Indigenous Affairs Washington State University earns $15M a year on stolen land A Grist report reveals that over the past 150 years, WSU has collected at least $1B in profit from land taken from 21 Indigenous nations. by Venice Buhain / February 7, 2024
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
News Over half of WA school bond measures get majority vote, but fail Only seven of 21 school bonds statewide got supermajority votes, but 91% of school operations levies, which require only a simple majority, passed. by Venice Buhain / February 20, 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
News Enrollment woes leave Washington school closures on the table Bellevue, Seattle and Olympia districts say drops in student numbers could lead to budget pressure and further consolidations. by Venice Buhain / December 12, 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
News Tacoma police officers acquitted in death of Manuel Ellis A Pierce County jury found the three not guilty in the death of Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man who died during a police stop in March 2020. by Venice Buhain / December 21, 2023 / Updated: 5:47 p.m.
News King County Council considers increasing minimum wage to $19/hour The legislation, introduced by Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, would make the rate for unincorporated parts of King County among the nation's highest. by Venice Buhain / September 7, 2023