Susan Hutchison, Washington State Republican Party chair, announced she will step down in early February. The state GOP will elect a new chair later this month. “The WSRP is in a robust financial position with a bright future,” Hutchison said. (MyNorthwest)

Want less traffic congestion? Encourage more at-home work, says state Sen. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim). The Peninsula legislator is sponsoring a bill that would give companies a tax break for allowing employees to work remotely. (MyNorthwest)

The little-noticed state Public Employee Relations Commission faces a big decision: When local governments want to bargain openly but unions refuse, who is at fault? The board’s ruling could encourage more local governments to bargain publicly, or keep taxpayers from seeing the process they’re paying for. The Union-Bulletin editorial board says, “It’s time to rethink this closed-door approach to contract negotiations for local governments in Washington.” (Union-Bulletin)

New King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht took the oath of office yesterday, turning the page on the scandal-prone era of her predecessor. Former sheriff John Urquhart is still sour about November’s election results, it seems. “The sheriff is not speaking to me just yet,” Johanknecht said before taking over the job, adding that her phone calls and emails to Urquhart went unanswered. (The Seattle Times)

The curve where an Amtrak train derailed last month has been a known challenge to state officials for years. Despite receiving $800 million during the Obama years for rail upgrades, state officials chose to spend the funds on other projects. (The Seattle Times)

State and Yakima County officials are warning a landslide could occur near Interstate 82 due to an enormous break in the land above Rattlesnake Ridge. Some are suggesting the movement is similar to what caused a massive landslide onto state Highway 410 west of Naches in 2009. (Tri-City Herald)

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