Helion announces world’s first fusion energy purchase agreement with Microsoft
The landmark clean energy facility is expected to be online by 2028, significantly sooner than typical projections for deployment of commercial fusion power.
Washington State
Washington State stretches from the rainy Pacific coast to high desert plateaus, with a culture shaped by Indigenous nations, tech innovation, and deep environmental commitments. This archive tracks progress stories from across the state — clean energy, public health, conservation, and community wins.
Washington state becomes 10th U.S. state to ban assault weapons sales
The ban applies to all semiautomatic rifles less than 30 inches in length, as well as other semiautomatic firearms with features such as thumbhole stocks and additional hand grips.
Washington State passes “shield law” to protect people from out-of-state seeking gender-affirming care and abortions
H.B. 1469 prohibits Washington legal authorities from cooperating with out-of-state subpoenas, court orders, warrants, and extradition requests regarding gender and reproductive health care.
Seattle becomes first U.S. city to outlaw caste discrimination
For ages, caste has governed nearly every aspect of Hindu religious and social life, with each group maintaining a distinct position in this complicated hierarchy.
REI to stop selling clothes, cookware with ‘forever chemicals’
REI aims to have all cookware and apparel sold in its stores free of PFAS by fall of 2024. PFAS have been linked to cancer and other health problems.
Gates Foundation pledges $1.2B to eradicate polio globally
The money will be used to help implement the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s strategy through 2026 and will be focused particularly on Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Washington State to block anti-abortion states from accessing ID data
Inslee, the longest-serving active US governor, said he will work to “plug any gaps” in privacy laws so women can obtain abortions without fear of their information being shared.
Seattle offers utility pole EV chargers to city residents
Residents who live within city limits can request to have a public electric vehicle charging station installed in front of their home or residential property. Installations are expected to begin early next year.
Microsoft to begin disclosing salaries, drops non-compete clauses
The new salary disclosure policy makes Microsoft the first “Big Tech” company to take this approach.
Marijuana legalization linked to fall in alcohol, tobacco, and pain medication consumption in new study
“Implementation of legalized non-medical cannabis coincided with decreases in alcohol and cigarette use and pain reliever misuse,” the University of Washington researchers reported.