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
Opinion Why the climate package from Washington state Democrats falls short Two bills before the state Legislature impose new costs and bureaucracies without reducing emissions all that much. by Bill Bryant / April 21, 2021
Opinion What Inslee should look for when appointing a new WA secretary of state The only Republican in a statewide seat is joining the Biden administration. Here’s what our governor should consider when replacing her. by Bill Bryant / November 10, 2021
Opinion Why we should honor Billy Frank Jr. in the U.S. Capitol The legendary Nisqually activist was a passionate leader who focused on finding solutions. He taught me to temper zeal with pragmatism. by Bill Bryant / March 25, 2021
Opinion Port of Seattle races should have voters thinking beyond city limits King County voters elect port commissioners, but the impacts of the job are felt in communities throughout Washington state. by Bill Bryant / October 28, 2021 / Updated Nov. 2 at 3:55 p.m.