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
Most WA sheriffs say they will follow state’s ‘sanctuary’ law — with a few exceptions
InvestigateWest and Cascade PBS surveyed 39 counties’ chief law officers on how they plan to balance conflicting state and federal laws
Proposed Washington law aims to address racial disparities in traffic stops
Bill would limit when police can stop motorists for traffic violations
Native Americans face double the average medical debt, report finds — often for bills that aren’t their responsibility
Federal analysis reinforces InvestigateWest reporting on problems facing members of Colville tribe
Toys, Tots and Votes: How a controversial Boise-area nonprofit leader tangles up toy giveaways with political consulting
Free toys sent home with kids in Idaho’s Valley County, along with flyers boosting the sheriff in days before election
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.