Prison overcrowding is keeping Idaho women behind bars even after they’re granted parole
State agencies don’t know how many inmates face more prison time because they couldn’t access programs prescribed by parole commissioners
Prison overcrowding is keeping Idaho women behind bars even after they’re granted parole
State agencies don’t know how many inmates face more prison time because they couldn’t access programs prescribed by parole commissioners
How Rob Curley’s plan to make the Spokesman-Review ‘The People’s Paper’ ended in a newsroom revolt
Newsroom staffers tell InvestigateWest and RANGE that concerns about Curley’s leadership festered until his August suspension — weeks before the paper was set to transfer to his nonprofit
An Oregon Christian ranch promises refuge to people in crisis. Former residents say they were harmed instead
The board of 5Rock Ranch nearly shut it down more than a decade ago, but former residents say harmful practices continue
The Trump Administration’s Critical Minerals Agenda Comes for America’s ‘Forgotten Wildlife Corridor’
Under the banner of “Dig, Baby, Dig,” the Trump administration is supercharging an already powerful mining industry. What will happen to vulnerable plants and animals?
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What happens when local news disappears? Polluters pollute more. Governments become less accountable. Entire communities are left in the dark.
Since 2009, InvestigateWest has been building something the Pacific Northwest desperately needed: a nonprofit investigative newsroom — and the civic infrastructure to spread accountability journalism across the region.
While other states offer more pathways for early release, Washington abolished its parole system in 1984 for most prisoners and restricted earned “good time,” while other resentencing reforms meant to address harsh or excessive prison sentences are limited. Clemency has become a small yet critical relief valve for those behind bars — one that Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has thus far shut off entirely.
When Cyndy Piez's son overdosed, she took the bottle of pills she found in his bedroom and drove to the hospital.
In most states, Cyndy’s effort to help doctors understand what her son had taken might have ended with treatment. But this was Idaho — one of at least nine states that automatically treat fentanyl possession above a certain threshold as trafficking, stripping people who seek help for an overdose of protection from criminal punishment.
"Guarded by Predators" is a series by InvestigateWest exposing rape and abuse by Idaho’s prison guards and the system that shields them. The series launched on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at investigatewest.org.
Through court records, survivor accounts, and months of reporting, we uncover how Idaho’s broken system shields abusers and hides their crimes from the public. Until now.
Stories with Impact
Washington schools chief seeks policy changes after teacher sexual misconduct reporting
The changes, which would expand the state’s investigatory abilities, still need approval from the governor-appointed Professional Educator Standards Board
Award Winners
Idaho immigrants detained in raid moved far from home — and from their attorneys
Many undocumented immigrants arrested at an Idaho racetrack are being detained in Nevada and other states, making it harder for attorneys and family to find them
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Education
Edmonds schools awards former principal new contract amid criticism of sexual misconduct response
The school board said state law limits the district from taking action against the former principal, despite community demands to fire him.
Climate
Guarded by Predators
More Guarded by Predators
Spokane prosecutors are suddenly declining to charge more felony domestic violence cases, citing staffing issues
As Washington reduces public defender caseloads, prosecutors say that's forced difficult charging decisions
Immigration
Idaho county’s probation office compiles ‘foreign born list’ for ICE
Emails show how Canyon County probation officers are helping immigration authorities — including making a list of foreign-born individuals
Indigenous Affairs
Public Health
State of Democracy
How Rob Curley’s plan to make the Spokesman-Review ‘The People’s Paper’ ended in a newsroom revolt
Newsroom staffers tell InvestigateWest and RANGE that concerns about Curley’s leadership festered until his August suspension — weeks before the paper was set to transfer to his nonprofit
Human Trafficking
Criminal Justice
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