Politics Legislature decides WA schools should include LGBTQ+ history SB 5462 would require state curricula to teach the perspectives and experiences of historically marginalized groups. by Scarlet Hansen / March 14, 2024
Politics 2024 WA Legislature passes bills on guns, environment, education Yet lawmakers failed to advance most housing initiatives. From AI task forces to child marriage, here is how some standout bills fared. by Donna Gordon Blankinship & Scarlet Hansen / March 11, 2024
Politics A heap of housing bills failed in WA’s legislative session Proposals concerning rent stabilization and increased housing density died this time, in contrast to 2023’s “year of housing” when 10 passed. by Scarlet Hansen / March 7, 2024 / Updated at 3:40 p.m. on March 7
Politics How the Israel/Hamas war influenced a WA genocide education bill The proposal failed over a debate about the curriculum, its development and inclusivity. by Scarlet Hansen / March 5, 2024
News WA school districts aren’t following up on their truant students Laws on unexcused absences are meant to keep kids safe, but a lack of resources and fear of court have kept districts from completing necessary steps. by Kelsey Turner InvestigateWest / March 5, 2024
Politics Many WA youth exiting mental health treatment face homelessness Shelter resources are scarce for unhoused young adults completing inpatient care. HB 1929 would establish at least two residential programs for them. by Scarlet Hansen / March 1, 2024 / Updated at 2:45 p.m. on April 3
Politics WA debates bill on ‘stealthing,’ or lying about sexual protection HB 1958 would create a penalty of up to $5K for nonconsensual removal or misleading someone about the use of devices like condoms and dental dams. by Scarlet Hansen / February 21, 2024
Politics WA Legislature keeps most of its priority bills alive — so far At the 2024 session midpoint, lawmakers are focusing on big statewide issues such as clean energy, rent stabilization and police accountability. by Donna Gordon Blankinship & Scarlet Hansen / February 15, 2024 / Updated at 11:50 a.m. on Feb. 15
Indigenous Affairs How the case of a missing Indigenous teen fell through the cracks No one was looking for Kit Nelson-Mora, despite warning signs, until a friend contacted police over a year after their disappearance in Omak. by Kelsey Turner InvestigateWest / February 14, 2024
Politics WA bill would add explicit ‘deepfakes’ to child pornography laws HB 1999 would close a legal recourse loophole by outlawing the use of a minor’s face to digitally fabricate sexual content. by Scarlet Hansen / February 13, 2024