State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu, who will hear the legal challenge against charter schools brought by the WEA union, gave a speech to the WEA-PAC, the union’s political arm. “Charter school families have good reason to wonder about the WEA union’s influence on Justice Yu. Justice Yu voted for the WEA union in the court’s first ruling to close charter schools,” wrote Liv Finne with the Washington Policy Center. (Washington Policy Center)

An estimated 2,500 people made the trip to the capitol for the March for Our Rights rally, making it the largest pro-2nd Amendment rally Olympia has seen in years. The rally comes as gun control advocates are pushing another ballot initiative. The initiative would raise the purchase age to 21 and add an enhanced background check system for semi-automatic weapon purchases. (Seattle Times)

After 35 years of hosting some of the states’ biggest events, the Tacoma Dome is getting a $30 million makeover. The project will improve seating and food options, add restrooms, and include enhancements to security and safety. (Tacoma News Tribune)

Ferris High School’s Mandy Manning has been named National Teacher of the Year. “It’s shocking and surprising and humbling but it’s also this tremendous privilege because I really do have the opportunity to share my amazing students’ stories and help people see them for the wonderful human beings that they are,” she said Friday. She teaches English and math to refugee and immigrant students. (The Spokesman-Review)

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