Weekly news digest

Animated maritime adventure: Tacoma’s Silverback Marine launched Grit City Workboats, an animated series set in a Tacoma-inspired waterfront to inspire maritime careers as interest grows and episodes spotlight workboats, tech, and community missions -- read the full story.

Club plans new expansion: Founded in 1974, Tacoma Rugby Club plans growth as Bert Stone aims to expand the Aroma 7s, which draws Northwest teams and will celebrate 50 years in 2027 -- read about its future plans.

New leadership at Slahal: Emerald Queen Casino named Chris Casella general manager of Tacoma’s Slahal Steakhouse, drawing on two decades in hospitality to guide the 11th-floor restaurant’s steaks, seafood, cocktails, and wine program -- read the full story.

Celebrate Native artistry: IN THE SPIRIT will mark its 21st year Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission at three Tacoma museums and Dan Friday’s glassblowing alongside Native art -- see what’s planned.

Tacoma policy priorities: Tacoma officials discussed expanding therapeutic courts, modernizing property maintenance enforcement, and access to commercial space, with a Spaceworks update and court leaders prioritizing long-term funding and broader program access -- see Tacoma’s policy priorities.

Building future lacrosse players: Tacoma Tigers Lacrosse is growing the game in the South Sound, fielding boys and girls for grades three to eight, with scholarships and free gear rentals to keep costs low -- learn more about the program.

8/5 - Tough climate for founders: On Monday, a Build Your Store study ranked the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma metro fourth worst in Washington for five-year business survival at 66.43 percent, citing fierce competition and higher operating costs -- read the full findings.

8/5 - Comedy special on stage: Earthquake will bring his stand-up to Nate Jackson’s Super Funny Comedy Club in Tacoma this weekend, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 7–9. Ages 21 and over, with pricing starting at $48.16 -- see show details and tickets.

8/5 - Tax filing update: Washington taxpayers can prepay 2026 capital gains tax on Oct. 15, 2026, up to six months early. DOR says you can’t deduct it in the Washington return’s net long-term gain -- see the tax deadline shift.

8/4 - Seattle gets the last laugh: Randy Arozarena’s solo homer and Cal Raleigh’s walk-off single lifted the Mariners to a 4-3 win over the Twins, a late-inning jolt for Seattle and South Sound fans -- catch the walk-off finish.

8/4 - A standout defensive moment: Mariners lefty Jhonathan Díaz pulled off a rare ambidextrous moment for Triple-A Tacoma, fielding and throwing right-handed to nab an out, delighting Tacoma fans over the weekend -- read the full story.

8/4 - Students reached a new milestone: Washington’s Class of 2026 set a new high for completed college aid applications, 46,168 in all, surpassing the 46,000 goal after a months-long statewide push led by Gov. Bob Ferguson -- see the application record.

8/3 - Court keeps funding intact: A federal judge blocked the U.S. Department of Education from terminating over $20 million in mental health grants for nine Washington schools, including UW Tacoma, keeping funding in place -- see the grant ruling.

8/3 - Season-ending showdown heats up: Breakaway roping’s Cinch Playoffs tighten, with eight Sioux Falls spots still up for grabs, and the final four will be decided at the Puyallup Rodeo at the Washington State Fair -- read the full story.

8/3 - Canoe journey weekend ahead: Tribal Journeys Paddle to Nisqually continues through Aug. 5 as canoes head to DuPont. WSDOT warned of weekend traffic around DuPont and Nisqually. Viewing at Sunnyside Beach or Chambers Bay -- see where to view it.

8/1 - Cleaner port operations ahead: The Northwest Seaport Alliance is deploying electric forklifts and chargers at Tacoma’s East Blair One Terminal, backed by a $2.6 million state grant, targeting cleaner air and 2028 completion -- read the full story.

8/1 - District 7 race heats up: Republican Mike Solan, Democrat Brenda Lykins, and Independent Chuck West compete for Pierce County District 7, all prioritize public safety but offer different fixes for Ruston, Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula -- read the full story.

8/1 - Expanded regional marine base: Resolve Marine moved its Pacific Northwest facility to Tacoma’s Foss Waterway, adding dedicated dock space, a larger yard and upgraded equipment to support regional shipping, port operations and government partners -- read the full story.