News New COVID-19 reopening plan in Washington state begins Jan. 11 The two-phase plan sets benchmarks for resuming some activities that are currently banned, such as indoor dining. by Melissa Santos / December 30, 2020 / Updated 4:30 p.m. January 5, 2021
Politics Black-owned pot shops are rare in WA. Can a task force fix that? A plan to bring social equity to the state's mostly white marijuana industry was delayed by COVID-19. Now, things are inching forward. by Melissa Santos / December 29, 2020
Politics New laws aim to keep people from losing their homes in Washington Help for renters and homeowners is on the way as the state’s eviction moratorium is set to expire June 30. by Melissa Santos / May 18, 2021
Politics Two bills aim to expand public broadband in WA, but there’s a hitch ‘It’s such drama, I’m telling you. I’ve never been in this situation before,’ one lawmaker says. by Melissa Santos / May 17, 2021
Equity Insurers in WA must cover transgender health care under new bill The state’s push to protect access to health care for transgender people contrasts with recent actions in other state legislatures. by Melissa Santos / May 7, 2021
Politics Joe Nguyen challenging Dow Constantine for King County executive Nguyen, a state senator from West Seattle, says Washington's most populous county needs a change in leadership. by Melissa Santos / April 27, 2021 / Updated 4:04 p.m. Thursday, April 29, 2021
Politics Eight big things the Washington State Legislature passed in 2021 A new capital-gains tax, a slate of police accountability bills and new limits on carrying guns at protests are just a few of the things that state lawmakers approved. by Melissa Santos / April 26, 2021
Politics Why new taxes are likely even as Washington is flush with cash Democratic lawmakers say now is the moment to fix the state’s regressive tax code, which they say unfairly burdens low-income people. by Melissa Santos / April 23, 2021
Politics 5 times WA lawmakers failed at working remotely in 2021 Online governing and the state Legislature didn’t always mix as lawmakers went remote during the pandemic. by Melissa Santos / April 22, 2021
Politics The future of WA transportation hinges on carbon pricing debate Top legislators want to put a price on carbon to raise money for transportation projects. But with time running out, they can’t agree on the details. by Melissa Santos / April 16, 2021