Inside Inslee's proposed budget: A new, 500-bed mental hospital to replace Western State Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is taking the first step toward a plan to help house and treat psychiatric patients who have been involved in the criminal justice system: a new, 500-bed state mental hospital. Austin Jenkins
Government Washington AG says he'll fight the feds over law to help sick Hanford workers The federal government is attempting to block a Washington law passed earlier this year that aims to help sick Hanford nuclear cleanup workers obtain workers' compensation. Sydney Brownstone
Environment Fraser River chinook salmon are in big trouble. That's bad news for orcas Scientists recommend that Fraser River chinook salmon should be listed for protection as an endangered species. Kim Malcolm Andy Hurst
Government Sexual harassment workgroup recommends new independent office to investigate misconduct Following eight months of meetings, a workgroup on the prevention of sexual harassment in the Washington state House is recommending the formation of an independent office where victims could report misconduct. Austin Jenkins
Government Washington Senate drops investigation into rape accusations against Joe Fain he Washington State Senate announced Tuesday that it will not go forward with its planned investigation of Senator Joe Fain (R-Auburn). Derek Wang
Government Gov. Jay Inslee moves toward presidential run with new PAC and comments about Iowa The Washington state governor told a donor he would travel to Iowa and Nevada, states that hold the earliest presidential primary and caucus contests. Austin Jenkins
When an immigrant dies in custody, how much does ICE tell the public? Kim Malcolm talks with Human Rights Watch senior researcher Grace Meng about the death of Mergensana Amar, a Russian national who died after a suicide attempt at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma. Kim Malcolm Andy Hurst
Government Lawyer seeks recall of Seattle City Council president Seattle attorney Lincoln Beauregard says his open records lawsuit has given him ammunition to seek and fund a recall campaign against Seattle City Council president Bruce Harrell. Amy Radil
Government Beto (but not that Beto!) challenges Kshama Sawant as Seattle council races heat up City council candidates say Seattle needs to regain public trust after a difficult year, and affordable housing is still the city's top challenge. Amy Radil
Government Why Washington foster kids are sleeping in hotels Kim Malcolm talks with foster care advocate Jen Kamel about why there's a significant foster parent shortage in Washington state. Kim Malcolm Andy Hurst
