Gov. Jay Inslee always finds time to comment on Trump-related issues (because it gets him attention) but not so much Washington State’s issues. Inslee went on CNN to say Pres. Trump’s border policies are a “diabolical scheme” to look tough. He also put out a press release saying Trump’s Supreme Court pick is an attempt to “stack the bench with conservative-backed activists who will help advance his efforts to dismantle health care, civil rights, labor rights and women’s right to choose.” Yes you will search in vain to find a release from Inslee about the debacle at Western State Hospital. (The Hill)

The Seattle City Council had to retroactively approve streetcar spending after the city’s Dept. of Transportation overspent its 2017 South Lake Union streetcar budget by more than $500,000. That represents about 8% of the budget for that streetcar and the First Hill streetcar. News of the overruns comes as Mayor Jenny Durkan considers whether or not to expand the streetcar system. (Seattle Times)

Construction is starting next month, yet Snohomish County’s courthouse renovation is already over budget. Yesterday the county council received an update on the latest bids, which landed roughly $4.7 million above budget. “In this hot construction market we’re actually feeling quite good about that number,” said Ken Klein, an executive director for the county. (Everett Herald)

Kristina Brown, formerly a teacher in the Richland and Pasco school districts, was selected as the next principal for Dayton School District’s secondary school. “Kristina has a strong desire to be part of our school and community,” said Superintendent Doug Johnson. “She referred to this principalship as being her ‘dream job.’” (Walla Walla Union-Bulletin)

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