Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced Washington state received the green light from federal officials to distribute nearly $30 million in stimulus money for weatherizing low-income homes through the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. A total of $29.8 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding is now on the way to help weatherize an estimated 3,470 homes and create hundreds of jobs statewide. The funding will also be used for worker training, technical assistance and program support. Under the state's newly approved plan, CTED will authorize 26 weatherization partners statewide to begin projects as soon as this week. . . .

Fewer homeless people in King County are dying from violent incidents, a four-year low, according to health officials.
Nevertheless their most common cause of death remains accidents related to drug and alcohol abuse, or both at the same time. "These deaths highlight the necessity for comprehensive solutions that integrate housing, drug and alcohol treatment, human service and health care needs for people who are at-risk of becoming homeless or are living as homeless," said Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County Dr. David Fleming. "With early intervention and connection to services that support recovery and stability, many of these early deaths are preventable." . . .

It is back to school for Adrena Collins this summer, but she isn't attending an ordinary summer school -- she is currently studying DNA. Nevertheless, she says, "I really like this program!"  Collins is one of 63 students attending a three-week math and science intensive program run by the University of Puget Sound. Seventh to 12th-graders show up at the UPS campus for the Puget Sound Summer Academic Challenge for a full day of hands-on experiments, field trips and projects. . . .

• Free Business, Law School Seminars
• YMCA Black Achievers Golf Tournament
• The CREATION Project Selects Four Artists
• 'Obama on My Mind' Play to Premier Oct.15

A celebration of the life of Samuel E. Kelly, the founder and first Vice President of the Office of Minority Affairs at the University of Washington, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 27, in 130 Kane Hall. Dr. Kelly passed away the morning of July 6 due to congestive heart failure. When Dr. Kelly was hired as a university vice president by President Charles Odegaard in 1970, he became the first African American senior administrator at the UW. . . .

Ganga Clamoungou and Kalass perform African world music at the annual Bastille Day Celebration at Seattle Center.   The event which celebrates the French Revolution and the end to the monarchy included a Citroen car exhibition, childrens activities, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting and music.

Washington's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 9.3 percent in June, up from May's revised rate of 9.1 percent, according to the state Employment Security Department.  The state lost an estimated 10,500 non-agricultural jobs, seasonally adjusted.  "I am confident the steps we are taking at the state and federal levels will help us pull out of the most challenging economic times since the Depression . . .

President Barack Obama addressed the 100^th NAACP Convention on Thursday, July 17. The president's remarks wrapped up a five day convention in New York that featured speeches and workshops ... Obama plans to encourage young people to reach their goals and dreams. . . .

What's happening for you in your city this week? Read here a day-by-day diary of community events to fill your spare time. For a full calendar please click on "Read the complete article" below . . . .

The world's greatest entertainer, Michael Jackson, made one final jaw dropping and tear drawing appearance when Andrae Crouch's gospel group brought him into the Staples Center to the melody of "Soon and Very Soon," in an emotional memorial televised to billions on July 7. For the estimated 20,000 on hand at the same arena where Jackson rehearsed for the final time just days before his death, his celebration of life brought home the harsh reality that the most generous entertainer the world has ever known is gone. . . .