Environment The key to maintaining and renovating Seattle’s Ballard Locks Engineers work to replace machinery, prevent flooding and maintain antiquated equipment all while minimizing disruption at America’s busiest locks. by Andrew Engelson / February 10, 2025
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
News Could B.C.’s safe drug supply experiment work in Washington? A WA working group is researching how to replicate the system, which provides prescription fentanyl and heroin equivalents to help reduce overdoses. by Andrew Engelson / July 15, 2024
Politics What is an attorney general? They’re more attorney than general As current Washington AG Bob Ferguson leaves office after 12 years, voters will choose a new “lawyer for the entire state.” by Andrew Engelson / May 15, 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
News Puget Sound transit and riders navigate post-pandemic commutes With more people working in-office, local agencies try to make light-rail and bus services more consistent. But they face staff shortages and delays. by Andrew Engelson / March 22, 2024
Environment PFAS in Washington’s well water could make you sick ‘Forever chemicals’ linked to ailments from high cholesterol to cancer are in our clearest aquifers — but steep costs pose cleanup challenges. by Andrew Engelson / February 14, 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 High grocery costs challenge Washington families, food banks Nearly 29,000 households in King County don’t have enough income to cover household basics, according to data from the University of Washington. by Andrew Engelson / November 21, 2023