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The fine for talking or texting on a cell phone while driving in Oregon could go through the roof. If you think Washington state’s measly $124 fine for talking on a cell phone while driving is high, consider this: Oregon’s current fine is $250, and a bill has been introduced down there that could raise it to $1,000 per infraction. Yikes.

Marijuana sales: How the state might regulate the sale of weed was the topic at the state Liquor Board’s fourth public hearing last night. This one was in Spokane and it’s clear that interest in the issue is not waning. Some 450 people showed up. Marijuana could go on sale in our state by the end of the year. The Spokesman-Review has the details.

Speaking of drugs … And this one is as illegal has heck: A 30-year-old Canadian had 10 kilos — as in 22 pounds, of cocaine with him — when he was busted in Burlington last week. The Skagit Valley Herald has the story.

 There is something rotten in Denmark, er, Everett and Maple Valley: The battle over what’s causing what residents say is an offensive smell near the Cedar Grove composting facilities in those areas continues with news that a couple more lawsuits have been filed against Cedar Grove, which says, it ain’t us causing the stink.

Weather? For today, tomorrow and Friday: rain, rain, fog. Hey, it’s February.

Most-read stories on seattletimes.com:

1. Bitter Barista loses job over snarky blog about customers, boss
2. Rogue ex-LAPD officer believed dead after standoff
3. Mariners must commit to more than just Felix Hernandez | Jerry Brewer
4. Neighbors prep militaries after NKorean nuke test
5. Police: Child, 10, killed in random Minn. Shooting

Nick Provenza: 206-464-2142 or nprovenza@seattletimes.com