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
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: Moeties, closed-door caucus meetings and our open government ideal Legislative caucuses are off limits to the press and public, including anthropologists. by David Price / March 19, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: What if lawmakers were more like the people they serve? State Sen. Andy Hill, a prototypical Washington legislator: white, male, well-educated and well to do. Not that there's anything wrong with that. by David Price / February 26, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: Legislating virtual worlds Laws about taxing or not taxing online sales are an example of a cultural invention that dictates the way we view and behave in the "real" world. by David Price / February 22, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: The power of language and the "fear grimace" Facial expressions and posture send signals about relationships and power dynamics. by David Price / February 12, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: An anthropologist in the state capital An anthropologist in the capital, studying state lawmakers in their natural habitat. by David Price / February 11, 2015
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