Saturday, November 2, 2024

What to Expect on Election Night and the Days Following Election Day.

 

As Washington’s 2024 General Election draws near, more than 1,980,509 voters have already returned their ballots, and state and county election officials are busy preparing for the vote count. Here’s a look at what Washington voters and the public can expect on election night and in the days following as ballots are processed and results are certified.


Election Day Reminders


In-person registration is available at county elections offices and voting centers until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5, although online and mailed registrations or updates were due by Oct. 28.


Voters have until 8 p.m. on Nov. 5 to place their ballot in one of more than 540 official drop boxes statewide. Drop box and voting center locations are listed on the Office of the Secretary of State’s Elections website or on VoteWA.gov, Washington’s online voter portal.


Once drop boxes close at 8 p.m. on election night, county election offices will begin tabulating ballots processed before Election Day. While counties may begin scanning ballots upon receipt, ballots cannot be tabulated until after 8 p.m. Election Day, according to RCW 29A.40.110. Initial results should appear on the state’s election results webpage — results.vote.wa.gov — by about 8:15-8:20 p.m. All reported results are unofficial until certification.  


“The public can expect meaningful results on election night, but it’s important to remember that ballots arriving on or after Election Day still need to be processed and counted,” Assistant Secretary of State Kevin McMahan said. “Even if news outlets ‘call’ races or candidates declare victory, results are unofficial until they are certified by county canvassing boards and the Secretary of State. Our elections process ensures that every valid vote is counted accurately, underscoring the integrity of the election.”


On Election Day, elections staff are busy serving voters at voting centers and emptying drop boxes, so ballots received on Election Day, or after Election Day with a postmark of on or before Nov. 5, will be processed over subsequent days. To ensure accuracy, only ballots with verified signatures matching the voter’s registration record will be counted.


Following the initial release on election night, no further results will be reported until Nov. 6. Washington’s largest counties will post updated results daily, while counties with populations under 75,000 will report at least once every three days. Counties will announce their next upload date and time on the Voter Turnout tab at results.vote.wa.gov.


Continued Counting, Auditing, and Certification


Following Election Day, counties have 21 days to certify results. Within this certification period, ballots collected from drop boxes on election night or returned by mail with a valid postmark will be processed and counted per RCW 29A.40.110.  


Within the certification period, all counties will conduct post-election audits to verify the accuracy of unofficial results. Counties can choose between a random batch audit or a risk-limiting audit (RLA) to fulfill this requirement.


In a random-batch audit, officials select specific batches of ballots and hand count them, comparing those hand-tallied results to the original machine-tabulated totals for the same batch. Alternatively, in an RLA, ballots are randomly selected and each ballot is compared to the voting system record until enough ballots have been reviewed to statistically confirm the results are correct. Washington’s first statewide RLA will take place Nov. 19.


Additionally, the Secretary of State will facilitate a statewide signature compliance check to verify that signature verification standards have been followed.


Election results will not be considered final until counties certify them on Nov. 26. The Secretary of State will complete certification of the 2024 General Election results by Dec. 5.


Ballot Curing Process


For ballots with a missing or mismatched signature, election officials will contact each voter by first-class mail, phone, email, or text message per RCW 29A.60.165 and they will have until county certification to correct any issues. Responding promptly to any notification from election officials helps ensure that every valid vote is counted.


Statewide Results


Each county will post a PDF copy of its results on its website and upload them to the state’s VoteWA portal, verifying that uploaded results match the official PDF copy. The Secretary of State’s Elections Division will conduct an additional review to ensure accuracy before posting statewide results. Due to this process, most counties will display results on their websites before the Office of the Secretary of State posts consolidated statewide results.


“Election officials are committed to providing the public with accurate and reliable results on election night, but accuracy can’t be rushed,” said McMahan. “Our processes are designed to ensure the integrity of the results displayed on the statewide results webpage. We thank voters for their patience and their participation in this historic election.”


Write-In Votes


Counties will report the total number of write-in votes in their tabulation reports. Election night results will include a single ‘write-in’ category. If the total write-in votes for an office exceed the apparent winner’s total, the write-in votes will be tallied during the 21-day certification period for each declared write-in candidate.


If a declared write-in candidate earns enough votes to win, their name will appear in the certified election results. If write-in totals are insufficient to impact the outcome, individual tallies will not be part of the official certification.


For more information or questions about ballot processing, voters can contact the Office of the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at (800) 448-4881 or elections@sos.wa.gov.

ref. https://www.sos.wa.gov/about-office/news/2024/what-expect-election-night-and-days-following-election-day




AG Ferguson, bipartisan coalition win $49 million and counting over generic drugs price-fixing conspiracy.

AGs assert it was one of the most damaging price-fixing schemes in U.S. history


OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today he and a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general have won more than $49 million so far in their case against major drug manufacturers that conspired to illegally raise prices on hundreds of generic drugs. The conspiracy caused consumers to pay more than 10 times as much for some drugs, ranging from antibiotic ointment to cancer treatments.


As a result of the multistate litigation, Apotex will pay $39.1 million and Heritage Pharmaceuticals will pay $10 million, make significant reforms and cooperate with the case against the remaining companies. Washington’s share of these and future resolutions will be determined when the litigation is resolved against all of the companies. Washingtonians who bought generic drugs during the conspiracy are eligible to get the amount they overpaid returned to them through a claims process. What individuals will receive will be determined once all the cases are complete.


