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 Inslee, environmentalists want aggressive action on climate, including a clean fuel standard They call this year’s Washington legislative session an opportunity to complete unfinished business. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / January 14, 2020
Politics WA lawmakers want to fund solutions for healthier soil — and less gassy cows Bipartisan proposals before the state legislature would help scientists learn about storing carbon in soils and invest in GPS-guided tractors and climate-friendly cattle feed. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / February 20, 2020
Environment Coronavirus could make fighting Washington wildfires harder Agencies that prepare for wildfires and recruit firefighters are busy responding to the pandemic. That could be a problem come summer. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / March 27, 2020
Environment Climate bills in WA a ‘comprehensive failure’ in 2020, critics say Key legislation to cut carbon emissions died, while goal-setting bill offers no path to reach target. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / March 25, 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
Environment WA lawmakers pave the way for electric cars, but activists want more As the legislative session comes to a close, the green lobby is pushing lawmakers to do more to take on climate change. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / March 10, 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 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