Investigations Legislators are shaping their staff’s collective bargaining rights But workers it would affect can’t weigh in. Ethics rules prevent them from lobbying on bills — even ones that would define their ability to unionize. by Lizz Giordano / January 24, 2024
Investigations Over a third of WA’s job safety fines are reduced after appeals One company negotiated a $1.3M reduction with the state’s safety agency after a worker’s hand was crushed, following multiple other violations. by Lizz Giordano / January 5, 2024
Politics Cap-and-trade, climate change return to the 2024 WA Legislature On the agenda starting Jan. 8: Spending Washington’s carbon tax, tweaking the cap-and-invest program and taking a stab at utility rebates. by John Stang / January 3, 2024
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.
Equity Out & Back: Unpacking exclusivity in outdoor activities Alison shares how BIPOC find ways to recreate despite the roadblocks in a conversation with North of Seattle Run Club founder Aaliyah Earvin. by Alison Mariella Désir / February 2, 2024
Investigations A WA bill would extend unemployment pay to workers on strike Advocates say fear of financial hardship undermines bargaining leverage. Opponents say the bill will increase business costs or prolong work stoppages. by Lizz Giordano / February 8, 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
Equity Out & Back: Alison Mariella Désir hits the slopes at Stevens Pass Alison digs into skiing's segregated history, and instructor Annette Diggs shares her experience carving a path for BIPOC youth in the winter sport. by Alison Mariella Désir / February 9, 2024
Equity Out & Back: The tranquility of birdwatching in Seward Park Alison Mariella Désir takes to the new activity like a duck to water, watching for bald eagles and wigeons on a walk with birder Armand Lucas. by Alison Mariella Désir / February 23, 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