“These companies conspired to line their pockets at the expense of Washingtonians,” Ferguson said. “Their conspiracy made it harder for people to afford medications they rely on for their health, and even their life. I will hold them accountable.”


Lawsuits in the U.S. District Court of the District of Connecticut remain active against 30 other corporations — including some of the nation’s largest generic drug manufacturers — as well as 25 company executives for violations of federal and state antitrust laws, including the Washington Consumer Protection Act. The attorneys general assert the conspiracy was one of the most egregious and damaging illegal price-fixing schemes in U.S. history.


Company executives and their sales representatives used code words to meet privately and plan how to artificially raise the prices on generic drugs to increase their profits. Some female sales representatives, for instance, would agree to meet at a “girls’ night out,” then plan how to collectively and artificially raise prices on generic drugs. Many of the companies raised prices by well over 1,000 percent at the height of the conspiracy. Company executives later destroyed text messages and documents after hearing about subpoenas from the investigation.


If you purchased generic prescription drugs between 2010 and 2018, you may be eligible for restitution from this resolution or future resolutions. To determine your eligibility, visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com, call 1-866-290-0182, or email info@AGGenericDrugs.com.


Bipartisan coalition of AGs takes on the generic drug industry


The attorneys general partnered on three lawsuits against generic drug manufacturers. One case focuses on Heritage Pharmaceuticals’ involvement with 17 other companies to fix the prices of 15 drugs. Another case focuses on 20 companies that fixed prices on more than 100 drugs. A third lawsuit involves 26 companies fixing the prices on 80 topical generic drugs used for dermatology. Each lawsuit addresses a different set of drugs and defendants.


The companies agreed to drive up the prices of over a hundred common drugs, from everyday antibiotics such as amoxicillin and penicillin to antidepressants, contraceptives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, statins, ace inhibitors, beta blockers and more. These drugs are used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, HIV, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, arthritis, high cholesterol, acid reflux and more. A list of the drugs affected by the scheme is available here.


When a branded drug manufacturer loses exclusive patent rights to a drug, generic drugs can enter the market at a lower cost. While some price increases are normal, prices of hundreds of generic drugs skyrocketed over the course of the conspiracy. Generic drug manufacturers argued publicly that the increases were due to legitimate factors such as industry consolidation, federally mandated plant closures or elimination of unprofitable generic drug product lines.


Privately, however, the companies coordinated their prices at regular industry dinners, lunches, parties, golf outings, frequent telephone calls, emails and text messages. Throughout these communications, the conspirators used terms like "fair share," "playing nice in the sandbox," and "responsible competitor" to describe how they unlawfully discouraged competition, raised prices and enforced an ingrained culture of collusion within the industry. In addition to female sales representatives’ “girls’ night out,” male executives and employees often met under the guise of an “industry dinner.”


The conspirators usually chose to communicate in person or by phone to avoid creating a written record of their illegal conduct. When communications were written, the companies often took calculated steps to destroy evidence of those communications.


The states’ lawsuits seek restitution for consumers, damages for state agencies, maximum civil penalties and a court order to stop the illegal conduct and restore competition to the generic drug market.


Antitrust Assistant Attorneys General Paula Pera, Holly Williams and Travis Kennedy, Litigation Support and Administrative Manager Kimberly Hitchcock, and paralegals Michelle Oliver and Tracy Jacoby are handling the case.

ref. https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-bipartisan-coalition-win-49-million-and-counting-over-generic-drugs


IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:


Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Washington Department of Commerce Sign Milestone Agreement Establishing Government-to-Government Relations./ Dept. of Commerce



New environmental education program builds connections for refugees and immigrants in Spokane./DOE

https://ecology.wa.gov/blog/november-2024/new-environmental-education-program-helps-refugees-and-immigrants-build-connections-in-spokane


Keeping Chehalis basin communities safe and prosperous

$18.5 million grant to Hoquiam advances critical flood protection project./DOE

https://ecology.wa.gov/blog/october-2024/keeping-chehalis-basin-communities-safe-and-prosperous


WDFW seeks public comment on proposed land acquisitions

OLYMPIA –The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is inviting public comment on 20 proposed public land acquisitions that could contribute to fish and wildlife conservation and public access to Washington’s outdoors./WDFW

https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/news-release/wdfw-seeks-public-comment-proposed-land-acquisitions-1


WDFW accepting applications for 2025-2027 wildlife diversity grant funding./WDFW

https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/news-release/wdfw-accepting-applications-2025-2027-wildlife-diversity-grant-funding


NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:


Kilmer Announces More Than $12 Million in Federal Investments for the Port of Port Angeles and Northwest Seaport Alliance

TACOMA, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded more than $12 million in funding through the EPA’s Clean Ports Program’s Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition to two ports in Washington’s Sixth District for the deployment of zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure, and climate and air quality planning.


