Team executive states that the lack of an income tax will help Seattle’s new hockey team attract talent.  Ricky Olczyk, NHL Seattle’s Assistant General Manager, stated that like most Washington businesses who are competing for gifted people, the absence of a state income tax is a major factor in bringing talented people into our community. (KING News)

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson can now place a gold star next to his name. Ferguson filed his 50^th lawsuit against the Trump Administration.  The latest lawsuit involves the Endangered Species Act. (MyNorthwest)

Washington Governor Jay Inslee decided to make an appearance at work (must be payday) to announce vaping restrictions.  After spending the week in New York City, Inslee will appear in Seattle at a press conference where new regulations on vaping are expected to be announced. (YakTriNews)

Another downtown business frustrated by Seattle’s policies that force retailers to be “constantly be on edge against thieves and robbery.” After its fourth robbery in a year, Simply Seattle in Pioneer Square is no longer stocking sports uniforms which are often sought by criminals.  (Simply Seattle Tweet/Letter)

Unions are promoting the concept that consumers should stop using self-checkout at grocery stores.  “In the end, every time we use a self-checkout machine, we are the ones who are laying them (grocery clerks) off and putting them into the unemployment line.” No word on whether we should stop sending email for it is putting a postman out of work or stop using e-readers to save the job of a typesetter. (The Stand)

After a three-week closure, it is likely the locks at the Bonneville dam will re-open Friday evening.  The unexpected closure shut down Columbia River traffic which impacted those who are dependent on barge transportation to bring their products to market.  (The Columbian)

Spokane teachers receive a 13.3% pay raise and then complain about the district cutting expenses to balance its budget.  The Spokane teachers’ union packed the district’s school board meeting to complain about class size and reduction in administrative personnel.  Spokane Education Association president Jeremy Shay proclaimed the expense cutting was, “having a negative effect on the health and safety of our students and our members, and this, in turn, impedes their academic potential.”  Shay and the teachers’ union members took no responsibility for their role in the district’s financial situation. (Spokesman Review)

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