Inslee will likely receive a pretty cold reception from New Hampshire Democrats ahead of a possible 2020 presidential run…and not just from the winter storm. New Hampshire Democrats are still peeved that as the chair of the Democratic Governors Association Inslee chose to direct money away from their liberal gubernatorial candidate. Inslee was scheduled to attend a fundraiser Monday for an environmental group at the home of former New Hampshire Congressman Paul Hodes, but a snow storm derailed his plans. Inslee is now planning to spend two days driving across the country just to make a speaking engagement on climate change. (Seattle Times)

Just in case you’re thinking our state is better served when Inslee is out of the state…think again. If you missed it, take a look at our coverage on the “vice-governor” in our latest Shift Wire piece. (Shift WA)

Attorney General Bob Ferguson took time from suing President Trump and stumped for a couple of gun control bills. “One thing this bill addresses that is not a part of that lawsuit, is that [Defense Distributed], which is owned by a self-described ‘crypto-anarchist’ can email the blueprints for a 3D gun to somebody without doing a background check,” Ferguson said. About two hours before the hearing began, the line to testify was already out the door. (Washington State Wire)

“To me, the top issue this session is behavioral health,” Senator Hans Zeiger (R-Puyallup) said. Zeiger wants to see an even greater investment in mental health by the state than what Gov. Inslee laid out in his proposed budget. “I would argue that for every $2 of new revenue coming into the state, we need to devote a dollar to mental health, and taking on the challenges of chemical dependency in the state.” Zeiger also cautioned the Legislature from becoming tax hungry and appreciate the additional revenue brought in by the booming economy. (My Northwest)

Former liberal Representative David Sawyer is looking for something to do this session after he lost his primary election. Naturally, he turned to lobbying. You may recognize Sawyer’s name from reports late last year found he violated the House’s policies on harassment, decorum and ethics.”I understand the rules of engagement have changed in Olympia and will be respectful to my clients and the people who work in Olympia,” Sawyer wrote Monday in an email to The Associated Press. “I will work with the Chief Clerk to address any individual concerns.” (KIRO 7)

An Olympia “power couple” connected to Inslee’s administration are required to sell their Bellevue condo after an investigation revealed they had violated A Regional Coalition for Housing policies. The couple purchased the Bellevue condominium under ARCH affordable housing program, but weren’t actually living in it.  John Aultman and his wife Nona Snell-Aultman deny they knowingly violated the rules. Oh, and did we mention that the Aultman’s condo is listed at $65,142? Quite the drop-in price compared to the surrounding condos, which are all approaching the $1 million mark. (KING 5)

Seattle King County Public Health officials are teaching addicts how to be better drug users. Rather than work to prevent further use, the Seattle officials offered five tips with the final one possibly alluding toward treatment. Take for example tip number three – “Start low and go slow: Powders, pills and heroin may be contaminated with fentanyl that can kill rapidly. Start with a small amount and watch and wait before the next person uses.” (My Northwest)

Starting next month, Yakima residents will have direct communication with the police patrolling their neighborhoods. “People want to know which officers are patrolling their neighborhoods and people want to have good relationships with their officers,” said City Councilwoman Dulce Gutierrez. In an effort to better connect the community with their police, officers will be assigned to permanent beats and have their contact information posted in an online interactive map. (Yakima Herald)