Washington State Standard
@washingtonstatestandard.com
A nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet, providing original reporting, analysis and commentary on Washington state policy and politics.
A man who spent 27 years in prison after a wrongful conviction in the 1990s wins a seat on a central Washington school board. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/10/m...
Man who spent 27 years in prison after wrongful conviction wins WA school board seat • Washington State Standard
Evaristo Salas Jr. said there were days he wasn’t sure he would make it out of prison. But one thing he did know was that, if he ever got the chance, he wanted to help the youths of Sunnyside, Washing...
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:12 PM
A man who spent 27 years in prison after a wrongful conviction in the 1990s wins a seat on a central Washington school board. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/10/m...
The U.S. Senate approved a stopgap spending bill Monday that will end the longest government shutdown in American history once the measure becomes law later this week. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/10/r...
US Senate in bipartisan vote passes bill to end record-breaking shutdown, House up next • Washington State Standard
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate was on track to approve a stopgap spending bill Monday that will end the longest government shutdown in American history once the measure becomes law later this week.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:00 AM
The U.S. Senate approved a stopgap spending bill Monday that will end the longest government shutdown in American history once the measure becomes law later this week. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/10/r...
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday took up a Republican-backed challenge to counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day. Depending on how the justices rule, the case could be consequential for Washington and other states that vote by mail. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/10/f...
Fight over counting mail-in ballots after Election Day will go before Supreme Court • Washington State Standard
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday took up a Republican-backed challenge to counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday took up a Republican-backed challenge to counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day. Depending on how the justices rule, the case could be consequential for Washington and other states that vote by mail. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/10/f...
Washington’s attorney general is seeking to reduce public record backlogs as concerns grow over transparency and agencies strain from surging requests. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/10/n...
Need for speed: Plan to unclog WA public records system gets mixed reviews • Washington State Standard
Washington is seeking to reduce public record backlogs as transparency concerns grow and agencies strain from surging requests.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Washington’s attorney general is seeking to reduce public record backlogs as concerns grow over transparency and agencies strain from surging requests. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/10/n...
Deaths and near-fatalities among children in Washington’s child welfare system have slowed, but are still expected to hit a record level in 2025. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/08/d...
Deaths and critical injuries in Washington’s child welfare system near record high • Washington State Standard
Deaths and near-fatalities among children in Washington’s child welfare system have slowed, but are still expected to break a record in 2025.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 9, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Deaths and near-fatalities among children in Washington’s child welfare system have slowed, but are still expected to hit a record level in 2025. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/08/d...
Eight Democratic state lawmakers in Washington retained their seats in this week’s election, with a ninth on the cusp of winning. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/07/d...
Democrats poised for clean sweep of 9 legislative races in WA • Washington State Standard
Eight Democratic state lawmakers in Washington retained their seats in this week’s election, with a ninth on the cusp of winning. State Rep. Edwin Obras inched closer to success Friday in the tightest...
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Eight Democratic state lawmakers in Washington retained their seats in this week’s election, with a ninth on the cusp of winning. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/07/d...
The U.S. Department of Agriculture told states Friday it was releasing full November funding for the nation’s major food assistance program that helps 42 million people afford groceries, complying with a federal court order issued Thursday.
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Full November SNAP benefits to be issued by Trump administration despite shutdown • Washington State Standard
The U.S. Department of Agriculture told states Friday it was releasing full November funding for the nation’s major food assistance program.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:25 PM
The U.S. Department of Agriculture told states Friday it was releasing full November funding for the nation’s major food assistance program that helps 42 million people afford groceries, complying with a federal court order issued Thursday.
washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/07/r...
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Two former Washington state lawmakers will return to public office after winning elections this week. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/07/t...
They’re back. Former WA state lawmakers win local elections • Washington State Standard
Two former Washington state lawmakers will return to local office after handily winning elections this week.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Two former Washington state lawmakers will return to public office after winning elections this week. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/07/t...
Dave Upthegrove on land sales, federal funding cuts and wildfire immigration raids. Washington state’s new lands commissioner came into office with his own ambitious agenda. It’s playing out against a shifting backdrop in D.C. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/07/d...
