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 State Democrats tighten hold on Olympia With more seats to work with, the party is positioned to move on environmental policy, health care and capital gains. by Mark Baumgarten & John Stang / November 6, 2018
Politics Washington candidates spin contrasting economic narratives Is runaway spending driving inflation? Or did a strong state response rescue the economy from COVID collapse? by Brandon Block / October 11, 2022
News WA schools ask for more time to spend $2.6B in COVID relief Programs to address students’ social-emotional needs rely on continued access to the funds, superintendents say. by Brandon Block & Venice Buhain / September 27, 2022
Politics All former WA prisoners can now vote. So far, few have Of the 24,000 residents with felony records now able to vote, just 414 did so last fall. Advocates hope to increase registration and voter education. by Brandon Block / February 13, 2023
Investigations FCC broadband service maps disputed at thousands of WA locations States were given a narrow window to fix long-standing flaws before federal agencies divvy $42B in infrastructure funds. by Brandon Block / January 24, 2023