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 How Trump’s wall could hurt WA’s wildfire readiness An upgrade to the fire department at the Yakima Training Center is on the list of military projects that might be put on hold due to the president’s emergency declaration. by Kevin Knodell / March 26, 2019
Politics State must protect foster children from abuse, court rules In a 5-4 ruling, the Washington state Supreme Court sided with the five former foster children who had been abused. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / November 1, 2018
Why so many female veterans are homeless A U.S. Army Pvt. pulls her way to the top of an obstacle during basic combat training. by Kevin Knodell / November 10, 2016
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
Politics Washington Legislature charts ‘new beginning’ in climate change fight As the dust settles in Olympia, the state has finally embraced cap and trade, electric cars and environmental justice. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / May 3, 2021 / Updated at 8:30 a.m. on May 4
Politics Inside Washington’s $328M push to prevent disastrous wildfires The state Legislature is considering a massive investment to step up firefighting, improve forests and secure communities near the fire lines. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / April 16, 2021 / Updated at 4:20 a.m. on April 20