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
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
News Seattle Asian community answers hate with love and support A year into the pandemic, local Asian activists work to protect and help community members fearing for safety and facing economic strain. by Hannah Krieg / April 13, 2021
Politics Juneteenth could become a Washington state holiday June 19 is already celebrated as the end of slavery in the United States. Lawmakers are debating making it an official government holiday. by Hannah Krieg / January 29, 2021
Politics WA Legislature debates cost and value of launching Equity Office Budget writers may find the money for the new office, but questions remain about where it would get its power and authority. by Hannah Krieg / January 25, 2021
Politics WA pushes beyond clearing sexual assault evidence kits Legislation pushed by advocates, officials and survivors would require trauma-informed training for police officers, further support survivors. by Hannah Krieg / April 5, 2021 / Updated at 9:30 a.m. on April 5
Politics WA looks to end driver’s license suspensions over unpaid debt Lawmakers say connecting unpaid parking tickets to license suspensions amounts to punishing the poor. by Hannah Krieg / March 25, 2021 / Updated at 1:55 p.m. on March 26