Washington State Standard
@washingtonstatestandard.com
A nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet, providing original reporting, analysis and commentary on Washington state policy and politics.
Gov. Bob Ferguson makes his pick for a Washington state Supreme Court seat: Colleen Melody, who leads the civil rights division at the state attorney general’s office, will succeed Justice Mary Yu, who is retiring. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/24/g...
Gov. Bob Ferguson makes his pick for WA Supreme Court seat • Washington State Standard
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday named Colleen Melody, a senior assistant attorney general, to the state Supreme Court.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Gov. Bob Ferguson makes his pick for a Washington state Supreme Court seat: Colleen Melody, who leads the civil rights division at the state attorney general’s office, will succeed Justice Mary Yu, who is retiring. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/24/g...
If you have ever wanted to own an iconic Washington state ferry, now may be your last chance to buy one until the 2030s. There are two sizes available with no minimum bid. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/24/f...
For sale: Two retired state ferries. Dreamers need not apply • Washington State Standard
The vessels are lingering on the market as Washington State Ferries scrutinizes potential buyers. Past purchases haven't always ended well.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:53 PM
If you have ever wanted to own an iconic Washington state ferry, now may be your last chance to buy one until the 2030s. There are two sizes available with no minimum bid. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/24/f...
Anti-abortion organizations and Republican elected officials are searching for more ways to prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving federal resources after congressional Republicans successfully cut off federal Medicaid funding until at least July 2026. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/23/r...
Anti-abortion groups, lawmakers push feds for more permanent ‘defunding’ of Planned Parenthood • Washington State Standard
Anti-abortion organizations and Republican elected officials are searching for more ways to prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving federal resources after congressional Republicans successfully cut...
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 23, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Anti-abortion organizations and Republican elected officials are searching for more ways to prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving federal resources after congressional Republicans successfully cut off federal Medicaid funding until at least July 2026. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/23/r...
Damage at the Washington state Capitol from vandalism last month could cost nearly $1 million. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/toll-...
Toll could be nearly $1M from vandalism in Washington state Capitol • Washington State Standard
New estimates put the total tab for the Oct. 5 rampage at the Washington state Capitol at $623,000 to $914,000 excluding taxes.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Damage at the Washington state Capitol from vandalism last month could cost nearly $1 million. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/toll-...
U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez thinks the Democratic Party needs to change, not her. “I’m a Democrat. Maybe I’m an old school one,” she said after forcing a House vote this week that left some members of her own party unhappy. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/21/m...
Gluesenkamp Perez thinks the Democratic Party needs to change, not her • Washington State Standard
U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez took on her party by seeking a public reprimand of a House member. She doesn't regret doing it.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:40 PM
U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez thinks the Democratic Party needs to change, not her. “I’m a Democrat. Maybe I’m an old school one,” she said after forcing a House vote this week that left some members of her own party unhappy. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/21/m...
Washington state lawmakers next year are set to again discuss whether public sector unions can bargain over their employers’ adoption of artificial intelligence technology. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/20/w...
WA Legislature to consider requiring union talks over government use of AI • Washington State Standard
Washington lawmakers are set to discuss whether public sector unions can bargain over their employers’ adoption of AI.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Washington state lawmakers next year are set to again discuss whether public sector unions can bargain over their employers’ adoption of artificial intelligence technology. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/20/w...
Washington served up a new license plate Wednesday, honoring the state sport of pickleball. In the works for three years, it is the second of seven specialty plates to hit the market since getting approved by lawmakers earlier this year. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/19/i...
It’s an ace. Pickleball gets its own Washington license plate • Washington State Standard
Washington served up a new license plate Wednesday, celebrating the state sport of pickleball.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Washington served up a new license plate Wednesday, honoring the state sport of pickleball. In the works for three years, it is the second of seven specialty plates to hit the market since getting approved by lawmakers earlier this year. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/19/i...
Sales of Washington’s pass to access state parks and other recreation areas fell after an Oct. 1 price hike, but fee collections increased. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/disco...
Discover Pass sales dip after price increase • Washington State Standard
The decline in annual pass sales was anticipated. Even with fewer sales, the state expects to bring in more money with this fall's $15 hike.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Sales of Washington’s pass to access state parks and other recreation areas fell after an Oct. 1 price hike, but fee collections increased. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/disco...
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is facing increasing pressure from abortion opponents and advocates over how it regulates a drug that has become central to abortion access since Roe v. Wade was overturned three years ago. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/19/r...
FDA’s abortion-pill safety review under growing scrutiny • Washington State Standard
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is facing increasing pressure from abortion opponents and advocates over how it regulates a drug that has become central to abortion access since Roe v. Wade was ...
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:55 PM
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is facing increasing pressure from abortion opponents and advocates over how it regulates a drug that has become central to abortion access since Roe v. Wade was overturned three years ago. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/19/r...
Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington succeeded Tuesday in getting the House to publicly reprimand a Democratic colleague. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/after...
After fierce fight, WA lawmaker secures US House rebuke of fellow Democrat • Washington State Standard
Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington succeeded Tuesday in getting the House to reprimand Rep. Chuy Garcia of Illinois.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington succeeded Tuesday in getting the House to publicly reprimand a Democratic colleague. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/after...
Washington state budget writers got a mild dose of good news on Tuesday, but are still looking at a strained balance sheet. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/18/d...
Downbeat outlook persists in WA’s final budget forecast of the year • Washington State Standard
Washington state budget writers got a mild dose of good news on Tuesday, but are still looking at a strained balance sheet.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Washington state budget writers got a mild dose of good news on Tuesday, but are still looking at a strained balance sheet. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/18/d...
One of Colorado's few remaining options to secure more wolves to reintroduce in the state was taken off the table when its request to capture and relocate wolves from Washington was rejected by wildlife commissioners there. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/18/r...
