A surprise windstorm; world finance experts in Seattle, and grocery workers talk strike.
The Blustery Day
A lot of us are dealing with the aftermath of the surprise windstorm that blew through the state yesterday. It's caused power outages all over western Washington. At the height of the storm, more than 200,000 homes lost power. As it moved east it downed lines in the Spokane area, leaving thousands without power there, too. Some school districts are closed today as a result. You can find that updated information here.
Gates Foundation Hosts World Finance Leaders
It's a big day at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle. Bankers and finance experts from around the world (38 nations) are converging for something called the Global Savings Forum. Humanospohere's Tom Paulson writes the event is:
focused on helping people in poor communities worldwide use cell phones and other innovative means to engage in savings — a critical component to helping people help get themselves out of poverty.
The two-day event is expected to feature the announcement of a major donation by the foundation to a financial services initiative, according to The Seattle Times.
Will Your Local Grocery Workers Strike?
They might. Talks have resumed to try and avoid a walkout. QFC, Fred Meyer, Safeway and Albertsons workers in the central Puget Sound area (Snohomish, King and Kitsap) could be on strike around the Thanksgiving holiday if talks break down between the big chains and the United Food & Commericial Workers Union. The main issues are benefits and pay, and cuts in their hours. The workersauthorized a strike last weekif talks break down.
