Coded stories

What this dataset measures

Coverage of I-638 was collected from outlet search pages, sitemaps, RSS feeds, web search and syndicated copies for three outlet groups fixed before coding (mainstream, conservative, progressive/advocacy), plus labeled fact checks. Any story that describes the measure or quotes someone on it was included; republished copies were coded once under the original. The same codebook was applied to every outlet so that omissions and errors can be compared in both directions.

Geography

Washington State, United States

Unit of observation

One news or opinion story about I-638

Update cadence

One-time audit; corrections published as new versions

Curator

FactHub Research Team

Curated data tables

Coded stories

One row per story in the sample, coded with the published codebook. Bias measures use only rows with counts_as_news = 1.

Unit of observation: Story

stories.csv text/csv · 242.2 KB (248,002 bytes)

The first 68 of 262 rows 39 columns Download the full file

The first 68 of 262 rows

story_id	group	counts_as_news	outlet	outlet_group	date	author	headline	url	read_status	type	yes_sources people	no_sources people	neutral_sources people	first_word	last_word	rebuttal	headline_term	loaded_terms	no_claims_unchecked	yes_claims_unchecked	claims_checked	F1	F2	F3	F4	F5	F6	F7	F8	F9	F10	F11	F12	F13	has_error	errors	key_quote	notes
A1	progressive	1	LGBTQ Nation	progressive	2026-01-06	John Russell	Trans sports ban that could require genital exams will appear on the ballot in Washington	lgbtqnation.com	full	news	1	3	1	no	no	N	trans sports ban; could require genital exams	far-right political action committee; trans sports ban; millionaire hedge fund manager and Republican megadonor	—	YDOC	—	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	N	—	"that ban would require girls to undergo physical examinations to participate in school sports"	Quotes Sec. 3(2) text with all three bases. Quotes the Sec. 1 finding that physicals include "documentation of the student's sex assigned at birth" with no context (YDOC unchecked). Heywood quote is about partisanship only; no Yes response on exams.
A2	progressive	1	LGBTQ Nation	progressive	2026-06-08	Daniel Villarreal	Girls will be forced to undergo vaginal inspections if voters approve anti-trans sports measure	lgbtqnation.com	full	news	1	6	2	no	no	N	anti-trans sports measure; vaginal inspections	anti-trans; genital inspections (as fact); anti-trans political group Let's Go Washington; Republican megadonor	NGEN;NCLOTHED	—	YDOC	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	1	Y	Headline (outlet voice): "Girls will be forced to undergo vaginal inspections if voters approve" - no exam is mandated; genetics or testosterone suffice (the story itself quotes that text). Lede: "would require girl student-athletes statewide to confirm their 'biological sex' with genital inspections just to play sports." Also: "According to Reed, the Washington ballot measure would restore language to the 2024 parental rights law that would effectively require the forced outing of trans students" - that is IL26-001, not IL26-638 (conflation). No correction seen (modified same day).	"Hormone and genetic testing aren't always covered by health insurance plans, making a visual inspection of the child's genitals the most affordable option."	Quotes the Sec. 3(2) text with the three bases, then narrates that inspections are required. Fact-checks YDOC via KUOW (forms have no sex section). Most paragraphs reused verbatim in A3.
A3	progressive	1	LGBTQ Nation	progressive	2026-08-28	Daniel Villarreal	GOP group falsely implies pediatricians support genital exams in anti-trans sports bans	lgbtqnation.com	full	news	3	7	4	yes	no	Y	anti-trans sports bans; genital exams	anti-trans sports ban; GOP group / Republican group (for LGW); millionaire Republican megadonor; genital inspections (as fact)	NGEN;NCLOTHED	YBIRTH	YAAP;YDOC	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	1	1	Y	Lede (outlet voice): IL26-638 is "a law that would require girl student-athletes statewide to confirm their 'biological sex' with genital inspections in order to play sports" - text names no exam and allows genetics or testosterone. Headline verdict "falsely implies pediatricians support genital exams": the pamphlet passage cites AAP for routine primary care and says "non-invasive physical examination"; it does not mention genital exams (characterization, not a plain error; coordinator to judge). Calls LGW a "Republican group"/"GOP group" (LGW is a PAC, not a party body).	"'There's nothing actually inaccurate with what we said. So ultimately, we just decided to leave it,' said Hallie Herzberg"	Fair on YAAP (AAP objected, F9) and YDOC (KUOW: untrue; forms lack sex section, F12). Quotes Yes pamphlet "birth records" basis without noting birth records are not a listed basis (YBIRTH unchecked). Repeats the "visual inspection ... most affordable" sentence from A2. WIAA "only 10 or so" (F10). Erin Reed on ERA challenge (F13).
A4	progressive	1	LGBTQ Nation	progressive	2026-09-22	Greg Owen	Inside the fight to stop a MAGA millionaire from using anti-trans ballot measures to get a tax break	lgbtqnation.com	full	news	0	1	0	no	no	N	anti-trans ballot measures	MAGA millionaire; MAGA billionaire; draconian ballot initiatives; self-funded right-wing political action committee; illiberal initiatives	NMEGA	—	—	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"Initiative 638 would ban trans girls from school sports" - it bars them only from female-only competition; boys'/open teams unaffected (F4 omitted). "the deep pockets of the MAGA billionaire who's sponsoring them" - same story's headline says "millionaire"; no source for billionaire. Also unsourced: Heywood is a "close ally of President Donald Trump". "Three out of four of them went down to defeat" omits Heywood's three 2024 initiatives the Legislature passed.	"Initiative 638 would ban trans girls from school sports with a requirement for genital exams or other forms of testing to confirm the sex of every girl in the state who wants to play sports."	Single-source profile of No Hate campaign manager Libby Watson. No Yes voice at all. Frames the measures as cover for Heywood's I-645 tax goal (Watson's claim, unanswered).
A5	progressive	1	LGBTQ Nation	progressive	2026-10-05	Daniel Villarreal	LGBTQ+ rights are on the ballot in 6 states this year. Here's what you need to know.	lgbtqnation.com	full	explainer	0	3	0	no	no	N	(none; "LGBTQ+ rights")	ballot measure banning trans athletes	NBOYS	—	—	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	Y	"The initiative permits three verification methods: genetic testing, testosterone measurement, or a visual examination of reproductive anatomy" - the text says "reproductive anatomy"; "visual examination" is not in it. "the first two methods are expensive and not covered by insurance" stated as blanket fact (no source); then predicts "most parents will likely go for the third option, requiring kids to expose their genitals to adult medical professionals."	"Seeing as the first two methods are expensive and not covered by insurance, most parents will likely go for the third option, requiring kids to expose their genitals to adult medical professionals."	Multi-state explainer; WA section coded. Headline says 6 states but URL slug says 8 (headline changed after publication). NBOYS is accurate. No Yes voice.
A6	progressive	1	LGBTQ Nation	progressive	2026-10-20	John Russell	Girls' cross-country team protests trans teammate as state braces for anti-trans ballot measure	lgbtqnation.com	full	news	2	2	2	yes	no	N	anti-trans ballot measure	anti-trans activists and influencers; trans sports ban; visual genital exam	—	—	—	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	Y	"Ballot Initiative 683" (twice) - the measure is Initiative 638. "would require middle and high school student athletes to prove their biological sex via a visual genital exam, a lab test ... to participate in school sports" - it applies only to girls entering female-only competition (boys exempt), K-12, and the text names no "visual genital exam". Uncorrected in the copy read 2026-10-23.	"Ballot Initiative 683 would require middle and high school student athletes to prove their biological sex via a visual genital exam, a lab test to determine their genetic makeup, or an analysis of testosterone levels to participate in school sports."	Includes a documented WA case: the Camas trans runner placed second and first in girls' races (F6). Reykdal quote: "10, 12, 15" trans kids a year (F10). Sources: HeCheated.org and Kruse/Gaines (yes, paraphrased); Gallagher, Reykdal (no); OPB, Camas SD (neutral).
