News ‘A partial solution’: A closer look at the new WA Cares Fund The long-term care tax program has already stoked controversy, with critics saying the $36,500 benefit is too small to be meaningful. by Laurel Demkovich Washington State Standard / November 23, 2023
Politics Housing, homelessness loom large in the minds of Washington voters Tacoma, Spokane and Bellingham each have ballot measures on these issues, and both voters and candidates have cited them as top priorities. by Laurel Demkovich Washington State Standard / October 31, 2023
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
News Is housing a form of health care? A Washington program says it is Apple Health and Homes has distributed $41M from Medicaid to shelter and support those with behavioral or other health issues. by Laurel Demkovich Washington State Standard / September 15, 2023
Environment Washington cities, counties now required to plan for climate change Starting in 2025, local governments will need to consider emissions and natural disasters in their long-term planning. Some already do. by Laurel Demkovich Washington State Standard / August 8, 2023
Environment Whatcom County farmers blame Canada for Nooksack River bacteria The pollution poses a threat to the Portage Bay shellfish beds of the Lummi Nation and raises health concerns for valley residents. by Laurel Demkovich Washington State Standard / June 23, 2023
News Transit users 18 and younger ride free under new WA program Kids in Washington soon won’t have to pay to use public buses and trains across the state in a new $3 billion transit plan. by Melissa Santos / April 28, 2022
News WA prosecutors who withhold evidence rarely face discipline Legally and ethically, prosecutors are required to turn over evidence — even when it could hurt their case. Those who don’t, however, face few consequences. by Melissa Santos / April 19, 2022
Politics New WA police accountability law can now include past misconduct The state Criminal Justice Training Commission made the decision Wednesday, resolving a dispute about how far back the new law could reach. by Melissa Santos / March 31, 2022 / Updated at 8:31 a.m. Thursday, March 31
Politics WA redistricting panel withheld text messages, possibly breaking the law The messages show the degree of the Legislature's involvement in redrawing political districts — a process handled by a bipartisan commission. by Melissa Santos / March 18, 2022