Made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act - the largest investment in combating climate change and promoting clean energy in history - the Port of Port Angeles will receive more than $9.4 million in deployment funding to support the Port’s Marine Terminal One project. The project aims to make shore power more accessible and eliminate emissions from a majority of the Port’s cargo operations. In May of this year, Rep. Kilmer wrote to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan in support of the Port’s application for funding through the Clean Ports Program./from a press release issued 10.29.24


Senator Murray Applauds Historic Presidential Apology to Tribes for Federal Indian Boarding School Era, Affirms Commitment to Tribal Nations/press release issued 10.25.24


Spokane Airport Announces Nonstop Flights to Chicago, More Service to Dallas & Sacramento

Southwest Airlines will provide nonstop flights between Spokane and Chicago -- as well as daily roundtrips to Sacramento & new weekend routes to Dallas - starting in June 2025./press release issued 10.31.24


WORLD< NATION< BUSINESS


WORLD: 


Security Council Extends UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara by One Year, Adopting Resolution 2756 (2024) by Vote of 12 in Favour, with 2 Abstentions./UN PRESS RELEASE

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15882.doc.htm


Condemning Ballistic Missile Launch by Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Secretary-General Urges Diplomatic Engagement for Peace on Korean Peninsula./UN PRESS RELEASE

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sgsm22434.doc.htm


'It Is Important to Call a Genocide a Genocide,’ Consider Suspending Israel’s Credential as UN Member State, Experts Tell Palestinian Rights Committee/UN PRESS RELEASE

https://press.un.org/en/2024/gapal1473.doc.htm


Explanation of Vote Following the Adoption of a UN Security Council Resolution on the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara/USUN

https://usun.usmission.gov/explanation-of-vote-following-the-adoption-of-a-un-security-council-resolution-on-the-united-nations-mission-for-the-referendum-in-western-sahara/


United States Government’s Response to Israel’s Cabinet Decision on Extending the Indemnification for Correspondent Banking between Israel and the West Bank/US STATE DEPT.

https://www.state.gov/united-states-governments-response-to-israels-cabinet-decision-on-extending-the-indemnification-for-correspondent-banking-between-israel-and-the-west-bank/


NATION:

WHITE HOUSE COVERING FOR BIDEN'S GARBAGE REMARKS

Here are two statements on Biden's garbage remarks:

The orginal: And just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.”  Well, let me tell you something.  I don’t — I — I don’t know the Puerto Rican that — that I know — or a Puerto Rico, where I’m fr- — in my home state of Delaware, they’re good, decent, honorable people.  The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporter’s — his — his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American.  It’s totally contrary to everything we’ve done, everything we’ve been.--

--President Biden.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/.../remarks-by-president.../


The Doctored WH version: And just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.”  Well, let me tell you something.  I don’t — I — I don’t know the Puerto Rican that — that I know — or a Puerto Rico, where I’m fr- — in my home state of Delaware, they’re good, decent, honorable people.  The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporter’s — his — his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American.  It’s totally contrary to everything we’ve done, everything we’ve been.  


As anyone can see the term Trump Supporter as garbage has been removed, they actually think were going to buy this?

related stories:

White House Altered 'Garbage' Transcript Despite Objections From Stenographers/PJ MEDIA

https://pjmedia.com/rick-moran/2024/11/01/white-house-altered-garbage-transcript-despite-objections-from-stenographers-n4933850


More national headlines:

North Korean Soldiers Likely to Enter Russian War on Ukraine./DOD

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3953130/north-korean-soldiers-likely-to-enter-russian-war-on-ukraine/


Justice Department Secures Settlement Agreement with Colorado to Ensure Opportunities for People with Physical Disabilities to Live at Home./DOJ

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-secures-settlement-agreement-colorado-ensure-opportunities-people


Secretary Cardona joins President Biden to Celebrate Executive Order Supporting Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Awards Nearly $19 Million to HSIs in New Grants./DEPT OF ED.

https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/secretary-cardona-joins-president-biden-celebrate-executive-order


Onions served at McDonald's are likely source of E. coli outbreak./CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/a1030-onions-mcdonalds.html


BUSINESS:


Treasury Issues Final Rule Expanding CFIUS Coverage of Real Estate Transactions Around More Than 60 Military Installations./ US TREASURY

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2708


Biden-Harris Administration to End Online Junk Fees for Low-Income Families Paying for School Meals./USDA

https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/11/01/biden-harris-administration-end-online-junk-fees-low-income


Compound Ingredient Supplier Medisca Inc., to Pay $21.75M to Resolve Allegations of False and Inflated Average Wholesale Prices for Ingredients Used in Compounded Prescriptions./DOJ

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/compound-ingredient-supplier-medisca-inc-pay-2175m-resolve-allegations-false-and-inflated


401(k) limit increases to $23,500 for 2025, IRA limit remains $7,000./IRS

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-limit-increases-to-23500-for-2025-ira-limit-remains-7000


Department of Labor completed impact inspections at 8 mines in 7 states with histories of repeated health, safety violations in September 2024./Dept. of Labor

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/msha/msha20241031







IN FOCUS: Inslee statement on ballot dropbox attack in Clark County.

"Gov. Jay Inslee released the following statement in response to an attack on a ballot dropbox in Vancouver, which resulted in hundreds of ballots being destroyed. The incident took place not long after a similar one at a ballot box in Portland, Ore.