A7	progressive	1	LGBTQ Nation	progressive	2026-07-14	Molly Sprayregen	Megan Rapinoe warns trans sports bans harm all girls: "That's a feature, not a bug, of these laws"	lgbtqnation.com	full	news	0	1	0	no	no	N	trans sports bans	anti-trans sports bans	NBOYS;NDISC	—	—	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	N	—	"young girls would have to undergo invasive inspections of their genitals, or pay for a DNA or hormone test, as part of their school sports physicals" (Rapinoe)	Writeup of Rapinoe Marie Claire op-ed; I-638 is one passage. Rapinoe names the alternatives (paid tests), so not coded NGEN. No Yes voice.
A8	progressive	0	NPI Cascadia Advocate	progressive	2026-01-07	Andrew Villeneuve	NO on IL26-001 and IL26-638: We defeated right wing mega-millionaire Brian Heywood in 2024 and we can do it again in 2026	nwprogressive.org	full	opinion	2	1	0	yes	yes	N	IL26-638 only	right wing mega-millionaire; mean-spirited, exclusionary measures; pile of lies and fabrications; dumb measures	NGEN	—	—	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"make all young female athletes prove they have vulvar anatomy. Young girls whose families haven't paid for genetic or blood tests would be required to submit to invasive genital exams to be eligible for after-school sports" - the text it quotes directly below lets a provider rely on any one basis and names no exam.	"Young girls whose families haven't paid for genetic or blood tests would be required to submit to invasive genital exams to be eligible for after-school sports"	NPI runs Permanent Defense PAC and is a member of the No coalition (Washington Families For Freedom, later No Hate in WA State); advocacy piece with donate link. Quotes Sec. 3 in full. F8: says Heywood paid for the signatures.
A9	progressive	0	NPI Cascadia Advocate	progressive	2026-01-22	Andrew Villeneuve	Brian Heywood's IL26-638 (subjecting young female athletes to invasive genital exams) gets certified	nwprogressive.org	full	opinion	0	2	1	no	no	N	invasive genital exams (as fact)	right wing mega-millionaire; invasive genital exams on girls; Heywood's schemes	NGEN;NBOYS;NAGE8;NMEGA	—	—	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	Y	Headline: "(subjecting young female athletes to invasive genital exams)". Body: "Requiring invasive exams of 'reproductive organs' on all girls who want to play sports, even those as young as eleven" - no exam is named; the text has no age floor ("eleven" is the coalition's figure; the pamphlet later said 8). Deck says the measure will appear on "the November 2025 statewide ballot" (should be 2026).	"Invasive Genital Exams on Girls: Requiring invasive exams of 'reproductive organs' on all girls who want to play sports, even those as young as eleven ... Boys are exempt."	Certification news inside an advocacy post (urges NO vote, donate). Quotes the AG ballot title with all three bases. NAGE8 coded as the age-floor claim (here "11"). WFF statement: Ohio dropped anatomy verification in 2022.
A10	progressive	0	NPI Cascadia Advocate	progressive	2026-09-06	Andrew Villeneuve	Wrong for Washington: Seattle Times joins NPI and a broad coalition in opposing each of Brian Heywood's 2026 initiatives	nwprogressive.org	full	opinion	1	1	0	no	yes	N	(none)	destructive and divisive initiatives; prove they have a vagina	N510	—	—	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	Y	"spearhead a measure that would require all young female athletes to prove they have a vagina just to play on a school sports team" - verification may rest on genetics or testosterone; no anatomy proof is required. (Quoted Seattle Times editorial: I-638 "would ban roughly 10-12 transgender Washington girls ... from competing in school-sponsored sports" - the measure bars them only from girls' teams; that error belongs to the Times editorial, mainstream group.) Typo: "645, 001, and 645".	"Requiring proof of a vagina through testing or a physical exam is what 638 is all about."	Endorsement roundup. Records Seattle Times editorial board: NO on 638, 001, 645. Heywood quote is about the 645 editorial.
A11	progressive	0	NPI Cascadia Advocate	progressive	2026-09-29	Andrew Villeneuve	NO on 645 unveils three new ads as NO on 638 shares statements of opposition from Governor Ferguson and Senator Murray	nwprogressive.org	full	opinion	0	3	0	no	no	N	NO on 638	revolting scheme to require girls to prove that they have a vagina; wealthy hedge fund mogul	NGEN;NMEGA	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"Brian Heywood's revolting scheme to require girls to prove that they have a vagina before they can play on sports teams with their friends" (outlet voice; text allows genetics or testosterone).	"I-638 would force every girl who wants to play a school sport to have a doctor verify her sex, often through an invasive physical exam, every time she needs a sports physical" (Sen. Murray)	Murray: "bankrolled by a single far-right megadonor" (NMEGA). Ferguson: I-638 "will force them into invasive sex verification exams" (NGEN, no alternatives). Lists ATNI, Seattle Chamber, cities, King County, Seattle School Board as opposed.
A12	progressive	0	NPI Cascadia Advocate	progressive	2026-10-06	Andrew Villeneuve	Section 3 of Brian Heywood's Initiative 638 would require Washington girls to prove they have a vagina just to play sports	nwprogressive.org	full	opinion	2	2	3	yes	no	Y	prove they have a vagina	prove you've got a vagina regime; dystopian, discriminatory laws; blatantly lying; wealthy hedge fund mogul	NGEN;NBC;N510;NAGE8;NBOYS	—	YDOC;YBAN	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	1	Y	Headline "would require Washington girls to prove they have a vagina just to play sports". Body: "requiring all girls who want to play sports to prove that they have a vagina before they can participate" and "Under 638, they [invasive genital exams] would be required of girls as a prerequisite to play, unless the girl's family pays for hormonal or genetic testing" - text requires a provider form relying on any one basis; no exam named. "Re-read the title, and notice that it refers to 'biological men'" - the ballot title it quotes says "biologically male", not "biological men".	"Under 638, they would be required of girls as a prerequisite to play, unless the girl's family pays for hormonal or genetic testing."	Most detailed NPI piece: prints the full AG explanatory statement and Sec. 3; shows Sec. 3(2) copies Florida HB 1475 (2021) language that Florida dropped; rebuts LGW site claims (YDOC, YBAN). Katie Johnson quote: birth certificates not accepted (NBC, accurate, no context), "handful" (N510), applies to elementary girls. Predicts immediate court challenge under WA ERA (F13). Heywood tweet quoted: "we have zero interest in what is in your pants."
A13	progressive	0	NPI Cascadia Advocate	progressive	2026-10-13	Andrew Villeneuve	Wealthy hedge fund mogul Brian Heywood need only look in the mirror if he wants to know who made him "toxic"	nwprogressive.org	partial	opinion	0	1	0	no	no	N	(none; about Heywood)	prove you have a vagina regime; extreme provisions	NEXT	—	—	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"schemes to require girls to prove they have a vagina to play sports" (outlet voice).	"require girls to submit to invasive genital exams or genetic / hormonal testing to play sports"	Mostly about I-645/Heywood; I-638 paragraphs read in full. Repeats coalition label "the most extreme MAGA measure in the country" (NEXT) unchecked.
A14	progressive	1	The Stand (WSLC)	progressive	2026-09-23	Sarah Tucker	Get out the vote with Labor Neighbor	thestand.org	full	news	0	1	0	no	no	N	(none)	harmful ballot initiatives; invasive sex inspections	NGEN	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"I-638 would subject girls who want to play school sports to invasive sex inspections." (outlet voice; no exam is mandated).	"I-638 would subject girls who want to play school sports to invasive sex inspections."	Washington State Labor Council publication; GOTV announcement for the No campaign. One sentence on I-638.
A15	progressive	0	The Stand (WSLC)	progressive	2026-10-20	Mara Rafferty; Jarel Sanders	Why union members are standing up against anti-LGBTQ+ fearmongering	thestand.org	full	opinion	0	0	0	none	none	N	anti-LGBTQ+ fearmongering	fake moral panic; blanket ban; grotesquely; surveil teenage girls' bodies; Heywood and his cronies	N510	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	Y	"would force every single girl in the state playing sports to get a medical exam to prove her biological sex" - applies only to girls entering female-only interschool competition, and the sports physical is already required; the new element is the provider's sex verification, not a new exam.	"there are only an estimated 5-10 transgender student athletes in the entire state"	Guest op-ed (Pride at Work). Says WSLC unions endorsed No Hate. Also two Stand daily roundups (9/23 "No on I-638", 10/20) carry I-638 excerpts from other outlets - not coded, see notes file.
