An Idaho law targeted fentanyl dealers. Prosecutors are using it to charge users, too
An InvestigateWest review found at least 30 people charged with trafficking without evidence of selling or distribution. They face mandatory minimum prison terms.
‘I want people to know he’s done this’: Student alleges sexual misconduct by another Mercer Island teacher
High school English teacher Curtis Johnston, who abruptly retired in August, is the second teacher accused of sexual misconduct in recent months
Mercer Island schools assessing sexual abuse protocols after outcry
Superintendent to “analyze current practices” and “make improvements” for student safety following InvestigateWest and Mercer Island Reporter story
A beloved Mercer Island teacher was accused twice of sexual misconduct with students. The school district kept it quiet.
Gary "Chris" Twombley was put on administrative leave in December 2023
In wildfire-prone Washington, ‘collaboration’ on forest management gives way to timber interests
Forest collaboratives formed in the wake of the Pacific Northwest’s “Timber Wars” have become major power players operating largely out of the public eye
Pierce County violated state law by diverting millions in tax revenue meant to improve 911 calls, state audit finds
Officials repeatedly ignored guidance regarding their $4.5 million purchase to boost law enforcement radio connection at a government building in Tacoma, jeopardizing federal funding
Evictions in WA skyrocket, overwhelming legal aid program for low-income renters
Housing advocates hope the state’s new law limiting rent hikes will help slow the pace
WA civil legal aid organizations mourn state funding cuts: ‘It’s a gut punch’
The groups are critical in helping to vacate unconstitutional drug convictions as far back as 1971
WA families are using ‘Joel’s Law’ for involuntary commitments more than ever. Is it working?
Joel’s Law petitions increased by 266% since 2020 statewide
‘It’s an uphill battle’: Decades-long effort to unify Washington’s court system again falls short
While the state’s nonunified court system allows flexibility at the local level, research shows the patchwork of approaches often results in inequities and ‘justice by geography’
Most WA sheriffs say they will follow state’s ‘sanctuary’ law — with a few exceptions
InvestigateWest and Cascade PBS surveyed 39 counties’ chief law officers on how they plan to balance conflicting state and federal laws
Washington courts plod through historic effort to vacate hundreds of thousands of illegal drug convictions
Less than one-fifth of eligible cases have been vacated thus far
Washington lawmakers hear public testimony on bill to define the role of sheriff’s ‘posses’
The bill also seeks to standardize eligibility and certification requirements for law enforcement leaders