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
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
State caregivers in Oregon group homes reach crisis
Staffing shortages, low pay and safety concerns burn out a Department of Human Services unit that cares for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
How auditing giant KPMG became a global sustainability leader while serving companies accused of forest destruction
The firm vouched for an Indonesian company with a supply chain beset by deforestation allegations and a project in Canada that led to an Indigenous forest’s “death by a thousand cuts”
Vancouver Public Schools continued to use prohibited restraints on students after state ban
A review of hundreds of pages of records show security guards at Vancouver Public Schools have used banned restraints more than a year after the state outlawed them.
WA's government transparency committee is ready to call it quits
As their fight for government transparency becomes increasingly difficult, the Washington Sunshine Committee is considering disbanding.
Oregon bill aims to crack down on paramilitary activity
House Bill 2572 would provide the state with new tools to prevent paramilitary activity, which has been unlawful in all 50 states, including Oregon, for decades.
‘Haphazard and unorganized’: GOP lawmakers react to Dems’ secrecy
The Washington Senate's Republican minority leader said he'd welcome an independent investigation into Democrats’ use of ‘legislative privilege.’
Legislative proposal would allow state to hold schools accountable for certain types of abuse
State investigators told a senate committee they lack the power to hold schools accountable for punishing students by restraining or secluding them
WA state lawmakers eye special education reforms to address students being shipped out of state
Legislative proposals follow InvestigateWest’s reporting revealing the treatment of kids with disabilities
Oregon university leads in violations among national primate research centers
State lawmakers want to mandate more detailed reporting