A study by WalletHub says Washington state has the best economy in the United States. The study ranked Washington as No. 1 for Economic Activity, No. 4 for Economic Health, and No. 2 for Innovation Potential. It’s as if not having a statewide income tax provides our state with a competitive advantage. (KING 5)

Puget Sound Energy is awaiting a decision by the Bellevue Hearing Examiner which could decide the fate of their $150 million-plus “Energize Eastside” project. PSE has been waiting for six years to run 16 miles of high-voltage power lines from Redmond to Renton. “Our job is to deliver dependable, reliable energy, and this project is needed to do so,” said Keri Pravtitz, Energize Eastside’s community projects manager. (Seattle Times)

Former Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn didn’t mince words when describing plans proposed by SDOT to replace the Magnolia Bridge. He said the plan doesn’t address climate change, “They are planning on – indeed planning for – increasing our carbon emissions. Disgraceful.” McGinn is mad that a study of the plan showed an increase in vehicle volumes through 2035. (MyNorthwest)

Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Brusic said that he will be meeting with the Yakima County Sheriff to begin a criminal investigation into Wapato city government. “People need to understand that an auditor’s report is not the same thing as a criminal investigation,” Brusic said. “But it does give us pathways.” Bruce was referencing an accountability report published by the state auditor’s office last year that listed out a nearly unfathomable number of issues. (Yakima Herald)

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