Dave Upthegrove on land sales, federal funding cuts and wildfire immigration raids • Washington State Standard
Washington state’s new public lands commissioner came into office with his own ambitious agenda. It’s playing out against a shifting federal backdrop.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Dave Upthegrove on land sales, federal funding cuts and wildfire immigration raids. Washington state’s new lands commissioner came into office with his own ambitious agenda. It’s playing out against a shifting backdrop in D.C. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/07/d...
With the state strapped for cash, Democrats’ chief budget writer in the Washington Senate has told colleagues there’s no money available for new spending they might desire next year. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/06/m...
Money crunch puts kibosh on WA state lawmakers’ wish lists • Washington State Standard
Democrats’ chief budget writer in the Washington Senate told colleagues there’s no money for new spending they might desire next year.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:46 AM
With the state strapped for cash, Democrats’ chief budget writer in the Washington Senate has told colleagues there’s no money available for new spending they might desire next year. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/06/m...
As masked and costumed protesters demonstrate outside federal immigration facilities nationwide, the federal government has sped up the start of a new rule that may expose those protesters to fines and additional penalties. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/06/r...
DHS speeds rule that could permit more fines and arrests of protesters at federal buildings • Washington State Standard
The rule, originally proposed in the final Biden administration, was set to take effect at the start of 2026 but has been activated now.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:49 PM
As masked and costumed protesters demonstrate outside federal immigration facilities nationwide, the federal government has sped up the start of a new rule that may expose those protesters to fines and additional penalties. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/06/r...
A close contest between two Democrats for a Washington state House seat tightened further Wednesday, as Kevin Schilling’s lead on state Rep. Edwin Obras shrank to 199 votes in their 33rd Legislative District duel in south King County. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/fewer...
Fewer than 200 votes separate Democrats dueling for WA state House seat • Washington State Standard
Kevin Schilling’s narrow lead on state Rep. Edwin Obras shrank in their 33rd Legislative District duel, in south King County.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:09 AM
A close contest between two Democrats for a Washington state House seat tightened further Wednesday, as Kevin Schilling’s lead on state Rep. Edwin Obras shrank to 199 votes in their 33rd Legislative District duel in south King County. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/fewer...
Washington is making its bid for a billion dollars in new federal funding for rural health care. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/05/w...
Washington makes pitch to feds for $1B in rural health funding • Washington State Standard
The money was included in Republicans’ “big, beautiful bill.” The state’s goals include strengthening the rural health workforce and improving care in tribal communities.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Washington is making its bid for a billion dollars in new federal funding for rural health care. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/05/w...
Voters were giving the go-ahead Tuesday for the state to make stock market investments with payroll taxes collected for Washington’s new long-term care program. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/04/m...
Measure to allow investment of WA Cares tax dollars in stock market on track for approval • Washington State Standard
Voters on Tuesday were backing a measure to allow stock market investments with payroll taxes collected for Washington's new long-term care program.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Voters were giving the go-ahead Tuesday for the state to make stock market investments with payroll taxes collected for Washington’s new long-term care program. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/04/m...
Democratic incumbents are ahead in most of Washington's legislative races. But in southern King County, Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling holds an edge in his attempt to unseat a fellow Democrat, Rep. Edwin Obras. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/04/d...
Democratic incumbents ahead in most WA legislative races • Washington State Standard
Two potentially vulnerable Democrats in the Washington state Senate appeared poised to retain their seats after an initial ballot count on Tuesday.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:15 AM
Democratic incumbents are ahead in most of Washington's legislative races. But in southern King County, Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling holds an edge in his attempt to unseat a fellow Democrat, Rep. Edwin Obras. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/04/d...
Democratic state Sen. Deb Krishnadasan was holding off Republican Rep. Michelle Caldier on Tuesday in an expensive battle cast as a bellwether of the political mood in Washington.
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Krishnadasan leads Caldier in $4M fight for WA legislative seat • Washington State Standard
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washingtonstatestandard.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:00 AM
Democratic state Sen. Deb Krishnadasan was holding off Republican Rep. Michelle Caldier on Tuesday in an expensive battle cast as a bellwether of the political mood in Washington.
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Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner is challenging Washington's Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson to a debate over the federal government shutdown. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/shutd...
Shutdown throwdown? GOP lawmaker challenges WA’s Democratic governor to debate • Washington State Standard
Congressman Michael Baumgartner invited Gov. Bob Ferguson to publicly hash out who is to blame for the month-long federal government shutdown.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner is challenging Washington's Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson to a debate over the federal government shutdown. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/shutd...
