https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-signs-sen-cantwells-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-cybersecurity-resources-for-small-businesses-into-law
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, President Trump signed bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), James Risch (R-ID), John Thune (R-SD), and Bill Nelson (D-FL) into law. The NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Act, originally called the MAIN STREET Cybersecurity Act, will provide consistent resources for small businesses throughout the country to best protect their digital assets from ever-present cybersecurity threats.
“Small businesses drive our economy and create jobs across the state of Washington. As cyberattacks become more commonplace, we must help these businesses protect their data from these very real threats,” said Senator Cantwell. “By creating a simple, voluntary cybersecurity framework for small businesses, this legislation will help them protect their data, while focusing on what they do best: serving their customers and creating jobs.”
Small businesses are a pillar of the American economy, creating and supporting more than half of all jobs in the United States. Increasingly, however, cyberattacks have come to represent a massive and growing threat to small business owners throughout the United States.
Small and mid-sized businesses are hit by 62 percent of all cyberattacks, about 4,000 per day, because they tend to be the easiest targets to penetrate. In addition to the high costs of cleaning up after a cyberattack, notifying customers of a data breach can destroy confidence in a company. Sixty percent of small businesses go out of business within six months of an attack.
However, investing in cybersecurity is costly. Ninety percent of small businesses do not use any data protection for company and customer information. At the same time, small businesses often underestimate their vulnerability to a cyberattack. According to Towergate Insurance, 82 percent of small business owners say they are not targets for attacks because they do not have anything worth stealing.
Cybercrime continues to grow rapidly around the world, with annual costs to the global economy estimated to reach over $2 trillion by 2019. The Internet Crime Complaint Center at the Department of Justice recorded 298,728 cybersecurity complaints in 2016, totaling more than $1.3 billion in losses. On average, companies around the world take 146 days to detect a cyberattack, according to a 2017 report by FireEye and Marsh & McLennan Companies.
Small businesses are especially crucial to Washington state’s economy. In November 2017, the Paychex IHS Small Business Employment Watch rated Seattle first in the nation in small business jobs growth. Among states, Washington is rated second in small business growth, behind only Tennessee. The state is home to more than 574,000 small businesses, which employ more than 1.3 million people, representing 51.4 percent of the state’s workforce.
Senator Cantwell has been the leading voice in Congress on protecting critical U.S. infrastructure from cyberattacks, including small businesses, election systems, and the energy grid. On March 14, 2017, and June 22, 2017, Senator Cantwell sent letters to President Trump calling on him to defend energy infrastructure and to instruct the Department of Energy to conduct an analysis of Russian capabilities with respect to cyberattacks on U.S. energy infrastructure. In hearing after hearing, Cantwell has pressed for increased collaboration between the government, private sector, utilities, military, and academia to protect U.S. energy infrastructure from cyberattacks. And this March, Senator Cantwell helped to secure $380 million in funding for grants to help states, including Washington, protect their election systems.
🌍WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
From the UN News Center, and other sources:
UN PRESS RELEASE: Concerned about Terrorism, Organized Crime in West Africa, Security Council Stresses Regional Office Needs Adequate Resources for Conflict Prevention
Noting the increased demands on the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWAS), the Security Council today underscored the need for adequate resources, while reiterating its concern about the region’s challenging security situation, notably threats posed by terrorism and transnational organized crime.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13453.doc.htm
US and Mexico child deportations drive extreme violence and trauma: UNICEF
The many life-threatening dangers faced by children from Central America who are being deported from the United States of America and Mexico, are highlighted in a new report from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday, which also draws attention to the traumatic consequences of family separation by migration authorities.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1017172
Afghanistan: UN chief calls for 'urgent' ceasefire and opening of peace talks
After days of intense fighting for the Afghan city of Ghazni, south-west of Kabul, the United Nations Secretary-General and the Head of the UN mission in the country (UNAMA) have denounced the toll that the almost 20-year conflict has taken on civilians, and called on warring parties to lay down their arms and seek a political solution to the conflict.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1017092
‘Defend the people, not the States’, says outgoing UN human rights chief
For four years, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has been taking governments across the world to task, exposing human rights violations and robustly advocating for the rights of victims.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1017052
UN rights experts call on Russia to release Ukrainian film-maker whose life is in ‘imminent danger’
A Ukrainian film-maker whose outspoken criticism of Russia’s continued annexation of Crimea has landed him in jail, prompted United Nations human rights experts to call on Russian authorities for his immediate and unconditional release on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1017122
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Cantwell Calls for Hearing into Theft of Aircraft at Sea-Tac
Press release issued 8/ 13/ 18
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-calls-for-hearing-into-theft-of-aircraft-at-sea-tac
Seattle, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, called for a hearing into the recent theft of a Horizon Air aircraft from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. In her letter to Senate Commerce Committee leadership, Cantwell said that Congress must be informed of the use and effectiveness of current security protocols.