A16	progressive	1	PubliCola	progressive	2025-09-26	Erica C. Barnett	New Poll Tests Messages on Initiatives Opposing Trans Girls in Sports, Student Privacy	publicola.com	full	news	1	0	0	yes	yes	N	initiatives opposing trans girls in sports	right-wing megamillionaire; dangerous and unfounded tropes; hulking "men"; low-information voters	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"even in elite sports such as professional running, cis women frequently defeat trans women"	Pre-filing message poll story. Reporter-voice counterclaims given without any source: "cis women frequently defeat trans women" in professional running, and "In fact, the evidence is exactly the opposite" on girls dropping out. Not coded as errors (not verifiable false from the record here) but they are unsourced assertions; F3 omitted while the story disputes advantage. No No-side or neutral source; the outlet itself rebuts.
A17	progressive	1	PubliCola	progressive	2026-05-13	Erica C. Barnett	Elections Complaint Targets Conservative Podcaster Brandi Kruse and Let's Go Washington	publicola.com	full	news	1	1	0	no	yes	Y	(none)	right-wing influencer; advocacy against trans children	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"The first would ban trans girls from participating in children's sports." - it bars them only from female-only interschool competition. A reader comment under the story flagged it ("I doubt that is what the initiative says"); not corrected.	"The first would ban trans girls from participating in children's sports."	Story is about a PDC complaint (dismissed 2026-09-23). Kruse quoted denying payment. F8: LGW "financed by hedge-fund investor Brian Heywood".
A18	progressive	1	PubliCola	progressive	2026-08-21	Erica C. Barnett	Interim Police Chief Sayles Filed Complaint Against Hate Crimes Detective for Speaking At Pro-LGBTQ Rally	publicola.com	full	news	0	2	3	no	none	N	(none)	anti-LGBTQ initiatives; right-wing billionaire	NGEN	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"The second would require girls to submit to genital inspections to prove they have vaginas as a condition of participating in sports." (outlet voice; text names no exam and allows genetics or testosterone). "funded by right-wing billionaire Brian Heywood" - no source for billionaire (PubliCola itself called him a "megamillionaire" in 2025).	"The second would require girls to submit to genital inspections to prove they have vaginas as a condition of participating in sports."	Accurate that physicals today have no genital inspection requirement. Detective Wareing: initiative "would increase the risk of sexual abuse for girls participating in sports" (no rebuttal on that claim).
A19	progressive	1	PubliCola	progressive	2026-09-30	Erica C. Barnett	Council Learns What "One-Time Funding" Means; Podcaster's Advocacy for Anti-Trans Campaign Didn't Violate Election Law	publicola.com	full	news	0	0	1	none	none	N	anti-trans campaign	initiatives targeting children's rights at school	NGEN	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"The first initiative would ban trans girls from playing sports in school and require children to prove their sex assigned at birth, through a medically unnecessary physical exam if they don't have a longtime pediatrician willing to attest that they possess a vagina." - bars trans girls only from girls' competition; applies only to girls, not "children"; omits genetics/testosterone bases; text has no pediatrician-or-exam rule.	"through a medically unnecessary physical exam if they don't have a longtime pediatrician willing to attest that they possess a vagina"	Item 2 of a news roundup: PDC dismissed the Kruse complaint on 9/23.
A20	progressive	1	PubliCola	progressive	2026-10-01	Erica C. Barnett	Interim Police Chief Based Complaint Against Detective on Right-Wing Characterization of Anti-Trans Initiative	publicola.com	full	news	1	1	2	no	none	Y	anti-trans initiative	anti-trans initiative; anti-LGBTQ initiatives; billionaire Brian Heywood; right-wing podcaster	—	—	YDOC	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	Y	"the initiative would require either proof of an athlete's sex from a girl's 'personal physician' or-for girls who lack a personal physician-a genital exam or DNA test" - the text has no such two-tier rule; the quoted phrase in the text is "personal health care provider", and every girl's form must rest on anatomy, genetics or testosterone. "billionaire Brian Heywood's group" (unsourced). Reporter voice: "the high prevalence of sexual abuse in girls' sports is not a matter of serious debate" (unsourced).	"Initiative supporters have claimed that girls already have to prove their biological sex to participate in sports, but that isn't true"	Correctly rebuts YDOC and says the measure adds proof of sex to physicals (F12). Kruse (yes, characterized); Wareing (no); Sayles, OPA (neutral).
A21	progressive	1	Erin in the Morning	progressive	2026-01-05	Erin Reed	Trans Sports Ban With Genital Inspections Gains Enough Signatures To Appear On Washington State Ballot	erininthemorning.com	full	news	1	1	0	yes	no	N	trans sports ban with genital inspections	far-right political group; genital inspections (as fact); forced outing	—	—	—	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	Y	Headline: "Trans Sports Ban With Genital Inspections". Lede: "a transgender sports ban for high school students ... with genital inspections as a primary verification method" - the text ranks no method and covers K-12. "participation in girls' sports would be conditioned on a medical verification of sex, requiring either a genital examination or a blood test" - text bases are anatomy, genetic makeup or testosterone; no exam or blood draw is named.	"enough to place a transgender sports ban for high school students on the ballot with genital inspections as a primary verification method"	Speculates esports, bowling, golf would be covered. Predicts WA ERA challenge (F13). F8: "bankrolled by conservative megadonor Brian Heywood". F1 coded 1 because a non-anatomy alternative (blood test) is given, but genital inspection is framed as primary.
A22	progressive	1	Erin in the Morning	progressive	2026-06-19	s. baum	"No Hate in WA State" Launches Campaign to Take Down Anti-Trans Ballot Initiatives	erininthemorning.com	full	news	1	4	0	no	no	N	anti-trans ballot initiatives	oligarch; anti-trans financier; ultra-rich peddling conservative gender ideologies	NGEN;NBOYS	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"The latter ballot initiative could force tens of thousands of student athletes each year to undergo invasive genital exams just to play on girls' sports teams"	Hedged ("could"), so not an error, but no alternative bases mentioned (NGEN). "each year" is not in the text (it ties verification to the required routine sports physical). Gives both sides' money ($736k vs almost $2M) and notes LGW vow to fight SEIU/WEA "spending behemoths" (F7, F8).
A23	progressive	1	Erin in the Morning	progressive	2026-07-27	Erin Reed	Anti-Trans Ballot Initiatives Spread In Five States, As Some Opposition To Them Grows	erininthemorning.com	full	news	0	1	1	no	no	N	anti-trans ballot initiatives	billionaire money; anti-trans panic	NDISC	—	—	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	N	—	"to be eligible, a student must provide a statement from her health care provider 'that verifies the student's biological sex, relying only on one or more of the following...'"	Accurate on the text (WA section coded). LGW raised $7M, No Hate $1.6M (Ballotpedia). WIAA ~10 out trans athletes of 200,000+. Rapinoe quote (NDISC).
A24	mainstream	1	The 19th	progressive (nonprofit newsroom; reassign if coordinator treats as mainstream)	2026-07-27	Brooke Migdon	How Washington state's sports ballot measure will impact all girls	19thnews.org	full	news	2	5	3	no	no	Y	sports ballot measure	(none notable)	NEXT;NDISC	—	YDOC;NBC	1	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	1	N	—	"Previously, physicians in Washington had been required to indicate a student's sex on sports evaluation forms, but that requirement was rolled back in 2019"	Most balanced advocacy-group story: LGW (Herzberg) and a Yes athlete ([the Tumwater athlete]) quoted at length; Herzberg explains why birth certificates are not enough (NBC context). F5: 27 states, IOC, WTA. Minor wording: "sex assigned at birth verified" (text says "biological sex"). Herzberg says students may assert anatomy "using other medical records".