The federal government will pay about half of November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, though benefits could take months to flow to recipients, the department said Monday in a court filing. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/03/r...
Trump administration to pay about half of November SNAP benefits amid shutdown • Washington State Standard
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will pay for a portion of November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the department said Monday in a brief to a federal court in R...
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:20 AM
The federal government will pay about half of November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, though benefits could take months to flow to recipients, the department said Monday in a court filing. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/03/r...
Washington businesses would need to shoulder roughly $700 million in additional taxes in a few years unless the projected finances of the state’s unemployment insurance fund improve. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/03/e...
Expected slide in WA unemployment trust fund balance could trigger new tax • Washington State Standard
Washington businesses would shoulder roughly $700 million in additional taxes unless the finances of the state’s unemployment fund improve.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Washington businesses would need to shoulder roughly $700 million in additional taxes in a few years unless the projected finances of the state’s unemployment insurance fund improve. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/03/e...
The first item on every Washington voter’s ballot is a proposal to add a few lines to the state constitution that would change how billions of taxpayer dollars are managed. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/31/v...
Voters to decide if WA Cares tax dollars can be invested in stock market • Washington State Standard
Washington voters on Tuesday will decide if the state constitution should be amended to change how billions of taxpayer dollars are managed.
washingtonstatestandard.com
October 31, 2025 at 11:17 PM
The first item on every Washington voter’s ballot is a proposal to add a few lines to the state constitution that would change how billions of taxpayer dollars are managed. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/31/v...
Starting Saturday, Washingtonians who need to buy health insurance through the state’s online marketplace can enroll in or change their plans. But the future of federal tax credits that help lower prices remains uncertain. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/31/a...
As open enrollment begins in WA, future of health insurance tax credits remains murky • Washington State Standard
Starting Saturday, Washingtonians who need to buy insurance through the state’s online marketplace can enroll in or change their plans.
washingtonstatestandard.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Starting Saturday, Washingtonians who need to buy health insurance through the state’s online marketplace can enroll in or change their plans. But the future of federal tax credits that help lower prices remains uncertain. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/31/a...
A federal judge in Boston ruled Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to pause a food assistance program for 42 million people was illegal — but gave the Trump administration until Monday to respond to her finding.
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Trump administration blocked from cutting off SNAP benefits as two judges issue orders • Washington State Standard
WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Boston ruled Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to pause a food assistance program for 42 million people was illegal — but gave the Trump administrat...
washingtonstatestandard.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:14 PM
A federal judge in Boston ruled Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to pause a food assistance program for 42 million people was illegal — but gave the Trump administration until Monday to respond to her finding.
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Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Wednesday indicated that he’s reluctant to support major new tax increases in the legislative session that begins in January. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/30/w...
WA Gov. Ferguson ‘skeptical’ of tax increases in 2026 • Washington State Standard
“We did raise billions of dollars in revenue earlier this year, and I'm skeptical of additional revenue at this time,” he told the Standard.
washingtonstatestandard.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Wednesday indicated that he’s reluctant to support major new tax increases in the legislative session that begins in January. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/30/w...
Democratic state senators are eyeing an income tax on millionaires as they seek to overcome Washington’s persisting budget shortfall. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/30/w...
Washington state Democrats look at imposing income tax on higher earners • Washington State Standard
Democratic state senators are eyeing an income tax on millionaires as they seek to overcome Washington’s persisting budget shortfall.
washingtonstatestandard.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Democratic state senators are eyeing an income tax on millionaires as they seek to overcome Washington’s persisting budget shortfall. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/30/w...
A Swiss company behind a $1.5 billion climate-friendly fertilizer factory proposed in central Washington is not giving up on the project despite the Trump administration’s termination of a significant federal subsidy. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/30/p...
Plan for $1.5B fertilizer plant in central WA still alive despite loss of federal funds • Washington State Standard
A Swiss company behind a $1.5 billion climate-friendly fertilizer factory proposed in central Washington is not giving up on the project despite the Trump administration’s termination of a significant...
washingtonstatestandard.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:53 PM
A Swiss company behind a $1.5 billion climate-friendly fertilizer factory proposed in central Washington is not giving up on the project despite the Trump administration’s termination of a significant federal subsidy. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/30/p...