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 PNW voter education efforts aim to combat election fraud claims New campaigns in Washington and other states hope to shore up public trust ahead of the November midterms. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / October 12, 2022
Politics Washington and Oregon may regulate the wild West of crypto mining Environmental policies would affect bitcoin operations in the Northwest, which have seen a swell of interest driven by cheap hydropower. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / January 31, 2023
Equity Study reveals internet access inequities in Seattle and Portland CenturyLink offers some poorer neighborhoods with more residents of color slower internet for higher prices, an analysis found. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / January 4, 2023
News PNW schools scramble to find staff before the start of classes Districts report worker shortages from bus drivers to special education teachers. They're hiring less experienced candidates to fill the gaps. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / August 29, 2022
News WA foster parents say the state still hasn’t fixed its investigative system The state has been aware for years that fears of retaliation and frustration around investigations have driven away some otherwise willing foster parents. by Kaylee Tornay InvestigateWest / August 10, 2023