Politics Washington Legislature aims to regulate AI — but treads cautiously ‘You don’t want to stop innovation. You don’t want to stop commerce. But you don’t want to stop people’s civil rights.’ by John Stang / January 12, 2024 / Updated 12:30 p.m.
Investigations Whatcom County paid $225K to settle sexual harassment complaints Multiple women accused a public works director of inappropriate conduct. Officials helped him get a new job by agreeing not to share the allegations. by Brandon Block / April 19, 2024
Investigations Washington UTC chair who used racial slur asked to resign An investigation found two commissioners allegedly used derogatory language, disregarded harassment complaints and failed to advance equity policies. by Brandon Block / March 15, 2024
News Facing shortages, WA expands police trainings and fronts the bill While the Legislature will fund law enforcement instruction, in recent sessions it failed to allow cities to reroute tax revenue to hire new cops. by John Stang / April 17, 2024
Politics Will WA ever end supermajority law for school construction bonds? Bonds raise taxes for building and maintenance. While the proposal faces hurdles, there is a precedent — school levies needed 60% approval until 2007. by John Stang / February 9, 2024 / Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Investigations WA intercepts millions in child support for low-income families In 2022, the state took over $40 million meant for impoverished children. A bipartisan bill could redirect a portion of future payments to families. by Brandon Block / January 25, 2024
Environment Gas prices too high? WA residents may get $200 back for utilities The Legislature considers offering rebates to middle- and low-income households to offset fuel costs blamed on the new cap-and-invest program. by John Stang / February 22, 2024
Investigations WA health officials throw away millions of pandemic supplies Masks, gowns, gloves and more: States are culling their expired stockpiles, but medical experts say the waste shows a system unprepared for disasters. by Brandon Block / February 23, 2024
Environment WA’s carbon pricing system may fund $200M for new electric ferries But if voters repeal the cap-and-trade program in a November referendum, the plan to convert three diesel vessels to hybrid may need other funding sources. by John Stang / March 4, 2024
Politics WA legislators are pushing new gun bills. Here’s what could pass A batch of regulations are likely headed to Gov. Inslee’s desk – including one that would require reporting lost or stolen firearms within 24 hours. by John Stang / March 4, 2024