The Columbian editorial board thinks it’s time our state becomes a “player” in presidential primaries by moving up Washington’s primary vote. The current schedule, the paper argues, means that “our votes in the presidential primary at best mean little, and at worse mean nothing.” Currently only Republican primary votes contribute to any candidate’s delegate total, because Washington State Democrats totally disregard presidential primary results. (The Columbian)

Paul Allen’s estate committed $125 million to establish a research division focused on the immune system and related diseases. To be called the Allen Institute for Immunology, Allen was working on the project before his passing in October. Allen Institute CEO Allan Jones said, “This is really the first time that we’ve made a pretty significant investment in something that has a direct application to human health.” (Seattle Times)

The Bethel School Board voted unanimously to put a $443 million school construction bond before the voters in February, after it failed in the November election. The district faces an uphill battle as Bethel has not passed a bond since 2006. “We need the relief, we really do,” Bethel Superintendent Tom Seigel said. (Tacoma News Tribune)

After Gonzaga University chose to bar Ben Shapiro, the voice of America’s number one conservative podcast, from speaking on campus, organizers started looking for alternative locations. “…The University felt it would not be able to provide a suitable venue, as well as the concomitant level of security, necessary to appropriately host him,” Gonzaga said in a statement. The Young America’s Foundation, which oversees Shapiro’s speech dates, said it is evaluating sites near campus that can handle the university’s supposed security concerns. (My Northwest)

Benton County Commissioners gave notice to the Benton Franklin County Fair & Rodeo that it could lose access to the fairgrounds if a new lease isn’t signed soon. The notice read, “association will no longer be entitled access on or within the Benton County Fairgrounds premises.” The change came about after the county invested millions to upgrade facilities to accommodate weddings and conferences. (Tri-City Herald)

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