“The recent theft of a Horizon Air aircraft from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport exposed an issue with our nation’s airport security protocols. In light of this incident, I request that the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hold a hearing to examine aviation security protocols in order to prevent similar events from occurring again,” Cantwell said in her letter to U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) and Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL).
Cantwell’s request for a hearing comes after a Horizon Air aircraft was taken by a Horizon ground service agent last Friday. An investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation is underway in conjunction with the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and numerous federal and local agencies.
More International news headlines...
Multilateralism: The only path to address the world’s troubles, signals Guterres
As the world’s problems grow, multilateralism represents to best path to meet the challenges that lie ahead, said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday, launching his annual report.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1017012
Using ‘leprosy’ metaphors in political rhetoric ‘fuels public stigma’ and discrimination: UN rights expert
Recent incidents where high-level politicians have used the word ‘leprosy’ in discriminatory remarks against rivals only contributes to harmful stereotypes surrounding the disease.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1017212
Fears for food security and the future of farming families, as Fall Armyworm spreads to Asia
An “invasive pest” that devours more than 80 different plant species, including many staple crops, could threaten the food security and livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers in Asia, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned on Tuesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1016972
UN chief welcomes re-opening of key Gaza border crossing
The decision by Israel to reopen the only functional commercial crossing point into Gaza which has been closed to most deliveries for weeks, has been welcomed by the United Nations Secretary-General.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1017142
US STATE DEPT: Secretary Pompeo's Call With Kuwaiti Foreign Minister
Spokesperson Nauert (Aug. 15): "The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Kuwait’s strong partnership and longtime friendship with the United States. The Secretary also expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s assistance with Iraq’s immediate energy needs and long-term reconstruction."
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/08/285169.htm
PAGE 3
Senators Murray, Cantwell Announce Significant New Investments to Strengthen Community Health Centers
Press release issued 8/ 15/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7FB51BC7-6281-4CEE-BDF5-1D1A158E714D
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) shared the news that community health centers across Washington state were awarded a total of more than $3.8 million dollars from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The grants, awarded to 27 community health centers around the state, will support the centers’ work to increase access to health care for families, continue to improve quality and value of care, address health disparities, and more.
The grants in Washington state were part of a larger announcement that HRSA was awarding $125.3 million quality improvement grants to community health centers nationwide. The announcement follows Senator Murray’s successful efforts earlier this year to reauthorize the community health center program and to increase funding for community health centers by $200 million in a recent bipartisan budget deal. Senator Cantwell, a member of the Senate Finance Committee and a long-time supporter of community health centers, has helped defend and preserve Medicaid, a vital source of funding to community health centers and their patients, from draconian budget cut proposals.
“Community health centers play a critical role in making sure patients and families across Washington state, and across the country, have access to quality health care—which is why we need to make sure these centers have the resources they need,” said Senator Murray. “I’m glad we were able to reach a bipartisan agreement earlier this year to help community health centers support and enhance the great work they already do to make sure patients and families in all corners of our country have quality care within reach regardless of income, and I hope we can continue to build on that progress.”
“Community health centers provide essential health care for many of Washington’s most vulnerable patients and communities,” said Senator Cantwell. “Many children and families throughout our state rely on community health centers for primary care, dental care, mental health and addiction services, and other important health needs. I’m proud to support our community health centers, and I’m glad we have secured more resources to foster innovation and deliver high-value care to families throughout Washington state.”
