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Monday, April 22

State’s new law involving PSE aspires to set a course for the future
Over the past couple of years, Washington lawmakers have wrestled with a daunting task. The problem: The state’s largest utility, Puget Sound Energy, sells natural gas to nearly 1 million customers and burns gas and coal to electrify cities. That contributes millions of metric tons of planet-warming gasses to the atmosphere. Seeing a tough road ahead to decarbonize, PSE requested help from lawmakers. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

The high cost of 4/20: Expert warns of dangers associated with marijuana
April 20 is considered by many as a high holiday for marijuana aficionados. However, there’s growing evidence it’s not as harmless as once believed. Despite legalization across the country and widespread public approval, the federal government still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug. That’s led to limits on research regarding medical usage that could back up anecdotal evidence of marijuana helping people. Continue reading at King 5.

Auburn police officer’s murder trial tests new state law for police misconduct
The first police officer charged with murder in Washington under a new legal standard for police misconduct is heading to trial. Jury selection is scheduled to begin April 22 in the trial of Auburn police officer Jeffrey Nelson. In August 2020, then-King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg charged Nelson with second-degree murder and first-degree assault for killing 26-year-old Jesse Sarey. Nelson tackled and ultimately shot Sarey while trying to arrest him for disorderly conduct. Continue reading at KUOW. (Auburn Police Department)

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Associated Press
Supreme Court will take up the fight over ghost gun
With homelessness on the rise, the Supreme Court will weigh bans on sleeping outdoors

Axios
Seattle is the nation’s second-biggest new AI job hotspot

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom County paid $225K to settle sexual harassment complaints
Public health alert: Beef with a potentially deadly form of E. coli got sent to stores
Former Bellingham police officer sues city over vaccine mandate, alleges discrimination

Capital Press
With massive Washington harvest, apple prices ‘dismal’
Yakama Nation slams Horse Heaven decision; order not public

Columbian
People are staying homeless for longer than ever before in Clark County — experts say fentanyl is a factor

Everett Herald
Lake Stevens selects new school superintendent
Here’s your chance to weigh in on how Marysville will look in 20 years
Comment: To save orcas, agencies should suspend salmon fishing
Comment: The crime of homelessness

Kitsap Sun
Kitsap teens report fewer feelings of depression, suicidal tendencies

News Tribune
Drivers will have to start paying to use those EV charging stations in Gig Harbor
Tacoma named No. 1 most sought-after renting destination in West, report shows
MultiCare at odds with another insurer. Patients being notified of potential disruptions
New tax to nearly triple county’s affordable housing money, but even that’s not enough

New York Times
Spurred by Teen Girls, States Move to Ban Deepfake Nudes (Mullet)

Olympian
Gotta go? These I-5 rest areas in Thurston County will close in May, WSDOT says

Puget Sound Business Journal
Affordable housing project backed by Microsoft opens in Renton
Supreme Court decision may have ripple effect on development impact fees
An increasingly popular perk is hitting hurdles as employers overlook the pitfalls
Seattle eyes temporarily exempting some center city developments from design review

Seattle Times
Unpaid rent in low-income housing skyrocketed, evictions may be next
A future without natural gas? New law involving PSE aspires to set the course (Nguyen)

South Whidbey Record
Whidbey part of statewide drought emergency

Spokesman Review
Sacred Heart strike starts today. Picketing begins at 2 p.m.
Use of force expert calls Spokane deputy’s actions from August park arrest ‘excessive,’ ‘unreasonable’; FBI involved
‘Even if it’s terrifying, just keep going’: Chelsea Adams gained courage to come forward about her sexual abuse years later

Tri-City Herald
Update: Burning Tri-Cities cold storage center partially collapses. Evacuations lifted
New solar farm project proposed south of Tri-Cities. Learn more this week in Kennewick

Washington Post
Biden Title IX rules set to protect trans students, survivors of abuse
The pandemic cost 7 million lives, but talks to prevent a repeat stall
As Supreme Court takes up homeless ban, a city’s unhoused feel abandoned
Nine practices from Native American culture that could help the environment