A25	progressive	1	TransVitae	progressive	2026-10-23	TransVitae Staff	Washington Wants Genital Exams to Keep Trans Girls Out	transvitae.com	full	news	1	3	1	no	no	N	genital exams	anti-trans sports measure; protecting girls' privacy now means invading it	—	—	YDOC	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	Y	Headline "Washington Wants Genital Exams to Keep Trans Girls Out" states as fact an aim the measure does not contain; its own body says only that critics "warn that complying could involve genital examinations". Subhead "Fewer Than 10 Trans Athletes" vs body "approximately five to ten".	"Critics warn that complying could involve genital examinations, blood tests, or genetic screening, even for girls who have never had their sex questioned."	Published 2026-10-23 (end of window). Body is fairly accurate (three bases, provider verification, LGW poll caveat).
A26	progressive	1	International Examiner	progressive (community press)	2026-10-20	Micah Yip	Opponents of I-001 and I-638 urge 'no' vote, warning the laws would endanger the state's most vulnerable youth	iexaminer.org	full	news	1	3	1	no	no	N	I-638	(none notable)	NBOYS	—	—	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	N	—	"every girl who wants to join a girls' team would have to submit medical documentation from a health care provider that 'verifies the student's biological sex,' based on one or more of ..."	Coverage of a No Hate media briefing; accurate description of text. Herzberg quoted via Seattle Times; Jinkins "tens of thousands" examined. WIAA 5-10 (F10).
A27	progressive	1	The Advocate	progressive	2026-08-04	Desiree Guerrero	Washington ballot measure could force all girls to have genital inspections to play sports	advocate.com	full	news	1	3	1	no	no	N	genital inspections (hedged "could")	right-wing proposal; extremism of this particular measure; crude and archaic; far right	NEXT	—	YDOC	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	Y	Deck: "a new right-wing proposal that would force school-age female athletes to undergo invasive physical exams to 'prove' their gender" (no exam named; it verifies sex, not gender). Body: "The measure's text also doesn't establish who would conduct the exams ... when they should take place" - the text says the form is signed by "the student's personal health care provider" and is provided "as part of the required routine sports physical examination". "impose special eligibility requirements on athletes from kindergarten through high school" (only girls in female-only competition). Page <title> differs from headline: "Washington ballot measure could require sex tests for girls".	"The measure's text also doesn't establish who would conduct the exams, who would pay for them, when they should take place, or how the policy would be enforced across schools."	Rewrite of The Cut. Lists all three bases (F1). 27 states (F5). Watson: "millions of dollars, mostly given by Brian Heywood himself"; LGW $3.3M vs No $1.3M (F8). Current forms show no sex requirement (F12).
A28	progressive	1	The Advocate (reprint of Them)	progressive	2026-08-28	Mathew Rodriguez	Pediatrics association tells transphobes not to use its name to push for school sports genital exams	advocate.com	full	news	3	0	3	yes	none	Y	school sports genital exams	transphobes; right-wing anti-trans campaign; dog whistle	—	YBIRTH	YAAP	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	Y	"The language included in the paragraph seems to have used the group's expertise as a boon to its desire to justify the requirement of genital exams in order for children to play sports." - the measure has no genital-exam requirement. Misspells LGW spokesperson as "Helzberg" once.	"the AAP's executive director also said that there is 'no indication for sex verification to obtain medical clearance to participate safely in sports.'"	Notable: reports LGW press release quoting the AAP-WA director that genital exams are standard at well checks for all boys and pre-pubertal girls, and the director's line that sports clearance needs no sex verification (both sides of that exchange).
A29	progressive	1	The Advocate	progressive	2026-03-18	Christopher Wiggins	4 states move anti-trans ballot measures to voters for 2026 midterm election	advocate.com	full	news	0	0	0	none	none	N	anti-trans ballot measures	anti-trans	—	—	—	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	N	—	"The initiative would require verification from a health care provider that a student was assigned female at birth and would rely on evidence based on genetics, anatomy, or testosterone levels before participating in girls' sports."	Multi-state roundup; WA paragraph only. Accurate.
A30	progressive	0	The Advocate	progressive	2026-10-05	Shelby Chestnut; Sarah Kate Ellis; Kevin Jennings; Andy Marra; Kelley Robinson	Anti-trans ballot measures are a political test run for the 2028 presidential election	advocate.com	full	opinion	0	0	0	none	none	N	anti-trans ballot measures	enshrine discrimination; terrifying door to invasive enforcement tactics	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"voters in Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, and Washington will be asked to enshrine the exclusion of transgender students into state constitutions" - IL26-638 is an initiative to the Legislature adding a section to RCW 28A.600 (a statute), not a constitutional amendment.	"These bans open a terrifying door to invasive enforcement tactics like anatomy exams and other gender inspections on any woman or girl who wants to play."	Op-ed by heads of TLC, GLAAD, Lambda Legal, A4TE, HRC.
A31	progressive	1	Out	progressive	2026-07-14	(Out staff)	Megan Rapinoe says she lost brand deal after AI software flagged her trans allyship as 'risk'	out.com	full	news	0	1	0	no	no	N	(none)	one of the most extreme proposed trans sports bans yet	NEXT;NGEN;NBOYS	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"Measure I-638 would require all girls to be medically certified in order to participate in sports teams, and could subject girls, but not boys, to invasive genital exams if passed into law."	NEXT appears in outlet voice ("is one of the most extreme proposed trans sports bans yet") with no context. Hedged on exams; no alternative bases given.
A32	progressive	0	Seattle Gay News	progressive	2026-08-13	Yvette Maganya (Legal Voice)	A horrifying anti-Trans ballot initiative is coming to Washington	sgn.org	full	opinion	0	0	0	none	none	N	horrifying anti-Trans ballot initiative	hate-filled movement; draconian; police children's bodies	NEXT;NDISC	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"hundreds of thousands of young girls would be forced to endure invasive gynecological exams, blood tests, and investigations of their personal medical records" - no exam is required and "gynecological" goes beyond the text. "Young athletes could worry that one accusation from a classmate, parent, or opposing team might force them into a deeply humiliating investigation" - IL26-638 has no accusation or dispute process (that was the Florida/Idaho model); it is a routine form for every girl.	"That means hundreds of thousands of young girls would be forced to endure invasive gynecological exams, blood tests, and investigations of their personal medical records."	Op-ed by Legal Voice WA director. Ties I-638 to a Heritage Foundation Title IX report.
A33	progressive	1	Seattle Gay News	progressive	2026-10-05	John Crowley	Let's Go Washington gives over $22,000 to high school athlete's family for anti-Trans ballot initiative	sgn.org	full	news	2	0	2	yes	yes	Y	anti-Trans ballot initiative	MAGA-aligned billionaire; anti-Trans	—	—	NGEN	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"founded and funded by MAGA-aligned billionaire Brian Heywood" (no source for billionaire). Dateline reads "Updated: October 6, 2027" (typo). Parent's name spelled two ways.	"There has never been a genital exam required for me to participate in a school sport, ever" ([a Yes-side student athlete from Tumwater])	PDC records: LGW paid $22,236 to [the athlete's mother] Apr-Aug 2026; LGW says she is a development coordinator. Gives [the Tumwater athlete]'s rebuttal on genital exams and then quotes Sec. 1 and Sec. 3 text without editorializing (NGEN given context). No No-side voice.
A34	progressive	1	Seattle Gay News	progressive	2025-12-22	(SGN staff)	Anti-Queer initiatives inch closer to signature target - meet the right-wing influencers helping make it happen	sgn.org	full	news	3	0	0	yes	yes	N	anti-Queer initiatives	MAGA-style McCarthyism; anti-LGBTQIA+; right-wing influencers; "Intersex people be damned"	—	—	—	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"IL26-638 would 'require policies prohibiting students it defines as 'biologically male' from competing ...'"	Profile of Kruse, Hoffman, Presler. Quotes the AG ballot description with the three bases. Says Trans girl athlete count is low vs 250,000 participants. Mostly about influencers and IL26-126.
