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
Politics Grocery workers accuse QFC of closing stores as union retaliation The company blames increased labor costs from Seattle’s hazard pay ordinance for forcing the closure of two stores. by Peter Johnson / April 12, 2021
Culture Seattle music clubs say reopening is still months away Vaccination rates are rising and some restrictions have been eased in Phase 3, but club operators say they’re not ready to rock again just yet. by Peter Johnson / May 26, 2021
Culture Saving the birthplace of Seattle karaoke Bush Garden, one of the International District's most beloved institutions. by Peter Johnson / December 15, 2016
Culture U-District bar closes doors and salutes the future: microhousing Photos shared on Knarr Shipwreck Lounge's Facebook page during the day after the bar closed. by Peter Johnson / March 19, 2017