Colorado running out of options for new source of wolves after Washington rejects request • Washington State Standard
Colorado wildlife officials are scrambling to find a source for additional relocated wolves for the third winter “release season."
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:46 PM
One of Colorado's few remaining options to secure more wolves to reintroduce in the state was taken off the table when its request to capture and relocate wolves from Washington was rejected by wildlife commissioners there. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/18/r...
Washington’s most endangered congressional Democrat in next year’s midterms sparred openly with her own party for an hour on the floor of the U.S. House on Monday night. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/17/w...
WA’s Marie Gluesenkamp Perez clashes with fellow Democrats on House floor • Washington State Standard
Washington’s most endangered congressional Democrat sparred openly with her own party on the floor of the U.S. House on Monday night.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:07 AM
Washington’s most endangered congressional Democrat in next year’s midterms sparred openly with her own party for an hour on the floor of the U.S. House on Monday night. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/17/w...
Just months after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a Washington law to keep medical debt off consumers’ credit reports, the Trump administration is looking to block such policies. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/17/w...
WA’s new ban on medical debt in credit reports at risk of federal override • Washington State Standard
Just months after Washington passed a law to keep medical debt off credit reports, the Trump administration is aiming to block such policies.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Just months after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a Washington law to keep medical debt off consumers’ credit reports, the Trump administration is looking to block such policies. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/17/w...
For the past 30 years, it’s been clear: Native American children in Washington state are far more likely to be arrested and jailed than white kids. The gaps have continually worsened. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/16/n...
Native American kids in WA more likely to be arrested • Washington State Standard
For the past 30 years, it’s been clear: Native American children in Washington state are far more likely to be arrested and jailed than white kids.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:31 PM
For the past 30 years, it’s been clear: Native American children in Washington state are far more likely to be arrested and jailed than white kids. The gaps have continually worsened. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/16/n...
Pressure is building for Democrats to take a big swing on taxes, beyond this year’s hikes. How far state Sen. Noel Frame and others pressing for new progressive taxes can deliver on that goal in 2026 is an open question. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/14/w...
WA Legislature’s ‘Revenue Queen’ readies for 2026 tax battles • Washington State Standard
Sen. Noel Frame warns progressives to buckle up if lawmakers move ahead on income tax legislation targeting higher earners.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Pressure is building for Democrats to take a big swing on taxes, beyond this year’s hikes. How far state Sen. Noel Frame and others pressing for new progressive taxes can deliver on that goal in 2026 is an open question. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/14/w...
Relocating Marcus Whitman’s statue in the Washington Capitol is becoming a chore. It’s been challenging to find a place for the 11-foot, 9,144-pound statue that won’t damage the historic structure. There are political and cultural sensitivities, too.
4-ton Marcus Whitman statue at WA Capitol still in need of new home • Washington State Standard
Officials seek a new home for the Marcus Whitman statue in the Washington state Capitol that is politically acceptable and physically doable.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Relocating Marcus Whitman’s statue in the Washington Capitol is becoming a chore. It’s been challenging to find a place for the 11-foot, 9,144-pound statue that won’t damage the historic structure. There are political and cultural sensitivities, too.
The city of Spokane swung further left in the Nov. 4 election, with progressives capitalizing on apparent dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump to sweep three City Council races. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/14/w...
With progressive council wins, Spokane swings left • Washington State Standard
The wins give progressives a 6-1 advantage on the City Council, and also further cement Spokane’s status as an oasis of blue in eastern Washington.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:35 PM
The city of Spokane swung further left in the Nov. 4 election, with progressives capitalizing on apparent dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump to sweep three City Council races. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/14/w...
With the federal shutdown over, jousting continues among Republicans and Democrats — including those from Washington state — over who’s to blame for the longest ever shuttering of the federal government. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/12/e...
End of shutdown ignites new round of sparring among WA’s congressional lawmakers • Washington State Standard
The federal government shutdown is over but jousting continues among Republicans and Democrats — including those from Washington state.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:47 PM
With the federal shutdown over, jousting continues among Republicans and Democrats — including those from Washington state — over who’s to blame for the longest ever shuttering of the federal government. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/12/e...
The Ballmer Group on Wednesday committed hundreds of millions of dollars for free preschool in Washington, a massive philanthropic contribution amid state budget cuts and federal rollbacks. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/12/f...
Former Microsoft CEO’s philanthropy will donate up to $170M a year for free preschool in WA • Washington State Standard
The Ballmer Group on Wednesday committed hundreds of millions of dollars for free preschool in Washington, a massive philanthropic contribution amid state budget cuts and federal rollbacks.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:21 PM
The Ballmer Group on Wednesday committed hundreds of millions of dollars for free preschool in Washington, a massive philanthropic contribution amid state budget cuts and federal rollbacks. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/12/f...
A vague letter from a Texas-based defense contractor spurred concern in Newport that the federal government would seek to establish an immigration detention facility on Oregon’s Central Coast. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/12/r...
Concerns flare over possibility of ICE detention facility on Oregon Coast • Washington State Standard
A Nov. 4 letter addressed to the city by a Texas-based defense contractor sheds light on some of the pressures facing local officials.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:34 PM
A vague letter from a Texas-based defense contractor spurred concern in Newport that the federal government would seek to establish an immigration detention facility on Oregon’s Central Coast. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/11/12/r...
A security company has dropped its lawsuit over Washington’s new sales tax on services weeks after filing it. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/secur...
Security company drops lawsuit over new WA tax • Washington State Standard
A security company has dropped its lawsuit over Washington’s new sales tax on services weeks after filing it.
washingtonstatestandard.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:12 PM
A security company has dropped its lawsuit over Washington’s new sales tax on services weeks after filing it. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/secur...
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...