Washington's "top two" primary made its debut as voters advanced candidates in dozens of state races.
There weren't any surprises in the early results.
With about 37 percent of the expected vote counted in the gubernatorial race, Gov. Chris Gregoire had about 49 percent of the vote, her Republican challenger Dino Rossi had nearly 45 percent, and both advanced easily to the general election in November.
"I feel good about where we are," Rossi said Tuesday night. "The reality is that less than half the people who are going to show up at the general voted in the primary. The bottom line is this is going to be a sprint to the end."
Gregoire cited the presidential campaign of Barack Obama as something that will help drive even more Democrats to the polls in November, ostensibly helping her campaign.
"I feel momentum is definitely with the Democrats moving to November with Barack Obama at the top of the ticket," she said.
However, reflecting the trend elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest, very few Black candidates were victorious in local elections....

A new report says gang violence is building — five gang related murders have been investigated already this year — and the best solution to the problem is more resources for youth. The Human Services Department for the City of Seattle commissioned The Gang Needs Assessment Project to accurately see the problem as well as assess what can be done....

Young adults in King County celebrated a new opportunity to learn about high wage and high demand occupations involving "green work" — jobs related to environmental and social responsibility — as part of the "Opportunity Greenway" pilot this summer. Dozens of students graduated from the program last Friday, and King County Executive Ron Sims praised their efforts.....

King County Executive Ron Sims urges over 1,000 Patches Pals to cheer their favorite clown on JP Patches Day -- Aug. 17 -- in the Fremont neighborhood....

Intiman Theater hosts an afternoon of free training in gospel performance led by Pastor Patrinell Wright, founder of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, on Saturday, Aug. 23 from noon to 5 p.m. in the Intiman Studio. The Black Nativity Gospel Workshop, now in its sixth season, is offered annually in connection with Intiman's holiday production of Black Nativity....

Focusing on portraiture, Bandele's images depict family members and inspiring artists, including Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. His art incorporates jewel-toned mixed media on stretched canvas and canvas board....

Law enforcement officials from around the region released a report this week calling for better education opportunities as a way of reducing crime....

Paddlings, swats, licks. A quarter of a million schoolchildren got them last year — and Blacks, American Indians and kids with disabilities got a disproportionate share of the punishment, according to a study by a human rights group....

Grace Kuto, author of Harambee - Stories and Recipes from the African Family Circle, signs her book during a celebration and dinner at Portland State University's Smith Memorial Center. Ambassador Peter N.R.O. Ogego, from the Republic of Kenya, and Grace's husband Paul are in the background....

When the U.S. men's swimming team won gold by setting a new world record in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay at the Olympics Aug. 11, most of America celebrated the fact that swimming sensation Michael Phelps had just earned his third gold medal....