Washington state was named America’s best state by US News & World Report, mostly thanks to things the extreme Left hates. Take for instance the article’s highlighting of the “cheap, climate-friendly electricity” found in our state. Inslee would have you believe that Washington’s clean energy is driven by giant bird killing windmills or huge solar farms (accompanied by a massive environmental footprint). In reality, as the article notes, hydroelectric dams lead the way in our state’s clean energy portfolio. (US New & World Report)

Seattle deputy hearing examiner Barbara Dykes Ehrlichman ruled the city’s environmental review was good enough, which means the council can consider loosening regulations on accessory-dwelling units. “It means the council can act early this summer to refine policies and provide a path for more people to build backyard cottages,” said Councilmember Mike O’Brien. Backyard cottages and mother-in-law apartments are common types of accessory-dwelling units. (Seattle Times)

“The people in our community deserve good officers like this serving in their neighborhoods, and the fact that the city is driving them away is really very disheartening.” Seattle Police Lieutenant and current city council candidate Brendan Kolding says he isn’t surprised that officers are leaving the city. Kolding says his time spent knocking on doors, speaking to voters is giving him hope that things can turn around. “The community really supports law enforcement. They want effective law enforcement,” he said. (MyNorthwest)

The Spokane City Council approved new protective features of city crosswalks, making pedestrian safety a priority. The measure requires the city to install accessible pedestrian signals with auditory instructions at every signalized intersection by 2025. Pedestrians will no longer be burdened with the necessity to push the “walk” button at crosswalks, as the feature will be automatic on the newly installed intersection signals. Thus putting us further on the path toward a Wall-e esk future. (Spokesman-Review)

So far three candidates have filed with the secretary of state’s office for the chance to be Spokane’s next mayor, while four candidates have filed to be council president. “There seems to be a swell of people wanting something new and feeling like things aren’t getting done,” said Cindy Wendle, candidate for council president. (Spokesman-Reivew)

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