Politics Ballot measures: a Western anachronism and lazy democracy Conceived a century ago as a check on government power and corporate cronyism, initiatives and referenda have more often than not been co-opted by those in power. It's also an easy out for elected... by Ted Van Dyk / November 2, 2007
Politics Obama, Act I: a partisan stimulus plan Gov. Chris Gregoire and Sen. Barack Obama at KeyArena, along with Mayor Greg Nickels. (Hal O'Brien, Wikimedia Commons) by Ted Van Dyk / January 29, 2009
Politics Lawmakers want to protect water rights in Washington from Wall Street speculation The legislation comes in response to a multimillion-dollar buying spree by a New York investment firm. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / February 4, 2020
Environment Lawmakers urge fish-friendly fixes to seaside properties A new bill aims to save salmon and orcas, but is drawing opposition from the building industry for its impact on homeowners. by Levi Pulkkinen Investigate West / January 21, 2020 / Updated at 10 a.m. on Feb. 3
Politics WA considers requiring new construction projects to improve the environment A push in the state Legislature could make 'net ecological gain' the new standard for building. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / March 4, 2020
Politics Washington considers banning disposable plastics in restaurants and grocery stores Your favorite takeout spot could go compostable-only under a legislative proposal. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / February 19, 2020
News Coronavirus turns Seattle into America’s laboratory The region is fighting to get ahead of the pandemic with recycled masks and ad hoc medicine. by Levi Pulkkinen / March 18, 2020
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
Politics Washington state poised to ban guns at protests, Capitol grounds Despite opposition from Republicans and gun-rights activists, lawmakers in Olympia are working to deter ad hoc ‘patrols’ and armed protests. by Levi Pulkkinen & Katie Hayes InvestigateWest / April 9, 2021