WASHINGTON, D.C. – The bipartisan American Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 passed today by the U.S. Senate includes provisions secured by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to increase funding for critical Puget Sound habitat conservation and restoration efforts.
The bill increases the funding for the Puget Sound Adjacent Waters Restoration Program from $40 million to $60 million. It also doubles the funding individual projects can receive, to $10 million. The program has already helped restore juvenile salmon habitat and funded efforts to improve shore access and recreational opportunities throughout the region. Completed projects that have received funding include Seahurst Park Seawall Removal and Beach Restoration and Qwuloolt Estuary Ecosystem Restoration.
“For the last 18 years, the Puget Sound Adjacent Waters Restoration Program has focused on protecting and restoring habitats within the Puget Sound basin,” Senator Cantwell said. “We are… providing cleaner habitat for salmon, for threatened juvenile salmon and opportunities in areas like Spencer Island and the Snohomish River estuary near Everett, Washington.”
Puget Sound is the second largest estuary in the United States and is home to thousands of species of animals, including the world’s largest octopus, various kinds of shellfish, several species of salmon, and Southern resident killer whales. Over a dozen of these species are listed as federally endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
The Sound is also an economic driver for Washington state. It supports more than $30 billion of economic activity each year, including Washington state’s booming outdoor recreation and tourism industries, which support more than 170,000 jobs in the state.
Senator Cantwell has long fought for funding for Puget Sound restoration and clean-up efforts. When the Trump Administration’s budget proposed eliminating the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Puget Sound clean-up funding, Cantwell successfully fought back. In the bipartisan budget deal earlier this year, she helped secure $28 million in the EPA’s budget for Puget Sound clean-up. In December 2017, she also worked with other members of the Washington congressional delegation to secure $25.2 million in federal grants for state, local, and tribal Puget Sound recovery and conservation efforts.
Related press release: Cantwell Secures Important Wins for Water Projects Across Washington State, Including Ports, Puget Sound Clean-Up
Bipartisan legislation includes more funding for Puget Sound restoration, harbor deepening projects at the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, projects that benefit Tribes and the Columbia River.
Press release issued 10/ 10/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate passed the bipartisan American Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 by a vote of 99-1. The bill includes a number of provisions secured by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to help Washington state’s environment, economy, and Tribal members.
“Infrastructure investment, when it comes to our waterways, means jobs,” Senator Cantwell said. “It will help make our ports more competitive and help protect our salmon habitat in the state of Washington.”
The bill includes more funding for critical environmental and habitat restoration work in Puget Sound. It increases the funding for the Puget Sound Adjacent Waters Restoration Program from $40 million to $60 million and doubles the per-project funding authorizations to $10 million. Projects funded by the program include juvenile salmon habitat restoration and efforts to improve shore access and recreational opportunities.
Another important piece of the bill provides operations and maintenance funding for large and small ports, inland waterways, locks and dams throughout Washington state, including two critical harbor deepening projects at the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma. As some of the largest container ships have nearly doubled in size in the last five years, these harbor deepening projects will allow the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma to remain competitive with Canadian ports and continue as top North American gateways for international trade, driving Washington state’s trade economy forward. Every year, marine cargo operations at these two ports generate $4.3 billion in economic activity and support 48,000 jobs. Statewide, Washington ports annually move $94.8 billion in exports and $91.5 billion in imports.
“Our ports are essential to our economic growth in the Northwest,” Cantwell continued. “The fact that this legislation helps us on important maintenance and operations for both large and small ports, for locks and dams and waterways, is so important to our future.”
Other provisions in the bill would:
Provide $30 million annually for Columbia River watercraft inspection stations, which help prevent destructive invasive species like the Quagga and Zebra mussels from entering Washington state’s waterways;
Require the Army Corps of Engineers to finish Tribal Village Development Plans for the Yakama, Nez Perce, Umatilla, and Warm Springs tribes, who were displaced by the construction of dams on the Columbia River;
Incentivize power utilities to make proactive investments in hydropower upgrades to increase the efficiency of power generation, keep rates for consumers low, and help the environment by giving FERC the authority to consider these investments in the hydropower relicensing process.
After passage in the Senate today, the legislation now moves on to the President for signature into law.