WA State Standard
WA charter school performance on par with other public schools, state report says

Yakima Herald-Republic
Nationwide FAFSA issues hit colleges and students in Central Washington
Toppenish School District announces 48 staff reductions amid budget shortfall

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Jury selection in trial of Auburn police officer accused of murder begins
The high cost of 4/20: Expert warns of dangers associated with marijuana (Davis)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
DOJ creates carjacking task force for Western Washington
After more than three months, some I-5 protesters have been charged
Deadly crash in Central Tacoma has residents worried about safety of intersection
Parts of King County are receiving additional funding to go towards homelessness assistance
‘It’s a vicious cycle’: Ballard businesses lose thousands of dollars due to recurring break-ins

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle coalition demands more housing, sustainable transportation in city growth plan
Supreme Court to hear arguments on Oregon homelessness case with regional implications

KNKX Public Radio
Excessive force, racial bias lawsuit against Tacoma police will end with $300K settlement
Despite petitions, federal regulators approve construction on expanded Northwest gas pipeline

KUOW Public Radio
An uncontained tugboat oil spill fouls Seattle waterways
Auburn police officer’s murder trial tests new state law for police misconduct
These Northwest snails might need stronger protection than just their tiny shells

KXLY (ABC)
Fencing erected days ahead of strike at Sacred Heart Medical Center

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Van Zandt Dike will close to target shooting after public safety concerns (Shewmake)
Homeless people scatter as city, business owners welcome cleaner downtown
Opinion: Nursing-home staffing mandates critical to dignified care

Crosscut
Seattle City Council rejects affordable housing development bill
A federal program could fix Washington’s salmon-killing culverts

MyNorthwest
What led to Washington drought as wildfires, rainbows on the horizon
Corrections Guild ‘extremely fearful’ as more weapons infiltrate Kent jail
International students remain in quarantine in King County hotel after measles exposure

Friday, April 19

Most Seattle-area renters report big rent hikes in the past 12 months
Rents in the Seattle area, and much of the nation, rose sharply during the early years of the pandemic. Since 2023, though, the rental market has softened, giving some relief to local renters — at least that’s what most industry reports say. But after looking at some new survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau, I’m not sure Seattle-area renters would agree with those reports. According to the survey, a clear majority of renters in the Seattle area say their rents have increased in the past year. And for most, the increase was not an insignificant amount. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

WA Supreme Court Commissioner hears arguments for, against stay on high-capacity magazine ban
Washington state’s ban on the sale of “high-capacity” magazines will remain for now while state Supreme Court Commissioner Michael E. Johnston decides whether to keep the ban in place as a ruling on its constitutionality makes its way through the court system. The stay was filed April 8 by the Attorney General’s Office after Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Gary Bashor ruled the state’s ban on high-capacity magazines unconstitutional in a lawsuit between Washington State and Gators Customs Guns, a firearms dealer in Kelso. Continue reading at Bellingham Herald. (Steve Bloom)

Summer grocery program to feed WA kids launching soon
When summer nears, hundreds of thousands of kids in Washington can face three months without free meals provided by their schools. But starting this summer, a new federal program will help lower-income families who rely on free school breakfasts and lunches. The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children is similar to a program that helped feed families during the pandemic. With a push from Murray, a permanent version of the program was approved federally in 2022 and is set to launch in Washington this summer, thanks to some new funding from the state Legislature. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Justin Sullivan)

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Associated Press
Biden administration restricts oil and gas leasing in 13 million acres of Alaska’s petroleum reserve

Auburn Reporter
King County releases $3 million to help find shelter for the homeless

Axios
Why Seattle isn’t much of a weed destination city — yet

Bellingham Herald
WA was one of first, biggest adopters of law enforcement drones. Why is it funding more?
WA Supreme Court Commissioner hears arguments for, against stay on high-capacity magazine ban
Opinion: Marginalized communities need big environmental wins

Capital Press
EPA promises to make herbicide strategy better for farmers

Columbian
PeaceHealth nurses picket Vancouver hospital, demanding safe staffing and fair wages

