Politics Progress on WA climate bills could boost Inslee’s 2020 hopes After years of failure and frustration, Democrats are taking a piecemeal approach to climate legislation, and it appears to be working. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / April 16, 2019
Environment WA lawmakers pass on whale-watching ban aimed at helping orcas Orca Task Force members and Gov. Jay Inslee said the moratorium was needed to give the endangered whales a break from boat noise. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / April 8, 2019
Opinion If it’s a homeless emergency, why don’t we provide shelter? There's a way to begin dealing with the health effects of unsheltered homelessness: Have shelter available by next winter. by Bill Daniell & Chris Delecki & Ben Danielson / May 21, 2018
Opinion Homelessness is Seattle's public health crisis A man pours himself water at his tent in a unsanctioned homeless encampment in Seattle. by Bill Daniell & Ben Danielson / October 24, 2017
News WA misses deadline to bring foster kids back from out-of-state homes Following reports of abuse, the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families said it would bring back nearly 100 Washington youth by the end of September. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / December 2, 2020 / Updated Dec. 4 at 12:40 p.m.
Equity WA relying on hotels, state offices to house foster kids more than ever With nowhere else to go, the state’s most at-risk kids — and their caseworkers — are faced with limited options. by Rachel Nielsen InvestigateWest / September 7, 2020
News Washington ax-throwing venues want to be able to serve alcohol While ax-throwing bars are showing up in urban areas across the country, they’re not permitted to serve alcohol everywhere. by Nate Sanford / February 4, 2021
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
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