Washington State Senator Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) commented on reports that he contracted with the Cambodian government. Ericksen said of his relationship with the Cambodian government: “It’s pretty interesting, I think it’s a great opportunity to build relations between Cambodia and the United States, promote trade, cultural relations. Really do a lot of good things, I think, for both countries,” he said. “The press coverage out of The Seattle Times has been a little slanted, not too surprising from my perspective.” (MyNorthwest)

Olympia lawmakers directed $16.25 million toward helping deal with thousands of tons of contaminated sediment and enlarging the South Terminal at the Port of Everett. “We really appreciate all of the support the Department of Ecology has provided us to get this level of resources,” said Lisa Lefeber, the port’s deputy executive director. Total cost of the project is estimated to be closer to $105 million. (Everett Herald)

Inslee’s governing philosophy and values could fit on a bumper sticker – I believe in whatever’s politically expedient. His latest massive flip-flop comes as he tried to craft a legislative resume that will look good to the youth in Iowa and New Hampshire. Inslee announced yesterday that he is suddenly opposed to two Western Washington natural gas projects. Before he was against them, Inslee said of one of the projects, it was “one of the most innovative clean-energy projects in the nation” and a model for the world. But to the wannabe environmentalist voting in the Democratic primary, any manufacturing plant that doesn’t end in the words solar or wind is bad. Hence, Inslee’s sudden change of heart. (Seattle Times)

For those of you who have ever been stuck in Seattle traffic, don’t worry city officials have the fix. Mayor Jenny Durkan announced earlier this week that her administration will soon start a pilot program to allow electric sharable scooters. The pilot program will establish rules like where the scooters can be parked and whether helmets will be required. (Q13 Fox)

Kennewick School District leaders presented a plan that will cut 18 to 20 full-time teaching positions and thousands of hours of work by custodians, paraeducators and secretarial staff. The district said the changes will help them cover the $10 million budget shortfall. “We believe we are large enough and the challenge is of a significant size that we can do what we need to do through the normal attrition that happens at a school district of this size,” Superintendent Dave Bond said. (Tri-City Herald)

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