Curtis Johnston was allowed to voluntarily surrender his teaching license after the superintendent told a state investigator that no investigations existed, records show
State lawmakers wary of government spending have turned down bills to fund emergency medical services
Shereef Elnahal, who has served as president since August, said the hospital needs to stabilize its finances before it can resume the project
InvestigateWest is pleased to announce that we're partnering with Report for America in 2025 to bring a dedicated, full-time collaborative investigative reporter to Oregon. Starting in July 2025, this new corps member will work closely with local news outlets throughout the state, bolstering their capacity to tackle in-depth investigative projects that might otherwise go unreported.
This hire marks an expansion of InvestigateWest’s collaborative approach, building on our existing efforts in Washington, where a similar “collaborative investigative reporter” recently joined our newsroom through a Washington State University-administered fellowship. The Oregon-based reporter will identify and investigate urgent issues affecting Oregonians, with an emphasis on underserved communities in the central and eastern parts of the state.
Journalists interested in applying can do so at reportforamerica.org by Feb. 3, 2025. This new position will join our team of hard-hitting investigative journalists, including two other Report for America corps members: Daniel Walters, who covers democracy and extremism, and Rachel Spacek, who reports on migrant labor and equity issues. Together, these reporters underscore InvestigateWest’s commitment to rigorous, policy-driven reporting that empowers citizens and drives lasting change.
As an organization, InvestigateWest believes the most effective way to transform the region’s news ecosystem is through active collaboration, partnerships and talent development. In this way, InvestigateWest can serve as a potent "force multiplier,” supporting and uplifting investigative reporting in underserved communities across the Northwest.
InvestigateWest was founded in 2009, after the Seattle Post-Intelligencer stopped printing and a group of laid-off journalists set out to preserve the type of hard, labor-intensive investigative reporting that has been in decline. Over the years, InvestigateWest’s reporting has prompted scores of reforms, including a dozen state laws protecting the environment, workers and foster children.
For more information about InvestigateWest's collaboration efforts, please contact Executive Director Jacob Fries at jacob@investigatewest.org.
The story you just read is only possible because readers like you support our mission to uncover truths that matter. If you value this reporting, help us continue producing high-impact investigations that drive real-world change. Your donation today ensures we can keep asking tough questions and bringing critical issues to light. Join us — because fearless, independent journalism depends on you!
— Jacob H. Fries, executive director
DonateCancel anytime.
ProPublica’s training program is aimed at expanding the ranks of editors with investigative experience
Judges awarded reporter Kelsey Turner first place for reporting on Washington’s family court system
If you cover criminal justice in the Pacific Northwest — or want to — we’re hosting a free virtual training that may be useful to you and your newsroom
Curtis Johnston was allowed to voluntarily surrender his teaching license after the superintendent told a state investigator that no investigations existed, records show
State lawmakers wary of government spending have turned down bills to fund emergency medical services
Shereef Elnahal, who has served as president since August, said the hospital needs to stabilize its finances before it can resume the project
As Washington reduces public defender caseloads, prosecutors say that's forced difficult charging decisions
Subscribe to our weekly newsletters and never miss an investigation.
