Investigations Washington public agencies win $121M to extend rural broadband State administrators overruled or helped mediate telecom objections that have previously disqualified local governments from similar grant awards. by Brandon Block / May 30, 2023
Investigations Everett shelter got $3M in COVID relief despite complaints Local officials signed new contracts with The Hand Up Project after two residents died last year and former employees alleged financial mismanagement. by Lizz Giordano / May 22, 2023
Investigations The WA ‘strike force’ chasing millions in COVID-19 relief fraud From a Spokane T-shirt scheme to a Nigerian unemployment scam, federal prosecutors are grappling with how to prioritize cases amid limited resources. by Brandon Block / May 3, 2023
Northwest Reports Podcast | How pandemic relief became a fraud frenzy in Washington Season 1 , Episode 22 / May 3, 2023 Emergency actions put money in the hands of struggling small businesses — and opened the door for some scammers. Brandon Block shares his reporting.
Investigations Auditors flag half of Washington counties over COVID-19 aid Findings of fraud or misuse remained rare despite short deadlines set for local governments to spend billions in emergency relief. by Jacob Jones / March 23, 2023
Investigations Washington food banks brace for 'hunger cliff' amid SNAP cuts As food-stamp recipients see grocery budgets tighten, state proposals would shift money to already strained and short-staffed local services. by Brandon Block / February 28, 2023
Investigations 'Community navigators' bridge the healthcare gap for BIPOC groups In King County, public health ambassadors with cultural connections help break down patient/provider barriers. by Lizz Giordano / February 9, 2023
Inside Cascade PBS Crosscut’s Recovery Watch project wins WashCOG’s Bunting Award The Washington Coalition for Open Government recognized records and data reporting that helps readers learn about local pandemic relief spending. by Jacob Jones / February 6, 2023
Investigations FCC broadband service maps disputed at thousands of WA locations States were given a narrow window to fix long-standing flaws before federal agencies divvy $42B in infrastructure funds. by Brandon Block / January 24, 2023
Investigations Can a $42B internet expansion plan close WA's digital divide? After billions in telecom subsidies, it may take a new public approach to connect some 'last mile' areas like rural Grays Harbor County to broadband. by Brandon Block / January 19, 2023
Investigations WA has 530 bridges in 'poor' condition — and limited repair money Even with $605 million in federal aid, the state can't catch up with its growing maintenance backlog. by Lizz Giordano / January 18, 2023
Investigations Battered by destructive floods, Grays Harbor bets on a $182M levee A 'once-in-a-generation' project could help Washington coastal cities Hoquiam and Aberdeen hold off economically devastating climate disasters. by Hannah Weinberger / January 17, 2023
Investigations 'The whole thing is broken': Temp staffing costs strain WA hospitals Amid a retention crisis, rural hospitals turned to pricey travel-nurse agencies with little oversight or transparency. Now they need a way forward. by Joy Borkholder / January 13, 2023
Investigations A year of Crosscut investigations into federal pandemic aid WA Recovery Watch published over 30 stories on funding delays, disparities and unspent aid. Here's what came from that reporting — and what's next. by Jacob Jones / December 20, 2022
News Help us fact-check the FCC’s spotty broadband maps Look up your address to check the accuracy of the maps, which could impact up to $900 million in federal aid to Washington. by Brandon Block / December 9, 2022