US is expected to report a record-breaking economic plunge

Having endured what was surely a record-shattering slump last quarter, the U.S. economy faces a dim outlook as a resurgent coronavirus intensifies doubts about the likelihood of any sustained recovery the rest of the year.

A look at how COVID-19 contact tracing works in Pierce County

COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing is underway in the South Sound. It’s just a couple of tools health officials are using along with testing to contain the coronavirus.

More working families need childcare assistance in Washington

As working parents figure out how remote learning will look for their students in the fall, thousands of families are facing financial hardships when it comes to being able to afford childcare during this pandemic. Now, a statewide organization is helping families struggling to pay for childcare costs.  The non-profit organization, ChildCare Aware Washington, has opened a family center hotline for parents seeking information about financial assistance or alternative childcare options.  For example, parents in Pierce and Thurston Counties could receive up to three months of financial assistance for childcare services through the federal economic stimulus bill known as The CARES Act. 

Gov. Inslee extends pause indefinitely for phased reopening

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that the statewide pause for counties looking to advance from their current stage of COVID-19 economic reopening will continue indefinitely.

'Masks for All' bill would provide three free masks for everyone in the United States

The bill would ramp up domestic production of masks and send three high-quality, reusable masks to every person in the United States through the U.S. postal service, free of charge.

Trump defends disproved COVID-19 treatment

President Donald Trump has issued a stout defense of a disproved use of a malaria drug as a treatment for the coronavirus, hours after social media companies moved to take down videos promoting its use as potentially harmful misinformation.

Police in Oregon say man with COVID-19 coughed, spit on officers

Tigard, Oregon, police say a DUI suspect purposefully coughed on and spit at police officers after they found him passed out in a car.

FDA's rolling list of potentially dangerous hand sanitizers expands

A dozen hand sanitizers have been added to the Food and Drug Administration's rolling list of dangerous cleansers that have been recalled due to the presence of a toxic chemical.

Target joins Walmart in ending Thanksgiving store shopping

Target is joining Walmart in closing its stores on Thanksgiving Day, ending a decadelong tradition of jump-starting Black Friday door buster sales.

2 MLB games postponed as Marlins deal with virus outbreak

MIAMI (AP) — Two major league games scheduled for Monday night were postponed as the Miami Marlins deal with a coronavirus outbreak that stranded them in Philadelphia.

Another round of $1,200 checks coming in August, Treasury Secretary says

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin says Americans can expect another round of $1,200 direct payments based on the same formula as the first round.

Tacoma, Fife school districts to resume full-time remote learning this fall

Dr. Anthony Chen, Pierce County director of health, recommended against reopening schools based on the increasing COVID-19 transmission rates in the county. 

Struggling businesses face new restrictions to fight coronavirus

Restaurant and bar owners are voicing concern this week after Governor Jay Inslee revealed new guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19.