Investigations WA intercepts millions in child support for low-income families In 2022, the state took over $40 million meant for impoverished children. A bipartisan bill could redirect a portion of future payments to families. by Brandon Block / January 25, 2024
Investigations WA health officials throw away millions of pandemic supplies Masks, gowns, gloves and more: States are culling their expired stockpiles, but medical experts say the waste shows a system unprepared for disasters. by Brandon Block / February 23, 2024
Investigations WA spent $500M to help small, minority businesses. Did it work? A Crosscut analysis of Working Washington grants found mixed results on equity initiatives and millions for large chains or franchises. by Brandon Block / October 18, 2023 / Updated at 6 p.m. on Oct. 23, 2023
Investigations Why have Washington eviction cases doubled in the past six months? Billions in federal pandemic aid masked dysfunction in the rental market. But that money is gone — along with some legal protections. by Brandon Block / November 28, 2023
Investigations Q&A: WA’s broadband director on the $1.2B expansion challenge ahead As Mark Vasconi prepares to retire, he outlines how the state can invest historic federal aid in connecting rural communities left out of past efforts. by Brandon Block / December 14, 2023
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: Moeties, closed-door caucus meetings and our open government ideal Legislative caucuses are off limits to the press and public, including anthropologists. by David Price / March 19, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: What if lawmakers were more like the people they serve? State Sen. Andy Hill, a prototypical Washington legislator: white, male, well-educated and well to do. Not that there's anything wrong with that. by David Price / February 26, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: Legislating virtual worlds Laws about taxing or not taxing online sales are an example of a cultural invention that dictates the way we view and behave in the "real" world. by David Price / February 22, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: The power of language and the "fear grimace" Facial expressions and posture send signals about relationships and power dynamics. by David Price / February 12, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: An anthropologist in the state capital An anthropologist in the capital, studying state lawmakers in their natural habitat. by David Price / February 11, 2015