🌍WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
(from the UN News Center & other sources)
Do all you can to resolve climate change ‘sticking points’ UN chief urges South-East Asian leaders, in Bali.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, has called for Governments across South-East Asia, to take a lead in the fight against global warming and the damaging impact of climate change.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/10/1022862
Concerted effort’ must be made to help 600 million-plus adolescent girls realize full potential: UN chief.
There are “multiple barriers” including “systemic discrimination” bias and lack of training, which are keeping the largest generation of girls in human history from reaching their full potential, said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement on Thursday, marking International Day of the Girl Child.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/10/1022792
In fighting for girls’ education, UN advocate Malala Yousafzai finds her purpose
In September, the Malala Fund started the Gulmakai Network to support the work of education champions in developing countries and speed up progress towards girls’ secondary education around the world.
The 20-year-old, who will be attending Oxford University, spoke to UN News about the need to increase investment in education, the importance of allowing girls to be who they want to be, and when it was that she discovered the power of her own voice and the purpose for her life.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2017/10/567872-interview-fighting-girls-education-un-advocate-malala-yousafzai-finds-her
Saudi Arabia must halt air strikes in Yemen, says UN panel.
The conflict in Yemen has been highlighted by a UN human rights committee which on Thursday urged Saudi Arabia to “put an end to the air strikes” against its southern neighbour, amid reports that they have resulted in the deaths of at least 1,248 children since March 2015.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/10/1022852
Nigeria floods: Guterres ‘deeply saddened’ by loss of life and rising need.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said on Thursday he is “deeply saddened”, as the Government of Nigeria announced that some 200 people have died, and a further 1,310 injured, due to flooding across a dozen states. Overall, around two million have been affected.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/10/1022842
🌎PAGE 2
Northwest Seaport Alliance Projects Get Major Boost in Cantwell-backed Bill
Deepening project would make Port of Seattle the deepest container port in the country, expedited study may make Port of Tacoma just as deep.Press release issued 10/ 11/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Northwest Seaport Alliance faces competition from Canadian ports, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell – a senior member of the Senate Commerce, Transportation, and Science Committee – secured new measures to move forward harbor deepening projects at the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma.
As some of the largest container ships operating have nearly doubled in size in the last five years, these harbor deepening projects will allow the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma to remain competitive with Canadian ports and continue as top North American gateways for international trade, driving Washington state’s trade economy forward.
“In this legislation the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma are big economic winners. These two projects are going to help us continue to build the reputation of the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma as moving our products throughout the United States to Asia quickly and reliably and reaching critical markets,” said Cantwell in remarks on the Senate floor. “Moving freight is what we do. Deepening the waterways of ports of Seattle and Tacoma will ensure that they can compete with Canadian ports. It will help us continue to grow our jobs in the maritime sector, and it will help us continue to be a gateway from North America to Asia.”
“We are pleased Congress has passed WRDA on schedule, as this bill authorizes the design and construction to deepen waterways in Seattle Harbor and will help expedite a similar project in Tacoma Harbor,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Courtney Gregoire. “These projects will make NWSA’s harbors the deepest container gateway in the nation. We thank Senator Cantwell for her support of Washington ports and the family wage jobs they bring to our state.”
Every year, marine cargo operations at these two ports generate $4.3 billion in economic activity and support 48,000 jobs. Statewide, Washington ports annually move $94.8 billion in exports and $91.5 billion in imports.
Senator Murray Fights for Washington State Priorities in Wide-Ranging Water Resources Bill
Press release issued 10/ 10/ 18(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today voted in support of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which authorizes specific projects and activities related to water infrastructure, including ports, waterways, locks, flood protection, and environmental and habitat restoration. During the negotiation process, Senator Murray fought on behalf of Washington state, ensuring the legislation supports addressing the tribal housing crisis along the Columbia River, increasing investments to combat invasive species in the Columbia River Basin, restoring critical nearshore habitat in the Puget Sound, authorizing construction of the Seattle Harbor deepening project, and directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineering to expedite completion of the Tacoma Harbor deepening study, among other things.
“Just like we need to invest in our roads and bridges, improving and maintaining our waterways is critically important to everyday life in Washington state, whether it means projects to help prevent flooding, or deepening channels and maintaining the locks that allow ships and boats to come and go, or habitat restoration” Senator Murray said. “I’m especially proud that with this bill, the federal government will continue to invest in the health of the Puget Sound ecosystem and also make headway on efforts to ensure tribal members have access to safe, reliable housing along the Columbia River so treaty Tribes can exercise their protected rights.”
