Simone Carter
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I like to write. WA state gov. reporter @mcclatchy | reach out: scarter@mcclatchy.com previously: @thenewstribune , @Dallas_Observer , @Newsweek
Articles by Simone Carter
The Best Proteins for Your Heart May Already Be in Your Pantry
Beans and lentils are among the best everyday choices. For people who eat seafood, salmon offers protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fats. By Simone Carter | M•I•A MEDIA GROUP A pot of black-eyed peas can do more for a heart-healthy dinner than its place on the side of the plate suggests. Serve those peas over brown rice with garlicky greens, and they can become the main source of protein.
Lawsuit filed against WA’s new ban on transgender girl athletes in girls sports
Initiative 638 passed in Washington state with 56.6% of the vote. The measure would ban transgender girls from playing K-12 girls sports and will go into effect on Dec. 3, 2026. A coalition of Washington educators and parents filed a lawsuit Monday to stop the implementation of a new state law prohibiting transgender girls from playing in girls school sports.
Lawsuit filed against WA’s new ban on transgender girl athletes in girls sports
A coalition of Washington educators and parents filed a lawsuit Monday to stop the implementation of a new state law prohibiting transgender girls from playing in girls school sports. The group alleges that Initiative 638 is “discriminatory,” and plaintiffs include the Washington Education Association and the nonprofit organization TransFamilies, which offers support to families with gender-diverse and transgender kids.
Olympia childcare workers unionize at center downtown. ‘We’re losing teachers.’
Childcare workers in Olympia are becoming the first KinderCare workers in the nation to unionize, according to a Monday news release from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 925. The early-childhood educators from the KinderCare Capitol Childcare Center have cited low pay, insufficient staffing, lack of benefits and disrespectful treatment as reasons driving their collective decision to unionize, per the news release.
Texas turned blue. Could Washington state ever flip red? Here’s what experts say
Texas, a former Republican stronghold, stunned the nation Nov. 3 when it turned blue, with Democratic wins stretching from the state Legislature to the governor’s mansion to the U.S. Senate. Such gains in a state where one party had ruled for decades left some wondering whether the same thing could happen here. “If Texas can be flipped, so can WA,” state Rep. Josh Penner, an Orting Republican, said in a Nov. 3 post on X. “If Republicans can fumble this hard, so can Democrats.
Vicks VapoRub, From Grandma’s Medicine Cabinet to Yours. Are You Using It Right?
By Simone Carter | M•I•A MEDIA GROUP For some Black families, the smell of Vicks VapoRub brings back a familiar scene. A child is coughing at bedtime, and someone reaches for the little blue jar. Depending on who was taking care of you, the ointment might have gone on your chest, under your nose or on the soles of your feet before someone pulled on a pair of socks. Those rituals were one way families cared for a sick child, and versions of them have traveled through households of many backgrounds.
About 4 in 10 Cancer Cases Are Linked to Risks We Can Reduce
By Simone Carter | M•I•A MEDIA GROUP In South Florida, a morning walk, an afternoon on the water or a shift working outdoors can mean hours of sun exposure. A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen can help protect against the ultraviolet radiation that raises the risk of skin cancer. That everyday example points to a broader finding about cancer prevention. Some of the risks that contribute to the disease can be reduced.
How did your WA county vote on transgender athlete and income tax initiatives?
Three initiatives were on the ballot for Washington voters Tuesday night, with early returns showing voters rejecting two. A proposed repeal of the new income tax on high earners and a measure to restore 2024’s original “Parental Bill of Rights” initiative are failing. The third initiative — one that would prohibit transgender girls from competing in K-12 girls sports — is passing.
Early results for Washington Supreme Court races are in. Here’s who is ahead
The future composition of the Washington Supreme Court was on the ballot Tuesday, with voters considering who would fill five of its nine seats. These races have been closely watched in the months leading up to the Nov.
