Inslee calls for slow reopening, drug decriminalization could be on the ballot, and other morning headlines

By Josh Kelety

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Inslee calls for slow reopening, drug decriminalization could be on the ballot, and other morning headlines

Young Kwak

Gov. Jay Inslee

ON INLANDER.COM

NATION: On Tuesday, a three-year review led by the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee unanimously agreed with intelligence community assessments that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. election, undercutting President Donald Trump.

NATION: Congress is rushing to finalize a $500 billion coronavirus relief package that would replenish small business loan funding.

FOOD: Here's a handy list of local restaurants offering family-style take-out meals during the pandemic.

COVID-19

U.S. death toll
Over 40,000 people across the U.S. have died from COVID-19. The death toll in Washington state is inching towards 700. (New York Times)

Early spread
Santa Clara County Public Health in California announced on Tuesday that an autopsy revealed that a patient who died on Feb. 6 had COVID-19. Previously, the first known death from COVID-19 in the U.S. was declared on Feb. 29 involving a patient in Washington. The finding suggests that community transmission was occurring much earlier in the year. (Axios)

Slow reopening
Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee said in an address last night that his office would likely be allowing construction, elective surgeries, and outdoor recreation to continue soon. But he also said that other restrictions will stay in place to prevent a surge in COVID-19 infections. (Seattle Times)

Second wave
Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview that there's a "possibility" that any second wave of COVID-19 in the U.S. during the winter will be "even more difficult" because it will coincide with the flu season. (Washington Post)

IN OTHER NEWS...

School money
Washington and Idaho colleges are expected to receive around $281 million in federal stimulus funds. (Spokesman-Review)

Drug war rollback
The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington is trying to get an initiative on the November ballot that would decriminalize all drug possession for personal use — including substances like heroin. (Crosscut)

World hunger crisis
Global COVID-19 lockdown measures and the subsequent economic upheaval could force an additional 130 million people worldwide to starve. (New York Times)