NATIONAL HEADLINES
WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET: President Donald J. Trump is Rebuilding and Readying Our Military to Defend Against All Threats---Posted 8/ 13/ 18
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-rebuilding-readying-military-defend-threats/
REBUILDING OUR MILITARY: President Donald J. Trump is continuing to deliver on his pledge to rebuild our military by signing legislation authorizing $716 billion for our national defense.
DOD: Remarks By Secretary Mattis with Argentine Minister of Defense Aguad, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis; Argentine Minister of Defense Oscar Aguad
" In the early 1800s, U.S. merchants supplied Argentine patriots with supplies in your struggle for independence. Argentine ships were repaired in New Orleans, Philadelphia and other U.S. ports. And Argentine nation builders were guests of President James Madison and Secretary of State James Monroe in Washington."
https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1603453/remarks-by-secretary-mattis-with-argentine-minister-of-defense-aguad-buenos-air/
DOJ: Justice Department, DEA Propose Significant Opioid Manufacturing Reduction in 2019
The Department of Justice and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have proposed a reduction for controlled substances that may be manufactured in the U.S. next year. Consistent with President Trump’s “Safe Prescribing Plan” that seeks to “cut nationwide opioid prescription fills by one-third within three years,” the proposal decreases manufacturing quotas for the most six frequently misused opioids for 2019 by an average ten percent as compared to the 2018 amount. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) marks the third straight year of proposed reductions, which help reduce the amount of drugs potentially diverted for trafficking and used to facilitate addiction.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-dea-propose-significant-opioid-manufacturing-reduction-2019
US DEPT of EDUCATION: Secretary DeVos Announces New Federal Assistance for the Education of Displaced Students
Washington — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today a total of approximately $359.8 million in new federal assistance for 20 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the Temporary Emergency Impact Aid for Displaced Students program (Emergency Impact Aid). The program assists with the cost of educating students displaced by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria or the 2017 California wildfires.
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-announces-new-federal-assistance-education-displaced-students
Interior Announces Results of Gulf of Mexico Region-Wide Oil and Gas Lease
Sale Yields $178 Million in High Bids on 801,288 Acres; Advances the President’s America-First Energy Strategy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In support of President Donald J. Trump's America-First Offshore Energy Strategy, Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt today announced that region-wide Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 251 generated $178,069,406 in high bids for 144 tracts covering 801,288 acres in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A total of 29 companies participated in the lease sale, submitting $202,667,923 in bids.
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-announces-results-gulf-mexico-region-wide-oil-and-gas-lease-251
PAGE 4
Senator Murray Statement on DeVos Proposal to Abandon Gainful Employment Rule: “Proof There Is No Line DeVos Won’t Cross to Pad the Pockets of For-Profit Colleges”
Press release issued 8/ 10/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=069B6CC3-F08F-45C2-B601-BBA34B19A894
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement today on the Department of Education’s proposal to abandon an Obama Administration-era “gainful employment” rule—which would hold predatory career training programs accountable when their students are unable to find jobs that allow them pay back their loans. By its own analysis, the Department’s proposal will cost taxpayers $5.3 billion over ten years.
“The gainful employment rule empowers students to make meaningful choices about their education and employment opportunities—and yet Secretary DeVos is proposing to completely abandon this common-sense and effective consumer protection that helps students decide whether a career training program is worth the investment, and would hold predatory for-profit colleges and career training programs accountable for leaving students with extensive debt they cannot repay. Her extreme proposal to rescind this rule is further proof that there is no line Secretary DeVos won’t cross to pad the pockets of for-profit colleges—even leaving students and taxpayers to foot the bill.
More national headlines....
