Inslee unveils big energy tax, won’t call it an energy tax (but it’s an energy tax). Gov. Jay Inslee gave his State of the State address Tuesday and unveiled what he calls a “carbon pricing plan.” Make no mistake, it’s an energy tax that will raise your gas prices, increase home electricity costs, and send jobs out of Washington. (ShiftWA)

The federal Dept. of Education found fault with nine areas of Washington’s plan to meet the new Every Student Succeds Act (ESSA). Changes in the state’s revised plan include increasing the percentage of English learners meeting standards and clarifying how graduation rates will be calculated. (The Seattle Times)

“The Hirst decision is the worst example of urban Washington forcing its priorities on rural Washington,” Representatives Vince Buys (R-Lynden) and Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) wrote in an op-ed. Gov. Inslee showed contempt for rural Washington in his State of the State by not mentioning Hirst. He ignored their needs. Will legislative Democrats do the same? (The Seattle Times)

Don’t say we didn’t warn you: Democrats want to take Seattle’s sweetened beverage tax debacle statewide. Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) thinks you need to be saved from your own beverage choices, too, so he proposes taxing them everywhere in Washington. (KXLY)

The Seattle Police Department is in “full and effective compliance” with the reforms ordered by a federal court over five years ago in response to complaints of excessive force and biased policing. “Fulfilling Phase I is an enormous milestone and one in which the City and SPD should take pride,” U.S. District Judge James Robart said, but said Phase II could be the hard part. (The Seattle Times)

Bellevue may be added to the list of cities with bikeshare programs. The city’s Transportation Commission meets tonight to decide whether to recommend two bikeshare projects to the city council. (MyNorthwest)

“Instead of fighting the innovative new [charter] schools at every turn, Seattle Public Schools should have taken a page from the Spokane School District plan and worked with charter schools to provide quality options for students.” (The Seattle Times editorial board)

The City of Spokane settled a federal lawsuit for $49,000. The money was awarded to a man from Mexico who claims it was illegal for him to be arrested following an accident that was not his fault. “The Spokane Police Department is dedicated to providing law enforcement services and to enforce the law fairly, equally and without discrimination to any individual or group,” City spokesman Brian Coddington said. (The Spokesman-Review)

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