File Them Away

The Wackiest Bills at Washington's Legislative Session

A gubernatorial electoral college, zipper merging, a state dinosaur...it's all (technically) up for debate at Washington's legislative session.

9:54am By Benjamin Cassidy

Climate Change

Environmental Justice Arrives in Washington State Law

Communities closest to pollution have sounded the alarm for decades. This year, Olympia finally said: We hear you.

05/17/2021 By Erin Wong

Group Chat

Should Washington Embrace a Four-Day Workweek?

A bill to trim our 40-hour norm didn’t gain traction in Olympia this year. But a political backer and two early adopters say the pandemic may change some minds.

12/03/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

2020 Election

Bummed about Biden? Celebrate These Local Progressive Wins

The president-elect's record shouldn't overshadow down-ballot triumphs for Puget Sound region progressives.

11/10/2020 By Christy Carley

Snap Judgment

Should Washingtonians Be Able to Grow Their Own?

Three locals’ quick hits on whether the state that pioneered recreational weed should finally hop on the home-grow bandwagon.

04/08/2020 By Marisa Comeau-Kerege

Cannabis Chronicles

Another Hit to Washington Home Growing

Companion bills to legalize recreational cannabis cultivation never took root in Olympia.

02/14/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Snap Judgment

What Should Be on the 2020 Washington State Legislative Agenda?

As lawmakers convene on January 13 to kick off the 2020 session, three Washingtonians opine on what they’d like to see.

12/23/2019 By Marisa Comeau-Kerege

LET US PROPOSE A TOAST

November's Perfect Party: A Skydiving Centenarian and Public Transit Warrior

Plus, the pro baller, history-making politician, and viral songwriter who round out the month’s most distinguished locals and visitors.

10/22/2019 By Seattle Met Staff

Body Slam Poetry

Defy Is Changing Everything About Wrestling in Seattle

Seattle’s wrestling landscape sat barren for years. Now the independent professional circuit is coming back into the ring.

07/23/2019 By Rosin Saez

Explainer

What the Heck Is Blockchain?

If cryptocurrency is virtual cash, blockchain is the security—and it’s only getting bigger.

05/29/2019 By Philip Kiefer

It's Getting Hot in Here

Seattle City Council Candidates Eye a Green New Deal

As the Democratic Party wrestles with a Green New Deal and Washington makes climate progress, city council candidates are bringing new urgency to Seattle’s e...

05/03/2019 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

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

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

Olympia Dispatch

Washington Could Move Up Its Presidential Primary Date

Will this state's vote finally matter in 2020?

01/31/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Housing and Homelessness

Advocates Call for State Protections Against Eviction

A new study published by Washington Community Action Network surveyed more than 800 tenants about their experiences with rental housing.

01/30/2019 By Haley Gray

Olympia Dispatch

10 Bills to Watch for This Legislative Session

Democratic lawmakers will be busy tackling a progressive agenda in the coming months.

01/22/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Feature

Women Erased: How Washington Has Failed Missing Native Women

More Native American women have been counted as missing or murdered here than almost anywhere in the country. But authorities are at a loss on how to track, let alone stop, the trend.

12/18/2018 By Hayat Norimine Photography by Lindsey Wasson

What Happens in Olympia

A Guide to Understanding the 66th Legislative Session

From a capital gains tax to action on climate change, these are the bills to watch during the extra long session.

12/14/2018 By Hayat Norimine