Washington has few paths to early prison release. Advocates fear Gov. Ferguson has closed off a critical one
Gov. Bob Ferguson has rejected everyone the state board recommended for commutation
Government
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
‘Devolving into a democracy’: What’s behind the Washington GOP’s messy, inconsistent stand against American democracy
GOP resolution fuels concerns about threats to democracy; state party leader dismisses criticisms as “hair-on-fire rhetoric”
WA GOP chairman says party ‘lost a lot of talent’ to sanctions and infighting
Jim Walsh decries actions against lawmakers accused of “domestic terrorism,” sexual harassment and other misbehavior