“This was a violent attack on democracy, and we will do everything to keep our election system strong and secure in Washington. Our state and local election teams are fully dedicated to making sure every person’s vote is counted fairly and accurately. There will be 24-hour enhanced security around ballot drop-off locations.


“While law enforcement investigates this incident, we urge concerned Vancouver-area voters to check with the Clark County Auditor’s office or VoteWA.gov for accurate information about how to obtain a replacement ballot or track their ballot once it has been returned. There are multiple ways for voters to cast their ballot and make sure their voice is heard.”/Governor's Office

ref. https://governor.wa.gov/news/2024/inslee-statement-ballot-dropbox-attack-clark-county


Related news release: Statement Regarding Ballot Box Incident in Vancouver, WA

This morning, the Office of the Secretary of State received reports of a suspected incendiary device placed in a drop box in Vancouver, WA. Law enforcement agencies, including FBI and the Vancouver Police Department, promptly responded to the scene.


While an investigation is ongoing, we believe some ballots were damaged. We are confident the Clark County Auditor’s Office will work diligently to ensure that any impacted voters receive replacement ballots in time to participate in the 2024 general election.

“We take the safety of our election workers seriously and will not tolerate threats or acts of terrorists that seek to undermine the democratic process,” said Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. “I strongly denounce any acts of terror that aim to disrupt lawful and fair elections in Washington state. Despite this incident, I have complete confidence in our county elections official’s ability to keep Washington’s elections safe and secure for all voters.”

Voters are encouraged to check their ballot status online at www.votewa.gov to track its return status. If a returned ballot is not marked as “received,” voters can print a replacement ballot or visit their local elections department for a replacement.

ref. https://www.sos.wa.gov/about-office/news/2024/statement-regarding-ballot-box-incident-vancouver-wa


Related news release: Senator Murray Statement on Vancouver Ballot Box Arson.

“The destruction of ballots in any way, shape, or form runs totally counter to our fundamental values as Americans. Whoever is responsible must be held accountable, and I trust law enforcement to do its job here. We must make sure every citizen is able to participate in our democratic process.


“No voter should be deterred. Your vote is your voice in a democracy. I urge anyone who dropped off a ballot this weekend at the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center to contact the Clark County Elections Office and request a replacement immediately. No one’s voice should be silenced due to arson or political violence anywhere in America.


“Every elected official and leader has a responsibility to condemn any acts of political terror and violence—whether it’s threats against poll workers or the destruction of ballots.”/ release issued 10.28.24

https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-vancouver-ballot-box-arson/



CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:

Clallam County work session for 11.4.24

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042024-1338


Clallam County meeting 11.5.24

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11052024-1339


City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 11.6.24

https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/15859/CC-11062024-Agenda-Packet


Clallam County PUD meeting for 11.4.24

https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/clallampud/Board.nsf/Public


OMC Board meeting for 11.6.24

https://res.cloudinary.com/dpmykpsih/image/upload/olympic-medical-site-460/media/502f3a6376a54c18a24e3a0108daca14/agenda-november-6-2024-work-session.pdf


Jefferson County Commission meetings:


Jefferson County Commission meeting for 11.4.24

https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/c594ec80-9522-4952-b6b3-1d1fb08ad2a6


Port Townsend City Council meeting for 11.4.24

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=3569








 

Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE: 

1 Peter 2:9 (New International Version)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.






Weekly Bible Lesson:   

Second Coming of Christ - Part 1

There is much speculation, and there are many false ideas about the return of Christ. Some say He will return to reign here on earth for a literal 1,000 years. --TFTW

https://truthfortheworld.org/second-coming-of-christ-part-1





Free bible studies (WBS)


https://www.worldbibleschool.org/


Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)


http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/


(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)


 1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362


http://pachurchofchrist.com/


Come and See

https://www.comeandseefoundation.org/



THIS WEEKS VIDEOS:

Why You Must Prepare for the Left’s CHAOS If Trump Wins.

We are less than a week from the 2024 election. In 2020 at this time, Glenn was busy warning about some of the dirty tricks the Left was “war gaming.” It involved everything from mass protests and street demonstrations to secession. Serious Democrats in positions of power and influence were strategizing behind the scenes. And in 2024, they’re doubling down. Glenn warns that we need to start preparing for what happens if Donald Trump wins on November 5 or if the race is close. Marc Elias, the Democrats’ main lawfare operative, has already declared that this election year is “the most litigious in American history.” Kamala Harris has bragged that they have “teams of lawyers” at the ready. Democratic congressmen have hinted they might not certify the election if Trump wins. 

And the media is declaring that Trump might try to steal the election. Asra Nomani, a former Wall Street Journal reporter and “Woke Army” author, has been tracking the foot soldiers’ plans for the election and the weeks after. She says Trump MUST win by a landslide or the fight “will go from the courts to the streets.” She uncovered an orchestrated effort by progressive institutions and organizations that are getting support from “like-minded ideologues in China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea.” Their end goal? CHAOS. Glenn asks a final, chilling question: Are the Left’s election war games connected to a recent revision in DoD Directive 5240.01 that addresses the use of "lethal" military force against Americans? Whatever may happen, Glenn is sure of one thing: Americans MUST VOTE as soon as possible. We cannot stay silent.---Glenn Beck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyR7q_FbcxA


Mark Levin Audio Rewind - 11/1/24

On Friday’s Mark Levin Show, with days to go until Election Day President Donald Trump calls in. This election will come down to the border and the economy, but the Democrats continue to lie about Trump’s positions. Trump is running to make America great again. He emphasizes the importance of voting early and outlines his vision for America's future, focusing on energy independence and border security. Also, Donald Trump never made a threat to shoot Liz Cheney but she is and always has been a drama queen, and now the media and the White House are uniting behind her to spread another Trump lie. 

