The Legislature “has simply exempted itself from the rules requiring the government to do its business in the light of day,” Shawn Vestal writes in an editorial piece that calls lawmakers out for their “shameful self-dealing” as it relates to public records law. (The Spokesman-Review)

“Lawmakers should end their public record exemption,” the Everett Herald Editorial Board wrote this last weekend. “We can make no case more clearly than the Public Records Act, itself…” (The Everett Herald)

An income tax in Seattle has been ruled illegal by King County Superior Court Judge John Ruhl. Ruhl asserted that an income tax, “cannot be restyled as an ‘excise tax’ on the alternate ‘privilege’ of receiving revenue in Seattle or choosing to live in Seattle.” (Crosscut)

“The Seattle City Council earlier this year undertook a wasteful and time-consuming action that belies the wishes of voters,” when they wasted time attempting to push through an income tax in the city. (The Columbian)

Snohomish County is infested with ivy. The Washington Noxious Weed Control Board is collecting samples of ivy to study so they can determine the best way to remove the invasive plant species from the region. (My Northwest)

Old City Hall in Tacoma is for sale. The 124-year-old building is being sold by the city after it the city bought the building in 2015 for $4 million. According to the request for proposals, the city prefers that the building be used for Class A office space, a tech center or a hotel. (The Seattle Times)

The Director of First Peoples Advising Services at The Evergreen State College has resigned, making her the fifth high-profile employee there to do so following the protests last spring. (The Seattle Times)

Around 1,100 new students have enrolled in Tri-City school districts this year – which altogether would be enough students to fill two elementary schools. (The Spokesman-Review)

Grant County PUD is undergoing an update that will take around six months to complete. The update was triggered in response to the jump in requests for PUD services in the area. (The Spokesman-Review)

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