Early results for WA ‘millionaires tax,’ transgender athletes initiatives are in
Washingtonians weighed in on three statewide initiatives this election, including the proposed repeal of a new income tax on high earners. After the ballot boxes closed Tuesday night, early results showed voters upholding what supporters have dubbed the “millionaires tax.” Here’s how the measure on the tax — plus the two other initiatives on the ballot — fared when the first round of election results dropped Nov. 3. The initiatives need a simple majority to pass.
Early results for WA ‘millionaires tax,’ transgender athletes initiatives are in
U.S. Politics 1 hour ago Op-ed: RIP MAGA advocate.com - Josh Ackley • 1h The 2026 midterm election was a forceful rebuke to a movement that spread hatred and lies, writes contributor Josh Ackley. Donald Trump has always … Civil Rights Now Virginia repeals same-sex marriage ban from state constitution The Hill - Jared Gans • 39m Virginia voters have approved a measure repealing language from the state constitution restricting same-sex marriage, Decision Desk HQ projects.
Morgan v. Perez: Who’s ahead in Tacoma’s 29th Legislative District race?
Early election results Tuesday night showed Democratic challenger Krista Perez leading in the state House race to represent Tacoma’s 29th Legislative District. Early returns the evening of Nov. 3 showed that Perez was in the lead with 11,875 votes (49.29 percent); incumbent state Rep. Melanie Morgan, also a Democrat, had earned 11,134 votes (46.21 percent). Many eyes have been trained on the race in the 29th LD, covering parts of South and East Tacoma, plus Parkland, Lakewood and Spanaway.
WA grocery spending among highest in nation, new ranking shows
A new ranking shows that Washington families pay more for groceries compared with households in many other states. Washington is among the top five states “most burdened by grocery costs,” according to a new ranking by the consumer news and customer review platform ConsumerAffairs. The Evergreen State is the third-most grocery-cost-burdened state in the ranking.
These ghost stories are based in Olympia, including on the Capitol Campus Original
Gov. Bob Ferguson and First Lady Colleen Ferguson will be at the Executive Residence to greet trick-or-treaters on Oct. 31, 2026. State politics can be scary enough for some folks. Now try sprinkling in tales of purported hauntings around Washington’s Capitol Campus. Halloween is a perfect time to explore some of Olympia’s most legendary ghost stories. Here are a few standouts.
Thurston, Pierce counties to use National Guard as ‘Election Neighborhood Watch’ Original
Several Washington counties — including Pierce and Thurston counties — have taken up Gov. Bob Ferguson’s offer of sending National Guard personnel to monitor ballot drop boxes this election. Ferguson sent a letter to county election auditors earlier this month offering Guard personnel to serve as “Election Neighborhood Watch” around ballot boxes and “other high-traffic areas where voting occurs.” Seven counties opted in, said Brionna Aho, the governor’s communications director.
Landlord group faces scrutiny from WA regulators over 62,000 text messages
If you live in Tacoma, you might have gotten the text. “We’re gathering input for housing research for the City of Tacoma and need your help. Give yours,” read the Oct. 20 message, which included a link to a website with a survey featuring questions about Measure 1, an initiative that aims to boost tenant protections and enforcement in the city. On Oct. 23, staff with the state’s Public Disclosure Commission regulatory agency opened a complaint into the landlord group behind the messages.
WA is a top state for jobs, but its workers are highly stressed, study says
Washington is among the best states for jobs in the nation — but its workers are some of the most stressed. That’s according to a new ranking from personal finance company WalletHub. Washington was named the sixth-best state to find a job in the ranking, behind Nebraska (No. 1), North Dakota (No. 2), Minnesota (No. 3), South Dakota (No. 4) and New Hampshire (No. 5). The five worst states for jobs, per WalletHub? West Virginia, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Florida and Louisiana. An Oct.
