New nickname, same as the old

OLYMPIA — Washington state might have an official nickname if a bill that passed a Senate committee becomes law.

But it’s not really “new” — you’ve seen it on everything from license plates to a state college.

Senate Bill 5595, by Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, designates “The Evergreen State” as the official nickname for the state, a moniker first employed 135 years ago. It was penned by Charles T. Conover in 1890, who became city editor of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer more than a century ago.

“What it implies is something that can remain green, remain fresh. But most importantly, it’s also...