Environment PFAS in Washington’s well water could make you sick ‘Forever chemicals’ linked to ailments from high cholesterol to cancer are in our clearest aquifers — but steep costs pose cleanup challenges. by Andrew Engelson / February 14, 2024
News Puget Sound transit and riders navigate post-pandemic commutes With more people working in-office, local agencies try to make light-rail and bus services more consistent. But they face staff shortages and delays. by Andrew Engelson / March 22, 2024
News WA’s new drug law could help needle exchanges — or restrict them The possession bill passed this year includes $63M for treatment centers. But it also gives local governments the power to regulate them. by Andrew Engelson / November 2, 2023 / Updated at 5 p.m. on Nov. 7
News High grocery costs challenge Washington families, food banks Nearly 29,000 households in King County don’t have enough income to cover household basics, according to data from the University of Washington. by Andrew Engelson / November 21, 2023
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
Environment Tribes worry a Canadian mine could poison Washington salmon Across the border in British Columbia's Skagit River headwaters, a proposed open-pit mine has drawn protests from Native tribes, environmentalists and politicians. by Andrew Engelson / February 21, 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
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 Seattle Asian community answers hate with love and support A year into the pandemic, local Asian activists work to protect and help community members fearing for safety and facing economic strain. by Hannah Krieg / April 13, 2021