A 2021 law expanded Washington’s power to decertify police officers. Records show cops still avoid consequences
An InvestigateWest review shows how Washington police agencies keep hiring cops accused of serious misconduct
Government
Why sentencing reform for domestic violence survivors keeps falling short in Oregon
Advocates are pushing for a survivor justice law like those in other states, but a two-thirds legislative majority presents a major hurdle
Idaho Supreme Court: Judges can consider immigration status in probation decisions
Some immigration attorneys and scholars worry the ruling will make it harder for undocumented people to get probation
Idaho labor economist ran anonymous accounts promoting pro-Russian, far-right views
Sam Wolkenhauer ran anonymous accounts that generated thousands of dollars in subscriptions while posting pro-Russian commentary, slurs and Nazi imagery
Some states offer domestic violence defenses to parents charged with failing to prevent child abuse. Should Oregon?
Parents in eight states can be acquitted if they can show “reasonable fear” of escalating violence
As Idaho grows, ambulance agencies warn they need more funding to keep up
State lawmakers wary of government spending have turned down bills to fund emergency medical services
Oregon Health & Science University president says neonatal ICU expansion is a top priority, but offers no timeline
Shereef Elnahal, who has served as president since August, said the hospital needs to stabilize its finances before it can resume the project
Oregon is doling out $37 million to preserve rural maternity care. Hospitals still worry about closures
The state announced the new assistance as federal Medicaid cuts are expected to reduce Oregon’s program by $11 billion over five years
These reforms could improve accountability for Washington teachers accused of sexual misconduct, experts say
Washington was the first to enact “Don’t Pass the Trash” legislation two decades ago
Rural Idaho sheriff’s office got at least $116,000 to help ICE
Owyhee County is among hundreds of local law enforcement agencies getting paid to join ICE’s immigration crackdown
Surveilled and Sold: Privacy and Sanctuary in Portland
How effective are Portland’s sanctuary city policies when ICE can track and surveil immigrant communities with ease?
Idaho passes law reforming youth treatment home oversight
The changes come in response to 2023 InvestigateWest series highlighting gaps that put child safety at risk
Parents, advocates say guardians ad litem need more guardrails. These Washington reforms could help
More training and limiting the scope of investigations could improve how domestic violence and child abuse are handled in custody cases