News Over half of WA school bond measures get majority vote, but fail Only seven of 21 school bonds statewide got supermajority votes, but 91% of school operations levies, which require only a simple majority, passed. by Venice Buhain / February 20, 2024
News Flu and COVID vaccines coming to Washington Health officials are encouraging vaccinations for COVID-19, influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) ahead of the winter illness season. by Venice Buhain / September 18, 2023 / Updated: September 22, 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
Environment Readers sound off on Washington’s high gas prices The state’s cap-and-trade system is met with skepticism and grudging acceptance as companies pass the program’s cost to consumer pocketbooks. by Venice Buhain / September 5, 2023 / Updated: Sept. 7, 2023
News King County Council considers increasing minimum wage to $19/hour The legislation, introduced by Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, would make the rate for unincorporated parts of King County among the nation's highest. by Venice Buhain / September 7, 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 The new year brings new WA laws for guns, minimum wage and more Here are 12 new policies that will come into effect in 2024. by Venice Buhain / January 1, 2024
Indigenous Affairs Washington State University earns $15M a year on stolen land A Grist report reveals that over the past 150 years, WSU has collected at least $1B in profit from land taken from 21 Indigenous nations. by Venice Buhain / February 7, 2024
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