Politics National culture wars on race, LGBTQ+ rights come to WA schools Right-wing pushback on school policies and curricula are leading to educator burnout — and fear of personal harm. by Joseph O'Sullivan / September 27, 2023
Politics Bellingham voters consider minimum-wage hike, tenant protections Proponents of the initiatives — one similar to a recent Tacoma campaign — say rising housing costs are spurring the policy efforts. by Joseph O'Sullivan / October 23, 2023
Investigations WA’s $5M youth homelessness effort is ramping up. Is it working? Though the funds helped dozens of young people secure housing, delays and slow spending stalled some programs in their first year. by Elizabeth Whitman Youth Today / August 15, 2023
Politics Tacoma to consider new tenant rights measure on Nov. 7 ballot The debate over renter protections in Washington’s third-largest city could foreshadow broader statewide action. by Joseph O'Sullivan / September 29, 2023
Investigations ‘Home was never a place’: One woman’s life in WA foster care Now 30, Janell Braxton says she continues to reckon with the separations and instability stemming from her time in the foster system. by Elizabeth Whitman & Sam Leeds Youth Today / November 21, 2023
Investigations Researchers team up with court staff to help WA homeless youth H-SYNC — Housing Stability for Youth in Courts — has piloted using evidence-based surveys to identify teenagers in need of support services. by Elizabeth Whitman & Sam Leeds Youth Today / November 14, 2023
Politics Can Washington bridge its political divide? Some want to try Already dreading the 2024 election atmosphere, a bipartisan group of community leaders and politicians are working to “disagree better.” by Joseph O'Sullivan / December 7, 2023
Politics $70.9B WA budget proposal boosts funding for behavioral health Washington lawmakers will offer their own proposals in the legislative session that begins next month. by Joseph O'Sullivan / December 13, 2023 / Updated at 4 p.m. on Dec. 13
Politics New mothers can stay with their babies at this Washington prison The state’s prison nursery is one of only a few in the country intended to support incarcerated mothers amid a simmering debate on crime and drug use. by Joseph O'Sullivan / November 8, 2023
Politics Bellingham minimum wage, Seattle housing measures likely to pass As votes are still being counted, the two initiatives appear to clear while Tacoma’s rental protections proposal is too close to call. by Joseph O'Sullivan / November 9, 2023