Newcomer challenges four-term Democrat in 40th District House race
The Capitol Building in Olympia. An Eastsound Republican is challenging state Rep. Debra Lekanoff, D-Anacortes, who is seeking a fifth straight two-year term for House Position 1 in the 40th Legislative District, one of two seats that the district has in the state House of Representatives. The 40th District includes southern Whatcom County, San Juan County and part of western Skagit County. It has been solidly Democratic for two decades. This election is a rematch of the Aug.
These 5 new laws take effect today in Washington state. What they mean for you
The Capitol Building in Olympia peers over the Sunken Garden on May 7, 2026. Simone Carter scarter@mcclatchy.com As a new month begins, Washingtonians are welcoming a wave of new legislation. In Washington state, a bevy of new laws took effect June 11 bringing changes that affect everything from shopping and rental properties to sports betting and traffic stops.
Are wealthy WA residents really mulling out-of-state moves due to new tax?
Labor unions and other supporters of an income tax on millionaire earners rallied at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia in February. Washington’s controversial new income tax on high earners has spurred warnings from some of a looming wealth exodus. The-rich-are-leaving anecdotes have bubbled up since majority-party state lawmakers began crafting the 9.9% levy on annual household income exceeding $1 million, nicknamed the “millionaires tax,” which passed during the 2026 session. kAmx?
Are wealthy WA residents really mulling out-of-state moves due to new tax? Original
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. A 9.9% levy on annual household income over $1M passed during the 2026 session. Survey found 55% of Washington employers considered relocating their personal residence. Some wealthy residents have plans to leave the state amid tax climate. Washington’s controversial new income tax on high earners has spurred warnings from some of a looming wealth exodus.
Pride celebrations across WA start this month, including flag at state Capitol
Washington state is celebrating Pride Month in a variety of ways this June. The state's LGBTQ Commission hosted a Pride flag-raising event outside the state Capitol in Olympia at noon on June 3. A large Pride flag was raised to half-staff, coinciding with Gov. Bob Ferguson's order to fly all flags at half-staff at state agency facilities to honor the 11 people killed during the recent implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant in Longview.
Pride celebrations across WA start this month, including flag at state Capitol
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Officials, state LGBTQ Commission raised a Pride flag at half-staff outside the Capitol. Gov. Bob Ferguson posted about WA ranking No. 12 in an LGBTQ+ business climate report. Multiple Pride events are scheduled statewide, including Tri‑Cities, Olympia, Tacoma. Washington state is celebrating Pride Month in a variety of ways this June.
Pride celebrations across WA start this month, including flag at state Capitol
Washington state is celebrating Pride Month in a variety of ways this June. The state’s LGBTQ Commission hosted a Pride flag-raising event outside the state Capitol in Olympia at noon on June 3. A large Pride flag was raised to half-staff, coinciding with Gov. Bob Ferguson’s order to fly all flags at half-staff at state agency facilities to honor the 11 people killed during the recent implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant in Longview.
Pride celebrations across WA start this month, including flag at state Capitol
Washington state is celebrating Pride Month in a variety of ways this June. The state's LGBTQ Commission hosted a Pride flag-raising event outside the state Capitol in Olympia at noon on June 3. A large Pride flag was raised to half-staff, coinciding with Gov. Bob Ferguson's order to fly all flags at half-staff at state agency facilities to honor the 11 people killed during the recent implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant in Longview.
Pride celebrations across WA start this month, including flag at state Capitol
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Officials, state LGBTQ Commission raised a Pride flag at half-staff outside the Capitol. Gov. Bob Ferguson posted about WA ranking No. 12 in an LGBTQ+ business climate report. Multiple Pride events are scheduled statewide, including Tri‑Cities, Olympia, Tacoma. Washington state is celebrating Pride Month in a variety of ways this June.
Pride celebrations across WA start this month, including flag at state Capitol
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Officials, state LGBTQ Commission raised a Pride flag at half-staff outside the Capitol. Gov. Bob Ferguson posted about WA ranking No. 12 in an LGBTQ+ business climate report. Multiple Pride events are scheduled statewide, including Tri‑Cities, Olympia, Tacoma. Washington state is celebrating Pride Month in a variety of ways this June.
