Politics ‘It’s an issue of liberty’: WA will stop jailing kids who run away or skip school Washington is an outlier when it comes to jailing kids for actions that aren't crimes. A new law intends to change that. by Melissa Santos / May 9, 2019
Politics WA’s new climate laws give Inslee a boost. But will they help his White House bid? The governor just signed a raft of climate legislation, helping to strengthen the backbone of his platform. by Melissa Santos / May 8, 2019
Politics Free college is coming for WA families making under $50K A new plan approved by the Legislature will soon provide free tuition to low income families — guaranteed. by Melissa Santos / May 7, 2019
Politics Last-minute tax on big banks ‘very disrespectful’ of public process, critics say Washington Democrats are getting heat for agreeing to include a last-minute tax bill in the state budget — before anyone had even seen it. by Melissa Santos / May 2, 2019
Politics 'This is a civil rights moment': Behind the Legislature's decision to reverse WA's affirmative action ban A new class of lawmakers in Olympia made I-1000 a priority. Bluffing, brinkmanship and good timing helped get it passed. by Melissa Santos / May 1, 2019
Politics WA lawmakers reverse affirmative action ban, pass budget and school-levy changes Legislators narrowly beat the clock to pass a budget and changes to local school-district levies Sunday. They also passed I-1000, to reverse a ban on affirmative action. by Melissa Santos / April 28, 2019
Politics Democrats in Olympia appear to say ‘no’ to capital gains tax At this point, the revenue proposal isn’t included in Washington lawmakers’ final budget deal. by Melissa Santos / April 26, 2019
Politics Olympia’s culture of secrecy reveals itself — again At WA's capitol, rushed budget votes and tight-lipped lawmakers have become a pattern. Some say the public loses. by Melissa Santos / April 26, 2019
Politics WA’s next Speaker of the House will 'almost certainly' be a woman Seattle’s Frank Chopp is stepping down after 20 years as House speaker. So far, women are the ones lining up to permanently replace him. by Melissa Santos / April 26, 2019
Politics Teens caught sexting in WA will no longer be treated as criminals Teens who send nude selfies will no longer face felony sex charges that carry a requirement to register as a sex offender. by Melissa Santos / April 24, 2019