Washington State Standard

Washington State Standard

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A nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet, providing original reporting, analysis and commentary on Washington state policy and politics.

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The U.S. Department of Justice plans to send election monitors to every state ahead of Election Day, expanding a longstanding practice that’s spurred concern this year. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/27/r...

washingtonstatestandard.comTrump's DOJ sends 1,000 election monitors to 50 states, locations not yet disclosed • Washington State StandardThe U.S. Department of Justice plans to send election monitors to every state ahead of Election Day, expanding a longstanding practice that’s spurred concern this year among Democrats and voting…
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Across Washington state, schools rolled out a support system designed to help high school freshmen over the last few years. A recent state evaluation shows it’s working. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/27/w...

washingtonstatestandard.comWashington 9th graders perform better with new program, but funding isn’t guaranteed • Washington State StandardSchools that participate typically see a 6 percentage point boost in freshman students passing their classes, according to the evaluation.
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The top federal prosecutor in Seattle claimed on Monday that more than 400 noncitizens have been voting in Washington, as the Trump administration’s crusade against alleged voter fraud intensifies in the Evergreen State. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/26/f...

washingtonstatestandard.comFeds allege over 400 noncitizens vote in WA; Hobbs disputes data • Washington State StandardThe top federal prosecutor in Seattle claimed on Monday that more than 400 noncitizens have been voting in Washington.
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Beneath a wide-brimmed, black cowboy hat, Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer warned in a Facebook video earlier this year that state lawmakers planned to strip voters of the freedom to elect their own local leaders. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/24/a...

washingtonstatestandard.comA ‘constitutional sheriff’ divided a county. Will the next sheriff keep his ideas alive? • Washington State StandardA "constitutional sheriff" divided rural Klickitat County. The men running to replace him are trying to decide how to deal with his legacy.
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Voters may evict the sheriff from office in Pierce County, make Snohomish County Council seats nonpartisan and bar residents from serving on the Everett City Council and in the Legislature, even though the Washington state Constitution allows it. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/26/t...

washingtonstatestandard.comThese measures on WA ballots could shake up local government • Washington State StandardLocal ballot measures in Washington state seek to oust a county sheriff and impose term limits for Clark County council members.
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The U.S. Department of Justice is stepping up its legal campaign over the midterm elections, suing Alaska over its U.S. Senate election and appealing a lawsuit against suspected noncitizen voters in California. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/23/r...

washingtonstatestandard.comTrump’s DOJ sues over Alaska Senate race, expanding preelection legal fights • Washington State StandardThe U.S. Department of Justice is stepping up its legal campaign over the midterm elections, appealing a lawsuit against suspected noncitizen voters in California and suing Alaska over its U.S.…
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Meta has paid Washington state a record-setting fine of more than $51 million for violating campaign finance laws, but lawmakers are being cautioned not to get too excited about the money. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/23/w...

washingtonstatestandard.comWA officials urge leaders not to spend $51 million Meta fine yet • Washington State StandardMeta has paid Washington a fine of more than $51 million for violating campaign finance laws, but lawmakers are being cautioned not to get too excited about the money.
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The latest cosponsor of a U.S. House bill to provide single-payer health insurance defeated a Republican incumbent in a suburban and rural Oregon district by fewer than 10,000 votes two years ago. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/22/r...

washingtonstatestandard.comWhy the new progressive Democrats in Congress might unite with the old Dems, for now • Washington State StandardThe latest cosponsor of a U.S. House bill to provide single-payer health insurance defeated a Republican incumbent in a suburban and rural Oregon district by fewer than 10,000 votes two years ago.
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The price health insurance companies charge for employer-sponsored plans increased again this year, as did the deductible many people must pay before those plans begin covering most healthcare costs, according to a survey released Thursday. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/22/r...

washingtonstatestandard.comCost of employer-sponsored health insurance plans rises again, nonpartisan survey finds • Washington State StandardThe price health insurance companies charge for employer-sponsored plans increased again this year.
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The Oklahoma-based company that owns one of the largest gas pipeline networks in the Northwest is beginning to pursue permits to expand that network, and to pump more gas to the region to meet rising electricity demand. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/22/r...

