Morning Briefing · Friday, October 30, 2026
7 stories, five minutes, and what each one means for you.
The big story
Supreme Court to Hear Colorado Catholic Preschool Case Tuesday
The Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday in St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, a dispute over Colorado barring Catholic preschools from its universal preschool program. Catholic schools say the state's rules violate their First Amendment rights.
What it means for you
- Date to watch: the Washington Examiner report of Oct. 30, 2026 says arguments in St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy are set for Tuesday.
- The case turns on whether Colorado can require religious preschools to accept all families as a condition of joining its universal preschool program.
Politics
Alaska Governor Says Peltola Probe Could Alter Election Certification
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said on Oct. 29 that the state's election certification could be stopped or changed, depending on the outcome of a state investigation into Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola. The probe concerns allegations that her campaign recruited a same-named rival to run against Sen. Dan Sullivan, which her campaign denies.
What it means: Alaska's state investigation could affect how the state certifies its midterm results, according to the governor.
Your paycheck
Seattle Social Housing Developer Plans Roughly $68 Million Purchase
The Seattle Social Housing Developer plans to buy the 195-unit Youngstown Flats in West Seattle for about $68 million, with closing expected in December. The developer is funded by a city tax on companies that pay very high individual salaries, which brought it $115 million this year, according to the Seattle Times.
What it means: The developer is funded by a city tax on companies that pay individual salaries above $1 million a year. If that tax keeps bringing in revenue like the $115 million reported this year, more purchases could follow; the Seattle Times says more deals are on the horizon for next year.
Social Security chief pledges $250 Trump Accounts gift to Brooklyn children
Frank Bisignano, who leads the Social Security Administration and the IRS, pledged $250 from his family fund to each child aged 2 to 8 in his Brooklyn hometown ZIP code. According to the Washington Examiner, he is the first senior administration official to pledge a donation to Trump Accounts.
What it means: Children aged 2 to 8 in Brooklyn ZIP code 11234 are the ones covered by the $250 pledge.
Your family
West Virginia Sues TikTok Over Child Safety Concerns
West Virginia has sued TikTok, accusing the company of designing its platform to keep children hooked while misleading parents about the risks. The state is seeking civil penalties, restitution and court-ordered changes to the platform's child safety protections.
What it means: The state alleges TikTok's design encourages compulsive use that interferes with kids' sleep, schoolwork, physical activity and relationships. These claims are unproven.
Your business
Blue Origin Plans 250,000-Square-Foot Facility in Des Moines, Washington
Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos' rocket company, is expanding in Washington with a new 250,000-square-foot facility in Des Moines. The company says the site will support hundreds of employees once it is running at full capacity.
What it means: The facility is expected to support hundreds of employees at full capacity, according to the Seattle Times.
Starbucks US Sales Rise 7.7%, Beating Company Forecast
Starbucks said US comparable sales rose 7.7% in its latest fiscal quarter, above its own forecast of at least 6.5%. The company expects growth to cool to about 4% in North America this fiscal year, according to Bloomberg.
What it means: Starbucks shares are up 25% this year through Thursday's close, though they slipped 1.9% in extended trading after the report.
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