Washington courts rarely discipline guardians ad litem accused of misconduct in custody cases
Minimal oversight of court investigators makes it difficult for parents to challenge flawed reports without risking damage to their cases
Government
Washington ferries are going hybrid-electric, but disposal of old ones poses environmental, legal risks
An abandoned ferry in the Puget Sound represents a shared struggle across the West Coast: to sell an old ship or destroy it
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
The U.S. government sold off these aging ships — leaving states in the Pacific Northwest to pay the price
Washington, Oregon officials say they’ve spent millions removing or destroying abandoned vessels
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
Deportation flights at WA airport up dramatically this year, advocates say
Activists also say King County officials aren’t being transparent enough about the flights in and out of Boeing Field.
Evictions in WA skyrocket, overwhelming legal aid program for low-income renters
Housing advocates hope the state’s new law limiting rent hikes will help slow the pace
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
WA Legislature’s budget doubles public defense funds — but counties say it’s still not enough
Counties have struggles to recruit and retain attorneys without state’s help
As in D.C., a fight breaks out in Washington state over who gets access to lawmakers
In both cases, politicians take a larger role in handpicking reporters
New WA law makes clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse
Bill proposed in response to InvestigateWest article makes no exemptions for allegations shared during confessions