Kamala Harris is a pathological liar and endangers all of us with an open border and support for radical groups like Black Lives Matter. This is the last Friday before the biggest election of our lifetimes and the most important since the Civil War. Later, The private sector shrank and government jobs grew in October, which is exactly how Marxists like Biden and Kamala want it. The cumulative effect of the Biden/Harris economy is higher expenses while our wages stay the same or go down, and we cannot survive 4 more years of Bidenomics. Finally, Mark is joined by Loudoun County, VA, Sherriff Mike Chapman, to discuss recent attacks by MS-13 members and the danger Americans face as a result of the Biden/Harris border and immigration policies.--Mark Levin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEuWzZxhgEM


Gabbard: There is something ‘much darker’ going on here

FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service delivering breaking news as well as political and business news. The number one network in cable, FNC has been the most-watched television news channel for 18 consecutive years. According to a 2020 Brand Keys Consumer Loyalty Engagement Index report, FOX News is the top brand in the country for morning and evening news coverage. A 2019 Suffolk University poll named FOX News as the most trusted source for television news or commentary, while a 2019 Brand Keys Emotion Engagement Analysis survey found that FOX News was the most trusted cable news brand. A 2017 Gallup/Knight Foundation survey also found that among Americans who could name an objective news source, FOX News was the top-cited outlet. Owned by FOX Corporation, FNC is available in nearly 90 million homes and dominates the cable news landscape, routinely notching the top ten programs in the genre.---FOX NEWS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNi0DBhwLoM

LIVE: President Trump in Gastonia, NC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV-w2nLocuM




Other News Sources:

Garbage In/Garbage Out

Biden claimed Trump supporters are garbage. I suspect that will be more alienating to voters than a comedian telling a bad joke--The Patriot Post

https://patriotpost.us/opinion/111583-garbage-in-slash-garbage-out-2024-11-01





 

NIGHT OWL COMICS


https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/


 

The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley


Saturday, October 26, 2024

Generating buzz: electric school buses have arrived in Walla Walla

  

It's been 5 years since Washington received its first electric school bus. This is part 1 of a 2-part blog series to mark the anniversary.

When John Griffith, director of transportation at Walla Walla Public Schools, heard that district leadership wanted to purchase electric school buses, he wasn’t immediately on board.


“I was like — I don’t think so,” Griffith recalled. “But our superintendent said, ‘John, we have to think about the next generation, the people who are going to follow you.’” Griffith agreed to see how things went with the first three buses and go from there. “And these buses have just performed amazingly,” he said when Ecology visited Walla Walla in September. 


Since those three buses rolled out in 2023, Walla Walla Public Schools has received funding for an additional 15 that are scheduled to arrive over the next year, giving it one of the biggest electric school bus fleets in Washington. Funding for their purchase comes from a combination of Ecology and EPA grants — money that made the project possible, even for a smaller school district. 


On board with electric

For Walla Walla School District, the transition to electric has been a team effort. 


“None of this happens without a team,” said Griffith. “This isn’t about me. This is about how we all came together to make this happen — from the superintendent to the electricity providers to the bus drivers.” 

Great leadership also helps. Wade Smith, superintendent of public instruction for Walla Walla Public Schools, has been a driving force in figuring out how to reduce his district’s carbon footprint over the long term. He didn’t need much convincing to see the merits of electric buses. 


“With 41 school buses hitting the streets on 31 routes in our district, and with diesel buses getting only 4 to 8 miles per gallon, transitioning the fleet to electric just made the most sense,” Smith said. 


And, of course, having broad support helped pave the way. He said everyone leaned into the effort, including school district staff, board members, and students from Walla Walla High School’s Green Club. The most rewarding part for Smith was seeing the smiles on the students’ faces when the electric buses first arrived and knowing the students could see they made a difference. 


That difference includes major cost savings — each electric school bus saves the school district about $400 per operational month.


“When you multiply that by 15 buses, that’s $50,000 a year we can spend on other things, or that can help offset the cost of future electric buses if we’re able to secure more grant funding,” said Smith. 


The power of grants

Grants from Ecology have been key to Walla Walla’s success.


The cost of an electric bus is currently three times that of a diesel bus. So how could the school district shift to a more environmentally friendly transportation system without breaking their budget? That was the question on everyone’s mind.  


“We did our research,” said Griffith. “We knew electric was the direction we wanted to head, and we knew money was out there, that there were grants that could make this happen.”


Indeed, the first three electric school buses were funded with help from a $1.04 million grant from Ecology’s clean diesel grants. The district used a second $1.05 million Ecology grant from the next funding round, as well as a $3.75 million grant from EPA’s Clean School Bus Initiative Grant Program to help purchase the next 15 electric buses. By next July, nearly half of their school bus fleet will be electric. 