Everett Herald
Study: New AquaSox stadium downtown could cost up to $120M
Key takeaways from Everett’s public hearing on property tax increase

The Inlander
Since the start of legalization more than a decade ago, the feds promised to make cannabis research easier, yet those promises remain unfulfilled

Islands’ Weekly
WSF meets with San Juan County residents
Community meeting: Sea level rise adaptation for Outer Bay and Agate Beach Areas on Lopez Island
Research shows curtailing Chinook salmon ocean fishing promotes Southern Resident Orcas and Wild Chinook recovery

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Land Bank to release strategic plan

Kent Reporter
Sound Transit constructing giant bridge in Kent for light rail
Kent Police to join new Western Washington Carjacking Task Force

News Tribune
WA council rules in split vote on huge Tri-Cities wind farm. Will Gov. Inslee agree?
Would regional approach work better to address homelessness? Local effort is underway
Editorial: Guaranteed income returned to Pierce County this week. Why free money deserves a shot

Port Townsend Leader
Port Angeles port approves contract for Maritime Trade Center bid

Puget Sound Business Journal
New report shows sustained growth for WA’s life science industry
Businesses face deadline to snag part of $5.5B credit-card settlement

Redmond Reporter
Redmond’s new affordable housing project gets mixed feedback

Seattle Medium
The toughest issue for teachers is even tougher for students

Seattle Times
Tourism is big business for Seattle, but it comes with challenges
Two King County cities get $3 million to expand homeless shelters
Most Seattle-area renters report big rent hikes in the past 12 months
Opinion: New limits on ‘forever chemicals’ are great. We can do more

Skagit Valley Herald
Federal agencies release final environmental impact statement on grizzly restoration

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
‘Color of Threads’ short film explores lives of 1909 Pendleton women
Energy efficiency programs in Walla Walla draw visit from Gov. Jay Inslee

Washington Post
Earth’s record hot streak might be a sign of a new climate era
Biden limits oil drilling across 13 million acres of Alaskan Arctic
‘Forever chemicals’ are widespread. Now the U.S. may force a PFAS cleanup.
Biden Title IX rules protect trans students, end Trump-era system on sexual assault claims

WA State Standard
North Cascades Highway will open for year April 19
Summer grocery program to feed WA kids launching soon
Lawmakers hope to use this emerging climate science to charge oil companies for disasters
Despite petitions, federal regulators approve construction on expanded Northwest gas pipeline

Wenatchee World
Community gathers for 2nd public hearing on Columbia closure

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
‘Dramatic increase’ in bank robberies in North Seattle
Department of Justice launching carjacking task force in Seattle
Violent prison gang accused of running cockfighting ring in eastern Washington
UW researchers hoping to save a sea star population nearly wiped out 10 years ago

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Pierce County teacher arrested on charges of child molestation

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
King County commits $3 million to combat homelessness in Tukwila and Burien
‘It’s concerning’: Firefighters gear up after early drought declared in Washington

KXLY (ABC)
Deadline to apply for FEMA wildfire assistance, loans is tomorrow
Spokane police shoot armed man on campus of Shadle Park High School

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Emergency drought announcement includes Whatcom, Skagit as dry summer anticipated

Crosscut
Tri-Cities wind turbine farm proposal halved for endangered hawks
Whatcom County paid $225K to settle sexual harassment complaints

Thursday, April 18

Clark County Council pushes to provide more ‘middle housing,’ aiming to increase access to homeownership
As part of a long effort to create a greater variety of housing options with potential for smaller, more affordable homes, the Clark County Council on Tuesday unanimously voted to revise rules governing residential development. The goal is to increase residents’ access to homeownership as Clark County’s population grows and housing prices skyrocket. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Taylor Balkom)

With gun reform law in limbo, Edmonds rep is ‘confident’ it will prevail
For just under two hours earlier this month, the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines was legal in Washington, when a Cowlitz County judge ruled a 2022 ban passed by lawmakers unconstitutional. Now, the decision is on pause as the state seeks further consideration from the Supreme Court. Edmonds Rep. Strom Peterson, who helped push the law through the Legislature two years ago, still believes the law he passed is constitutional. Continue reading at Everett Herald. (Ted S. Warren)