washingtonstatestandard.comLargest gas pipeline network in Northwest could grow as Oklahoma-based owners pursue expansion • Washington State StandardPipeline giant Williams has proposed new expansions for its Northwest Pipeline from the Colorado Rockies through Idaho, Oregon, Washington.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson returned to Washington state Wednesday to campaign alongside Republican John Braun to boost his bid to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/21/h...

washingtonstatestandard.comHouse Speaker makes case for unseating Democrat in WA’s heated congressional race • Washington State StandardHouse Speaker Mike Johnson returned to Washington state on Wednesday to campaign alongside Republican John Braun, a sign of how important the state senator’s bid to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie…
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A federal judge on Wednesday night blocked the Department of Homeland Security from conducting election-related field operations that could sweep up U.S. citizens in nine states. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/21/r...

washingtonstatestandard.comJudge blocks Homeland Security from conducting election-related sweeps in 9 states • Washington State StandardA federal judge on Wednesday night blocked the Department of Homeland Security from conducting election-related field operations that could sweep up U.S. citizens in nine states.
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Washington state’s 14th Legislative District is coming up on its second House election since a redistricting order put Latino voters in the majority. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/21/d...

washingtonstatestandard.comDems eye the Yakima Valley legislative district as one to flip in WA. Turnout is the challenge. • Washington State StandardWashington state’s 14th Legislative District is coming up on its second House election since a redistricting order put Latino voters in the majority.
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National Democrats are suing President Donald Trump, accusing his administration of intimidating election officials and asking a federal court to block him from interfering in the midterm elections. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/21/r...

washingtonstatestandard.comDems sue Trump, alleging election interference, as DOJ battles with California • Washington State StandardNational Democrats are suing President Donald Trump, accusing his administration of intimidating election officials and asking a federal court to block him from interfering in the midterm elections.
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Candidates in Washington state’s most closely watched congressional race have spent more than $10 million entering the final weeks of the campaign. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/21/s...

washingtonstatestandard.comSpending tops $20M in Washington state’s hottest congressional race • Washington State StandardCandidates and outside groups have spent more than $20 million so far in Washington state’s most closely watched congressional race.
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An eastern Oregon city that has for the last decade welcomed some of the largest data centers in the state will soon decide whether to fight Gov. Tina Kotek’s recent order meant to temporarily pause data center development. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/20/r...

washingtonstatestandard.comUmatilla considers emergency over lost revenue from Gov. Kotek data center permit pause • Washington State StandardUmatilla City Councilors will vote Tuesday night on an emergency declaration, arguing a pause on data centers could cost the city millions.
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Utah Attorney General Derek Brown filed a lawsuit against the major prediction market platform Kalshi on Tuesday, seeking to block the company from taking bets from Utahns. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/20/r...

washingtonstatestandard.comUtah sues Kalshi for ‘brazen pattern’ of violating state’s gambling ban • Washington State StandardUtah Attorney General Derek Brown filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, seeking to block the prediction market from taking bets from Utahns.
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Canada’s economic pivot away from the U.S. includes fast-tracking a new oil pipeline from Alberta to a proposed marine terminal in British Columbia, practically on the border with Washington state. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/20/e...

washingtonstatestandard.comElbows up in Washington state over Canada’s proposed oil tanker terminal on border • Washington State StandardCanada plans a major oil tanker terminal in British Columbia. Foes in Washington state are going 'elbows up' to slow it down.
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Under pressure from Gov. Bob Ferguson, the Washington state Building Code Council is wrestling with how far it can bend residential energy codes to speed up rebuilding homes destroyed by wildfires this summer. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/19/w...

washingtonstatestandard.comWashington panel eyes ways to ease hurdles to rebuilding homes destroyed by wildfires • Washington State StandardThe Washington state Building Code Council is considering amending certain energy codes to speed up rebuilding homes destroyed by wildfires.
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Washington’s largest state agency is preparing for a difficult 2027 budget by pursuing two strategies at once: pulling back where it can while trying to modernize how it delivers services. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/19/w...