CDC Releases Graphic Novel on Variant Flu Dangers
CDC has released a graphic novel to help young people understand the potential health risks of human influenza viruses that normally circulate in swine and can cause disease in people (known as variant flu infections). This coincides with a report by CDC in FluView today of 4 new variant virus infections associated with attendance at agricultural fairs in two U.S. states.---press release issued 8/ 10/ 18
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0810-flu-graphic-novel.html
HUD SEEKS TO STREAMLINE AND ENHANCE
'AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING' RULE
Notice solicits public's comments on ways to improve fair housing choice
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today published a notice inviting public comment on amendments to its Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) regulations. HUD's goal in pursuing new rulemaking is to offer more helpful guidance to states and local communities to effectively promote fair housing choice through the use of their federal funds. Read HUD's Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.---Press release issued 8/ 13/ 18
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_18_079
U.S. EPA approves expansion of Navajo Nation regulatory authority over drinking water systems
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Navajo Nation announced the tribe has been granted primary enforcement and oversight authority for 12 additional public drinking water systems serving approximately 12,500 people.---press release issued 8/ 15/ 18
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/us-epa-approves-expansion-navajo-nation-regulatory-authority-over-drinking-water
Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on advancing the science and regulation of live microbiome-based products used to prevent, treat, or cure diseases in humans---press release issued 8/ 16/ 18
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm617168.htm
FBI: Prescription for Prison Time
Fraudsters Scammed Government, Private Insurance Companies Out of $100 Million
A group of Florida scammers who set up pharmacies to bilk the government and insurance companies ended up writing themselves a prescription for prison time.---press release issued 8/ 15/ 18
https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/compounding-pharmacy-fraud-081518
PAGE 5
US TREASURY DEPT: Treasury Targets Shipping Industry and Other Facilitators of North Korea United Nations Security Council Violations
Press release issued 8/ 15/ 18
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm458
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today announced North Korea-related designations, continuing the implementation of existing UN and U.S. sanctions. Today’s action against one individual and three entities was taken pursuant to Executive Order 13810 of September 20, 2017, and targets persons involved in facilitating illicit shipments on behalf of North Korea. This action reinforces the United States’ ongoing commitment to prevent financial flows to the DPRK’s unlawful WMD programs and activities, in accordance with the decisions of the UN Security Council (UNSC). As a result of today’s action, any property or interests in property of the designated persons in the possession or control of U.S. persons or within the United States must be blocked, and U.S. persons generally are prohibited from dealing with any of the designated persons.
“Treasury will continue to implement existing sanctions on North Korea, and will take action to block and designate companies, ports, and vessels that facilitate illicit shipments and provide revenue streams to the DPRK,” said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. “The tactics that these entities based in China, Singapore, and Russia are using to attempt to evade sanctions are prohibited under U.S. law, and all facets of the shipping industry have a responsibility to abide by them or expose themselves to serious risks. Consequences for violating these sanctions will remain in place until we have achieved the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea.”
OFAC designated China-based Dalian Sun Moon Star International Logistics Trading Co., Ltd. and its Singapore-based affiliate, SINSMS Pte. Ltd. These companies worked together to facilitate illicit shipments to North Korea using falsified shipping documents, including exports of alcohol, tobacco, and cigarette-related products. The illicit cigarette trade in North Korea reportedly has netted over $1 billion per year for the regime. SINSMS Pte. Ltd. is responsible for exports to North Korea and general trading of items from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia. Employees at SINSMS Pte. Ltd. also provided information on how to evade shipping restrictions by sending cargo SINSMS Pte. Ltd. to Nampo, North Korea, via Dalian, China.
OFAC also designated Russia-based Profinet Pte Ltd. (Profinet) and its Director General, Russian national Vasili Aleksandrovich Kolchanov. Profinet is a Russian port service agency that provides loading, bunkering, supplying, and departure arrangements for vessels calling at the Russian ports of Nakhodka, Vostochny, Vladivostok, and Slavyanka. Profinet has provided port services on at least six separate occasions to DPRK-flagged vessels, including the sanctioned vessels CHON MYONG 1 and RYE SONG GANG 1, which have carried thousands of metric tons of refined oil products. Profinet continued to offer its bunkering services to DPRK-flagged vessels even after its employees knew of oil-related sanctions on North Korea. Kolchanov was personally involved in North Korea-related deals and interacted directly with North Korean representatives in Russia.
Treasury reminds the shipping industry, including flag states, ship owners and operators, crew members and captains, insurance companies, brokers, oil companies, ports, classification service providers, and others of the significant risks posed by North Korea’s shipping practices, and we urge UN member states and shipping industry associations to circulate OFAC’s North Korea Shipping Advisory
In other business and finance related news...