In addition to waterways infrastructure, Senator Murray worked to build upon efforts to address the nation’s aging drinking water infrastructure. Specifically, the legislation passed today reauthorizes a loan program and almost doubles the program to nearly $2 billion by 2021; assists small and disadvantaged communities with testing and treating contamination in water systems; and provides additional assistance to schools and child care programs to voluntarily test for lead and replace drinking water fountains. As the top Democrat on the Senate education committee, Senator Murray has been a leader in Congress in pushing for more information about testing for lead in schools, and requested that the Government Accountability Office look into the issue. In July, the GAO reported that fewer than half of school districts across the U.S. had tested for lead, and of those that had, more than one-third found elevated levels. As a result of its findings, GAO made seven recommendations to address lead in school drinking water.
🌏MORE WORLD NEWS HEADLINES...
UN resolution paves way for mass use of driverless cars.
A resolution to ensure the safe use of automated vehicles was passed at the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Global Forum on Road Traffic Safety in Geneva, on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/10/1022812
Reintegrating former rebels into civilian life a ‘serious concern’ in Colombia: UN Mission chief.
The reintegration of former members of the Colombian FARC-EP rebel movement, which signed an historic peace deal with the country’s government in 2016, remains a subject of serious concern, said the head of the UN Verification Mission set up to monitor the deal, on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/10/1022772
From the US Mission to the UN:
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation Concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
" Mr. President, we believe Congolese officials intend to hold elections on December 23, but we are not the people that need to be convinced. The Congolese people need to know that they will have the chance to exercise their vote in a credible election. And now is the time to build that confidence. End the detention of political prisoners and implement fully the December 2016 agreement. Develop a logistics plan to deliver elections materials in time. Release the voter registry in an electronic, searchable format. Build consensus around the electronic voting machines and develop a back-up procedure to ensure voters can still vote even if the machines malfunction or fail to be delivered to all voting stations. Train sufficient poll workers on voting equipment and processes."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8649
Remarks at a Meeting of the Fifth Committee on the Scales of Assessments
" Specifically with regards to peacekeeping, in addition to being the largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, having contributed approximately $1.8 billion for the 2017/2018 UN peacekeeping financial year, the United States also contributes approximately $400 million annually in direct support to train and equip troops and police to participate in UN peacekeeping operations and to countries involved in multinational peacekeeping operations."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8646
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Colombia.
One of the goals the President mentioned is economic and social growth based on democratic institutions. And indeed, the Colombian government is extending governance, justice, and economic opportunity throughout the country. It is providing security, infrastructure, and public services to the rural regions that were most affected by the war. This work is critical to the peace process.
Expanding equal justice in Colombia means ensuring accountability for serious crimes committed during the years of armed conflict. It also means doing more to investigate and prosecute the killing of human rights defenders. We are encouraged by President Duque’s early efforts to protect social leaders and others who are vulnerable in Colombia today. The literal silencing of these important voices undermines the peace process.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8643
Remarks at the Opening of the UN General Assembly Second Committee.
" I want to thank the Secretary-General for laying out a vision to reform the United Nations for impact and efficiency to better serve the people of our countries. Let’s take his vision to heart in the Second Committee. Perhaps nowhere in the General Assembly is reform more necessary than in the Second Committee. Frankly, this Committee long has become weighed down by stale debates informed by long-discredited ideologies and narrow interests.
There is far too little attention paid to what drives truly sustainable development, including the rule of law, human rights, good governance, women’s empowerment, and the participation of civil society and the private sector. One issue of particular concern for many of us is the incorporation of language meant to target a domestic political audience into multilateral documents. None of us should support this blatant misuse of UN resolutions and documents."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8648
🌍PAGE 3
As Senate Democrats Urge Colleagues to Support Legislation to Overturn President Trump’s New Junk Health Insurance Rule, Senator Murray Highlights Republicans’ Continued Efforts to Undermine Protections for People with Pre-Existing Conditions.