In WA, it might soon be easier to get mental health help over the phone
Washington state is heading into a new stage as it tries to develop better systems for responding to mental health crises: It’s placing counselors for its 988 mental health crisis hotline alongside staff who answer 911 calls. On Tuesday, officials from across King County and the state gathered in Kent to announce the creation of a call hub staffed by both 911 call-takers and crisis counselors. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Hannah Furfaro)

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Associated Press
Idaho’s ban on youth gender-affirming care has families desperately scrambling for solutions

Aberdeen Daily World
North Beach superintendent, board members resign
County to hold major active shooter drill in Hoquiam

Axios
Seattle’s “she-conomy” is growing
Washington sees record EV registrations
Racial health disparities exist in every state, new report says

Bellingham Herald
Opening date set for North Cascades Highway
New report shows sharp rise in hate against Jews. Here’s what’s happened in Bellingham
Opinion: We all know climate change is real. How did the US let it become a partisan debate?

Capital Press
EFSEC sends Horse Heaven power project to Inslee
Corps: Dam greenhouse gas report ‘misleading without context’

Columbian
Plans for WA’s largest wind farm slashed in half
PeaceHealth nurses picket Vancouver hospital, demanding safe staffing and fair wages
Clark County Council pushes to provide more ‘middle housing,’ aiming to increase access to homeownership

Everett Herald
$2.5M deficit in Arlington schools could mean dozens of cut positions
With gun reform law in limbo, Edmonds rep is ‘confident’ it will prevail
(Peterson, Liias)
Editorial: Move ahead with state forests’ carbon credit sales

News Tribune
U.S. Supreme Court rejects GOP challenge to WA voter act. How it affects Latinos
Lakewood gives green light to controversial $8 million plan to improve waterfront park
He’s in charge of keeping Pierce County healthy. What we know about new health officer
Tacoma police to test gunshot-detection system. Shotspotter has faced criticism elsewhere

Peninsula Daily News
Housing depends on many factors

Puget Sound Business Journal
How insurance crisis could affect home values, costs
Millionaire moves: The number of $1 million earners is skyrocketing

Seattle Medium
Hip Hop Is Green, Is Using The Genre To Influence Climate Change Activism
Attorney General’s Initiative Helps Close Gaps In DNA Evidence To Solve Crimes

Seattle Times
How King County’s $500-a-month guaranteed income program fared
Say goodbye to foam coolers, takeout containers. WA ban starts in June
In WA, it might soon be easier to get mental health help over the phone (Orwall)
WA high-capacity magazine ban in court once more, with ruling to come
King County awards $2M to nonprofits helping asylum-seekers in Tukwila

Spokesman Review
Insurance companies abandoning victims of Medical Lake and Elk wildfires
Strike imminent: No more contract negotiations before Providence Sacred Heart tech workers’ work stoppage next week

Tri-City Herald
WA council rules in split vote on huge Tri-Cities wind farm. Will Gov. Inslee agree?
6 buildings destroyed, 1 man hurt after fire sweeps across properties near Tri-Cities
U.S. Supreme Court rejects GOP challenge to WA voter act. How it affects Franklin Latinos

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Event space at Heritage Square Park set for completion by end of May
Whitman College to use $38 million in bonds to finance housing project

Washington Post
Carbon offsets too often don’t deliver. Inside the race to fix them.
Red states threaten librarians with prison — as blue states work to protect them

WA State Standard
National privacy standard eyed by Congress for data harvested by big tech companies

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Around 40 non-active duty families will need to move off Naval Base Kitsap
FAA panel finds Boeing has ‘a lack of awareness of safety-related metrics’

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
‘Discolored water,’ remains a concern for parents and staff at Tacoma elementary school
‘Something has to give:’ Senate committee tackles long-term care worker shortages

