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
A SW Washington sheriff pushes the limits of official powers while in training
Pacific County Sheriff Daniel Garcia’s first nine months have been marked with frequent conflicts with other elected officials. But, to him, he’s reclaiming the power of the sheriff.
Oregon corrections officer charged with sexual abuse faced earlier investigation, but DA declined to charge him
The correctional officer faced allegations of inappropriate behavior from at least two other women.
The outlook for new statewide renter protections in Washington
After failed attempts this year, the debate over how to best shield tenants from unaffordable price hikes will likely return in the next legislative session.
The long struggle over taxing the rich
States’ taxes lean most heavily on poorer residents. These states are trying to change that.
WA senators just released more previously redacted records
Leaders said they didn’t have more hiddeninformation, but memos show blacked-out emails to cannabis lobbyists and texts with redacted bill names.
Some Idaho Republicans worry presidential caucus will reduce turnout, divide party
Idaho Legislature mistakenly eliminated the state’s presidential primary election earlier this year
How a new Idaho superintendent is tapping far-right connections to refashion a school district
Teachers flee the small district, fearing the impact of a right-wing politician’s appointment
Federal aid is supercharging local WA police surveillance tech
Pandemic relief funds are bankrolling new – and often unregulated – law enforcement tools such as license-plate readers, drones and AI video software.
High gas prices fuel talk of anti-gouging measures, cap-and-trade tweaks
Washington’s new climate policy is taking heat for the state’s highest-in-the-nation prices at the pump. But the law’s backers say oil companies are to blame.
Federal judge upholds Oregon law banning large ammunition magazines, requiring permit to buy guns
Measure 114 remains remains on hold until at least September as a separate state court case proceeds