Sharlett Mena

Washington’s legislators will be back in the capitol on May 16 to hash out the state’s law on possession of drugs. One important player: The freshman class in the House. This is the third part of KNKX's "Freshman Magic" series.

KNKX reporter Scott Greenstone is following freshman lawmaker Rep. Sharlett Mena through her first session. In the second part of our "Freshman Magic" series, we’re going across the street from the Capitol – where the new lawmakers have their offices.

Washington's legislature has a large freshman class and the most diverse ever recorded. But they’re working in an institution designed in the 1800s – by and for white male farmers. This is part one of KNKX's "Freshman Magic" series.

A new report from the Washington State Department of Ecology found formaldehyde, lead and arsenic in a study of products marketed to people of color. The findings are fueling renewed efforts to ban a list of hazardous chemicals from cosmetics and personal care items sold in Washington.

Sharlett Mena’s campaign for Washington’s 29th Legislative District may have ended after the August primary. But the driving force behind why she ran in…