Prisons take fresh look at conservation

Washing the inmates' laundry in cold water, composting kitchen waste and collecting rain water are holding down costs to both the taxpayer and the environment, says the Department of Corrections.

Race a factor in child services

American Indian, Hispanic and black children in Washington are far more likely than white children to be referred to Child Protective Services, according to a report released Wednesday.

Gregoire delays building project

The governor has put the brakes on a $370 million state building project, asking the Department of Information Services and architects to significantly trim its cost.

State office consolidation ignites dispute on growth

The old Department of Health office was so limited on space that employees had to wash shellfish in the sink by the office coffee maker before sending them to a laboratory for toxin testing.

Agencies will pick up tab for workers' bags

The checked baggage fees charged by some airlines are now part of the cost of doing state business.

Slowdown reduces state reserves

The slowdown in the state's economy will trim $50 million from expected reserves, dropping the state's surplus to $801 million by next summer, forecasters said Thursday.

Lawmakers track predictions

A state hiring freeze or simply another budget tweak? Today's state revenue forecast will lay out the playing field for the summer campaign season.