Politics Despite industry pushback, WA farmworkers will keep overtime pay Since Jan. 1, agriculture has a 40-hour work week. But the system drew concerns from some growers over labor costs — and has workers split, too. by Mai Hoang / February 6, 2024
Politics $4K for kids' hearing aids? Many WA insurers won’t help and now parents want a fix A plan in the state Legislature would require private insurers to cover the devices, which must be replaced every few years. by Melissa Santos / December 16, 2019
News SATs no longer required for admission at some Washington colleges More colleges and universities in Washington state are ditching the SAT and ACT as requirements for admissions. It's part of a nationwide trend. by Melissa Santos / December 10, 2019
Politics Black women could triple their numbers in Washington Legislature A Black person hasn't served in the state Senate for a decade. That could change with this year's election. by Melissa Santos / July 17, 2020
Politics Chokeholds, tear gas, police reform top agenda for WA Legislature Recent protests against police brutality could spur new rules — and new ways to hold officers accountable. by Melissa Santos / July 3, 2020
Equity Black pot entrepreneurs fight for piece of Washington's very white marijuana industry “They were prosecuting us the most for cannabis...now, they’re on the street corners in our neighborhoods, selling that stuff to us." by Melissa Santos / February 13, 2020
Politics Black consultants accuse WA Democratic groups of racism Consultants of color say they’re systematically left off ‘the list’ of who gets hired for campaigns. They have ideas to fix that. by Melissa Santos / June 12, 2020 / Updated 4 p.m. June 12
Politics Black-owned pot shops are rare in WA. Can a task force fix that? A plan to bring social equity to the state's mostly white marijuana industry was delayed by COVID-19. Now, things are inching forward. by Melissa Santos / December 29, 2020
Politics New laws aim to keep people from losing their homes in Washington Help for renters and homeowners is on the way as the state’s eviction moratorium is set to expire June 30. by Melissa Santos / May 18, 2021
Equity Insurers in WA must cover transgender health care under new bill The state’s push to protect access to health care for transgender people contrasts with recent actions in other state legislatures. by Melissa Santos / May 7, 2021