Press release issued 10/ 10/ 18
(Washington, D.C.) – Today U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, slammed President Trump and Republicans for claiming they support protections for people with pre-existing conditions while continuing to push an agenda that undermines those protections President Trump’s junk plans rule, which went into effect last week, gives insurance companies more power to sell short-term limited duration insurance—“junk plans” which are not required to cover people with pre-existing conditions and can exclude basic health services including emergency care, mental health, prescription drugs, treatment for substance use, and maternity care. On the Senate floor, Senator Murray gave several examples where Democrats stepped up against efforts from President Trump to weaken pre-existing condition protections. She called on Republicans to do the same by supporting the resolution against the junk plans rule.
“Now President Trump is undermining these protections through his junk plans rule. And Democrats are once again leading the charge against him with the resolution before us today. And where are my Republican colleagues, who have claimed to care so much about this issue, but have done so little to fight for it?” said Senator Murray. “So far they’ve offered empty promises and gimmicks, like a bill they claim protects people with pre-existing conditions—but actually still allows insurance companies to discriminate based on age and sex. If Republicans are serious about standing for people with pre-existing conditions, then they will join us to pass this bill and actually fight for them. I’m not holding my breath they will do that, but I’m not giving up either.”
A vocal critic of Trump’s repeated efforts to sabotage health care by working to undermine patient protections and raise consumer costs, Senator Murray has taken meaningful action to lower health care costs and defend patient protections, including leading the charge to pass bipartisan legislation to reduce health care premiums and out-of-pocket costs for patients—legislation that Republicans have repeatedly blocked. In addition to those efforts, in recent months Senator Murray has worked specifically to halt President Trump’s proposal to expand use of these junk insurance plans, urging top Trump cabinet officials in April and June to postpone finalization of the rule and to instead work with lawmakers to make high-quality health care more affordable for all families. Senator Murray has also traveled extensively in Washington state and heard from countless patients, families, medical professionals and community leaders about the critical need to protect high-quality, affordable health care coverage.
Senator Murray Urges Trump Administration to Rescind Rule Expanding Definition of ‘Public Charge’.
Press release issued 10/ 9/ 18(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Assistant Democratic Leader, urged President Trump’s Department of Homeland Security to rescind the proposed rule that would significantly expand the definition of “public charge,” thereby placing health care and nutrition for American children at risk. Senator Murray was joined in the letter by her Democratic colleagues in leadership, including Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
The senators wrote: “The DHS rule would expand the definition of “public charge” for immigration purposes and therefore prevent permanent legal residency for immigrants. In particular, the proposed definition includes use of non-cash essential programs such as food assistance or essential health coverage provided through Medicaid. The proposed “public charge” definition places an impossible choice before immigrant families: if a migrant child falls ill, he may lose eligibility for a green card, and if a parent runs out of money to feed their family, the parent will become ineligible as well. This proposed rule will cause tremendous harm to the health and well-being of thousands of children, citizen and immigrant alike.”
🗽NATIONAL HEADLINES
WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET: President Donald J. Trump Is Ensuring Patients Receive the Information They Need to Save Money on Prescription Drugs.
HELPING PATIENTS SAVE MONEY: President Donald J. Trump is signing legislation to help give patients more information to save on their prescription drugs.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-ensuring-patients-receive-information-need-save-money-prescription-drugs/
US STATE DEPT: Annual Jewish Institute for National Security of America Awards
Secretary Pompeo (Oct. 10): "Israel is everything we want the entire Middle East to look like going forward. It is democratic and prosperous. It desires peace. And it is a home to a free press and a thriving free market economy. Compare that to Iran, whose corrupt leaders assault the human rights of their own people, finance terrorism, and undermine U.S. interests in every corner of the Middle East."
https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/10/286559.htm
DOD: Air Force Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, Department of Defense Press Briefing on Hurricane Michael Preparedness
Air Force Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command; Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Davis, Public Affairs Officer.
https://dod.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1659025/air-force-gen-terrence-j-oshaughnessy-commander-north-american-aerospace-defens/
DOJ: Miami-Area Pharmacy Owner Pleads Guilty for Role in $8.4 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme
The owner of a Miami-area pharmacy pleaded guilty for his role in Medicare prescription fraud scheme involving approximately $8.4 million in fraudulent billings.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/miami-area-pharmacy-owner-pleads-guilty-role-84-million-medicare-fraud-scheme
Texas Hospital Administrator Convicted of Health Care Fraud for Role in $16 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme
A federal jury convicted a Houston-area hospital administrator on Friday for his role in a $16 million Medicare fraud scheme.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/texas-hospital-administrator-convicted-health-care-fraud-role-16-million-medicare-fraud
🌍PAGE 4
Senator Murray: “It’s no longer acceptable to treat climate change like a problem for future generations to solve”.
