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 Your fleece is contaminating our oysters Many shellfish grown in coastal British Columbia have plastic in them, according to research led by shellfish biologist Sarah Dudas. by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / September 14, 2017
Environment On a beautiful and remote NW beach: Trash Derelict floats and other fisher gear make up some of the most visible marine debris dotting Pacific Northwest shorelines. by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / December 12, 2017
Environment On San Juan Island, saving the life of a rare butterfly The island marble, considered one of the rarest butterflies in North America, only exists in a small section of the San Juan Island National Historical Park. Credit: Greg Davis by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / September 4, 2017
Politics Flora, fauna and phones? Mt. Rainier approves cellphone service Mt. Rainier National Park could soon have cell phone access, at Paradise and on nearby hikes. by Ken Christensen for EarthFix / August 14, 2017