‘Make it make sense’: Advocates stunned as WA lawmaker helps slash funds for groups clearing old drug convictions
After being fired from the legal aid group she once led, Rep. Tarra Simmons supported state cuts that crippled similar organizations
Criminal Justice
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
Some Washington judges aren’t ordering accused abusers to surrender guns. A new court ruling could change that.
Advocates hope a Court of Appeals decision will resolve constitutional concerns about a firearm surrender law
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
Accused of racism and retaliation, this Idaho sheriff is now working with ICE
Former employees say Sheriff Larry Kendrick made racist jokes at work and was demeaning to women
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
Records reveal Snoqualmie police chief was fired for sexual comments, said recruit ‘could not keep her legs together’
Report renews concerns about treatment of women at department that recently charged a rape survivor with harassment
Family law experts push legal framework to guide guardian ad litem reform in Washington
A ‘model code’ would have only licensed mental health professionals making parenting plan recommendations to the court
Renewed investigation leads to criminal charges against wife of Portland identity theft victim
Suspects accused of stealing a spouse’s identity rarely face prosecution
A WA mother had custody of kids and protection from her abuser. Then a guardian ad litem got involved
Mother filed a lawsuit alleging that the guardian ad litem and her abuser’s attorney colluded to flip the narrative against her
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