Free Republic

Last May, Baylor Scott & White Health, the largest nonprofit hospital system in Texas, laid off 1,200 employees and furloughed others as it braced for the then-novel coronavirus to spread. The cancellation of lucrative elective procedures as the hospital pivoted to treat a new and less profitable infectious disease presaged financial distress, if not ruin. The federal government rushed $454 million in relief funds to help shore up its operations. But Baylor not only weathered the crisis, it thrived. By the end of 2020, Baylor had accumulated an $815 million surplus, $20 million more than it had in 2019, creating...

Washington state Sen. Scott White, a transit advocate who rose to majority whip, was found dead Friday at a resort hotel. He was 41. Kittitas County Sheriff Gene Dana said there was no sign of foul play in the death. Authorities are investigating because it remains unexplained. Housekeeping staff at the Suncadia Resort found White after he failed to check out of his room. An autopsy is planned. The Democrat represented the state's 46th District, covering northern Seattle. White joined the Senate last year and rose to serve as the Senate's majority whip, advocating for transit issues as a caucus...