Politics What’s in a name? WA wants to officially be ‘The Evergreen State’ “The Chinook State” was the front-runner a century ago, but the Evergreen moniker has been used informally since the state’s founding in 1889. by Emma Schwichtenberg / February 12, 2025
Politics Seattle poised to pass ‘excess compensation’ tax for social housing After the first ballot count in the special election, Seattleites heavily favored a business tax instead of pulling from the Jumpstart payroll tax. by Josh Cohen / February 11, 2025
Investigations Washington legislature considers strengthening youth labor laws A state rep and labor unions push for tougher regulations after Cascade PBS reported on a teen who lost both legs in a school work program. by Lizz Giordano / February 10, 2025
Politics Washington sues to stop ban on funding for gender-affirming care Roughly 100 trans youth provided testimony attached to the suit, in which three doctors and two other states are joining Attorney General Nick Brown as plaintiffs. by John Stang / February 7, 2025
Politics Burien voters could expand new $21.10 minimum wage to more workers The new law took effect last month, but Measure 1, if passed, would reduce exceptions for smaller businesses and carveouts for tips and benefits. by Nate Sanford / February 7, 2025 / Updated: 1:52 p.m.
Politics How a $22M judgment against Cle Elum pushed the city to bankruptcy The Central Washington city’s expensive dispute with a Seattle-based builder illustrates the challenges of crafting long-term development agreements. by Mai Hoang / February 6, 2025
Politics Washington lawmakers weigh new artificial intelligence regulations From “forged digital likenesses” to mandating AI detection software, officials in Olympia are considering four bills on the fast-growing technology. by John Stang / February 5, 2025 / Updated 11:33 a.m.
Mossback A history of vaccine skepticism, from 1920s Seattle to RFK Jr. Current debates over Trump’s controversial DHHS nominee echo the Pacific Northwest’s reputation a century ago as a bastion of “alternative medicine.” by Knute Berger / February 4, 2025
Politics A labor-backed Seattle activist fights for an REI co-op board seat Shemona Moreno nominated herself with support from unionized employees. She and the retail company dispute whether she missed a crucial deadline. by Nate Sanford / January 30, 2025
Politics New Washington bill aims to end fees for child care providers Senate Bill 5130 seeks to eliminate licensing costs to reduce financial strain and expand access for families — but the state would lose $2M annually. by Emma Schwichtenberg / January 29, 2025