Health

A WA worker’s death reveals the limits of safety enforcement

A fatal trench collapse in 2016 set precedent for holding employers criminally liable, but officials…
Government

New mothers can stay with their babies at this Washington prison

The state’s prison nursery is one of only a few in the country intended to…
Government

Some Republicans were willing to compromise on abortion ban exceptions. Activists made sure they didn’t.

A review of 12 of the nation’s strictest abortion bans. Few changed in 2023, as…
Democracy & Extremism

Left-wing activists worry anti-doxxing laws will target them

Recent laws in Washington and Oregon, part of a slew of similar laws nationwide, were…
InvestigateWest Investigations

​​How an Idaho children’s facility got away with firing whistleblowers of child abuse

Legal experts say the case underscores Idaho’s weak protections for workers facing retaliation By Wilson…
InvestigateWest Investigations

Kicked out of the Proud Boys, a Portland neo-Nazi launched his own group — and he’s gone to war with his former allies

Experts fear the battle could further radicalize both groups By Daniel Walters / InvestigateWest Several…

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Environment

Struggling salmon fishermen getting federal help in Oregon and along West Coast, but it may be too late

U.S. Department of Commerce declared a Chinook fishery disaster for 2018, 2019 and 2020 when…
Environment

Landfills in Washington and Oregon leaked ‘explosive’ levels of methane last year

EPA inspection reports find methane exceedances are more common than operators say. By Joseph Winters…
Environment

The Pacific Northwest scored $1B to create a clean hydrogen hub. Now what?

State leaders and a range of prospective fuel producers, industrial consumers, trade unions, utility companies…
Democracy & Extremism

The Idaho GOP fears ranked-choice voting could turn Idaho blue

The “Open Primary Initiative” would change a fundamental piece of Idaho’s democracy.
Democracy & Extremism

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 By Daniel…
Democracy & Extremism

An Oregon county backs ‘Greater Idaho’ talks, as another schedules a vote

Twelve counties in the state have now voted to support efforts to change Oregon’s border…
Investigative Reports

Why many judges in WA won’t order abusers to turn in guns

State and federal court decisions threaten to override Washington’s firearm surrender law By Kelsey Turner…
Investigative Reports

In Eastern Washington, victims seeking protection steer clear of a judge accused of domestic violence himself

Attorneys say there’s little accountability for judges who may show bias against victims By Wilson…
Investigative Reports

Low-income domestic violence survivors face uphill battle in obtaining court-ordered protections 

Advocates urge more funding for housing, shelters and legal services as well as consistent policy…
Health

A WA worker’s death reveals the limits of safety enforcement

A fatal trench collapse in 2016 set precedent for holding employers criminally liable, but officials…
Government

WA’s new drug law could help needle exchanges — or restrict them

The possession bill passed this year includes $63M for treatment centers. But it also gives…
Health

Washington faces steep path closing mental health bed gap for jailed defendants

The state has made headway reducing the bed shortfall but it’s expected to persist at…
Climate

An Oregon town is buying surrounding forests to confront wildfires

A logger, forester and former mayor have joined forces to help Butte Falls protect its…
Climate

The cost of wildfires is rising. But by how much?

States are struggling to budget given incomplete data By Jessie Blaeser / Grist This story…
Wildfires

The world’s least understood ignition source is causing devastating wildfires

By Austyn Gaffney / High Country News On a hot, dry, windy summer morning in…
Indian Country

Federal Official Announces Funding for Upgrades to Columbia River Treaty Fishing Sites

Bryan Newland, the Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, says the money will help begin…
Environment

Green energy’s hidden costs spark opposition

Proposed lithium mine in Nevada would damage ancestral lands, critics say This story is part…
Environment

Tribes look to renewable energy to power jobs of the future

From Florida to Alaska, tribes seek to harness energy from sun, wind and water The…