Investigations 'The whole thing is broken': Temp staffing costs strain WA hospitals Amid a retention crisis, rural hospitals turned to pricey travel-nurse agencies with little oversight or transparency. Now they need a way forward. by Joy Borkholder / January 13, 2023
News Kirkland hospital uses COVID aid to trigger $1.9M in admin bonuses In a legal gray area, EvergreenHealth commissioners approved including pandemic relief funds in the hospital's financial performance. by Joy Borkholder / November 22, 2022
Culture WA farmworkers’ labor as seen through their art Paintings and prints of agricultural workers show another side of their essential work. by Sarah Sax High Country News / February 22, 2022
Environment How WA farmworkers push for climate justice amid heat and wildfire Agricultural workers and advocates aim to make workplaces safer while helping the environment. by Sarah Sax High Country News / February 8, 2022
News WA wants to secure housing for youth exiting state care The state has renewed efforts to keep kids released from foster care and detention centers from becoming homeless. by Joy Borkholder Youth Today / August 22, 2022
News Pandemic relief funds may mask budget crises at rural WA hospitals Federal recovery dollars 'saved' some critical access hospitals — but many small facilities still struggle with staffing and rising costs. by Joy Borkholder / July 6, 2022
Equity 'Like sitting in a sauna': Heat waves cause misery in WA prisons Last summer's record-breaking temperatures caused a crisis for the state's incarcerated population — and it's set to happen all over again. by Sarah Sax High Country News / June 9, 2022
Growth Newcomers fleeing expensive housing are finding it again in Spokane. Now they want protections A slate of measures intended to support low-income residents and reduce homelessness awaits a vote by the city council. by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / January 14, 2020
Equity Native American drivers are more likely to be searched by Washington State Patrol While the searches occur at five times the rate for white drivers, they are less likely to turn up drugs or other contraband. by Jason Buch & Joy Borkholder Investigate West / December 19, 2019
Environment These young activists want Washington and Oregon to be bolder on climate — so they sued their governors A win could mean more aggressive action to avoid climate disaster. Some environmental leaders think the lawsuit is a distraction from the action Jay Inslee and Kate Brown are pushing for. by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / November 15, 2019