Politics WA’s coming budget cuts could dwarf those of the Great Recession A $7 billion shortfall is predicted — so far. Here’s a look at some of the services and state programs that could get cut. by Melissa Santos / June 9, 2020 / 1:29 p.m. June 9
Opinion I gave birth at the start of a pandemic As if becoming a parent wasn't hard enough. by Melissa Santos / April 20, 2020
Politics Washington state donors gave big in Georgia Senate races Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock benefited from more than $7 million in local contributions, many of them from tech workers. by Melissa Santos / January 7, 2021
Politics Poll: WA voters are divided on new taxes to address COVID-19 In a new Crosscut/Elway poll, voters named the pandemic as the state’s No. 1 issue, but favored only 1 of 4 tax measures lawmakers are considering. by Melissa Santos / January 6, 2021
Politics How Seattle's new payroll tax complicates efforts to enact one statewide In considering a new statewide payroll tax, lawmakers want to avoid double-taxing Seattle businesses. by Melissa Santos / January 4, 2021
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