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 ‘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
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
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 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
Opinion The Gates divorce and the risks of billionaire philanthropy Relying on the charity of the uber wealthy is a poor substitute for the kind of ongoing support more progressive taxes can provide. by Samantha Allen / May 14, 2021
Opinion Let’s stop the shaming at Seattle’s parks Seattleites have received mixed messages about spending time in parks. We should encourage outdoor socialization as much as possible. by Samantha Allen / April 30, 2021
Opinion Are democracy vouchers enough to keep Seattle elections local? The 2019 election cycle was a warning sign about big spending. Small donor matching programs could bolster our democracy. by Samantha Allen / April 19, 2021
Opinion Why Seattle’s industrial district needs more trees There’s no real excuse to have so little canopy in SoDo. It doesn’t have to be ‘like the forgotten land.’ by Samantha Allen / April 2, 2021
Opinion What Biden's win means: The rights of LGBTQ people As the Biden-Harris administration prepares to take power, Crosscut asked six opinion writers to share early thoughts on what comes next. by Samantha Allen / November 9, 2020