Idaho leaders urged to address systemic failures following prison abuse reports
InvestigateWest reporters uncovered years of sexual abuse by women’s prison guards prompting calls for independent investigation
Government
Oregon woman’s suicide after repeated 911 calls reveals gaps in Bend’s lauded crisis response system
She called 911 nine times in six months seeking help before neighbors found her dead
Spokane now requires a notary for some public records requests — ‘a waste of tax dollars,’ critics say
New barrier highlights difficulty of Washington’s law limiting use of public records for commercial purposes
Farmworker advocates say new federal rules could save lives, but Idaho AG helped block them
As guest worker program grows, so do cases of exploitation, wage theft and retaliation
New Oregon program pays parents to care for kids with intensive medical, behavioral needs — but few can access it
Parents say limited pay, long waitlist are restricting the program’s effectiveness
Colville tribal citizens left on the hook when Indian Health Service doesn’t pay medical bills
Some IHS patients face a choice: Pay a bill that isn’t their responsibility or take a hit to their credit rating
Oregon report spotlights state’s struggle to enforce worker protections
The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries is requesting a significant budget increase to boost enforcement capability
Among Idaho lawmakers, it’s Freedom Caucus vs. Freedom Caucus
The coalition of conservative legislators has fractured — and its brand is heading for a custody battle
As one lawsuit against Tacoma immigration detention center ends, another ramps up
The Washington Department of Health is suing for a second time to gain access to the Northwest ICE Processing Center.
WA prisoners pay millions in fees to the state. Most of the money isn’t being used
Family members who have loved ones behind bars are supposed to provide input into how the Incarcerated Individual Betterment Fund gets spent, but they say the state isn’t listening.
Budget cuts for Idaho Child Care Program compounds financial troubles for parents, providers
With high employee turnover, Idaho’s financially struggling child care industry braces for subsidy program cuts
As teen employment rises in WA, so do youth labor violations
Between 2014 and 2022, complaints about working conditions for minors doubled — and one expert thinks this might be just the tip of the iceberg.
WA renters say unregulated ‘junk fees’ are being used to retaliate, discriminate
Washington lacks regulations that exist in other states to prevent excessive fees