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
Opinion What it's going to take for Tacoma to become an 'anti-racist city' Mayor Victoria Woodards' high ambitions take aim at more than problems with policing. by Rubén Casas / November 30, 2021
Opinion WA’s frontline communities face the brunt of climate change Climate preparedness planning must be guided by those who face the most acute risks. by Rubén Casas / November 5, 2021
Opinion We need our own climate emergency research center Climate change is a global problem, but its impacts vary by location. To meet the needs of the Puget Sound region, we need our own center for research. by Rubén Casas / August 18, 2021
Opinion How the pandemic made us rethink community spaces COVID-19 turned businesses and cultural institutions into vital community gathering places. In the post-pandemic era, we should keep it up. by Rubén Casas / July 1, 2021