After state Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu delivered a speech to the charter school-hating WEA, some charter school parents are wondering if they can expect a fair ruling in the charter school case. Yu’s speech on Saturday to the state teachers union (WEA), which also donated to Yu’s campaign, comes as the court prepares to hear a case brought by the union against the state’s charter schools. Many suggest Yu’s appearance shows a clear bias in favor of the union. (Tacoma News Tribune)

After a judge struck down Seattle’s “first-come, first-served” housing law, City Attorney Pete Holmes is asking for a do over. The City Council passed a law requiring landlords to take the first qualified applicant, but landlords sued, arguing the law violated due-process and free-speech. The judge in the original case called Seattle’s law “an unreasonable means of pursuing anti-discrimination.” (My Northwest)

Everett’s new mayor, Cassie Franklin, announced her plan to combat gang violence after a year that saw a significant increase. Police Chief Dan Templeman said some youth-involved shootings last year “really brought to light the situation out there and the conditions and some of the fear that the community was feeling last year.” (My Northwest)

A King County councilmember says the county courthouse is too dangerous for visitors and jurors, and it may be best to move county operations. King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer said, “The courthouse should be the center of civilization for a county, but there is no more dangerous part of the city of Seattle or King County than the area between the Seattle City Hall and the King County Courthouse during the daytime.” Von Reichbauer suggests moving to the county administration building and funding the move by selling the courthouse to condo developers. (My Northwest)

Brad Sawatzke should have an easy time transitioning from his current role to his new one. After filling in as temporary chief executive officer at Columbia Generating Station (the only nuclear power plant in Washington State), the Energy Northwest Executive Board named him permanent CEO. (Tri-City Herald)

The race to succeed Rep. Larry Haler (R-Kennewick) is taking shape. So far, the race has drawn two contenders in Kennewick City Councilmen Matt Boehnke and retired Tri-City Herald publisher Gregg McConnell. Both are running as Republicans. Haler announced his plan to retire after the 2018 legislative session. (Tri-City Herald)

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