@investigatewest.bsky.social
As a nonprofit, collaborative newsroom, InvestigateWest’s mission is to produce high-impact journalism that holds power accountable, exposes injustice and empowers underserved communities across the Pacific Northwest: https://www.investigatewest.org/
The decision comes after InvestigateWest reported on shoddy probes into many prison sexual abuse complaints. IDOC director Bree Derrick said an investigation into a prison delivery man was reopened after reviewing “a handful” of messages
www.investigatewest.org/idaho-prison...
www.investigatewest.org/idaho-prison...
Idaho reopens prison sexual abuse case after news story
Woman whose allegations sparked others to speak up says Idaho still must do more to create "just and humane" system
www.investigatewest.org
November 26, 2025 at 10:32 PM
The decision comes after InvestigateWest reported on shoddy probes into many prison sexual abuse complaints. IDOC director Bree Derrick said an investigation into a prison delivery man was reopened after reviewing “a handful” of messages
www.investigatewest.org/idaho-prison...
www.investigatewest.org/idaho-prison...
Oregon, WA lawsuit challenges Trump administration overhaul to federal homeless housing grant program www.investigatewest.org/oregon-wa-su...
Oregon lawsuit challenges Trump overhaul of housing grant
The states described the changes as a “death blow” to their homeless services systems
www.investigatewest.org
November 26, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Oregon, WA lawsuit challenges Trump administration overhaul to federal homeless housing grant program www.investigatewest.org/oregon-wa-su...
Years after Oregon opened up Medicaid to doulas and lactation workers, many birth workers say their inability to get paid remains one of the most persistent obstacles to providing care to low-income families. www.investigatewest.org/oregon-promi...
Doulas are burning out on Oregon’s Medicaid pay problems
A new law is aimed at supporting doula and lactation workers, but many say the success of those reforms depends on whether the state can fix persistent payment problems
www.investigatewest.org
November 25, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Years after Oregon opened up Medicaid to doulas and lactation workers, many birth workers say their inability to get paid remains one of the most persistent obstacles to providing care to low-income families. www.investigatewest.org/oregon-promi...
#ICYMI Official stats show 39 people died in Washington prisons last year, a number that rose during the pandemic. The details of those deaths remain murky, and the full stories often emerge only after grieving family members demand records and answers from the state.
https://ow.ly/wa9R50XxBRj
https://ow.ly/wa9R50XxBRj
How a WA prison turned a treatable ailment into a death sentence
“They knew he was dying,” says his wife, who wasn’t told until it was too late
ow.ly
November 25, 2025 at 5:45 PM
#ICYMI Official stats show 39 people died in Washington prisons last year, a number that rose during the pandemic. The details of those deaths remain murky, and the full stories often emerge only after grieving family members demand records and answers from the state.
https://ow.ly/wa9R50XxBRj
https://ow.ly/wa9R50XxBRj
Washington mandates that young people facing their first, low-level charge be offered alternatives to jail. But after that, it’s largely up to prosecutors to decide - and that's the stage when the racial disparities for Indigenous youth get even worse.
https://ow.ly/gpON50XuXyU
https://ow.ly/gpON50XuXyU
Native kids in WA less likely to be offered jail alternative
Lawmakers and researchers push for new tracking measures as racial disparities and decentralized practices shape youth justice outcomes
ow.ly
November 20, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Washington mandates that young people facing their first, low-level charge be offered alternatives to jail. But after that, it’s largely up to prosecutors to decide - and that's the stage when the racial disparities for Indigenous youth get even worse.
https://ow.ly/gpON50XuXyU
https://ow.ly/gpON50XuXyU
Our investigation revealed how sexual abuse in Idaho women's prisons goes largely unchecked, from camera blind spots that allowed guards to rape women to ignored complaints and sloppy investigations.
Here are seven reforms the state could implement:
www.investigatewest.org/how-idaho-co...
Here are seven reforms the state could implement:
www.investigatewest.org/how-idaho-co...
7 reforms to address unchecked sex abuse in Idaho prisons
Independent oversight, policy changes in other states show steps to protect Idaho inmates at risk of victimization
www.investigatewest.org
November 20, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Our investigation revealed how sexual abuse in Idaho women's prisons goes largely unchecked, from camera blind spots that allowed guards to rape women to ignored complaints and sloppy investigations.
