Gov. Inslee caved to Democrats in Olympia and vetoed the B&O tax exemption, despite its bipartisan support. The exemption would have lowered the B&O tax rate by 40% for manufacturing firms – giving them the same rate Boeing has.

Legislation has been signed into law to remove the biology test as a high school graduation requirement. 3,300 seniors in Washington failed the test in 2017. It will not be required as a statewide graduation mandate again until 2021.

Gov. Inslee has been selected as the chair of the Democratic Governors Association, which The Seattle Times says is “possibly fueling more speculation about a run for president in 2020.”

Washington’s Auditor’s Office is now offering cybersecurity audits to local governments to help find potential problems in their security systems to help better protect peoples’ identities.

Northwest tribes are advocating for modernizing dam operations along the Columbia, which they say could contribute up to $19 billion in economic benefits for the Columbia Basin region.

Seattle has hired a sports consultant to help with decisions regarding arena deals, as they work to bring renovations to either Key Arena – for an NBA and NHL team – or the new proposal for an arena in the Sodo District.

Seattle is trying yet another bikeshare program, despite repeated past failures. The pilot program will allow bikes to be parked around the city on sidewalks starting on Friday.

Seattle City Council is scheduled to vote today on an income tax. If approved, it is unclear what would happen yet – as income taxes in Washington State are unconstitutional.

The Spokane County Superior Court Judge race has heated up, with three people throwing their hats in the ring for candidacy following the death of the late Judge Sam Cozza. Former deputy prosecutor Tony Hazel has been serving as interim judge.

Four candidates are in the race for a seat on the Spokane School Board. The winner will hold the seat for six years. Bob Douthitt resigned in January from the board after four years of service, leaving a vacancy on the board.

Richland’s nuclear power plant has been issued a “white” violation by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission after mistakes caused radioactive waste to be incorrectly packaged prior to transport to Hanford.

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