Press release issued 10/ 9/ 18(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after the United Nations’ scientific panel on climate change released a landmark report showing the effects of climate change are much more immediate and devastating than previously known.
“This report drives home the stark reality that it’s no longer acceptable to treat climate change like a problem for future generations to solve. The devastating effects of climate change are here. They are unfolding in real-time, on our front door steps and in the communities we love, from increasingly brutal hurricanes that batter our coasts, to worsening public health, to longer, more intense wildfires seasons that devastate the West on an annual basis. What’s particularly sobering in this new report is that from here things only get worse, much worse, if we do not act immediately and aggressively, and that the communities that will be hit the hardest are those that are already the most vulnerable. The United States, with our economic strength and unmatched scientific know-how, can and absolutely should be a leader in what must be a global all-hands-on-deck effort. It’s long past time that those in positions of power across this great nation actually believe in science, accept the realities of climate change, and stop propping up well-connected special interests that reap huge profits off of making global warming worse.”
Last year, Senator Murray and other Democrats urged President Trump against withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. Senator Murray also cosponsored a resolution expressing support for the global accord.
Kilmer, Heck Legislation Would Help Slow Stormwater, Stop Pollutants that Harm Salmon, Orca, Other Vulnerable Species from Entering Puget Sound and Watersheds Nationwide.
Press release issued 10/ 11/ 18WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Denny Heck (D-WA), co-chairs of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, announced the introduction of H.R. 7041 the Preventing Pollution through Partnership (P3) Act, legislation that would help communities and businesses do their part to slow, filter and catch stormwater, the leading cause of pollution in Puget Sound.
“Washington’s economy and identity are directly tied to the fate of the orca and the health of our salmon and shellfish,” Kilmer said. “Congress should make it easier for state and local governments to invest in private sector ideas that will catch and clean stormwater. This bill creates new financing options for businesses that will lead to more partnerships that protect Puget Sound.”
“As the rains return to Western Washington, we see every day how much polluted stormwater runoff flows through our streets and into Puget Sound,” Heck said. “Stormwater is the biggest source of pollution in the Sound, and combating it requires all of us to step up and do our part. That’s why we need to make it easier for communities to invest in green infrastructure, for the benefit of all Washingtonians who call Puget Sound home.”
According to the Puget Sound Partnership, stormwater runoff is the largest source of pollution in the Sound. Last week, a new study from WSU identified tiny bits of car tires that have washed into streams throughout the region as a prime suspect in the deaths of coho salmon as they swim upstream to spawn.
Stormwater runoff is even more hazardous during periods of heavy rain. In a downpour, stormwater flows so quickly and at such a high volume that it overwhelms sewage systems. That means, in addition to carrying pollutants from roadways, stormwater can also carry human waste into the Sound.
For example, The Seattle Times reported in February that heavy rains and high tides overwhelmed King County’s wastewater treatment plant in Seattle and led to 150 million to 200 million gallons of wastewater to flow into the Sound.
One way to reduce these hazardous events is by investing in more green infrastructure projects like permeable pavement, green roofs and rain gardens that mimic nature and slow down the flow of stormwater before it reaches the Sound.
Kilmer’s and Heck’s legislation would create a new category of tax-exempt Private Activity Bonds (PABs), which state and local governments can use to finance projects completed by private entities that serve a public benefit.
Currently developers can use PABs to finance new hospitals, airports or affordable housing units at rates lower than typically offered by banks or through other forms of financing. The P3 Act would allow governments to use PABs to finance private-sector development projects that build green infrastructure.
Green infrastructure often mimics nature and slows the flow of stormwater. For example, under this bill, municipal governments could finance a project built with private sector money to retrofit an old strip mall parking lot with permeable pavement that absorbs water rather than letting it flow into the sewer system and ultimately Puget Sound.
The bill’s introduction comes after a series of fatalities within the Puget Sound’s population of Southern Resident orcas. According to The Seattle Times, scientists widely attribute the population’s struggles to a shortage of chinook salmon. The New York Times also cites pollution from wastewater as a reason orcas carry some of the highest levels of pollution of any marine animal.
🗽MORE NATIONAL HEADLINES...