Here are seven reforms the state could implement:
www.investigatewest.org/how-idaho-co...
Here are seven reforms the state could implement:
www.investigatewest.org/how-idaho-co...
A report finds Native American and Black youths are the least likely to be offered a path out of the justice system, while white children are most likely to be offered a break. The racial disparities get wider when a youth has a prior offense.
www.investigatewest.org/native-ameri...
www.investigatewest.org/native-ameri...
Native kids in WA less likely to be offered jail alternative
Lawmakers and researchers push for new tracking measures as racial disparities and decentralized practices shape youth justice outcomes
www.investigatewest.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:54 PM
A report finds Native American and Black youths are the least likely to be offered a path out of the justice system, while white children are most likely to be offered a break. The racial disparities get wider when a youth has a prior offense.
www.investigatewest.org/native-ameri...
www.investigatewest.org/native-ameri...
HUD now requires unhoused people get treatment or enroll in other services if they want federally-funded permanent housing. Oregon providers say that conflicts with the state's funding requirements - forcing them to choose between federal or state dollars
www.investigatewest.org/oregon-homel...
www.investigatewest.org/oregon-homel...
Oregon groups: Trump’s overhaul will worsen homeless crisis
New rules for a federal homeless housing program require people get treatment if they want housing — a big departure from the past
www.investigatewest.org
November 17, 2025 at 9:07 PM
HUD now requires unhoused people get treatment or enroll in other services if they want federally-funded permanent housing. Oregon providers say that conflicts with the state's funding requirements - forcing them to choose between federal or state dollars
www.investigatewest.org/oregon-homel...
www.investigatewest.org/oregon-homel...
“The feds are saying one thing and the state is saying another thing, and that doesn’t work for me, the service provider, to be in compliance,” said Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “I’m out of compliance with one government or the other.” www.investigatewest.org/oregon-homel...
Oregon groups: Trump’s overhaul will worsen homeless crisis
New rules for a federal homeless housing program require people get treatment if they want housing — a big departure from the past
www.investigatewest.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:01 PM
“The feds are saying one thing and the state is saying another thing, and that doesn’t work for me, the service provider, to be in compliance,” said Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “I’m out of compliance with one government or the other.” www.investigatewest.org/oregon-homel...
Reposted
OR | Pregnant Oregonians need more addiction and mental health support — but the state’s network is fragile
#NBHAPIndustryNews
https://www.investigatewest.org/pregnant-oregonians-need-more-addiction-and-mental-health-support-but-the-states-network-is-fragile/
#NBHAPIndustryNews
https://www.investigatewest.org/pregnant-oregonians-need-more-addiction-and-mental-health-support-but-the-states-network-is-fragile/
Advocates say Oregon can do more to help moms with addiction
Substance use and mental health disorders are driving more maternal deaths in Oregon than any other cause
www.investigatewest.org
November 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM
OR | Pregnant Oregonians need more addiction and mental health support — but the state’s network is fragile
#NBHAPIndustryNews
https://www.investigatewest.org/pregnant-oregonians-need-more-addiction-and-mental-health-support-but-the-states-network-is-fragile/
#NBHAPIndustryNews
https://www.investigatewest.org/pregnant-oregonians-need-more-addiction-and-mental-health-support-but-the-states-network-is-fragile/
A chapter of the National Organization for Women urged Idaho Gov. Brad and DOC Director Bree Derrick to “immediately ensure the safety of the women in its custody” and called for stricter background checks and stronger accountability for abusive prison staff.
www.investigatewest.org/idaho-leader...
www.investigatewest.org/idaho-leader...
Idaho urged to act following prison sexual abuse reports
InvestigateWest reporters uncovered years of sexual abuse by women’s prison guards prompting calls for independent investigation
www.investigatewest.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:52 PM
A chapter of the National Organization for Women urged Idaho Gov. Brad and DOC Director Bree Derrick to “immediately ensure the safety of the women in its custody” and called for stricter background checks and stronger accountability for abusive prison staff.
www.investigatewest.org/idaho-leader...
www.investigatewest.org/idaho-leader...
