Politics Washington clergy still not required to report child abuse A compromise proposal near the end of the legislative session died after Catholics rejected the bill over religious objections. by Wilson Criscione InvestigateWest / May 22, 2023
Politics Washington passes law to cut ‘forever chemicals’ in makeup Starting in 2025, the Toxics-Free Cosmetics Act will be among the country’s strongest legislation against hazardous products. by Joseph Winters Grist / May 18, 2023
Environment EPA says it will look into Butte's mine dust 'potential emergency' Regulators claim they will address public health concerns after an InvestigateWest report exposed officials coordinating with mining corporations. by Wilson Criscione InvestigateWest / March 23, 2023
Environment Seattle-based outdoor gear retailer REI to ban PFAs In 2024, new standards will eliminate 'forever chemicals' in the company's products after more than a year of pressure from environmental groups. by Joseph Winters Grist / March 8, 2023
Environment In a toxin-exposed Montana mining town, the EPA favors polluters Scientists say the agency is siding with the companies, even after it acknowledged that open-pit mining in Butte is unsafe and requires major cleanup. by Wilson Criscione InvestigateWest / March 6, 2023
Environment PNW landfills reached ‘explosive’ methane emission levels in 2022 Washington and Oregon sites had leakages 20 times more concentrated than the Clean Air Act limit standards. by Joseph Winters Grist / November 3, 2023
Politics Can Catholic lobbyists agree to a child abuse reporting law? In Washington, clergy are not mandated reporters. After a similar bill died last year, new language would offer exemptions for sacramental confessions. by Wilson Criscione InvestigateWest / January 29, 2024
News Jehovah's Witness church covered up child sex abuse, survivors say Washington's mandatory-reporter law, which has exempted clergy members since 1975, enabled the crimes for decades. by Wilson Criscione InvestigateWest / October 18, 2022
Politics State Rep. Rob Chase's re-election effort is full of conspiracies From election fraud to QAnon, Chase — a recruit of former state Rep. Matt Shea — is trying to mainstream dangerous lies. by Wilson Criscione InvestigateWest / October 14, 2022
Politics WA bills propose initiatives to bring special-ed students back home State lawmakers hope to increase oversight of kids with disabilities sent out of state and prohibit or limit the use of isolation and restraint. by Wilson Criscione InvestigateWest / February 6, 2023