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle mayor proposes emergency legislation to combat vacant building fires
The gender wage gap in health care has narrowed but remains, UW study finds
Washington lawmakers aim for felony charges for Sea-Tac protest highway obstructions
Seattle City Council contemplates $241M budget cut amid escalating spending concerns
Schools work to navigate new Washington law protecting students from deepfake images (Orwall)
WA Department of Transportation warns of work zone dangers during awareness month

KUOW Public Radio
Could a return of workers to downtown offices rescue Seattle’s ailing budget?
Expert says Boeing’s decision to move HQ from Seattle contributed to safety crisis
More aboard! Activists, officials disagree about how to boost Amtrak Cascades ridership
2023 was ‘the worst year’ for Anti-Jewish hate in the Northwest, Anti-Defamation League reports

KXLY (ABC)
Budget cuts leave Whitworth University students concerned for their futures
Providence walks from negotiation table; healthcare strike appears imminent

NW Public Radio
Audit finds marked increase in antisemitic incidents
Bird flu in cattle stressing Northwest dairy operators

FOX13 TV
Washington’s early drought sparks wildfire fears
SR-520 Bridge toll rates going up 10%; WA officials seek public input
Drought emergency declared in all of Washington state except these cities
When does the ban on foam takeout containers go into effect in Washington state?

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Lynden, Sumas port expansions on track to begin in 2026

MyNorthwest
State commissioner to decide on high-capacity magazine ban
Antisemitic instances up 800% nationally, 300% in Washington
Seattle police kill man suspected of committing crimes against children, officer injured
Two months of discolored water at Tacoma school leads to frustrated faculty and parents

Wednesday, April 17

WA Legislative Black Caucus members chime in on controversial hire by Thurston Sheriff
Members of Washington State’s Legislative Black Caucus issued a statement Tuesday regarding a recent controversial hire at the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. On April 1, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office announced that a former Tacoma police officer acquitted in the Manny Ellis murder trial had been hired as a Lateral Patrol Deputy. Christopher Burbank was one of three officers acquitted in December in Ellis’ 2020 death while he was in police custody. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (The Olympian)

Advocates Claim Universal Free Meals Are A Critical Tool To Help Combat Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is on the rise, but providing free meals universally may help decrease the trend. In February 2023, Democratic State Representative Marcus Riccelli of Spokane introduced House Bill 1238, which would provide meals to all requesting students without charge. Starting the 2023-2024 school year, out of 1.1 million students in Washington, around 700,000 now qualify for free meals through different programs. Continue reading at The Seattle Medium.

Education levels among Washington workforce falling short of labor market demand
Washington employers will need more educated workers over the next several years than the state is projected to have. That’s according to a new report from the Washington State Student Achievement Council, which estimates that 70% of jobs in 2023 and 72% in 2031 will require college degrees or other post-secondary credentials. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Getty Images)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Trapping for harmful green crab continues in Grays Harbor, elsewhere

Axios
Who the U.S. economic safety net leaves behind
Seattle homicides decline, mirroring national trend

Bellevue Reporter
Schools navigate the new world of explicit AI-generated images (Orwall)

Bellingham Herald
The Lummi Nation received $9.8 million to restore the watershed. Here’s how they plan to do it.

Capital Press
Washington declares drought, expects dry summer

Columbian
Lummi Nation gets $9.8M to restore South Fork Nooksack watershed
Washington law allows tax breaks for affordable housing built on state land
As fentanyl use increases, Clark County Jail grapples with opioid withdrawals

Everett Herald
Boeing fired lobbying firm that helped it navigate 737 Max crashes
To combat fentanyl, Snohomish County trickles out cash to recovery groups
Comment: Why cannabis is bringing less green to state coffers
Letter: Apply ‘Kayden’s Law’ in Washington’s family courts

News Tribune
WA Legislative Black Caucus members chime in on controversial hire by Thurston Sheriff
Opinion: People incarcerated in WA prisons have political power now. Here’s how we’re using it

Olympian
‘Risk of undue hardship:’ Washington issues statewide drought declaration

