State Sen. Steve O’Ban (R–University Place) said Gov. Jay Inslee needs to own his failures at Western State Hospital and get more engaged. “Inslee owns this mess because he gutted a very important bipartisan piece of legislation that I helped author to make some needed reforms back in 2016 at Western State Hospital,” O’Ban said. (My Northwest)

Republican Senate Leader Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville) is asking Gov. Inslee how and when the state will begin complying with the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Janus decision. The court ruled unions can no longer force government employees to pay dues. In his letter, Schoesler also asked Inslee to make collective bargaining negotiations public. “It would also give the people less reason to perceive that there may be a connection between contract negotiations and political campaign contributions,” he said. (Washington State Wire)

Yesterday Seattle officially became the first major city in the country to ban plastic straws and utensils. “It’s taking a stand on plastic pollution,” said Kate Melges of Greenpeace. “And really taking a stand on what needs to happen, a ban on all single-use plastic products.” Greenpeace says 40 percent of plastics found in the ocean are from single-use plastics like straws and utensils. (My Northwest)

A recent study by Washington River Protection Solutions suggests Hanford’s newest waste storage tanks could be at risk of developing leaks as well. “We need to start doing something, the sooner the better,” said Steve Lowe, Ecology’s double-shell tank lead engineer. “Cleanup depends on it.” (Tri-City Herald)

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