A35	progressive	1	Seattle Gay News	progressive	2026-01-01	(SGN staff)	Gender Justice League commits $100,000 to oppose Let's Go Washington's anti-Queer ballot initiatives	sgn.org	full	news	0	2	0	no	no	N	anti-Queer ballot initiatives	anti-Queer	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"We won't allow this one man [Brian Heywood] to use his wealth to bully the few Transgender kids brave enough to be their authentic selves in school."	One of the few advocacy stories with F7 (who funds the No side: GJL $80k cash + $20k in-kind to WFF).
A36	progressive	1	Seattle Gay News	progressive	2026-05-13	Calvin Jay Emerson	Seattle progressives fundraise against Brian Heywood's anti-Trans ballot initiatives	sgn.org	full	news	0	4	0	no	no	N	anti-Trans ballot initiatives	incendiary bigotry; right-wing PAC	NGEN	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"To enforce the ban, student athletes would have to 'medically verify' their sex assigned at birth, which activists fear could subject minors to invasive genital exams."	Fundraiser feature. "student athletes" (it applies only to girls). Miss Texas 1988: money "pumped in by one man" (F8).
A37	progressive	1	Seattle Gay News	progressive	2026-09-16	(SGN staff)	Seattle expands protections for sexual orientation and nonmonogamous relationships, condemns anti-Trans ballot initiatives	sgn.org	full	news	0	3	0	no	no	N	anti-Trans ballot initiatives	anti-Trans; MAGA-aligned billionaire	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"MAGA-aligned billionaire Brian Heywood" (no source for billionaire). Calls the measure "IL26-628" (typo).	"Every kid deserves the right to play ... without the fear of their privacy being violated" (Councilmember Foster)	Seattle City Council resolution opposing IL26-001 and IL26-638 (7-0, two absent). No description of the measure's content.
A38	progressive	1	Seattle Gay News	progressive	2026-04-29	(SGN staff)	LGBTQ Caucus makes gains in Washington legislative session	sgn.org	full	news	0	1	0	no	no	N	(none)	anti-Trans initiatives	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"The initiative would be enforced by requiring verification of students' sex through routine physical examinations"	One paragraph. Says "students' sex" (only girls' sex is verified).
A39	progressive	1	The Urbanist	progressive	2026-06-25	Amy Sundberg	Democratic Leaders Launch 'No Hate in WA State' Campaign Opposing Anti-Trans Ballot Measures	theurbanist.org	full	news	0	4	1	no	no	N	anti-trans ballot measures	anti-trans measures bankrolled by conservative multimillionaires	NGEN;NMEGA;NDISC	—	—	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	N	—	"The initiative's wording creates a gray area as to whether full pelvic examinations, rather than outer genital examinations, might be required."	Reporter-voice speculation (pelvic exams; "if girls ... are forced to take genetic tests and share the results with the government" - the text requires only a provider-signed form, no test results to government). Jayapal: initiatives "are lies that are bankrolled by MAGA Trump donors" and one "literally forces these invasive, disgusting exams on every girl" (NGEN, NMEGA). Heywood $1,975,000; LGW $5.5M (F8).
A40	progressive	0	The Urbanist	progressive	2026-09-24	Joe Mizrahi	Op-Ed: What MAGA Doesn't Want You to Know About I-645, I-001, and I-638	theurbanist.org	full	opinion	0	0	0	none	none	N	I-638 only	MAGA mega-millionaire; most extreme MAGA initiative; sex inspected	NEXT;N510;NGEN;NDISC	—	YAAP	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	Y	"Let's Go Washington is under formal investigation by the PDC for failing to report more than $1 million in political promotion and advertising for I-638 and I-001." - the PDC dismissed that complaint on 2026-09-23, the day before publication (PubliCola 9/30; LGW 9/28). "I-638 requires all girls (but not boys) to be sex inspected to play sports" (op-ed voice).	"Here's the secret Heywood tries to deny: I-638 requires all girls (but not boys) to be sex inspected to play sports."	Seattle School Board member. Quotes AAP-WA: the pamphlet statement "does not accurately portray AAP guidance regarding pre-sports participation exams" (F9).
A41	progressive	0	The Urbanist	progressive	2026-10-14	The Urbanist Elections Committee	2026 General Election Endorsements	theurbanist.org	full	opinion	0	1	0	no	no	N	(none)	mandatory sex inspections of young girls; this awful initiative	NEXT;NGEN	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"subjecting all girls to a mandatory inspection to confirm their biological sex" (board voice; no inspection is named; genetics or testosterone suffice).	"Mandatory sex inspections of young girls is not a phrase any of us wants to be writing"	ENDORSEMENT: No on I-638. Quotes No Hate "most extreme MAGA measure" line unchecked.
A42	progressive	0	The Seattle Medium	progressive (community press)	2026-10-22	Seattle Medium editorial	The Seattle Medium's 2026 General Election Endorsements	seattlemedium.com	full	opinion	0	0	0	none	none	N	(none)	(none notable)	—	—	—	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"require students seeking to participate to obtain verification of biological sex from a health care provider"	ENDORSEMENT: No on I-638. Accurate, restrained description.
A43	progressive	0	The New Transsexual (Substack)	progressive	2026-10-15	Ari Drennen	A Washington State Ballot Measure Would Make Every Girl on a Girls' School Team Get Her Sex Medically Verified - and It Doesn't Say Who Pays.	thenewtranssexual.com	full	opinion	1	8	3	no	no	Y	sex medically verified	(few; "red herring")	—	—	YBIRTH;YDOC	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	1	1	0	N	—	"neither birth records nor a parent's word is on the list, even though the Yes side's own argument in the voters' pamphlet says a provider could use a student's 'birth records.'"	Advocacy analysis (ends "please vote no") but the most accurate advocacy piece on the text: catches YBIRTH, gives LGW checkbox claim and the 2019 rollback, cites costs ($162 testosterone, $1,310 chromosome; Spokesman-Review). Reports no I-638 TV political files at six Seattle stations as of Oct. 13 and Meta/Google bans on WA ballot ads.
K1	factcheck	1	Seattle Red (KTTH)	conservative	2026-10-16	Jim Walsh (WA GOP chair, special contributor)	PAC mailer against I-638 lies to WA voters on girls' sports	seattlered.com	full	fact_check	1	1	0	no	yes	N	girls' sports	lies; shady left-wing PAC; deceitful flier; limousine-liberal	—	YDOC	NGEN	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Y	"It relies on existing, currently-required sports physicals, which include confirmation of an athlete's sex." - the WIAA PPE form has no sex field and the 2019 rule change removed it (YDOC, contradicted).	"Another lie: I-638 'forces tens of thousands of K-12 girls to undergo intrusive medical and genital verification checks.' The initiative doesn't do that, either."	Self-styled debunk by the WA GOP chair of a RAUID (Rural Americans United for Inclusive Democracy) mailer. Checks only No-side claims; verdict "lies". Coded here for the fact-check table; group is conservative, not advocacy.
K2	factcheck	1	Forthright with Sue Lani Madsen (Substack)	conservative	2026-10-20	Sue Lani Madsen	FACT CHECK on I-638 - Girls' sports are for girls	suelanimadsen.substack.com	partial	fact_check	—	—	—	—	—	—	girls' sports	scary and false "invasive procedures" argument; skullduggery	—	—	NAGE8	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	Visible portion: rates the No statement "girls as young as 8 to undergo intrusive medical sex certification as a new part of sports physicals" as MISLEADING because "Checking a box for male or female is still part of the standard forms for many school districts, or was up until this year." (Contradicts WIAA PPE form; not verified district by district.)	"MISLEADING: Checking a box for male or female is still part of the standard forms for many school districts, or was up until this year. It's not new."	Paywalled after first item; F fields blank. Recommends a Yes vote; checks only the No pamphlet statement in the visible part.
C1	conservative	1	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2025-11-20	Aaron Granillo	Critics say Washington initiatives threaten safety of LGBTQ+	mynorthwest.com	full	news	1	2	0	no	no	Y	Washington initiatives (none)	"so-called 'Parents' Bill of Rights'" (re I-001)	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	N	—	"Paid signature gatherers are promoting poorly written initiatives that will threaten the safety of every Washington student," Libby Watson ... said.	Signature-stage event story for the No coalition (Washington Families for Freedom). I-638 described only as "would bar transgender girls from girls' sports"; verification provision not mentioned. Heywood's reply addresses I-001 (parental authority), not the I-638 safety claim.