“The fact that we got these grants for 15 new school buses — that created a buzz within the district.” said Griffith. “It was very exciting.” 


Washington’s vision 

Right now, a small fraction of school buses across Washington are electric. However, that picture is quickly changing. Every year, the number of electric school buses continues to increase. Washington’s goal is for all new school bus sales to be electric by 2035. 


So far, Washington has invested a total $78.3 million to replace about 220 diesel school buses with electric school buses and install associated charging infrastructure. Of those new electric buses, 69 are on the road now.  


From 2023 to 2025, the legislature set aside an unprecedented $53.7 million to help school districts transition diesel school buses to zero-emission alternatives — with $20 million coming from Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funds, and another $4 million from CCA funds pending election results in November.

With such a large transition comes an increased need for adequate education and training about how to maintain an electric fleet. That's why some of Ecology’s grants are given to help teach local mechanics how to service and maintain electric buses. Walla Walla Public Schools has received one of these grants. They foresee it helping them as well as the many smaller school districts that are part of their transportation cooperative. These other districts can then rely on Walla Walla’s trained mechanics to service their electric buses,  too. 

"We’ve been creative in aligning some of Ecology’s resources with EPA's,” Smith said. “Ecology has really helped us navigate the complexities of the grant process. They've been great to work with."/DOE

ref. https://ecology.wa.gov/blog/october-2024/generating-buzz-electric-school-buses-have-arrived-in-walla-walla


In other State news headlines:


AG Ferguson: Washington successfully defends ban on the sale and distribution of DIY rape kits./WAAG

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-washington-successfully-defends-ban-sale-and-distribution-diy-rape


Washington Supreme Court Returns to the Temple of Justice on Capitol Campus in Olympia

October 23, 2024

The Washington Supreme Court will return to the Capitol Campus in Olympia next week, following a two-year renovation of the 112-year-old Temple of Justice building./WA COURTS

https://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/?fa=newsinfo.internetdetail&newsid=50529


Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Department of Commerce sign agreement formalizing three-tiered approach to relations./ WA COMMERCE DEPT.


Paid Family & Medical Leave premiums to increase in 2025

OLYMPIA – More than 175,000 Washington workers have received Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits in 2024 thus far, totaling $1.35 billion — a record compared to the first nine months of previous years.

With the rise in demand, the Paid Leave premium rate will increase. Starting Jan. 1, 2025:

The premium rate will be 0.92%. The rate for 2024 is 0.74%.

Employers will pay 28.48% of the total premium and employees will pay 71.52% — a ratio similar to 2024./ESD

https://www.esd.wa.gov/newsroom/paid-leave-premiums-to-increase-in-2025


WDFW plans prescribed fire on Cowlitz Wildlife Area in Lewis County.

RIDGEFIELD – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) plans to conduct prescribed burns to improve habitat conditions on the Cowlitz Wildlife Area in Lewis County beginning as early as Oct. 23./WDFW

https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/news-release/wdfw-plans-prescribed-fire-cowlitz-wildlife-area-lewis-county


NEWS FROM OUR COMGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:


Washington Rail Systems to Receive $115M in Infrastructure Upgrades

Nine projects awarded include $37.7M for RR that moves Eastern WA wheat, $26.3M for Port of Kalama rail expansion to load grain exports faster./From press release issued for 10.24.24

https://www.murray.senate.gov/washington-rail-systems-to-receive-115m-in-infrastructure-upgrades/


Senator Murray Establishes & Funds Scientific Consortium in Washington State, Expanding NASA Footprint in PNW

Murray wrote and passed the funding bill that provided the resources for this award and directly authored the provision to establish the BioS-ENDURES Consortium./from press release issued 10.24.24

https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-establishes-funds-scientific-consortium-in-washington-state-expanding-nasa-footprint-in-pnw/


Congressional Democrats File Amicus Brief Urging Ninth Circuit Court to Affirm that EMTALA Requires Hospitals to Provide Emergency Stabilizing Care Including Abortion Care, Preempts Idaho’s Draconian Abortion Ban./From press release issued 10.22.24



Cantwell, Law Enforcement, & Elected Leaders Talk New Tools to Fight Spokane’s Fentanyl Epidemic

Spokane Fire Station 1 is busiest in the state & responds to triple the typical number of calls, driven largely by drug overdoses; Bill intro’d by Cantwell - and endorsed by SPD chief and Spokane sheriff - could help halt the flow of fentanyl into Spokane./From press release issued 10.24.24

https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-law-enforcement-and-elected-leaders-talk-new-tools-to-fight-spokanes-fentanyl-epidemic



WORLD< NATION< BUSNESS<


WORLD: 


Women Must be Involved in Peace Processes, Participate in Decision-making on Equal Footing with Men, President Tells Security Council Open Debate

Women remain starkly under-represented from peace talks and conflict resolution efforts, including in some of today’s most intractable conflicts, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed told the Security Council today, opening its annual day-long open debate on women, peace and security./UN PRESS RELEASE

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15862.doc.htm


We Must Amplify Voices of Young People, ‘Promote Their Meaningful Participation in Urban Decision-making’, Says Secretary-General, in Message for World Cities Day