US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: The Right Judge for the Job
Earlier this summer, President Trump was called upon to exercise one of the most important responsibilities of the American presidency: nominating a justice to the U.S. Supreme Court. His decision would have implications for virtually every institution and aspect of our society, including the future of our free enterprise system. Facing this monumental task, the president hit a home run by nominating Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh. With senators returning to work this week, it’s now up to them to finish the job and confirm this outstanding nominee so that he can get to work.
https://www.uschamber.com/series/above-the-fold/the-right-judge-the-job
Federal Reserve to offer seven-day term deposits on August 23
The Federal Reserve plans to continue its previously announced periodic testing of the Term Deposit Facility (TDF) with one operation in August. These operations are aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of the TDF and providing eligible institutions with an opportunity to maintain familiarity with term deposit procedures. The TDF test operations are a matter of prudent planning and have no implications for the near-term conduct of monetary policy.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20180816a.htm
USDA BLOG: e-Connectivity: A Foundation for Rural Prosperity
In small towns from Maine to California, access to reliable, high-speed internet is a foundation for rural prosperity. From quality health care to advanced education and precision ag technology at the local farm equipment dealer, e-connectivity is a lifeline to the modern economy. And, yet we know that a significant number of rural Americans are not connected.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/08/13/e-connectivity-foundation-rural-prosperity
Taxpayers with high incomes, complex returns: Check withholding soon
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today urged high-income taxpayers and those with complex tax returns to check their withholding soon to avoid an unexpected tax bill or penalty when they file their 2018 federal income tax return in 2019.---Press release issued 8/ 14/ 18
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayers-with-high-incomes-complex-returns-check-withholding-soon
FTC Provides Back-to-School Advice for Parents
As students across the country head back to school, the Federal Trade Commission has advice for parents on talking to their kids about online safety, protecting their children’s personal information, and back-to-school shopping.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/08/ftc-provides-back-school-advice-parents
PAGE 6
Inslee appoints Joanna Carns director of Office of the Corrections Ombuds
Press release issued 8/ 16/ 18
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-appoints-joanna-carns-director-office-corrections-ombuds
Gov. Jay Inslee today appointed Joanna Carns director of the Washington State Office of the Corrections Ombuds, a new independent agency tasked with providing information and investigating complaints about the welfare, health, safety and rights of incarcerated people in Washington state.
Carns has extensive experience in the correctional system, having served eight years on the Correctional Institution Inspection Committee in Ohio. She began her time there as an inspector before becoming the committee’s executive director. As executive director, she responded to complaints from inside prisons and worked with legislators on correctional policies to improve the well-being of incarcerated people.
Following her time with the CIIC, Carns worked as vice president of government affairs and public advocacy for Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio.
"The Office of the Corrections Ombuds will provide vital independent and impartial oversight of our correctional system," Inslee said. "Joanna’s experience responding to the concerns of incarcerated people, and her strong background in public policy, will contribute greatly to our ongoing work to improve Washington’s criminal justice system."
"I applaud Governor Inslee, the Legislature, and the many advocates who came together to pass the critical legislation that created this office. I look forward to collaborating with DOC to fulfill their commitment to competency, accountability and ethics in all their work," Carns said. "With the vast majority of inmates eventually returning to society, it is incumbent upon all of us to work toward a system that promotes rehabilitation to better enable successful reentry."
Carns is a graduate of The Ohio State University and the Georgetown University Law Center.
In other state news headlines
3D-PRINTED GUNS: AG FERGUSON STATEMENT ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OPPOSITION TO EXTENDING COURT ORDER
SEATTLE — Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson offered the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s opposition to a preliminary injunction in Ferguson’s multistate, bipartisan lawsuit opposing the deregulation of 3D-printed “ghost guns.”