C2	conservative	0	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2025-12-13	KIRO Newsradio staff (John Curley Show)	'Not the hill to die on': Rep. Walsh faults Teachers Union for opposing transgender sports initiative	mynorthwest.com	full	opinion	1	0	0	yes	yes	N	transgender sports initiative	—	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"You can have complete sympathy for a transgender person and not want biological boys in girls' locker rooms, and playing on the field or court against young girls." (Rep. Jim Walsh)	(talk-show segment) Guest-only segment (R legislator). Outlet narration notes WEA "contributed $50,000 to oppose" (F7). No opponent voice; measure's mechanics not described.
C3	conservative	0	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2025-12-20	KIRO Newsradio staff (John Curley Show)	'The weirdest thing': Wenatchee swimmer describes finding boys in girls' locker room	mynorthwest.com	full	opinion	1	0	0	yes	yes	N	boys in girls' locker room (measure not named)	headline "boys in girls' locker room"	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Y	Narration: "While an initiative is on the ballot in WA aimed at keeping men's and women's athletics separated" - on 2025-12-20 IL26-638 was still gathering signatures (certified to the Legislature 2026-01-22; on the ballot only after the Legislature did not act). Not corrected.	"I guess at school, you just have to look like a girl, identify as one, and that's what gets you in [the locker room]." ([a Wenatchee student swimmer])	(talk-show segment) Passing mention. Story is about locker rooms, which I-638 does not address (it covers female-only competition only); framing implies the initiative is about locker rooms.
C4	conservative	1	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2026-01-09	Heather Bosch	No hearings planned for Let's Go Washington initiatives	mynorthwest.com	full	news	1	0	1	yes	yes	N	Let's Go Washington initiatives	—	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	Y	Sponsor's name misspelled "Brian Haywood" throughout (5 times). Also "a parental rights bill (IL26-001) that his group proposed, and that lawmakers passed with changes in 2024" - I-2081 passed unchanged in 2024 and was amended in 2025 (I-001 issue, not I-638). Not corrected as of 2026-10-23.	"The second (IL26-638) would essentially ban transgender athletes from competing in girls' sports."	Process story; Democratic leaders' position given in one line, comment requested. Only Heywood quoted. No mechanics of verification.
C5	conservative	0	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2026-01-11	KIRO Newsradio staff (Gee and Ursula Show)	'It would be unfair': Gee, Ursula support girls' sports initiative	mynorthwest.com	full	opinion	0	0	0	none	none	N	girls' sports initiative	—	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	Y	Narration: "The second initiative would bar students who are biologically male from playing on girls' sports teams, requiring medical verification if they wanted to participate." Misstates who verifies: the text requires a provider form from every student entering female-only competition (i.e., girls); biologically male students are barred regardless. Not corrected.	"I think that there are only, like, five to 10 students that we're talking about, I do worry about them..." (Ursula Reutin)	(talk-show segment) Both hosts endorse; Ursula raises concern about targeting trans students and gives 5-10 figure (F10).
C6	conservative	1	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2026-01-23	Frank Lenzi	High-profile fight over girls' athletics moves closer to Washington ballot	mynorthwest.com	full	news	2	2	1	yes	no	Y	girls' athletics	—	NMEGA	—	NGEN	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	N	—	Quotes Sec. 3(2) in full: "...relying only on one or more of the following: The student's reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or normal endogenously produced testosterone levels."	Best-sourced KIRO news story. Quoting the text gives readers the genetics/testosterone alternatives (F1) and "personal health care provider" (F2). WFF statement: "one mega-millionaire" (NMEGA variant, no funding context) and "girls as young as 11 ... unnecessary genital examinations or ... expensive genetic testing" (age 11, not 8; cost concern F11). No F3/F6/F10 context for either side.
C7	conservative	1	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2026-01-26	Charlie Harger	Let's Go Washington Parents' Bill of Rights initiative certified, headed to legislature as Democrats signal no hearings	mynorthwest.com	full	news	3	4	1	yes	yes	Y	Parents Bill of Rights (I-001); I-638 not in headline	—	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	N	—	"The legislature is also not planning hearings on a second Let's Go Washington initiative, IL26-638, which would ban transgender athletes from competing in girls' sports."	(filed under KIRO Opinion) Passing mention: story is about I-001; I-638 gets one closing sentence. Source counts are for the I-001 debate. Heywood: "Despite funding by the WEA and ACLU to disrupt the process" (F7, Heywood's claim).
C8	conservative	0	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2026-08-04	KIRO Newsradio staff (John Curley Show)	Principal, athletic coordinator charged after waiting 53 days to report wrestler's sexual assault allegation against transgender athlete	mynorthwest.com	full	opinion	1	0	1	yes	none	N	not named (wrestling case)	—	—	YDOC	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Y	Narration describing I-638: "If passed, schools would 'require students to undergo a routine physical examination before participation in interscholastic sports, which includes documentation of the student's sex assigned at birth.'" This is not the operative text: Sec. 3(2) requires a provider form verifying biological sex from students entering female-only competition, relying on anatomy, genetics or testosterone; "sex assigned at birth" comes from the Sec. 1 findings, which the PPE form contradicts. Also lede says "Two coaches with Rogers High School were charged" but those charged were the principal and athletic coordinator (per the same story). Not corrected.	"If passed, schools would 'require students to undergo a routine physical examination before participation in interscholastic sports, which includes documentation of the student's sex assigned at birth.'"	(talk-show segment) Passing mention tied to the [the Puyallup wrestler] wrestling case. Repeats the findings-section premise (YDOC) as what the law would do.
C9	conservative	0	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2026-09-07	KIRO Newsradio staff (John Curley Show)	'There was a man in my locker room': Tumwater athlete vows to keep fighting for girls sports	mynorthwest.com	full	opinion	1	1	0	yes	yes	Y	girls sports (measure not named)	headline quote "a man in my locker room" (quote)	—	—	NGEN;N510	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	N	—	"I've never had to have an invasive genital exam just to prove that I'm a girl ... That's lies that they are spreading to try and scare people." ([a Yes-side student athlete from Tumwater])	(talk-show segment) Seattle Times editorial paraphrased (10-12 trans athletes of ~80,000; "could require genital examinations"), then rebutted by [the Tumwater athlete]. The rebuttal is about current physicals (which do not verify sex), not what I-638 would require; the story never gives the genetics/testosterone options (F1=0).
C10	conservative	0	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2026-10-09	Charlie Harger	Harger: 5 things I'm watching as Washington ballots hit mailboxes, from WA-3 to the income tax	mynorthwest.com	full	opinion	1	0	0	yes	none	N	none (I-638 not in headline)	—	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"It doesn't say who ran the poll, how many people were surveyed, or whether it was done by phone or online."	(column) Passing mention. Accurate one-line summary of I-638 and skeptical treatment of the LGW-released 56% poll (methodology missing). Even-handed on a Yes-side release.
C11	conservative	1	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2026-10-14	Aaron Granillo	Protest in Camas draws attention to initiative on transgender athletes in girls' sports	mynorthwest.com	full	news	2	0	1	yes	none	N	initiative on transgender athletes in girls' sports	—	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	Embedded tweet: "They refused to compete against a boy. This is bravery. Vote YES on I-638 to stand with them." (Brandi Kruse)	One-sided sourcing: embeds Kruse's Vote-YES tweet and quotes a protesting girl's father (via OutKick); district statement only on sign removal; no I-638 opponent and no trans-inclusion voice; WIAA comment requested. Measure summary accurate.