41% of Oregon maternal deaths between 2018 and 2021 involved mental health or substance use as a driving factor. While experts say these deaths are likely preventable, the programs to help parents navigating pregnancy and addiction are fragile.
www.investigatewest.org/pregnant-ore...
www.investigatewest.org/pregnant-ore...
Advocates say Oregon can do more to help moms with addiction
Substance use and mental health disorders are driving more maternal deaths in Oregon than any other cause
www.investigatewest.org
November 12, 2025 at 10:15 PM
41% of Oregon maternal deaths between 2018 and 2021 involved mental health or substance use as a driving factor. While experts say these deaths are likely preventable, the programs to help parents navigating pregnancy and addiction are fragile.
www.investigatewest.org/pregnant-ore...
www.investigatewest.org/pregnant-ore...
The first formerly incarcerated lawmaker in WA had her convictions vacated in 2023, and she said it felt like being freed from an "invisible prison." This year, emails show, she supported cuts to legal aid groups that help others do the same.
www.investigatewest.org/make-it-make...
www.investigatewest.org/make-it-make...
WA lawmaker backed cuts to legal aid for people like herself
After being fired from the legal aid group she once led, Rep. Tarra Simmons supported state cuts that crippled similar organizations
www.investigatewest.org
November 11, 2025 at 8:10 PM
The first formerly incarcerated lawmaker in WA had her convictions vacated in 2023, and she said it felt like being freed from an "invisible prison." This year, emails show, she supported cuts to legal aid groups that help others do the same.
www.investigatewest.org/make-it-make...
www.investigatewest.org/make-it-make...
Even before being convicted of a crime, Indigenous youth in Washington state are 6.4 times more likely to be kept in detention than white children.
www.investigatewest.org/native-ameri...
www.investigatewest.org/native-ameri...
Native American kids in WA more likely to be arrested
Before and after trial and even for low-level, nonviolent crimes, Native American youths are locked up at higher rates
www.investigatewest.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Even before being convicted of a crime, Indigenous youth in Washington state are 6.4 times more likely to be kept in detention than white children.
www.investigatewest.org/native-ameri...
www.investigatewest.org/native-ameri...
Gov. Brad Little said in a statement that he's asked the Board of Corrections to look into complaints of sexual abuse uncovered by our reporting. www.investigatewest.org/idaho-leader...
November 7, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Gov. Brad Little said in a statement that he's asked the Board of Corrections to look into complaints of sexual abuse uncovered by our reporting. www.investigatewest.org/idaho-leader...
Reposted
In a letter to Gov. Little, @now4idaho.bsky.social condemned the state’s “shameful” failure to protect women from sexual abuse by prison staff & called for an independent investigation & "immediate" action - prompted by @investigatewest.bsky.social reporting. www.investigatewest.org/idaho-leader...
November 7, 2025 at 12:12 AM
In a letter to Gov. Little, @now4idaho.bsky.social condemned the state’s “shameful” failure to protect women from sexual abuse by prison staff & called for an independent investigation & "immediate" action - prompted by @investigatewest.bsky.social reporting. www.investigatewest.org/idaho-leader...
Reposted
"In Idaho prisons, more than two dozen women say guards prey on them with little fear of consequences — and those who speak up are often punished."
The U.S. is a leader in women's incarceration, and behind bars, women are anything but safe. 🧵
The U.S. is a leader in women's incarceration, and behind bars, women are anything but safe. 🧵
Staff sex abuse in Idaho women’s prisons largely unchecked
InvestigateWest reporting exposes sexual abuse by guards, retaliation against victims and a system that fails to track the scope of the problem
www.investigatewest.org
November 4, 2025 at 8:20 PM
"In Idaho prisons, more than two dozen women say guards prey on them with little fear of consequences — and those who speak up are often punished."
The U.S. is a leader in women's incarceration, and behind bars, women are anything but safe. 🧵
The U.S. is a leader in women's incarceration, and behind bars, women are anything but safe. 🧵
For example: last summer, seven women accused Idaho prison staff of sexual abuse, but criminal probes didn't happen in four of those cases, and police only contacted 1 of the 7 alleged perpetrators. www.investigatewest.org/case-closed-...
