Where have all the Washington Republicans gone?: Recent polling data shows that the percentage of people in Washington state who affiliate with the Republican party is down. Real down. Trump is forcing people to choose a side, and it doesn't look like that side is Republican. "For Washington state GOP, it just keeps getting worse," reads Seattle Times columnist Danny Westneat's recent column headline.
Gillibrand is out: She announced her exit from the presidential race via Twitter.
Today, I am ending my campaign for president.
I am so proud of this team and all we've accomplished. But I think it’s important to know how you can best serve.
To our supporters: Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Now, let's go beat Donald Trump and win back the Senate. pic.twitter.com/xM5NGfgFGT
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) August 28, 2019
A sad day for the Democrats, Kirsten Gillibrand has dropped out of the Presidential Primary. I’m glad they never found out that she was the one I was really afraid of!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 28, 2019
Republican Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia will retire: But don't expect Stacey Abrams to run for the seat. "While she will not be a candidate herself, she is committed to helping Democratic candidates win both Senate races next year,” said her spokesman today. Following the news that Isakson will retire, Washington Post ran an op-ed titled: "Republicans should worry about the Senate. A lot."
Ms. Thunberg has landed: Her first words? “Well, all of this is very overwhelming.” And then: “We need to stand together and take action because otherwise it might be too late. Let’s not wait any longer, let’s do it now.”
Are those...: Crocs?
It is my honor and privilege to welcome @GretaThunberg to New York City and the United States! pic.twitter.com/c21ALhDbEP
— Alexandria Villaseñor (@AlexandriaV2005) August 28, 2019
Remember when Trump suggested next year's G7 Summit be held at his Trump National Doral Miami Golf Resort?: The House Judiciary Committee is now investigating that plan. "Hosting the G7 Summit at Doral implicates both the Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clauses," wrote lawmakers, "because it would entail both foreign and U.S. government spending to benefit the President, the latter potentially including both federal and state expenditures."
Florida has declared a state of emergency: Dorian is coming. It could grow to be as strong as a Cat 3 by the time it hits the state. Hopefully they don't need FEMA.
As Hurricane #Dorian approaches, I’ve declared a state of emergency to ensure local governments and emergency management agencies have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared. Please continue to follow local reports and @FLSERT for updates. https://t.co/FyQM6wd8er
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 28, 2019
Free transit during snow emergencies in King County: The King County Council approved legislation that will waive enforcement of Metro transit fares when the Emergency Snow Network is in effect. “Like our policy of free fares on New Year’s Eve, this legislation is about promoting safety,” said Kohl-Welles in a press release today. “It will encourage people to stay off the roads and get to where they need using a safer mode of transportation—regardless if they have an Orca Card or enough money to pay the fare.” GOOD! We should have been doing this a long time ago... Now, on to buying more snowplows, Seattle...
More news from the King County Council: Today, the council voted on how to spend $318M for education over the next 15 years. "The spending plan would direct about $154 million to increasing space for early learning programs, particularly those that enroll children living in poverty, those in foster care and other target populations," writes the Times's Neal Morton. A more thorough spending breakdown here.
Seems like a stupid move: But this is a stupid president.
USCIS confirms: As of October 29, children born to U.S. service members outside of the U.S. will no longer be automatically considered citizens.
Their parents will have to apply for citizenship on their behalf. https://t.co/beDHdMgqSM
— Haley Britzky (@halbritz) August 28, 2019
Then the US Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a clarification: It isn't very clarifying, but basically: The new policy won't affect kids of troops or government employees if a parent is a US citizen with residency in the states. It does, or could, affect kids adopted by service members overseas after birth or kids born to government employees who aren't citizens. Confused? It seems everyone is.
Need a book for the holiday weekend?: Here are 17 suggestions.
We've got a new issue on the streets: Pick it up!
Also finally got to write about Wa Na Wari (a black arts space in the Central District) and Richmond-based artist Nastassja Swift. Her incredible masks grace the cover this week & I was lucky to see & reflect on them https://t.co/O7LxIsvGyR pic.twitter.com/BynfuIQPdo
— jasmyne rae keimig (@jasmynekeimig) August 28, 2019
Naloxone for all: In Washington state. Dr. Kathy Lofy, the state’s health officer, signed a "standing order" of the drug for every Washington resident. The medication (brand name = Narcan) reverses opioid overdoses. Lofy said the move is "an important step in addressing the opioid crisis and reducing overdose deaths in our state."
Hot teacher kink fodder: Actor Matthew McConaughey will join the University of Texas's Department of Radio-Television-Film as a professor this fall. He's previously taught at the university and will continue teaching a Script to Script Screen film production class.
🎵It's the end of the world as we know it: And I feel fiiiiiiine.🎵
The SAM has chosen their finalists for the 2019 Betty Bowen Award: Five Northwest artists are being considered for SAM's annual award, which includes $15,000 and a solo exhibition at the museum. The winner of the 41st Annual Betty Bowen Award will be announced in September. The finalists include Andrea Joyce Heimer, Anthony Hudson (Carla Rossi), Adair Rutledge, Lynne Siefert, and former A&P cover star Anthony White. Selected work from four of the artists below.