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Cities Day, observed on 31 October/UN PRESS RELEASE

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sgsm22423.doc.htm


Promise of Artificial Intelligence Must Not Blind Us to Risks’, Third Committee Told, amid Fears of Undermined Social Skills, Widening Educational Disparities/ UN PRESS RELEASE

https://press.un.org/en/2024/gashc4418.doc.htm


Announcing Initiative to Include Women’s Participation in Peace Processes, Deputy Secretary-General Urges Security Council to Advance Gender Equality/UN PRESS RELEASE

https://press.un.org/en/2024/dsgsm1947.doc.htm


Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace, and Security./USUN

https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-by-ambassador-linda-thomas-greenfield-at-a-un-security-council-open-debate-on-women-peace-and-security-3/


Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi Before Their Meeting./US STATE DEPT.

https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-and-jordanian-deputy-prime-minister-and-minister-of-foreign-affairs-and-expatriates-ayman-safadi-before-their-meeting/


NATION: 


President Biden Touts Historic Support for Indian Country and Transformation of the Nation-to-Nation Relationship with Tribal Nations./WH


'Maritime Big Play' in Pacific Demonstrates AUKUS Partner Compatibility./DOD

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3945520/maritime-big-play-in-pacific-demonstrates-aukus-partner-compatibility/


Georgia Woman Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for $30M COVID-19 Unemployment Fraud Scheme and Firearms Charge./DOJ

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/georgia-woman-sentenced-12-years-prison-30m-covid-19-unemployment-fraud-scheme-and-firearms


Secretary Miguel Cardona Calls for Authentic Family Engagement in Education.

In a speech to the National Assembly for Family Engagement in Education, Secretary Cardona highlighted the importance of authentic parent-family engagement in education, called out the use of “parents’ rights” rhetoric by some to divide school communities, and emphasized that the future of public education is at stake in a way it never has been before./DEPT. of EDUCATION

https://www.ed.gov/about/news/speech/secretary-miguel-cardona-calls-authentic-family-engagement-education-remarks


HUD Announces New Partnership with North Carolina Central University to Strengthen America’s Fair Housing Workforce

Partnership with North Carolina Central University’s School of Law will advance fair housing enforcement across America and develop the next-generation of policy and litigation leaders./HUD

https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_24_281



BUSINESS:


Biden-Harris Administration Invests in Clean, More Affordable Energy for Seven Rural Electric Cooperatives from South Carolina to Colorado as Part of Investing in America Agenda./USDA

https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/10/25/biden-harris-administration-invests-clean-more-affordable-energy


Defense Contractor Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Fraud, Money Laundering, and Unlawful Export of Technical Data./DOJ

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/defense-contractor-sentenced-15-months-prison-fraud-money-laundering-and-unlawful-export


Opening Remarks

Governor Michelle W. Bowman

At the Eighth Annual Fintech Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania./ THE FED

https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/bowman20241023a.htm


Departments of Labor, Commerce, Education renew memorandum of understanding with Switzerland to expand Registered Apprenticeship in US./ LABOR DEPT.

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ilab/ilab20241024


Federal Trade Commission Announces Final “Click-to-Cancel” Rule Making It Easier for Consumers to End Recurring Subscriptions and Memberships

Agency acts after receiving more than 16,000 comments from the public./FTC



IN FOCUS: DNR Starts New Project to Remove Tens of Thousands of Polluting Tires from Puget Sound.

The agency kicked off the large-scale cleanup with a pilot project off Tolmie State Park.   

 

One more threat to the health of Puget Sound is being removed, as the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has begun the first removal of makeshift tire reefs as part of the agency’s new Tire Pile Removal Program.

 

The tires, which were installed as artificial reefs in the 1960s-80s by several Washington state groups to increase habitat for dwindling rockfish and lingcod populations, pose an increasing environmental threat. One that DNR is working to alleviate through this program.

 

“The health of Puget Sound is at the root of who we are as Washingtonians,” said Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz. “That’s why it’s so important we remove pollutants like these tire reefs now before they become a larger problem across the Puget Sound.”

 

DNR has identified 14 sites with tire reefs in the Puget Sound. DNR crews spent several years intensively mapping these tire reefs with multibeam sonar and GIS. The project is part of DNR’s Watershed Resilience Action Plan (WRAP) to protect and restore salmon habitat.

 

The first of these removal projects began removals last week as crews using an excavator and dive team began removing approximately 2,500 tires from the site off Tolmie State Park near the mouth of the Nisqually River.

 

“This has been a long time coming.” said Nisqually Indian Tribe Chairman, Ken Choke. “Although the intention was to provide somewhat of a safety mechanism, there was no clear understanding of what type of danger these tires imposed to our resources, and how they would still be impacting the waters of Puget Sound still to this day.”

 

The polypropylene rope holding bundles of tires together is wearing down, causing tires to drift and pollute waterways and beaches. Once on land, the tires break down faster which can result in microplastics spreading into the environment. The piles also collect fishing line and other debris underwater that can entangle wildlife.

 

With so many removal sites left, the agency hopes to secure more funding for more removals in the upcoming legislative session.  

