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WASHINGTON SENATE
OLYMPIA - Washington state Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom told his caucus Monday that he was dropping his re-election bid. Tom, a Democrat from Medina, leads the predominantly Republican Majority Coalition Caucus. In an email to colleagues, Tom cited health issues tied to kidney stones he suffered during the end of the legislative session as part of his decision to not run again.. By Rachel La Corte. SENT: 250 words.
MINIMUM WAGE
SEATTLE - A Seattle group seeking a $15 an hour minimum wage has filed the paperwork for a city initiative, increasing pressure on Mayor Ed Murray and the city council to pass a wage increase without exemptions or delays. The group, 15 Now, will have to collect more than 30,000 signatures to make the November city ballot. By Manuel Valdes. SENT: 130 words. UPCOMING, 300 words by 2 p.m.
WASHINGTON FAIR FIRE
PUYALLUP - One of the oldest buildings on the grounds of the Washington State Fair was destroyed by fire early Monday, just hours after the spring fair concluded Sunday night, spokeswoman Karen LaFlamme said. No one was inside Evergreen Hall when it caught fire and no one was injured. SENT: 250 words. Pursuing AP Photo.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA-POLITICS
MIAMI - Tied to an unpopular president and his signature health care law, Democrats in the nation’s largest swing state see medical marijuana as a potential antidote to political malaise in this year’s midterm elections. Party operatives are pushing a constitutional amendment that would make Florida the first state in the South to legalize some pot use. By Michael J. Mishak. SENT: 790 words. AP Photos WX202, WX201.
FROM AP MEMBERS:
ARMY AMPUTEE MARATHONER
TACOMA - The first six times Edward Lychik told his physical therapist he wanted to run again, she was noncommittal, and with good reason. The combat veteran’s left leg had been amputated at the hip socket, and doctors had told him if he walked again, it would be on crutches. AP Member Exchange by Larry Larue, The News Tribune. SENT: 960 words. AP Photos WATAC201, WATAC202, WATAC203.
SPORTS
BBA—MARINERS-RANGERS
ARLINGTON, Texas - Colby Lewis makes his first major league start in 21 months, after elbow surgery and an unprecedented hip procedure, when the Texas Rangers open a four-game series against AL West rival Seattle. By Stephen Hawkins. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.
BKW_GONZAGA COACH
SPOKANE, Wash. - Gonzaga announces a new women’s basketball coach to replace Kelly Graves, who left for Oregon. By Nicholas K. Geranios
IN BRIEF:
- TACOMA METH EXPLOSION - 2 injured in Tacoma methamphetamine lab explosion.
- TUMWATER SCHOOL SEX - Tumwater teacher aide pleads guilty to sex charge.
- SEATTLE MOTEL EXPLOSION - Police: 1 injured in Seattle motel explosion.
- OLYMPIC PARK BUILDING THREATENED - River undercutting historic Olympic Park chalet.
- LONGVIEW MILL FIRE - Fire burns machine at Longview paper mill.
- MOUNTAIN BIKE FATALITY - Mountain biker dies on Snohomish County trail.
- OSO MUDSLIDE-HIGHWAY - State planning to reopen highway at Oso mudslide.
- KENNEWICK AMMONIA LEAK - Ammonia leak clears Toyota Center in Kennewick.
- TOPPENISH PEDESTRIAN FATALITY - 19-year-old killed on highway near Toppenish.
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