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
How WA cities’ lobbying muscle shapes housing, public records bills
Lobbyists for the Association of Washington Cities flex the group’s influence in Olympia — including the ability to draft policy themselves.
Oregon Legislature passes ‘ghost gun’ ban
More gun safety provisions were stripped from the legislation as part of a deal to end the Senate Republican walkout last week.
At WA military base, families battle mold, rodents and more despite promised reforms
Military families say reforms adopted in 2019 have done little to improve housing conditions
SPECIAL REPORT: Oregon fails to turn page on reading: $250 million spent in 25 years
Many Oregon kids still struggle to read because they are taught using ineffective methods
Housing restrictions are leaving more Northwest sex offenders homeless
Researchers say sex offender registration and notification laws can be counterproductive for public safety by keeping registrants on the streets
‘It’s crazy out there’: The reasons behind Oregon’s deepening drug crisis
Fueled by fentanyl, the number of overdose deaths in Oregon has soared since 2019. And while the surge in overdoses is part of a national problem, the state’s underfunded treatment system is struggling to provide local solutions
Washington public agencies win $121M to extend rural broadband
State administrators overruled or helped mediate telecom objections that have previously disqualified local governments from similar grant awards.
Everett shelter got $3M in COVID relief despite complaints
Local officials signed new contracts with The Hand Up Project after two residents died last year and former employees alleged financial mismanagement.
Growth, drought, aging infrastructure: Here’s why Idaho utility prices are rising
Idaho Power and Avista have filed an application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to raise their prices
GOP-led Senate walkout keeps dozens of bills hanging in the balance
Legislation that would fund school literacy, a veterans home and start a pilot program for homeless students remains in limbo amid walkout
How Seattle Police put bikes at the forefront of protest clashes
Local bike cops drove a national evolution toward forceful crowd tactics — and made money doing it.