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
Environment Big Oil is fighting taxes to help clean up toxic waste sites Senate Democrats are considering a bill that would nearly double the state's hazardous substances tax to pay for the projects, but they may need Republican help to pass it. by Brad Shannon Investigate West / April 25, 2019
Environment Building a seawall? These 'fish cops' might come knocking If passed by the Legislature, the new law would help save small fish and, by way of the food chain, orcas. by Brad Shannon & Robert McClure Investigate West / April 2, 2019
Environment Fixing culverts could save the orcas — but who will pay? Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision, the Washington Legislature must find the funding to rebuild the salmon-blocking structures. by Brad Shannon InvestigateWest / March 12, 2019
Politics Private utilities want more time to meet green goals Washington's Legislature could implement the state's first carbon fee in 2030. Some say that's still too fast. by Brad Shannon & Robert McClure Investigate West / February 26, 2019 / Updated at 3:30 p.m.
Environment WA's push for climate-friendly fuels could also grow jobs Depending on what the Washington Legislature does this session, gas stations could be required to offer more climate-friendly motor fuels. by Brad Shannon & Carolyn Bick InvestigateWest / January 31, 2019
Politics Will Inslee and state Dems make progress on environment this session? Democrats have a solid majority in both houses of the statehouse for the first time in years and a long list of environmental priorities. by Brad Shannon Investigate West / January 22, 2019
