Equity Foster parents say ‘retaliation’ by caseworkers means fewer families to help kids in need Records portray a culture of fear, even as Washington state attempts to respond to a flood of new cases. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / January 15, 2020
Politics New WA state budget won’t solve problem of foster kids in crisis The state Legislature approved nearly $16 million in new funding last week, but the effort may come up short in fixing an overwhelmed system. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / March 19, 2020
News WA advocates call for freezing foster care ‘age-out’ during pandemic Young adults aging out of foster care face unique challenges in normal times, say advocates. Now, they face even greater risks. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / June 3, 2020
News Birth parents fight to visit kids in foster system during pandemic Seeing their children in person may put parents, as well as foster families and social workers, at risk, but can the state stop them? by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / April 22, 2020 / Updated on Friday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m.
News WA battery maker faces accusations of providing U.S. tech to China Mukilteo-based UniEnergy absorbed millions of taxpayer dollars. Hazardous waste, geopolitical chaos and corporate implosion ensued. by Zachariah Bryan InvestigateWest / September 26, 2022
News This tiny Eastern WA town could become a bitcoin mining hub California investors hope to strike it rich by building a huge crypto operation in the remote town of Usk. But the community isn't so sure. by Zachariah Bryan InvestigateWest / November 17, 2022
Politics Signature checking is WA's safeguard against election fraud Over the years, officials have identified just a handful of ballots that might have been fraudulently cast — out of several million votes tallied across the state. by Zachariah Bryan InvestigateWest / November 8, 2022
Culture WA farmworkers’ labor as seen through their art Paintings and prints of agricultural workers show another side of their essential work. by Sarah Sax High Country News / February 22, 2022
Environment How WA farmworkers push for climate justice amid heat and wildfire Agricultural workers and advocates aim to make workplaces safer while helping the environment. by Sarah Sax High Country News / February 8, 2022
News Pandemic pushes WA foster care group homes into lose-lose dilemmas With one group home losing a state contract after turning away infected youth, operators at other homes fear state retaliation. by Rachel Nielsen & Robert McClure InvestigateWest / August 14, 2020 / Updated at 5:53 p.m. Aug. 14