Environment To protect orcas, boats in Puget Sound must stay 1,000 yards away SB 5371 expands the buffer zone for endangered southern resident killer whales, who depend on sonar to hunt and communicate in the Salish Sea. by John Stang / April 18, 2023 / Updated at 4:20 p.m. on April 19
Politics WA may end mandatory sentencing points based on juvenile convictions HB 1324 hopes to remedy the harm of the racist 'superpredator' myth, which has lengthened the sentences for mostly Indigenous and Black youth. by Luna Reyna / April 18, 2023 / Updated on 2:10 on April 20
News Seattle's Mayor Harrell announces plan to 'revitalize' Downtown An executive order issued Monday calls for additional addiction treatment options, reviving small businesses and more. by Donna Gordon Blankinship / April 17, 2023
News Washington is still offering stipends to homeless-service workers Human-services employees can apply through June 2 to receive $2,000. by Josh Cohen / April 17, 2023
News Seattle city budget outlook reflects an uncertain economy Inflation, widespread tech layoffs and a depressed real estate market will lead to less tax revenue. by Josh Cohen / April 14, 2023
Politics WA House passes bill to make drug possession a misdemeanor The amended measure mandates a less-severe punishment than previous versions and drops a requirement for pre-arrest substance-abuse services. by Joseph O’Sullivan / April 12, 2023 / Updated at 3 p.m.
Politics WA Senate passes "missing middle" bill to increase housing density House Bill 1110 is one of several proposals this year intended to ease an affordability crisis across Washington due to a statewide shortage. by Joseph O’Sullivan / April 11, 2023
News Rulings in WA, Texas could set up new Supreme Court abortion debate AG Bob Ferguson sued to prevent new restrictions on mifepristone, conflicting with a Texas judge's decision to revoke the drug's FDA approval. by Megan Burbank / April 11, 2023
Politics How Washington plans to spend money from the new carbon-cap law Lawmakers are looking to invest revenue from the Climate Commitment Act in electric buses, ferries and more clean-energy projects around the state. by Joseph O’Sullivan / April 10, 2023
Politics Washington Senate passes ban on assault-style rifles Perhaps lawmakers' strongest action on firearms regulations to date, the proposal needs one more vote in the House before going to the desk of Gov. Inslee. by Joseph O’Sullivan / April 8, 2023 / Updated at 5:48 p.m., on April 25