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
Politics 'Free' casino apps prey on addiction, users say, and WA lawmakers are considering a crackdown Several ongoing lawsuits allege that mobile casino games, as well as games that let players buy ‘loot boxes,’ amount to illegal online gambling. by Melissa Santos / February 7, 2020
Politics Iowa caucus chaos has Washington Democrats feeling 'brilliant' for switching to a primary For the first time this year, the state's Democrats won't use neighborhood caucus meetings to help choose a presidential nominee. by Melissa Santos / February 4, 2020 / Updated 1:08 p.m., Feb. 5, 2020
Politics State proposal would let King County tax large businesses to pay for homelessness and housing The measure, aimed at companies with highly paid workers, could allow the county to raise up to $120 million a year. by Melissa Santos & David Kroman / January 29, 2020 / Updated Jan. 29 at 5:58 pm
Politics 'It's a fairness thing': Testing positive for pot wouldn't disqualify you from most WA jobs under new bill Weed use has been legal in Washington state since 2012, but so has refusing to hire adults who lawfully consume the drug. by Melissa Santos / January 29, 2020
Politics WA could test its own version of Andrew Yang's universal basic income A proposed pilot program would give 500 low-income Washingtonians $500 a month. by Melissa Santos / January 27, 2020