News What’s next after Washington passes pro-natural gas measure? Initiative 2066 aimed to keep gas as a utility option for consumers. But potential court challenges could complicate putting it into action. by Jerry Cornfield Washington State Standard / November 29, 2024
Politics Washington state lawmakers may get a 14% raise over next two years A citizen panel recommends the pay bump, which would push annual salaries over $70,000, to keep pace with growing duties and rising costs of living. by Jerry Cornfield Washington State Standard / October 15, 2024
Politics Washington public defenders say the strained system needs funding Too many cases, too few lawyers and too little money hurt local governments’ ability to provide effective counsel to those with financial constraints. by Jerry Cornfield Washington State Standard / February 2, 2024
News What WA leaders are watching for in the Manuel Ellis police trial Members of law enforcement, community organizers and more weigh in on the trial of three Tacoma officers charged in the 2020 death of Ellis. by Jerry Cornfield & Laurel Demkovich & Grace Deng & Bill Lucia Washington State Standard / October 4, 2023
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: Moeties, closed-door caucus meetings and our open government ideal Legislative caucuses are off limits to the press and public, including anthropologists. by David Price / March 19, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: What if lawmakers were more like the people they serve? State Sen. Andy Hill, a prototypical Washington legislator: white, male, well-educated and well to do. Not that there's anything wrong with that. by David Price / February 26, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: Legislating virtual worlds Laws about taxing or not taxing online sales are an example of a cultural invention that dictates the way we view and behave in the "real" world. by David Price / February 22, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: The power of language and the "fear grimace" Facial expressions and posture send signals about relationships and power dynamics. by David Price / February 12, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: An anthropologist in the state capital An anthropologist in the capital, studying state lawmakers in their natural habitat. by David Price / February 11, 2015