“If you’ve ever been mugged, you understand what it feels like.” That’s what Inslee told Trevor Noah of the Daily Show about his choice to provide tax incentives to Boeing. “…These corporations put a gun to your ribs and say you’re going to lose 20,000 jobs unless you get [them] a tax break.” You won’t be surprised by the massive 180 degree turn Inslee made on this issue. The day Inslee signed the bill providing the tax breaks he said it was, “a great step forward for the state of Washington.” Why have principles or a political backbone when you can pander to primary voters instead? (Crosscut)

Washington is one of a handful of other states that have failed to remove lead from drinking water in public schools and preschool centers according to the Environment America Research & Policy Center and U.S. PIRG Education Fund. According to the report, Washington received an “F” for failing to protect students from drinking water contaminated with lead that poses a particular health risk to children. But hey, why fix that when Democrats can focus more on passing Inslee’s radical environmental agenda? (Seattle Times)

A study by Edmonds-based Kone Consulting found that there are at least 230 homeless Edmonds residents with a third of households are spending upwards of 30 to 50 percent of their income on housing. “We don’t have a high number of folks that are actually living on the street; they are here, but the number is relatively small compared to cities to the north and south,” Edmonds City Councilman Dave Tietzel. For residents of Edmonds, the issue of homelessness has largely felt hidden. (MyNorthwest)

The city of Bellingham is planning new or additional access for bicyclists and pedestrians, including expanded bike lanes, pedestrian crossings and new stoplights. Transportation planner Chris Comeau says he hopes to find a balance, expecting some streets to lose a lane of traffic to accommodate a bike lane. (KING 5)

The Spokane City Council is considering a measure that would encourage property owners to work with Spokane police to develop a plan to increase lighting and visibility in an effort to combat crime. “It rewards people for investing in safety practices downtown,” said City Councilman Breean Beggs, who sponsored the legislation. “It lets owners decide which is going to be the safest thing for their property.” (Spokesman-Review)

The College Place City Council will interview seven applicants for the seat left vacant by Larry Dickerson, who passed away in February. Dickerson would have had to run this year so whichever candidate is chosen will have to file to run for the seat in May. Each applicant will be interviewed for 20 minutes, followed by an executive session of the council to deliberate before reconvening to vote. (Union-Bulletin)

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