C12	conservative	0	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2026-10-14	KIRO Newsradio staff (Jake and Spike Show)	'Now you're lobbying': Reykdal and Jake spar over federal scholarship tax credit, girls' sports initiative	mynorthwest.com	full	opinion	0	1	0	no	no	Y	girls' sports initiative	—	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	N	—	"You should be no on all three initiatives and let your elected representatives make laws." (Chris Reykdal)	(talk-show interview) I-638 is the last section of a school-funding interview. Host Spike (parent of a trans child) gives the Camas runner's 72nd-to-second result (F6) and "a handful of students" (F10). Reykdal calls I-638 "unnecessary" with no reasons given.
C13	conservative	0	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2026-10-15	Ursula Reutin	Ursula: Allowing a trans student to race against girls in Camas only fuels hate toward the trans community	mynorthwest.com	full	opinion	0	0	0	none	none	N	trans student to race against girls (measure not named)	—	NBOYS	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	N	—	"I do not think every girl who wants to run cross-country, play soccer, or join a basketball team should have to prove she is biologically female."	(column) Mixed-position column: backs barring males but says verifying every girl "goes too far" (NBOYS, accurate). Gives "very small number" (F10) and the Camas runner's rise (F6).
C14	conservative	0	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2026-10-16	KIRO Newsradio staff (Gee and Ursula Show)	'This act right here is selfish': Gee and Ursula criticize WIAA after Camas cross-country meet moved	mynorthwest.com	full	opinion	0	0	1	none	none	N	not named (Camas meet)	—	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	N	—	"Voters will weigh in on that policy in November through Initiative 638."	(talk-show segment) Passing mention. Hosts criticize WIAA; Ursula notes "the small number of trans students" (F10).
C15	conservative	0	MyNorthwest / KIRO Newsradio	conservative	2026-10-22	KIRO Newsradio staff (John Curley Show)	'They didn't allow my voice to be heard': Bainbridge Island Review subscriber cancels after paper rejects his I-638 op-ed	mynorthwest.com	full	opinion	1	0	0	yes	yes	N	I-638	—	—	—	YDOC	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"That was Anderson's interpretation of how the requirement would work."	(talk-show segment) Guest (Democrats for an Informed Approach to Gender) says providers can just "reference that documentation" already in medical records (YDOC/YBIRTH-type). The outlet labels it his "interpretation" (good practice) but does not say the text lists only anatomy, genetics or testosterone (F1=0). Newspaper response not obtained; comment requested.
C16	conservative	1	The Center Square (Washington)	conservative	2025-09-08	Carleen Johnson	WATCH: Let's Go Washington launches parents' rights, girls in sports initiatives	thecentersquare.com	full	news	2	1	0	yes	yes	N	girls in sports initiatives	outlet voice: "the other concerns protecting girls in sports"; "allowing biological males to participate in girls' and women's sports"	—	YDOC	—	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"the law already requires student athletes to get a physical ... And that already requires them to have a biological declaration of male or female." (Brian Heywood)	Launch story. Heywood's description that physicals "already" record sex (YDOC; the WIAA PPE form has no sex field) goes unchallenged; the only No-side line is a generic WSDP dismissal sent before the text was public. Federal ED/DOJ probe of OSPI given as context (F5). Also carried by Seattle Red the same day (see notes file).
C17	conservative	1	The Center Square (Washington)	conservative	2025-10-07	Carleen Johnson	Nearly 3 dozen attacks on Let's Go WA signature gatherers sparks draft legislation	thecentersquare.com	full	news	2	0	2	yes	yes	N	Let's Go WA signature gatherers (measure not named)	—	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"In less than two weeks, people gathering signatures to protect girls' sports and restore parents' rights have reported 32 incidents..." (LGW's Hallie Balch)	Signature-process story; LGW incident count (32) reported from LGW without independent tally. No opposition group asked to respond. Measure described only as initiative "regarding ... transgender athletes".
C18	conservative	1	The Center Square (Washington)	conservative	2025-10-08	Carleen Johnson	WATCH: Are organized agitators behind attacks on Let's Go WA signature gatherers?	thecentersquare.com	full	news	2	0	1	yes	yes	N	Let's Go WA signature gatherers (measure not named)	outlet voice: "the protection of girls in sports"	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"The ACLU, the Washington Teachers Union, and there's a group called the Gender Justice League that is funded by taxpayers," (Heywood, on who is behind attacks)	Heywood names ACLU, WEA and Gender Justice League as organizers of attacks/"snitch line"; none of the named groups was asked to respond. Headline poses the accusation as a question.
C19	conservative	1	The Center Square (Washington)	conservative	2025-10-13	TJ Martinell	911 calls report WA initiative signature gatherers for 'hate speech'	thecentersquare.com	full	news	0	3	2	no	none	Y	WA initiative signature gatherers	—	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"What he is doing is hate against trans people," one 911 caller said about a signature gatherer.	Records-based story (911 transcripts, police reports). Anonymous callers voice opposition; police and prosecutor explain gathering is protected. Republished by Washington Examiner the same day (washingtonexaminer.com/news/3848386).
C20	conservative	1	The Center Square (Washington)	conservative	2025-10-22	Carleen Johnson	WATCH: WA Senate candidates differ on taxes, parental rights, protecting girls' sports	thecentersquare.com	full	news	1	1	0	yes	no	Y	protecting girls' sports	headline (outlet voice): "protecting girls' sports"; narration "the protection of girls in sports"	NGEN	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Y	Narration: Let's Go Washington "is currently gathering signatures for initiatives on parental rights in schools and prohibiting transgender girls from participating in K-12 school sports." Scope overstated: the measure bars them only from female-only competition; boys' and open teams are unaffected. Not corrected.	"...the other would subject young girls to invasive medical exams just to participate in school sports." (Sen. Victoria Hunt)	Passing mention in a legislative-race story. Hunt's exam claim (NGEN variant, "invasive medical exams") left without the text's alternatives.
C21	conservative	1	The Center Square (Washington)	conservative	2025-10-23	Carleen Johnson	Kennewick School Board backs resolution for open category for trans athletes	thecentersquare.com	full	news	2	1	0	yes	yes	Y	not named (Kennewick resolution)	outlet voice: "male athletes who identify as female" not used; neutral	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"Political action committee Let's Go Washington is currently gathering signatures for a ballot initiative that would prohibit transgender girls from competing in K-12 girls' sports."	Passing mention (closing line). Critics of open categories paraphrased generically. Trump executive order / Title IX context (F5).
C22	conservative	1	The Center Square (Washington)	conservative	2025-12-11	TJ Martinell	'Political conflict' alleged over WA AGO's involvement in initiative legal battle	thecentersquare.com	full	news	1	0	1	yes	none	Y	initiative legal battle	outlet voice: "an initiative to prevent boys from participating in girl's sports"; "would prohibit boys from participating in girls' sports"	—	—	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"It is obvious we neutrally drafted the ballot title and summary for this measure." (AGO's Mike Faulk)	Records story on AGO billing; LGW's conflict concern answered by the AGO, which notes an opponent group (LCYC) sued claiming the title was biased toward the measure and LGW intervened to defend it.
C23	conservative	1	The Center Square (Washington)	conservative	2025-12-12	Carleen Johnson (Brett Davis contributed)	Let's Go Washington provides update on initiatives as opponents ramp up opposition	thecentersquare.com	full	news	2	1	0	yes	yes	Y	Let's Go Washington initiatives	—	NMEGA	—	NGEN	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	N	—	"IL26-638 does not explicitly mandate 'genital inspections,' but it requires students participating in female sports to provide a health care provider's verification of biological sex based on specific criteria."	Balanced on NGEN: both sides quoted plus an outlet-voice explainer (F1 partial: says no explicit mandate but does not list the genetics/testosterone options). WFF: "Whether or not he buys his way onto the ballot" (NMEGA variant, unchecked). Notes WFF is "supported by the Washington Education Association" (F7) but nothing on Yes funding (F8=0).

