental policies would affect bitcoin operations in the Northwest, which have seen a swell of interest driven by cheap hydropower. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / January 31, 2023
Politics PNW voter education efforts aim to combat election fraud claims New campaigns in Washington and other states hope to shore up public trust ahead of the November midterms. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / October 12, 2022
News Washington experiments with guaranteed basic income A handful of programs across the state are piloting efforts to give families a regular check to help them make ends meet. by Lizz Giordano / June 7, 2022
News Hyperlocal community councils pack a lot of power As Puget Sound becomes denser, some community groups have unusual authority to veto land-use decisions within their neighborhoods, but won't for long. by Lizz Giordano / May 24, 2022