Environment Washington’s gray wolf populations are making a strong comeback “Recovery is happening right before our eyes.” The species grew by 20% in WA last year, but advocates warn against declaring victory too early. by Laurel Demkovich Washington State Standard / April 26, 2024
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 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 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 ‘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
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
Environment Scientists help hatchery salmon find the sweet smell of home Confused salmon keep getting lost on their way back to the nest, but wildlife scientists are helping them make scents of the journey. by Jes Burns / December 11, 2018
Environment Will limits on fishing free up salmon for starving orcas? With fishery limits now set, attention turns to rebuilding "overfished" salmon runs and protecting Southern Resident orcas. by Jes Burns OPB / April 22, 2019
Environment Forget Smokey — new tech helps us assess fire danger Visitors to Northwest forests and parks will still see Smokey the Bear and the familiar fire danger color scheme, but new science will inform those predictions. by Jes Burns OPB / April 15, 2019
Environment Old-growth forests could help native songbird species beat climate change How songbirds move could help explain how bird species are dealing with rising temperatures and climate change. by Jes Burns OPB/EarthFix / October 8, 2018