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/3d-printed-guns-ag-ferguson-statement-federal-government-opposition-extending
111 Washington wastewater treatment plants win outstanding performance awards
OLYMPIA – Once the tap is turned on, most of us don’t think twice about the water that goes down the drain or is flushed down the toilet. Yet the water that leaves our homes and businesses contains chemicals, pathogens, and other waste that can be harmful to human health and the environment. If you live in an urban area, your wastewater goes to a treatment plant. These facilities are essential to keeping Washington’s waters clean. The Department of Ecology honors the state’s top-performing facilities with the annual Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance Award. This year, we recognized 111 wastewater treatment plants — about a third of all systems operating across the state — that achieved full compliance with their water quality permits in 2017.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2018/2017-Wastewater-Treatment-Plant-Awards
Fecal Matters: Sinclair Inlet and Port Washington Narrows up to Lions Field are CLOSED to water contact recreation, Kitsap County
August 15, 2018, Kitsap Public Health District issued a no-contact advisory for Sinclair Inlet and Port Washington Narrows up to Lions Field.
https://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2018/08/fecal-matters-sinclair-inlet-and-port.html
Labor market takes a step up in July
OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy added 12,400 jobs in July and the state’s seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate for July was 4.6 percent according to the Employment Security Department. The July unemployment rate decreased slightly from the June 2018 unemployment rate of 4.7 percent, matching a historical low.
https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/labor-market-takes-a-step-up-in-july
WDFW restricts fisheries on Columbia River and two tributaries to support steelhead run
OLYMPIA – State fishery managers have declared a “night closure” for salmon and steelhead fishing effective Saturday (Aug. 18) on a large stretch of the Columbia River and two of its tributaries due to concerns about this year’s summer steelhead run.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/aug1618a/
LOCAL & REGIONAL MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
County Commission work session for 8/ 20/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1120
Agenda highlights:
Regular Commission meeting agenda for 8/ 21/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=389
Agenda highlights:
Port Angeles City Council meeting for 8/ 21/ 18
http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5924/Website-Packet-08212018
Agenda highlight:
The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) offered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for providing services to develop a Community Solar Project (CSP) in Port Angeles’ Electric Utility Service Territory. The services include assistance with developing an RFP for site selection, preliminary system design and financial modeling and structuring for a local large community solar project. ( pg I1 in council packet)
Community Solar Projects (CSPs) are centrally-located, renewable energy systems that provide a renewable energy option for utility customers who cannot afford, or do not have a favorable location for a renewable system of their own.
Clallam PUD special meeting notice
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
A special meeting of the Board of Commissioners will commence at 10:00 AM at the District’s Main Office in the Lake Crescent Boardroom located at 104 Hooker Road in Carlsborg.
The purpose of the meeting is to interview candidates for the Commissioner District 2 vacancy, pursuant to RCW 42.30.ll0(l)(h). The Commission will then enter into an executive session to evaluate the qualifications of candidates for appointment to elective office, pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(h). After the executive session, action may or may not be taken in open session. The executive session portion of the meeting is not open to the public.
https://www.clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/8-20-18-Special-Meeting-Notice-FINAL-1.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 8/ 20/ 18
https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=0a04fa17-66e1-497b-b924-ebbe71cb7dfe&prefilter=845,5958
Agenda highlight:
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL re: Solid Waste Transportation and Disposal; Contract for up to Eighteen (18) Years: Jefferson County Public Works; Proposals Accepted Until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 29, 2018at the Office of the Jefferson County Commissioners,LowerLevel of theJefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 1220, Port Townsend, Washington, 98368
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA for 8/ 20/ 18
http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1251
Agenda highlight: Resolution 18-044 Authorizing a Grant of $2,500 to the United Good Neighbors to Support Programs for the Poor and Infirm
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🕂He's in your corner
WEEKLY BIBLE VERSE: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.---Philippians 1:21 NIV
Weekly Bible Study
Does God Answer Prayer? Why Are Prayers Unanswered?
Most people know that prayer should be part of a Christian's life, but sometimes we wonder why our prayers do not seem to be answered. What does the Bible say?---Gospel Way
Free bible studies (WBS)
Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
👲Riddle Genie
last week's question: This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious how quickly you can find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so plain you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with it! It is unusual though. Study it, and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out
Last week's answer: The letter E, the most common letter in the English language is missing from the entire paragraph!
New Question: A boy is walking around in a carnival and he sees a single man in a booth. He walks up to the man and asks what the booth is for. "Well," says the man, "I can write your exact weight on this slip of paper. If I get it wrong, I pay you $20. If I get it right, you pay me $20." The boy looks around, and seeing no scales, agrees. 5 minutes later, the man has gotten $20 from the boy. How?
Answer next week!
