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
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 State audit says WA police seizures require more transparency Though the report said agencies are complying with the law, they could do better at helping people reclaim seized property and tracking demographic data. by Jerry Cornfield Washington State Standard / April 19, 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
Environment Federal affirmative action ruling may impact WA cap-and-trade Allocating funds from the carbon plan to minority communities most affected by pollution could draw legal battles based on the new SCOTUS decision. by Alex Brown Stateline / September 8, 2023
News Where the PNW — and the rest of the U.S. — stands on crypto mining Some state lawmakers see the bitcoin industry’s growth as a good thing. Others, not so much. by Alex Brown Stateline / March 30, 2023
Environment Planting the seeds for Washington's forest restoration efforts Reforestation starts with sufficient seed supply. The state Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the U.S. Forest Service to restock it. by Alex Brown Stateline / February 27, 2023
Environment Skip the woodchipper: Salvaged city trees are the new lumber From Seattle to Baltimore, cities are recycling felled urban trees into furniture, construction projects and guitars. by Alex Brown Stateline / December 20, 2022