In Idaho prisons, abuse by guards is rarely investigated
Audio recordings and records obtained by InvestigateWest reveal sloppy investigations, omitted evidence and questions about whether cases were properly pursued
www.investigatewest.org
November 3, 2025 at 5:04 PM
For example: last summer, seven women accused Idaho prison staff of sexual abuse, but criminal probes didn't happen in four of those cases, and police only contacted 1 of the 7 alleged perpetrators. www.investigatewest.org/case-closed-...
39 people died in WA prisons last year, a number that rose during the pandemic. At least three other prisoners died of infections during FY 2024, one of whom was 45 years old. Read this story by @brandonblock.bsky.social - www.investigatewest.org/how-a-wa-pri...
October 30, 2025 at 3:51 PM
39 people died in WA prisons last year, a number that rose during the pandemic. At least three other prisoners died of infections during FY 2024, one of whom was 45 years old. Read this story by @brandonblock.bsky.social - www.investigatewest.org/how-a-wa-pri...
When an alleged domestic abuser in Washington state is ordered to surrender their guns, state law lays out a process to ensure guns are actually turned over. It's straightforward in theory - but people lie. www.investigatewest.org/many-wa-coun...
Many Washington counties don't verify abusers turned in guns
While some counties are devoting money to track down guns, others rely on the honor system to ensure firearms are turned over
www.investigatewest.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:49 PM
When an alleged domestic abuser in Washington state is ordered to surrender their guns, state law lays out a process to ensure guns are actually turned over. It's straightforward in theory - but people lie. www.investigatewest.org/many-wa-coun...
Idaho incarcerates more women per capita than any other state, driven largely by harsh drug charges with mandatory minimum sentences. The law barring prison staff from sexual contact with inmates has no mandatory minimum - most offenders avoid prison. www.investigatewest.org/idaho-law-ch...
How Idaho’s prison sex abuse law protects predatory guards
When guards are charged, plea deals offer leniency
www.investigatewest.org
October 28, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Idaho incarcerates more women per capita than any other state, driven largely by harsh drug charges with mandatory minimum sentences. The law barring prison staff from sexual contact with inmates has no mandatory minimum - most offenders avoid prison. www.investigatewest.org/idaho-law-ch...
Alex Kuhnhausen developed a bacterial infection while in solitary confinement. The repeated failures that followed offer a rare look at how decisions made by prison officials can turn treatable ailments deadly, @brandonblock.bsky.social reports.
www.investigatewest.org/how-a-wa-pri...
www.investigatewest.org/how-a-wa-pri...
October 27, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Alex Kuhnhausen developed a bacterial infection while in solitary confinement. The repeated failures that followed offer a rare look at how decisions made by prison officials can turn treatable ailments deadly, @brandonblock.bsky.social reports.
www.investigatewest.org/how-a-wa-pri...
www.investigatewest.org/how-a-wa-pri...
Washington state requires certain alleged domestic abusers to surrender their guns, but many counties lack mechanisms to actually verify if guns are turned over, relying on the honor system instead. www.investigatewest.org/many-wa-coun...
Many Washington counties don't verify abusers turned in guns
While some counties are devoting money to track down guns, others rely on the honor system to ensure firearms are turned over
www.investigatewest.org
October 27, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Washington state requires certain alleged domestic abusers to surrender their guns, but many counties lack mechanisms to actually verify if guns are turned over, relying on the honor system instead. www.investigatewest.org/many-wa-coun...
Mercer Island School District said it is investigating former English teacher Curtis Johnston hours after InvestigateWest reported how the district had previously dismissed allegations that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a student in 2011 www.investigatewest.org/investigatio...
October 25, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Mercer Island School District said it is investigating former English teacher Curtis Johnston hours after InvestigateWest reported how the district had previously dismissed allegations that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a student in 2011 www.investigatewest.org/investigatio...
The teacher was called to an Aug. 2011 personnel meeting over the allegations. The goal, according to school district records: "To protect Curtis and the District." bit.ly/43uI0Ev
October 23, 2025 at 3:20 PM
The teacher was called to an Aug. 2011 personnel meeting over the allegations. The goal, according to school district records: "To protect Curtis and the District." bit.ly/43uI0Ev