Idaho’s latest anti-drag crusade began with a falsehood, lawsuit says
Drag queen at center of Idaho culture war takes Christian Nationalist group to court
Government
The WA 'strike force' chasing millions in COVID-19 relief fraud
From a Spokane T-shirt scheme to a Nigerian unemployment scam, federal prosecutors are grappling with how to prioritize cases amid limited resources.
With assault weapons ban, Washington enters a new era of gun reform
Ten years ago, the NRA was feared. But three major laws signed by Gov. Inslee show that Democrats are less reluctant to pass new restrictions.
In Washington, FDA lawsuit is part of larger strategy to preserve abortion access
Court ruling preserves status quo in several states as fight continues elsewhere over abortion pill
King County prosecutor’s office accused of 'self-dealing’ promotion
An investigation found no hiring policies were violated but noted there is no consistent process for filling leadership positions.
Schools hiring emergency teachers for special education, potentially violating federal law
More than 130 emergency licensed instructors who don’t have to meet federally mandated standards are teaching students with disabilities
Three Decades of Well Water Pollution in Rural Oregon Sees Almost No Government Action
Community organizers band together to tackle pollution from food processors and industrial farming.
Lobbying email from Oregon secretary of state’s office raises eyebrows in Salem
The email to customers asked them to support the office’s budget request
Investigation finds racism, gender bias against worker at Oregon Employment Department
A 110-page investigative report documents a hostile work environment experienced by a female attorney of color in the agency’s new paid family leave program.
Idaho renters face bigger shortage of affordable homes, national housing report shows
According to 2023 report, Idaho has 38 affordable rental homes for every 100 households with extremely low incomes — a decrease from 42 units in 2022
Auditors flag half of Washington counties over COVID-19 aid
Findings of fraud or misuse remained rare despite short deadlines set for local governments to spend billions in emergency relief.
EPA and a Montana mining company promise action after InvestigateWest report exposes public health concerns
Previous reporting showed how regulators and the mine teamed up to rebut independent researchers