Politics

The Birds & the Bees

Can a Divided Washington Agree on a Revamped Sex-Ed Policy?

A new bill would make sex education mandatory in schools across the state, addressing topics like gender identity and consent.

04/23/2019 By Haley Gray

Climate Guy

Can Jay Inslee Make Voters Care Enough About Climate Change?

The Washington governor’s running for POTUS on that single campaign issue.

04/15/2019 By James Ross Gardner

Explainer

Seattle Labor Unions Then and Now

Activism is in Seattle’s DNA. The city’s worker movement was, and remains, a prominent force in the political scene. But what’s changed and what’s stayed the same?

03/26/2019 By Rosin Saez

Growth Hangover

Seattle City Council Passed Its Biggest Affordable Housing Measure in Years

Called the MHA expansion, the plan allows larger buildings in certain areas across the city and pays for thousands of units of new affordable housing.

03/19/2019 By Philip Kiefer

The Silent Treatment

How Does Jenny Durkan Compare to Past Mayors When it Comes to Public Disclosure?

A new executive, a new administration—same transparency problems?

02/26/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Turnover City

5 of Mike O'Brien's Most Memorable Moments

Seattle City Council member Mike O'Brien announced that he won't seek reelection, blowing open another council race.

02/15/2019 By Philip Kiefer

Housing and Homelessness

New Study Shows the Racial Impact of Washington's Housing Crisis

In King County, data suggests one in 11 black adults was evicted between 2013 and 2017—and it's even worse in Pierce County.

02/12/2019 By Haley Gray

This Week in Politics

Top 10 Stories: Deadly Use of Force Law, Sales Tax Credit, and Evictions

Your weekly dose of top political stories.

02/08/2019 By Anne Dennon

Dirt After Death

Human Composting Offers a Green New Way to Die

Like cremation but in a box of dirt, the new process could soon be legal in Washington.

02/07/2019 By Allison Williams

Progressive Taxation

Democratic Lawmakers Push a Sales Tax Exemption for Low-Income Households

State lawmakers already approved this program in 2008—but then the recession hit. It was never fully funded.

02/07/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Housing and Homelessness

7 Questions Answered About Seattle's Fight Against Eviction

Seattle City Council members say they plan to combat the "eviction crisis."

02/06/2019 By Haley Gray

Snap Judgment

Should Jay Inslee Run for President?

The Washington governor, best known for his climate agenda, has fueled speculation on a 2020 bid for over a year.

02/06/2019 By Emma Scher

In Transit

Lisa Herbold Still Hates the Streetcar

The $285.8 million price tag and $65.3 million shortfall could be her best chance to kill the project.

02/06/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

Governor Signs Off on Changes to New Deadly Force Law

Legislators needed a two-thirds majority vote to change an initiative passed by voters.

02/05/2019 By Hayat Norimine

That Washington

State of the Union Guests: Who Are Our Lawmakers Inviting?

Washington's Democratic congressional delegates are sending a message.

02/05/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Housing and Homelessness

Sawant Wants to Change Hiring Process for Human Services Director

The council member blocked mayor Jenny Durkan's appointment choice in committee, demanding instead a different way to hire for the role.

02/05/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Seattle Squeeze

Did the State Get It Wrong on the Viaduct?

Carmageddon didn't happen. Why?

02/02/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Progressive Taxation

Should Washington Ditch a "Tampon Tax"? Here's Why It's Complicated.

Council member Teresa Mosqueda wants Seattle to lead by exempting menstrual products from the sales tax.

02/01/2019 By Anne Dennon

Road Requiem

Viaduct Celebrations Make Way for New SR 99 Tunnel

Seattle pays homage to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and welcomes its replacement.

02/01/2019 By Gwen Hughes

This Week in Politics

Top 10 Stories: Super Tuesday, Schultz, and Homegrown Weed

Your weekly dose of top political stories.

02/01/2019 By Anne Dennon