washingtonstatestandard.comWA Department of Social and Health Services eyes cuts, modernization for 2027 • Washington State StandardWashington’s largest state agency is preparing for a difficult 2027 budget by cutting back on expenses and modernizing its services.
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Saturday's No Kings demonstration at the Capitol in Olympia was one of more than two dozen across Washington state. Organizers had booths where volunteers offered information on how best to make sure one’s ballot is received and counted:

washingtonstatestandard.comAt Washington state Capitol, No Kings rally is all about voting early • Washington State StandardSeveral hundred people took part in Saturday's No Kings rally at the Washington state Capitol. The theme was vote early to assure your vote is counted.
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The leader of Washington state public schools says the state should not join a federal tax credit program that would fund K-12 education. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/13/r...

washingtonstatestandard.comReykdal opposes federal tax credit program, urges gov to reject • Washington State StandardWashington state Superintendent Chris Reykdal views the tax credit as a way to expand school choice options without closing funding gaps for public schools.
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After a sickout crippled Washington’s ferry system last week, Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered a new evaluation of its engineers’ salaries ahead of wage negotiations with union workers next summer. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/13/g...

washingtonstatestandard.comGov. Ferguson calls for salary survey after WA ferry sickout • Washington State StandardGov. Bob Ferguson ordered a new evaluation of its engineers’ salaries ahead of wage negotiations with union workers next summer.
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The leader of Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families was questioned this week about her agency’s commitment to equity amid allegations of racial bias in the agency made by two former top aides. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/09/a...

washingtonstatestandard.comAllegations of racial bias swirl around embattled WA agency • Washington State StandardThe leader of Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families was questioned this week about her agency’s commitment to equity amid allegations of racial bias in the agency made by two former…
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An enclave of Washington’s wealthy provided a backdrop Thursday for a saucy debate on the merits and dangers of a ballot measure to erase the state’s controversial new income tax on millionaires. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/08/d...

washingtonstatestandard.comDebate underlines deep divisions on what WA voters should do about income tax • Washington State StandardA saucy debate Thursday showcased the divisions between supporters and opponents of a ballot measure to repeal Washington's new income tax.
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Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and John Braun, the top Republican in the Washington state Senate, faced off Wednesday in a televised debate, exchanging digs on the Iran war, policies of President Donald Trump, gas prices, and at each other. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/07/4...

washingtonstatestandard.com4 takeaways from the Gluesenkamp-Perez debate • Washington State StandardDemocratic U.S. Rep Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican state Sen. John Braun held the first of two debates on Wednesday.
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A Washington state agency has floated cutting services for more than 2,600 residents with developmental disabilities with the goal of saving money to close a looming budget gap. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/07/w...

washingtonstatestandard.comWA officials consider steep cut to developmental disability services • Washington State StandardA Washington agency has floated cutting services for more than 2,600 residents with developmental disabilities with the goal of saving money.
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Klickitat County stretches for more than 80 miles along the Columbia River, speckled with small towns along the waterfront and within its agricultural lands. It’s here that at least six hyperscale data centers are being proposed. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/07/r...

washingtonstatestandard.comRural Klickitat County faces surge in data center proposals • Washington State StandardRural Klickitat County has just 24,000 residents. Developers are eyeing up to six data centers, drawing enough power for 6 million homes.
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More than four hundred Washingtonians across 19 locations took to the streets Sunday to demand a statewide moratorium on data centers. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/06/a...

washingtonstatestandard.comAmazon’s Walla Walla data center plan sparks tension between protesters, local officials • Washington State StandardCritics want the county to require an environmental impact statement. County officials say it is a good fit for the industrial zone.
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Since Gov. Bob Ferguson took office in January 2025, the governor-appointed clemency and pardons board has recommended early release for 15 of the 23 people who received commutation hearings. The governor hasn’t approved a single one. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/03/w...

washingtonstatestandard.comWA has few paths to early prison release. Advocates fear Gov. Ferguson has closed off a critical one • Washington State StandardWashington Gov. Bob Ferguson has rejected every inmate that the state clemency and pardons board recommended for commutation.
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Less than a month remains until an election that will transform Washington’s state Supreme Court. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/06/w...

