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Democracy & Extremism

In a rural stretch of Washington, a ‘constitutional sheriff’ and his growing volunteer posse provoke controversy

Where some see a “rural neighborhood watch” that saves money, others worry about liability and…
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 …
Government

Idaho jails withheld details about dozens of detainee deaths 

Idaho doesn’t investigate jail deaths or require counties to report them — leaving jail officials…

Our Latest Investigations

Government

Idaho jails withheld details about dozens of detainee deaths 

Idaho doesn’t investigate jail deaths or require counties to report them — leaving jail officials…
Government

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…
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 By…

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Cruelest Lie

Health

Idaho youth treatment home exposed in InvestigateWest investigation closes down

Advocates express relief but push for greater oversight of facilities statewide By Wilson Criscione /…
The Cruelest Lie

Idaho investigators repeatedly found kids in danger. Youth treatment programs faced few consequences 

An InvestigateWest analysis reveals a lack of disciplinary action against troubled programs By Wilson Criscione…
The Cruelest Lie

Public records show 10 years of child abuse, neglect allegations at Idaho’s troubled teen facilities

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare currently oversees 28 children’s residential care facilities. These…

State of Democracy

Democracy & Extremism

Among Idaho lawmakers, it’s Freedom Caucus vs. Freedom Caucus 

The coalition of conservative legislators has fractured — and its brand is heading for a…
Democracy & Extremism

‘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…
Democracy & Extremism

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…

Environment

Environment

A tale of two workers: Heat deaths on the job provoke differing responses in Oregon, Idaho

One state adopted worker protections and saw deaths drop, while the other took no action…
Climate

State Agency Met with Oil-by-Rail Firm in Private Ahead of Permit Application

A 2023 DeSmog investigation uncovered a “backroom deal” between Portland city officials and Zenith Energy.…
Climate

Oregon begins rewriting landmark climate program derailed by gas lawsuit

During the next year, the Department of Environmental Quality will work on a new program…

Gender-Based Violence

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…

Public Health

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 …
Government

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 By Kaylee Tornay /…
Government

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…

Wildfires

Environment

Amid heavy smoke, wildfire crews work without practical respirators

'There are times where you just don’t breathe, because you can’t.' By Hannah Weinberger /…
Climate

What WA’s new wildfire smoke rules might mean for outdoor workers

Washington could be the second state to impose permanent safety regulations, but employers and workplace…
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…

Indigenous Affairs

Education

WA state wants school districts to keep better track of truant students

Districts say they’re changing practices in effort to keep kids from falling through the cracks…
Indian Country

An Indigenous teen in Washington disappeared amid clear signs of danger. It took more than a year before police started investigating 

School, police and state CPS officials all received warnings that teen was unsafe By Kelsey…
Environment

Tribes call for feds to ban chemical in car tires that is linked to salmon deaths

So far, a more environmentally-friendly alternative to keep tire rubber from degrading hasn’t emerged. By…