DOJ: Former Upstate New York Democratic Party Chair Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Cause Foreign Campaign Donation
A former Erie County, New York Democratic party chair pleaded guilty today to conspiring to illegally cause a $25,000 campaign donation from a foreign source to a New York state official running for reelection.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-upstate-new-york-democratic-party-chair-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-cause-foreign
DEPT. of INTERIOR: Secretary Zinke announces historic mineral withdrawal north of Yellowstone in iconic "Paradise Valley"
Withdrawal would close lands to the mining law on 30,000 acres for next 20 years, subject to valid existing rights.
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-zinke-announces-historic-mineral-withdrawal-north-yellowstone-iconic
HUD APPROVES AGREEMENT BETWEEN TENANT AND CALIFORNIA LANDLORD SETTLING CLAIMS OF DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced an agreement between a woman with a disability and housing providers in Los Angeles, CA. The agreement resolves claims that owner, 4147 McClung Drive, LLC, Keeton Property Management, LLC, and the manager of one of its properties threatened the woman with eviction because she had an emotional support animal.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_18_117
HUD AWARDS $47 MILLION IN HOUSING COUNSELING GRANTS
Funding intended to help families find and keep their homes
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded $47 million in housing counseling grants to help approximately 1 million households find housing, make more informed housing choices, or keep their current homes.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_18_116
EPA Finalizes Plan to Remove Contamination Source and Expand Groundwater Treatment at the Combe Fill South Landfill Superfund Site in Chester Township, N.J.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-finalizes-plan-remove-contamination-source-and-expand-groundwater-treatment-combe
📊PAGE 5: BUSINESS & FINANCE
Secretary Perdue Statement on President Trump’s Ethanol Announcement.
(Washington, D.C., October 9, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today hailed President Trump’s directive to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to begin a rulemaking process to expand the sale of corn ethanol, to include E15 year-round. Perdue issued the following statement:“This is another case of ‘Promises Made, Promises Kept’ for President Trump. Expanding the sale of E15 year-round is sound policy for a variety of reasons. Consumers will have more choices when they fill up at the pump, including environmentally friendly fuel with decreased emissions. It is also an excellent way to use our high corn productivity and improved yields. Year-round sale of E15 will increase demand for corn, which is obviously good for growers. This has been a years-long fight and is another victory for our farm and rural economies. Along with E15 expansion, we also welcome much-needed reforms to the RIN market, which will also increase transparency.
“President Trump has again made it abundantly clear that he is unleashing the full potential of American energy production as we retake our rightful place as the world’s leader. I thank President Trump for his steadfast support of E15 expansion, while also acknowledging the close working relationship we’ve developed with Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. I look forward to working with the EPA to see rulemaking and year-round E15 completed by the driving season of 2019.”
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2018/10/09/secretary-perdue-statement-president-trumps-ethanol-announcement
USDA BLOG: Two Down and One to Go.
On September 12, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and its partners declared Monroe Township in Clermont County, Ohio, free of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). This news came just months after APHIS declared Stonelick Township free of the beetle in March.ALB was first discovered in Monroe Township in August 2011. We think people unknowingly moved the beetle in firewood from Tate Township before anyone knew about the infestation there. Before long, adult beetles emerged and started infesting trees in Monroe.
To stop this pest in its tracks, APHIS and state officials had to remove 1,186 infested trees in Monroe. They protected 4,614 other trees by injecting a pesticide directly into the trunks. It took 7 years, but after inspecting over 214,000 trees, APHIS and its partners finally confirmed the beetle is no longer there.
An ALB infestation is a sad situation for everyone involved. The trees are essentially being eaten alive. Once a tree is infested, it can’t be saved. It has to be removed. However, there is a silver lining.
We are starting to see that silver lining in Worcester, Massachusetts, an area hard hit by ALB. As the Telegram & Gazette recently reported, “In place of an unhealthy monoculture of trees susceptible to invasive pests, the forests of Worcester and its surrounding towns in the quarantine area are now more diverse, more resilient and more appropriate for its urban setting.”
It takes time to eradicate this pest. It took 10 years in Illinois and 11 years in New Jersey. Eventually though, we get there. Today, the fight continues in parts of New York and Massachusetts. And, we have just one infested area left in Ohio.
Finding the pest early is critical to our success, and it’s the one factor that makes the biggest difference in terms of saving time, resources, and ultimately trees. So please check your trees for signs of ALB and report online or call 1-866-702-9938.
