Politics How WA cities’ lobbying muscle shapes housing, public records bills Lobbyists for the Association of Washington Cities flex the group’s influence in Olympia — including the ability to draft policy themselves. by Joseph O’Sullivan / June 21, 2023
News State Supreme Court upholds Washington Voting Rights Act The court decided the voting rights law to be constitutional and that Latino voters had standing when pursuing a case against Franklin County. by Mai Hoang / June 15, 2023
News Homelessness efforts in Yakima are moving toward permanent housing While the “Housing First” model has gained statewide interest, organizations still face an uphill battle for initial financial investment. by Mai Hoang / June 14, 2023
Politics Judge considers if Central WA redistricting breaks federal law This case is the latest in a series of state and federal lawsuits seeking to address Latino voter dilution in Central Washington. by Mai Hoang / June 2, 2023
Politics Washington state Sen. Mark Mullet announces bid for governor The moderate Democrat from Issaquah joins Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz in seeking the open seat. by Joseph O’Sullivan / June 1, 2023
Politics With Inslee out, candidates are lining up for Washington governor Among those exploring bids for the 2024 election are Bob Ferguson, Hilary Franz, Raul Garcia and Semi Bird. by Joseph O’Sullivan / May 26, 2023 / Updated at 11:30 a.m., on July 6
News Washington labor market still ‘resilient’ amid recession concerns The state is adding lots of jobs, but tech layoffs and fewer openings hint at an economic slowdown. by Mai Hoang / May 19, 2023
Politics Washington lawmakers make drug possession a gross misdemeanor The Legislature needed an extra day to pass the new law after failing to come to an agreement at the end of the 2023 regular session. by Joseph O’Sullivan / May 16, 2023
Politics WA lawmakers’ ‘year of housing’ could ease the affordability crisis The Legislature passed 10 laws and put $1 billion toward one of Washington’s most pressing problems: a statewide lack of accessible shelter. by Joseph O’Sullivan / May 12, 2023
Politics Inslee rolls back COVID vaccine mandate for WA state employees The move was one of the governor’s most controversial pandemic orders as nearly 2,000 Washington employees opted out of getting the jab. by Joseph O’Sullivan / May 10, 2023