washingtonstatestandard.comWA Supreme Court candidates make their case as high-profile election nears • Washington State StandardLess than a month remains until an election that will transform Washington’s state Supreme Court.  Two new justices will join the nine-member high court, and two new justices appointed by Gov. Bob…
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Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson told frustrated unionized ferry workers that he expected “every vessel on every route” to be running Tuesday morning as a sickout by members brought much of the nation’s largest ferry system to a standstill Monday. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/05/c...

washingtonstatestandard.comSickout devastates WA ferry system; Ferguson urges workers to return Tuesday • Washington State StandardNumerous Washington state ferry sailings were canceled Monday as many workers called in sick and their replacements declined to fill in.
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Numerous Washington state ferry sailings were canceled Monday as many workers called in sick and their replacements declined to fill in for them, according to state officials. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/05/c...

washingtonstatestandard.comCommute chaos as WA ferries cancels dozens of runs as workers out sick • Washington State StandardNumerous Washington state ferry sailings were canceled Monday as many workers called in sick and their replacements declined to fill in.
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When the Washington state ferry Tillikum entered service in 1959, Albert Rosellini was in his first term as governor and Dwight Eisenhower was in his second as president. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/05/w...

washingtonstatestandard.comWashington needs this aging state ferry to keep running and running • Washington State StandardWashington cannot afford to retire its oldest ferry before 2033. That's when the state hopes to have a replacement vessel.
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A proposed Canadian oil pipeline to a supertanker terminal at the Port of Vancouver in British Columbia is raising hackles among Washington state’s political leaders. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/02/w...

washingtonstatestandard.comWA governor ‘disappointed’ Canada is fast-tracking new oil pipeline to B.C. • Washington State StandardA proposed Canadian oil pipeline to a supertanker terminal in British Columbia is raising hackles among Washington state's political leaders.
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Roughly 10,000 immigrants in Washington are losing their Medicaid health coverage due to federal cuts Republicans in Congress approved last year. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/02/a...

washingtonstatestandard.comAs immigrant Medicaid cuts take effect, some in WA can keep their coverage • Washington State StandardRoughly 10,000 immigrants in Washington are losing their Medicaid health coverage due to federal cuts Republicans in Congress OK'ed last year.
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The two candidates vying to represent Washington’s 3rd Congressional District are in a dead heat with less than five weeks to go before a closely watched election that could help determine control of the U.S. House, according to new polling. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/01/p...

washingtonstatestandard.comPoll shows Gluesenkamp Perez and Braun neck-and-neck in race for Southwest WA swing district • Washington State StandardThe two candidates vying to represent Washington’s 3rd Congressional District are in a dead heat with less than five weeks until the election.
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The director of the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife this week authorized the “incremental” killing of wolves in southeastern Washington with a goal to stop attacks on livestock. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/01/w...

washingtonstatestandard.comWolves in SE Washington pack to be killed ‘incrementally’ by state officials after livestock attacks • Washington State StandardAgency officials could not say how many wolves would be killed, but said other nonlethal measures would not be appropriate for the situation.
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The union representing staff of Democratic state senators in Washington has overwhelmingly rejected a new two-year contract, citing its lack of adequate protections for workers facing termination. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/09/30/l...

washingtonstatestandard.comLegislative staff in WA state Senate reject new contract • Washington State StandardStaff of Democratic state senators in Washington have rejected a new contract because it lacked protections for workers facing termination.
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A company providing medical care at the Overlake Medical Center emergency room will refund more than $400,000 to low-income patients under an agreement with Washington’s attorney general. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/09/30/w...

washingtonstatestandard.comWA company has to pay $410K for withheld hospital charity care • Washington State StandardA company providing medical care at the Overlake Medical Center emergency room will refund more than $400,000 to low-income patients under an agreement with Washington’s attorney general.
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In a surprise announcement, Republican state Rep. Skyler Rude of Walla Walla, said Tuesday that he will resign from office days before the election to start a new job with Democratic Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/09/29/w...

washingtonstatestandard.comWA state lawmaker to resign 3 days before the election • Washington State StandardWashington state Rep. Skyler Rude said Tuesday that he will resign from office days before the election to start a new job.