Environment Seattle’s canopy shrinks as ordinance protects the wrong trees Since 2023, the city has classified more than 2,000 trees as “protected” — without regard to whether they ever were threatened by development. by Robert McClure / InvestigateWest / February 3, 2025
Politics Young Latinos in Spokane hope to make voices heard this election In a specially crucial election, political activists have worked to translate the county voter guide into Spanish and combat disenfranchisement. by Erin Sellers RANGE / November 1, 2024
News WA housing discrimination complaints dip, bucking national trend Allegations are down by over 50% in the state, with most coming from people with disabilities. But claims are at an all-time high nationally. by Laurel Demkovich Washington State Standard / July 22, 2024
Environment Wildlife advocates skeptical of WA wolf count As the state considers removing the species’ endangered status, some argue that the Colville Tribe’s recent population estimate is implausibly high. by Alex Brown & Laurel Demkovich Washington State Standard / July 16, 2024
News Dancers struggle to find work as Eastern WA’s last strip club closes “Clubs shutting down may not immediately lead to trafficking,” says one advocate. “But it immediately leads to all sorts of other vulnerable situations.” by Erin Sellers RANGE Media / June 28, 2024
News Spokane downtown Pride mural isn’t going anywhere, community vows The city-funded rainbow flag has been a frequent vandalism target, but allies have raised $15K to repaint it. by Erin Sellers RANGE Media / June 11, 2024
News WA spent $5B over past decade on homelessness, housing programs The money has helped accelerate housing construction in the state, but there’s still only one affordable home for every five households that need one. by Laurel Demkovich Washington State Standard / May 27, 2024
Environment Washington’s gray wolf populations are making a strong comeback “Recovery is happening right before our eyes.” The species grew by 20% in WA last year, but advocates warn against declaring victory too early. by Laurel Demkovich Washington State Standard / April 26, 2024
Equity Washington patients fear losing access to care as hospitals merge A bill calls for state review of consolidation, as abortions and gender-affirming procedures could be cut by religiously affiliated health systems. by Erin Sellers RANGE Media / February 19, 2024
News A WA city council might give itself the power to ban library books The Liberty Lake proposal would usurp the library board of trustees’ policy-making control, including decisions about which titles to stock. by Aaron Hedge & Erin Sellers RANGE Media / December 5, 2023