• Flags to be lowered in honor of former state lawmaker Sam Hunt on Saturday
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    Flags to be lowered in honor of former state lawmaker Sam Hunt on Saturday

    May 30, 2026 - By 

    Washington state honors former Senator Sam Hunt by lowering flags to half-staff on May 30, 2026, with a memorial service scheduled in Olympia. SEATTLE — Washington state flags and U.S. flags at all state agency facilities will be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in honor of former state Senator and Representative Sam Hunt. Agencies may begin lowering flags at the close of business on Friday, May 29, 2026. Flags are to remain at half-staff until the close of business or sunset on Saturday, May 30, 2026, or until first thing Monday morning, June 1, 2026. State officials…

  • Washington State Patrol battles toxicology backlog
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    Washington State Patrol battles toxicology backlog

    May 30, 2026 - By 

    The lab, which handles evidence for criminal cases, is currently processing more than 15,700 cases. SEATTLE — Washington State Patrol officials say a backlog in toxicology testing is delaying impaired driving investigations across the state as forensic scientists work overtime to keep up. The lab, which handles evidence for criminal cases, is currently processing more than 15,700 cases, far exceeding its goal of delivering results within 60 to 90 days. The backlog affects a wide range of cases, though about 65 percent of the lab’s work is tied to impairment investigations. According to State Patrol spokesperson Chris Loftis, delays can…

  • Vermont becomes first U.S. state to ban paraquat herbicide over possible link to Parkinson’s
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    Vermont becomes first U.S. state to ban paraquat herbicide over possible link to Parkinson’s

    May 29, 2026 - By 

    The Michael J. Fox Foundation praised Vermont’s ban as a public health milestone. WASHINGTON — Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban the weed-killing herbicide paraquat dichloride this week after lawmakers pointed to research that claims the chemical increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Gov. Phil Scott signed H. 739, “an act prohibiting the use and sale of the herbicide paraquat,” into law on Tuesday after the paraquat ban passed in bipartisan votes from both chambers of the Vermont General Assembly. This story continues below. Leadership at the Michael J. Fox Foundation, a Parkinson’s disease nonprofit,…

  • Washington state ready for permanent daylight saving time as bill gets House committee backing
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    Washington state ready for permanent daylight saving time as bill gets House committee backing

    May 26, 2026 - By 

    On May 21, the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted in favor of referring the “Sunshine Protection Act” to the House. WASHINGTON — As a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States advances in Washington, D.C., Washington state has already shown its support for the change. On May 21, the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted in favor of referring the “Sunshine Protection Act” to the House. If it receives congressional approval and is signed off by President Donald Trump, it would end the semi-annual changing of clocks. This story continues below. …