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
Politics National culture wars on race, LGBTQ+ rights come to WA schools Right-wing pushback on school policies and curricula are leading to educator burnout — and fear of personal harm. by Joseph O'Sullivan / September 27, 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 Bellingham voters consider minimum-wage hike, tenant protections Proponents of the initiatives — one similar to a recent Tacoma campaign — say rising housing costs are spurring the policy efforts. by Joseph O'Sullivan / October 23, 2023
Politics Tacoma to consider new tenant rights measure on Nov. 7 ballot The debate over renter protections in Washington’s third-largest city could foreshadow broader statewide action. by Joseph O'Sullivan / September 29, 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
Politics Can Washington bridge its political divide? Some want to try Already dreading the 2024 election atmosphere, a bipartisan group of community leaders and politicians are working to “disagree better.” by Joseph O'Sullivan / December 7, 2023
Politics $70.9B WA budget proposal boosts funding for behavioral health Washington lawmakers will offer their own proposals in the legislative session that begins next month. by Joseph O'Sullivan / December 13, 2023 / Updated at 4 p.m. on Dec. 13
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
Politics New mothers can stay with their babies at this Washington prison The state’s prison nursery is one of only a few in the country intended to support incarcerated mothers amid a simmering debate on crime and drug use. by Joseph O'Sullivan / November 8, 2023