Peninsula Daily News
Police reform efforts stalled (Chapman)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Tax bills for metro Seattle homeowners are surging
How downtown Seattle’s recovery compares with other US cities

Seattle Medium
Advocates Claim Universal Free Meals Are A Critical Tool To Help Combat Childhood Obesity (Riccelli)
Washington Student Achievement Council Receives $1 Million Grant To Support Transitions into the Workforce

Seattle Times
Seattle’s University District may at last get public restrooms
A sliver of hope in a record-setting year of deaths of homeless people
Seattle studied dozens of sites for housing growth. These 24 got picked

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Senator proposes million-dollar fee for false alarms at Tolt Dam

South Whidbey Record
Federal grants fund behavioral health programs in Oak Harbor elementary schools

Spokesman Review
Spokane joins PFAS lawsuit against chemical manufacturers
Warm weather and low snowpack leads to Washington drought emergency
Getting There: Finally fully funded, North Spokane Corridor on track for completion in 2030

Tri-City Herald
WA, feds to release Hanford radioactive waste plan after 4 years of closed-door talks
Why is a special prosecutor looking into the ex-Richland police chief and Benton sheriff?

WA State Standard
Court ruling clears way for carbon storage projects on state logging lands
Education levels among Washington workforce falling short of labor market demand

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Dept. of Ecology declares drought emergency for most of Washington state
Tacoma police to implement gunshot detection technology as part of pilot program
‘A huge win’: Washington becomes first state to regulate lead content in metal cookware
Antisemitic incidents continue to rise in the Pacific Northwest, Anti-Defamation League reports
‘Pattern of negligence’: Carnation residents sound the alarm about Tolt River Dam emergency system

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
FAA issues ground stop advisory for Alaska, Horizon airlines
Advocates call on Congress to end solitary confinement in prisons
Security guard kidnapped during Tumwater armed cannabis heist
Antisemitic incidents skyrocketing in Western Washington and across U.S.

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle has a long road ahead to eliminate all traffic deaths by 2030
Persistent shortage of growth hormone frustrates parents and clinicians

KXLY (ABC)
City of Spokane joins lawsuit against 3M, DuPont, others over PFAs contamination
Hospital management prepares for strike, could offer more pay to replacement workers

FOX13 TV
New safety measures at Chief Sealth HS after teen left campus and was shot
AG Ferguson announces DNA collection from thousands of violent offenders
Latest results from Tacoma’s crime reduction plan shows progress in enhancing public safety

Web

Crosscut
Facing shortages, WA expands police trainings and fronts the bill (Stearns, Keiser, Pedersen)

MyNorthwest
Washington remains in the grips of drought, will stay there
Brace yourself for weeks of poor air quality in 2024, Seattle residents

Publicola
Mayor’s office edited ambitious growth plan for Seattle to preserve the status quo

Tuesday, April 16

Why child care costs are soaring
The cost of daycare and preschool rose 4.4% in March from the year before — outpacing the overall inflation rate, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rising costs are putting stress on families, with some spending at a slower pace and dipping into savings, and there’s even some evidence that parents are leaving the workforce entirely. Continue reading at Axios. (Axios Visuals)

This law said teachers could hurt kids to ‘correct’ them in Washington. One boy shared his story to change that
A longstanding law — changed this legislative session — said teachers could use physical discipline as long as the violence was “reasonable and moderate” and caused only “transient pain or minor temporary marks.” That’s despite the state having passed a law banning corporal punishment three decades ago. The new law passed this year removed teachers from the list of caregivers who can physically discipline students. Continue reading at KUOW. (TVW)

Foam coolers, takeout containers will be banned in Washington starting June 1
Those foam clamshell containers long used by restaurants for takeout food will soon be illegal statewide in Washington. Coffee cups, plates, trays, and other food and drink carriers made from the same material – known as expanded polystyrene – will also be outlawed. The prohibition on the sale and distribution of these products will take effect June 1 under a law the Legislature approved in 2021. Last year, the state prohibited the sale and distribution of foam packing peanuts under the same law. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Spencer Platt)