Thurston Co. judge sets $25,000 bail for man accused of vandalizing WA Capitol
A 21-year-old man accused of vandalizing the Washington state Legislative Building in Olympia is being held in the Thurston County jail in lieu of $25,000 bail. Clayton Stephen Seaborn attended his preliminary appearance in Thurston County Superior Court on Friday. The State Patrol arrested Seaborn Thursday morning after they said he allegedly smashed 13 sets of windows at the building, fled from troopers, and drove over a pedestrian bridge along Capitol Lake, The Olympian previously reported.
Vandal ‘heavily damaged’ WA Capitol building windows. Man arrested after chase
Last October, an intruder vandalized the domed state Capitol building in Olympia, leading to costly repairs. Late Thursday morning, the Washington State Patrol announced that a different suspect had vandalized the same building. At about 1:15 a.m. Thursday, a state trooper heard loud noises near the Legislative Building and saw someone hurling large rocks at first-floor windows, according to a June 4 WSP news release.
WA mail-in voting would change this year under proposed USPS rule, officials say Original
Washington officials are condemning a proposed U.S. Postal Service mail-in ballot rule that would alter how federal elections are run in the state. Supporters argue the suggested change, which would include strict barcode requirements, is needed for federal-election security.
How does WA’s economy compare to other states? New ranking shows where we stand Original
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. WalletHub ranked Washington as the second-best state economy in the nation for 2026. Washington placed second for high-tech jobs share and R&D investment per capita. After cost-of-living adjustment, Washington had the fifth-highest median household income. Washington is home to the second-best state economy in the nation, according to a new ranking.
Nearly $1.3M already raised by WA Supreme Court candidates. The stakes are high
In past election cycles, most eyes weren’t necessarily trained toward the Temple of Justice in Olympia. Things are different this year. Five of the nine Washington State Supreme Court justice seats will appear on the fall ballot, with some politicos underscoring the importance of this set of races. That the majority of seats on the high-court bench is up for grabs is one reason. The issues that these justices may face — like the fiercely debated income tax on high earners — is another.
Menopausal, perimenopausal women to get new workplace support in WA executive order
Gov. Bob Ferguson announced a new executive order Monday aimed at supporting women experiencing menopause and perimenopause in the workplace. Ferguson was joined by Brittany Gregory, executive director of the Washington State Women’s Commission, as well as medical professionals, policy leaders and labor representatives. The governor said support for women experiencing menopause is an issue of equity and fairness.
Menopausal, perimenopausal women to get new workplace support in WA executive order
Gov. Bob Ferguson speaks at a June 1, 2026 news conference about an executive order concerning supporting menopausal and perimenopausal women in the workplace. Gov. Bob Ferguson announced a new executive order Monday aimed at supporting women experiencing menopause and perimenopause in the workplace. Ferguson was joined by Brittany Gregory, executive director of the Washington State Women’s Commission, as well as medical professionals, policy leaders and labor representatives.
Some call on WA to suspend gas tax amid high fuel prices. Is it on the table? Original
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Washington now has the nation’s second-highest gas price at about $5.73 per gallon. The CCA adds roughly 55 cents and the state gas tax adds about 55 cents. Sen. Chris Gildon has asked Gov. Bob Ferguson to suspend the CCA to lower fuel costs. The price at the pump in Washington is too high, some residents argue — a feeling that’s spurred multiple pushes asking officials to help lower gas costs.
Here’s what to know about the Washington State Supreme Court
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WA centrists are ‘politically homeless.’ Nirvana co-founder wants to change that
Editor's Note: This story will be part of a five-part series by The Olympian that examines how the nation’s political divide is reshaping the future of Washington state. Devin Doyle relocated to Seattle from New York City to pursue an M.B.A. at the University of Washington. But after living in the state for five years, he said he became disillusioned with the Democratic Party’s lack of leadership. His dissatisfaction led him on a quest for something new.
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