Politics Why new taxes are likely even as Washington is flush with cash Democratic lawmakers say now is the moment to fix the state’s regressive tax code, which they say unfairly burdens low-income people. by Melissa Santos / April 23, 2021
Politics 5 times WA lawmakers failed at working remotely in 2021 Online governing and the state Legislature didn’t always mix as lawmakers went remote during the pandemic. by Melissa Santos / April 22, 2021
Politics The future of WA transportation hinges on carbon pricing debate Top legislators want to put a price on carbon to raise money for transportation projects. But with time running out, they can’t agree on the details. by Melissa Santos / April 16, 2021
Inside Crosscut How public records gave us a window into WA police misconduct Being home on maternity leave during last year's Black Lives Matter protests got a reporter thinking about how to look deeper into police misdeeds. by Melissa Santos / April 13, 2021
News Getting the story: How we investigated cops' credibility problems Nine months of reporting and more than 100 records requests formed the basis of our look at police officers placed on so-called ‘Brady’ lists. by Melissa Santos / April 8, 2021
News How fired cops win their jobs back: arbitration In Washington state and around the nation, some cops fired for dishonesty or misconduct remain on the beat because private arbitrators gave them their jobs back. by Melissa Santos / April 8, 2021
News Nearly 200 cops with credibility issues still working in Washington state A Crosscut investigation found at least 183 police officers flagged for issues such as dishonesty, bias and excessive force remain in law enforcement. by Melissa Santos / April 8, 2021
Politics Why WA leaders aren't rushing to address state's budget shortfall Waiting on Congress to pass a new coronavirus relief bill is one factor. The November election is another. by Melissa Santos / August 28, 2020
Inside Crosscut Reflecting on Slade Gorton and his era of conservative politics The former U.S. senator stayed fiercely loyal to the GOP, even as he rejected some of the party's more extreme positions. by Melissa Santos / August 25, 2020
Politics Where WA’s Republican Party goes after Slade Gorton On both sides of the aisle, people wonder what happened to Gorton’s brand of collaborative, civic-minded conservatism. by Melissa Santos / August 19, 2020 / Updated 3:07 p.m. Aug. 19