Ten Washington-based businesses, including Amazon and Microsoft, are putting their weight behind a few eviction reform bills making their way through the Legislature. “Simply stated, Washington’s eviction laws are a root cause of our homelessness problems, and we can take a significant step toward addressing them now,” read the letter signed by executives. A recent study by the Seattle Women’s Commission and the King County Bar Association’s Housing Justice Project showed that roughly 90 percent of those evicted ended up living in transitional housing or without any options for immediate shelter. (Seattle Times)

Liz Lovelett, an Anacortes City Councilmember, was selected to fill the vacant 40th Legislative District Senate seat. Lovelett will replace Democrat Kevin Ranker who resigned amid sexual harassment allegations. “I’m not afraid of having difficult conversations,” Lovelett said just before the vote. “I have the unique ability to build consensus.” Lovelett was one of three candidates put forward by Democrat Precinct Committee Officers. (Bellingham Herald)

“Our aviation industry is facing a critical pilot shortage,” said Rep. Tom Dent (R-Moses Lake). “I I am working to find a way to draw more of our young people into aviation careers.” Rep. Dent introduced three aviation related bills to help address the shortage of workers in the industry. Dent is the only professional pilot in the Legislature. (iFiber One)

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan will advance the roughly $90 million plan to redevelop Discovery Park’s Fort Lawton into more than 200 affordable homes. The redevelopment will include 85 homes for seniors, 100 homes for low-income individuals and families, along with up to 52 homes for ownership opportunities. Mayor Durkan has a public meeting scheduled for Feb. 11 and plans to send the plan to Seattle City Council soon. (MyNorthwest)

After outcry from freedom of speech advocates, Gonzaga University is reversing course and will now allow conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro to speak on campus. “As a comprehensive, faith-based and mission-centered university, we are committed to facilitating exposure to a broad range of intellectual ideas and debate, even as we simultaneously strive to uphold the values reflected in our mission statement.,” said university President Thayne McCulloh. (Spokesman-Review)

The city of Richland is officially restarting its search for a new police chief, five months after rejecting two finalists. “I appreciate the commitment of Chief Taylor and his willingness to serve in the interim capacity while we navigate the recruitment process,” Richland City Manager Cindy Reents said. (Tri-City Herald)

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