How hard, or how soft, should Washington state be on drug users? In Oregon they decriminalized drugs, but so far it hasn’t worked to get more people into treatment programs. (Jennifer Buchanan / The Seattle Times)
(Jennifer Buchanan / The Seattle Times)
Danny Westneat

WA looks for an answer to the drug crisis | Danny Westneat

How hard, or how soft, should Washington be on drug abusers? Oregon decriminalized drugs, but so far it hasn't worked to get more people into treatment programs.

Fund For Those In Need

For a Kent teen, getting help was ‘like a storm clearing up’
Teaching technology to Seattle-area seniors is easing loneliness, likely saving lives
A toddler would only cry, then WA helpers brought the gift of words VIEW
How to help your Seattle-area neighbors at a crucial moment VIEW

Politics

Voters wait in line to make corrections to their ballots for the midterm elections at City Hall in Philadelphia, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. According to data from AP VoteCast, voters with no religious affiliation supported Democratic candidates and abortion rights by staggering percentages in the 2022 midterm elections. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) NY911 NY911

Nonreligious voters wield clout, tilt heavily Democratic

Opinion

Alex Fryer
Between promises and results, the fine print of ending homelessness | Alex Fryer
3 things for Congress to prioritize before control of the House changes | Editorial
Frank Blethen
To save our democracy and its wingmen, local newspapers, Congress must act by year's end | Frank Blethen
David Horsey
News deserts spread across Washington | Horsey cartoon

Local News

Featured prominently in the film, the “Goonies” house in Astoria, Ore., sometimes attracts 1,000 visitors a day in the summer. It is not open for tours. (Rob Owen / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette / TNS)

‘Goonies’ house in Astoria sells to a ‘serial entrepreneur’

Featured Columnist

WA looks for an answer to the drug crisis

Education Lab

Seattle school enrollment levels off, but district still faces budget woes
Yakima schools pilot college credit program as WA leaders push to expand access
Upgrades and construction ahead for Highline, Renton school districts
At WA special education schools, years of abuse complaints and lack of academics

Business & Tech

Chief technology officer Kaj Pedersen is photographed at the AstrumU office in Kirkland on Wednesday on Nov. 30, 2022. Formerly a H1B worker, he has resided in the United States for 27 years. He says around 10 out of approximately 50 of the company’s employees hold H1B visas.

For some foreign workers, Seattle tech layoffs can mean a forced exit

Featured Columnist

Strike or not, railroads remain essential to America

Most Read Stories

Nation & World

Modern laundry detergents, even those that aren’t marked for cold-water use, are typically formulated to clean just as well at lower temperatures. MUST CREDIT: Washington Post photo by Carolyn Van Houten.

Why you should almost always wash your clothes in cold water

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Food & Drink

Seabird’s storefront on Bainbridge Island on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.

Restaurant on WA island was named a top U.S. eatery — but here’s what our critic thinks

Pacific NW Magazine

Catching up with Margarethe Cammermeyer on the 10th anniversary of marriage equality in WA

‘Love, Equally’ celebrates WA marriage equality, LGBTQ civil rights

Make a difference this holiday season!

Support 13 local nonprofits through The Seattle Times Fund for Those in Need.

Arts & Life

Viola Davis arrives at the Governors Awards on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) CAJS244 CAJS244

Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain bring the color to Governors Awards

Photography

Members of the Seattle SeaCordsmen finish off a carol with smiles during the 37th Annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Celebration at Pike Place Market on Friday night. The competition benefits the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank. 222197
Local News

Figgy Pudding carolers bring the holiday spirit to Pike Place Market VIEW

Ben Schurko, with Fleming’s Holiday Lighting, wraps a tree with green and blue Seahawk lights along the North plaza at Lumen Field. There’s 51 lights to a bundle. Each tree takes about 35 bundles, more than 1750 lights. Fleming’s Holiday Lighting specializes in commercial holiday lighting in King County.. 222304
Local News

Lumen Field plaza lights up for the holidays VIEW

A dog pops his head out of the car window as it snows on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022.
Weather

Photos: Scenes from a snowy Seattle-area Tuesday VIEW

Washington Huskies guard Keyon Menifield steals the ball between Seattle Redhawks guard Riley Grigsby, left, and forward Brandton Chatfield during the first half. 222280
College Basketball

Photos: Huskies beat the Redhawks, 77-66 VIEW