 

Cataloging and surveying the tire piles of Puget Sound has been a joint effort and wouldn't be possible without the collaboration of the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE), the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (WSPRC), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the Washington Scuba Alliance (WSA) and Nations and Tribes of Washington State.

 

Photos and videos of the project are available here.

 

About DNR: Ensuring Washington’s Aquatic Lands Remain Healthy and Productive

As stewards of more than 2.6 million acres of state-owned aquatic lands, we are responsible for ensuring protection of habitat and fostering public access and water-dependent activities for future generations. DNR generates revenue by selling the rights to harvest renewable resources like wild geoducks and other shellfish and from leasing and licensing state-owned aquatic lands. That revenue is reinvested to manage and restore Washington's aquatic ecosystems; keep them free of derelict maritime equipment; protect their health and productivity, and fund local projects that ensure the public can enjoy our aquatic lands.

ref. https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/dnr-starts-new-project-remove-tens-thousands-polluting-tires-puget-sound


CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS


Clallam County Commission Work session for 10.28.24

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282024-1331


Clallam County Commission meeting for 10.29.24

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292024-1335


Housing solution committee meeting for 11.1.24

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11012024-1333


City of Sequim Council meeting for 10.28.24

https://sequimwa.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=125


City of Forks Council meeting for 10.28.24

https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Agenda_20241028.pdf


Clallam County PUD meeting for 10.28.24

https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/clallampud/Board.nsf/Public


JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:


Jefferson County Commission meeting for 10.28.24

https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/8ac055e3-970e-465b-8f2e-aecc1c9f1f84




 

Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE: 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New International Version)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.





Weekly Bible Lesson:   

Second Coming of Christ - Part 1

There is much speculation, and there are many false ideas about the return of Christ. Some say He will return to reign here on earth for a literal 1,000 years. --TFTW

https://truthfortheworld.org/second-coming-of-christ-part-1





Free bible studies (WBS)


https://www.worldbibleschool.org/


Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)


http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/


(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)


 1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362


http://pachurchofchrist.com/


Come and See

https://www.comeandseefoundation.org/



THIS WEEKS VIDEOS:


Election 2024: How the Global Elite Control What You See, Think, and Feel.

We’re now less than two weeks away from a monumental election, and the media, Big Tech, and global elites — including British Labour Party members — are all working in overdrive to get Kamala Harris elected. This “propaganda industrial complex” is laying the groundwork for post-election censorship, but Glenn exposed it all in his new book, “Propaganda Wars.” In this episode of "Glenn TV," he reviews some of the highlights: Why are elites so obsessed with censorship? How far will they go to ensure that Donald Trump doesn’t win in November? And how can the average American learn to cut through the propaganda and find the TRUTH? Glenn also reviews some of the latest attacks on free speech, including the British-based Center for Countering Digital Hate’s targeting of X and Elon Musk and Kamala Harris’ terrifying use of the vice presidential office to compare Trump to Hitler. Plus, the co-author of “Propaganda Wars,” Justin Haskins, joins to ask a disturbing question: Will this election’s “October surprise” be a deepfake?--Glenn Beck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di6SiQMrUe0


Mark Levin Audio Rewind - 10/25/24

On Friday’s Mark Levin Show, in breaking news, Israel has begun precise strikes on military targets in Iran. China and Russia said they will stand behind Iran, while President Biden and Kamala Harris won’t let Israel defeat Iran the way they want to. Israel informed the Biden administration right before the strike. They had to do that because this administration would have leaked their plan. Also, Harris's last desperate attempt to win the presidency is to push the Hitler campaign strategy. This is evil and diabolical. Harris and the Democrats are obsessed with Hitler and Fascism, but the Democrat party today is the party of the Neo-Nazis. This is the party that surrounds themselves with antisemites. The party that cuts off arms to Israel. Now, Hillary Clinton is comparing MAGA to Neo-Nazis. 

Hillary Clinton is the most loathsome and vile demagogue in American politics in half a century, and given all the reprobates who've been out there, that's saying something. Later, Captain Sam Brown calls in with an update on his election Senate run in Nevada.  He’s leading in the early vote count, but Americans cannot let up on voting.  Finally, Dave McCormick calls in and says thankfully Benjamin Netanyahu didn’t listen to Biden about a ceasefire. Israel’s existence is under attack, and we need to show absolute conviction with Israel in their fight. His race for Senate in Pennsylvania is close but Americans still need to turn out and vote.---Mark Levin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95rq9QjQd_Y


Joe Rogan Experience #2219 - Donald Trump

Donald Trump is currently the 2024 Presidential Candidate of the Republican Party. He previously served as America’s 45th president, and is also a businessman and media personality.---Joe Rogan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBMoPUAeLnY&t=274s


We Need President Donald Trump--

Tulsi Gabbard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF_7aycKqeY


Sunday Worship 10/20/2024--Four Lakes C. of C

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzPWZ-Un6kk&t=1642s


Other News Sources:

The PR Fallout of Trump on Rogan: Four Steps Forward, One Giant Step Backwards./PJ MEDIA

https://pjmedia.com/scott-pinsker/2024/10/26/the-pr-fallout-of-trump-on-rogan-four-steps-forward-one-giant-step-backwards-n4933673



 

NIGHT OWL COMICS


https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/


 

The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley