Environment Washington slates $50M for trees to shade salmon streams Gov. Jay Inslee and a bipartisan group of legislators are using a low-tech approach to combat deadly warming waters. by John Stang / May 16, 2023
Environment To protect orcas, boats in Puget Sound must stay 1,000 yards away SB 5371 expands the buffer zone for endangered southern resident killer whales, who depend on sonar to hunt and communicate in the Salish Sea. by John Stang / April 18, 2023 / Updated at 4:20 p.m. on April 19
Politics How federal weed legalization would impact Washington state Senate Bill 5069 — one of several marijuana-related bills this legislative session — lays the groundwork for interstate trade. by John Stang / March 3, 2023
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 Why are gas prices rising at stations unaffected by cap-and-trade? Even oil companies not participating in the state’s new carbon auction system are pumping up the cost to the consumer. by John Stang / October 23, 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 Cap-and-trade, climate change return to the 2024 WA Legislature On the agenda starting Jan. 8: Spending Washington’s carbon tax, tweaking the cap-and-invest program and taking a stab at utility rebates. by John Stang / January 3, 2024
Environment WA’s carbon pricing system may fund $200M for new electric ferries But if voters repeal the cap-and-trade program in a November referendum, the plan to convert three diesel vessels to hybrid may need other funding sources. by John Stang / March 4, 2024
Politics WA legislators are pushing new gun bills. Here’s what could pass A batch of regulations are likely headed to Gov. Inslee’s desk – including one that would require reporting lost or stolen firearms within 24 hours. by John Stang / March 4, 2024