Environment Whatcom County farmers blame Canada for Nooksack River bacteria The pollution poses a threat to the Portage Bay shellfish beds of the Lummi Nation and raises health concerns for valley residents. by Laurel Demkovich Washington State Standard / June 23, 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 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 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 ‘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
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 New Washington laws aim to break foster care-to-prison pipeline As the state looks to reform its juvenile justice system, special attention is being given to foster children. by Elizabeth Amon The Imprint / August 17, 2021
Environment Heat and smoke protections for WA farmworkers may fall short While deaths and illnesses among agricultural workers mount, state regulators face pressure to do more to protect them. by Elizabeth Amon / August 13, 2021
News Lummi Nation reimagines foster care for Indigenous families To reconnect parents and children, the tribe opened a supportive family housing center. by Elizabeth Amon The Imprint / August 2, 2021
News WA foster system to stop housing kids in hotels, offices. But then what? The state has until November to fix an ‘egregious problem’ affecting hundreds of Washington children. by Elizabeth Amon The Imprint / July 9, 2021