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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

WA Opens Nation's First Scenic Byway for Electric Car Owners

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Friday, June 30, 2017   

WENATCHEE, Wash. – This summer, electric car owners will have the chance to explore the Evergreen State's "electric highway." Stretching from Everett to Spokane, U.S. Highway 2 is the first scenic byway in the country lined with charging stations for electric vehicles.

At the beginning of June, Plug-In North Central Washington hosted "Charge Up Washington," an event to kick off the highway opening.

Jack Anderson, the group's chairman, says people can explore towns along the road as they charge their cars - such as in Davenport, where the charger is located at the Lincoln County Museum.

"They're probably going to dwell for between one hour and two hours," he says. "So, there's plenty of time for them to decide to get out of their car and walk around town, and buy lunch in the local restaurant, do a little shopping at the different little stores that are on Main Street."

The electric highway has charging stations in cities like Coulee City, Leavenworth and Wenatchee. The stations are spaced 45 to 50 miles apart so that vehicles can reach the next station on relatively short charges of 30 to 40 minutes.

Electric vehicles are gaining prominence in Washington state. More than 23,000 zero-emission electric vehicles have been sold here since 2011, according to Global Automakers, and the state ranks third for most electric vehicles in the country.

Anderson says sales are up because the cars are fun to drive.

"They are extremely exhilarating vehicles to drive, and I think that's why they're really catching on," he adds. "We're definitely past the tipping point. Electric cars are here."

One of the keys for electric cars will be developing the infrastructure needed to power them. Anderson says Washington state already has fast-charge stations on Interstate 5 and parts of Interstate 90.


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The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


Social Issues

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Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

Social Issues

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Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


The U.S. teaching workforce remains primarily white while the percentage of Black teachers has declined. However, the percentage of Asian and Latinx teachers is rising.(WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobestock)

Social Issues

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Education advocates are calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage. Around 37% of schools nationwide …

Environment

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New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Social Issues

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Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

Social Issues

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Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

 

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