39 field definitions

Field	Type	Meaning	Units	Value type
story_id	string	Row id: P = newspapers, T = TV/radio, C = conservative outlets, A = progressive/advocacy outlets, K = labeled fact checks.	—	observed
group	string	Outlet group used in every tally: mainstream, conservative, progressive or factcheck.	—	derived
counts_as_news	integer	1 if the story was read (in full or in part) and its type is news, explainer, fact_check or broadcast; these rows make up the news counts.	—	derived
outlet	string	Publishing outlet, with opinion labels such as (op-ed).	—	observed
outlet_group	string	Coder's group label as recorded.	—	observed
date	string	Publication date, YYYY-MM-DD where known.	—	observed
author	string	Byline as published; a student author's name is withheld.	—	observed
headline	string	Headline as published (a student's name is replaced with a bracketed description).	—	observed
url	string	The story's URL. Blank for one row (P28) whose URL contains a minor's name.	—	observed
read_status	string	full, partial (paywall or extract) or unread (blocked).	—	observed
type	string	news, explainer, fact_check, broadcast or opinion.	—	observed
yes_sources	integer	Advocates for the Yes side quoted or paraphrased.	people	observed
no_sources	integer	Advocates for the No side quoted or paraphrased.	people	observed
neutral_sources	integer	Neutral sources quoted (officials, WIAA, residents).	people	observed
first_word	string	Side quoted first: yes, no or none.	—	observed
last_word	string	Side quoted last: yes, no or none.	—	observed
rebuttal	string	Y if the other side responds to the story's lead claim, else N.	—	observed
headline_term	string	How the headline names the measure.	—	observed
loaded_terms	string	Loaded words in the outlet's own voice (not inside quotes).	—	observed
no_claims_unchecked	string	No-side claim codes repeated with no context or rebuttal anywhere in the story (semicolon-separated; codes in the codebook).	—	observed
yes_claims_unchecked	string	Yes-side claim codes repeated with no context or rebuttal.	—	observed
claims_checked	string	Claim codes the story gives context or rebuttal for.	—	observed
F1	integer	1 if the story says the provider may rely on genetics or testosterone instead of anatomy (no genital exam mandated). Answers a No-side argument.	—	observed
F2	integer	1 if it says verification is by the student's own health care provider, with no role for coaches or school staff. Answers No.	—	observed
F3	integer	1 if it gives any quantified male performance advantage. Answers No.	—	observed
F4	integer	1 if it says transgender girls may still play on boys' or open teams. Answers No.	—	observed
F5	integer	1 if it gives context that 27+ states, the IOC or federal policy restrict the female category. Answers No.	—	observed
F6	integer	1 if it gives a documented placement by a male-born athlete in a Washington girls' event, or the Yes side's 269 count. Answers No.	—	observed
F7	integer	1 if it names who funds or backs the No side. Answers No.	—	observed
F8	integer	1 if it says Brian Heywood / Let's Go Washington funds the Yes side. Answers Yes.	—	observed
F9	integer	1 if it reports that the American Academy of Pediatrics objected to being cited in the Yes pamphlet statement. Answers Yes.	—	observed
F10	integer	1 if it says the number of transgender girl athletes in Washington is small. Answers Yes.	—	observed
F11	integer	1 if it raises cost or insurance for genetic or hormone tests. Answers Yes.	—	observed
F12	integer	1 if it says the sports-physical forms sent to schools have no sex field, or that no form has the provider verify sex (the family's self-reported sex stays on the history form in the doctor's file). Answers Yes.	—	observed
F13	integer	1 if it gives what happens next (effective date, lawsuits, Supreme Court cases). Neutral.	—	observed
has_error	string	Y if the story has a factual error in the outlet's or author's own voice (not inside a quote).	—	observed
errors	string	Each error's exact text, what is wrong, and whether it was corrected. Opinion-author errors are prefixed Author voice.	—	observed
key_quote	string	The most telling short exact sentence from the story.	—	observed
notes	string	Coder's notes, especially omissions that change the reader's picture.	—	observed

Supporting files

Source snapshots, manifests, quality reports, documentation, and other materials used to produce or review this release.

• codebook.md Documentation · text/markdown · 8 KB (8,153 bytes)

  The codebook fixed before coding: ground truth from the text, sample rules, every field, claim codes and facts.

• derive.js Transformation manifest · text/javascript · 4.7 KB (4,849 bytes)

  Node.js script that recomputes the three derived tables from stories.csv (node derive.js).

Sources

1. Washington Secretary of State: Initiative Measure No. IL26-638, filed text Ground truth for coding facts and errors: Sec. 3(1) and 3(2) and the Sec. 1 findings

   Retrieved October 23, 2026. Public record (Washington State government). Linked, not redistributed

   Reliability: Government. The text as filed with the Secretary of State by the sponsor. It is the measure voters decide on; its Sec. 1 findings are the sponsor's own statements.

2. Washington Secretary of State: 2026 General Election voters' pamphlet, IL26-638 statements Source of the campaign claim codes (each side's own pamphlet wording)

   Retrieved October 23, 2026. Public record (Washington State government). Linked, not redistributed

   Reliability: Government. The Secretary of State prints each campaign's argument and rebuttal as the campaign wrote it; the state does not check their accuracy.

3. WIAA: Health and wellness forms (medical history, physical examination and medical eligibility forms) Ground truth for fact F12 and the YDOC claim code: the history form that stays with the doctor asks the family to report sex assigned at birth; the forms sent to schools have no sex field, and no form has the provider verify sex

   Retrieved October 23, 2026. Publicly posted form. Linked, not redistributed

   Reliability: Other. The recommended pre-participation forms posted by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, which runs high-school sports. WIAA marks the history and physical examination forms as staying with the doctor and the medical eligibility form as going to the school.

4. The 262 coded news and opinion stories (one URL per row of the stories table) Coded material. Each row's url is its own source; this entry links one example (KUOW, June 4, 2026).

   Retrieved October 23, 2026. Copyright of each outlet. Only URLs, headlines and short quotes for analysis are included; story text is not redistributed

   Reliability: News report. News and opinion outlets of every leaning, grouped before coding as mainstream, conservative or progressive/advocacy. Their own positions on I-638, where stated, are recorded in the opinion rows.

Limitations and reproducibility

Partially reproducible: Every coded story has its URL, and the codebook, the coded table and the script that computes every derived table (derive.js) are published, so anyone can recode a story and recompute every count. Coding is human judgment and was done by one coder per outlet group; no blind second coder has checked it. Some pages have since changed or are paywalled, so a recoder may see different text.

• No blind second coder has checked this coding; agreement is unmeasured. (A similar audit of I-645 coverage, with the same design, found 85-100% agreement.)
• The sample was found by search, not drawn at random. KING 5, KREM, KGW and McClatchy papers block automated reading and are under-represented; some of their stories were read through archived or syndicated copies, and 8 of 262 rows could not be read (their fact fields are blank).
• TV and radio stories were coded from their web text, not the broadcast.
• Including a fact is not the same as getting the story right, and omitting one is not by itself an error: short event stories cannot carry every fact.
• Counts of advocates do not weigh how much space each side got.
• Names of minors, and of parents whose names would identify them, are replaced with bracketed descriptions in every field. One story's URL (row P28, a Spokesman-Review op-ed of Oct. 11, 2026) is withheld because its slug contains a minor's name; its outlet, date, headline and codes are kept.
• Outlet groups are our classification, fixed before coding; The Stranger, Axios and Cascade PBS are counted as mainstream.
• F12 was reworded on 2026-10-23 after we checked WIAA's forms: the history form that stays with the doctor asks the family to report sex assigned at birth, but the forms sent to schools have no sex field and no form has the provider verify sex. Stories coded 1 said current physicals or forms do not record or verify sex, which the corrected wording still covers; no codes changed.