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
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
Growth Newcomers fleeing expensive housing are finding it again in Spokane. Now they want protections A slate of measures intended to support low-income residents and reduce homelessness awaits a vote by the city council. by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / January 14, 2020
Environment Amid pandemic meat shortage, a stampede for local beef Washington's small slaughterhouses see a boom as COVID hits big meat processors. Will it last? by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / May 26, 2020
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
Environment WA's endangered pygmy rabbits bounce back from the brink Recovering the endangered rabbits will test society’s willingness to let nature reclaim a landscape. by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / June 10, 2019
Environment Concerned over dwindling salmon, advocates seek a political route to dam removal After decades of court cases have rebuffed federal management, it may take a political fix to restore salmon in the Columbia Basin. by Carl Segerstrom High Country News / October 1, 2019