IN OTHER BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS:
Justice Department Requires CVS and Aetna to Divest Aetna’s Medicare Individual Part D Prescription Drug Plan Business to Proceed With Merger
Divestiture Will Preserve Competition in Medicare Part D Individual Prescription Drug Plans throughout the United States
The Department of Justice announced today that it is requiring CVS Health Corporation (CVS) and Aetna Inc. (Aetna) to divest Aetna’s Medicare Part D prescription drug plan business for individuals in order to proceed with their $69 billion merger. The proposed divestiture to WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (WellCare), an experienced health insurer focused on government-sponsored health plans, including Medicare Part D individual prescription drug plans, would fully resolve the Department’s competition concerns.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-requires-cvs-and-aetna-divest-aetna-s-medicare-individual-part-d
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AWARDS $1.9 MILLION TO IMPROVE APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) today announced the award of a $1.9 million contract to develop pilot projects focused on apprenticeship opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities in high-growth industries.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/odep/odep20181011
THE FED: Federal and state financial regulatory agencies issue interagency statement on supervisory practices regarding financial institutions affected by Hurricane Michael.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20181010a.htm
Marketer of a Get-Rich-With-Amazon Scheme Settles with the FTC
The marketer of a scheme to make money on Amazon, and his companies, are banned from marketing and selling business opportunities and business coaching services under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. The settlement order against Jeffrey A. Gomez (aka Jeffrey Adams), Adams Consulting LLC, and Global Marketing Services L.L.C. also requires them to surrender funds and assets for consumer redress.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/10/marketer-get-rich-amazon-scheme-settles-ftc
US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Can't Afford a Retirement Plan? You May Be Able Soon.
When the Retirement Enhancement Savings Act (RESA) passed unanimously through the Senate Finance Committee in 2016, it seemed that the country was on its way to expanding retirement coverage opportunities to small businesses, independent contractors, and others who were previously unable to afford to offer retirement plans on their own. However, the legislation stalled in Congress, leaving it up to the administration to fix this coverage gap.
https://www.uschamber.com/series/above-the-fold/cant-afford-retirement-plan-you-may-be-able-soon
IRS to highlight tax reform changes affecting small businesses; Small business owners, self-employed should plan now for new changes.
IR-2018-197, Oct. 9, 2018
WASHINGTON — With just a few months left in tax year 2018, the Internal Revenue Service today urges small business owners to learn about how the new tax law changes may affect them.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in December 2017, made tax law changes that will affect virtually every business and individual in 2018 and the years ahead. Among other things, the new law may change their tax rates and impact the quarterly estimated tax payments they are required to make during the year.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-highlight-tax-reform-changes-affecting-small-businesses-small-business-owners-self-employed-should-plan-now-for-new-changes
Extension filers can still get tax help before Oct. 15 deadline.
IR-2018-198, October 10, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers who filed extensions that electronic filing and other options for help with taxes are still available before the Oct. 15 deadline. Taxpayers who did not request an extension and have yet to file a 2017 tax return can generally avoid additional penalties and interest by filing the return as soon as possible and paying any balance due.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/extension-filers-can-still-get-tax-help-before-oct-15-deadline
🌎PAGE 6
Cantwell Evaluates Real Solutions To Secure The Energy Grid In Case Of Cyber Attack
As the grid faces increasing threats, Ranking Member focuses on blackstart technology to restore power to consumers.
Press release issued 10/ 11/ 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the committee, continued her call for increased cybersecurity resources to protect the U.S. energy grid.
“We take for granted the lights will always come on when we flip the switch,” Cantwell said. “But, our electric system is increasingly being tested and stressed. There are daily cyber threats to our electricity infrastructure.”
Cantwell highlighted her concerns about the vulnerability of the energy grid, as well as statements made by the U.S. intelligence community on the same topic.
“In July, DNI Director Dan Coats spoke to increased malicious cyber activities, importantly noting the ‘warning lights are blinking red.’ I continue to be concerned that a sophisticated attack may result in a widespread blackout,” Cantwell continued.
In her questions at the hearing, Cantwell also called for more resources to train a cybersecurity workforce for the 21st century.
“To me, we should have a [WPA] program for cybersecurity,” Cantwell said. “We should just say, calling all Americans, we will help you get educated in this area if you help us. I think there’s a lot of young people in the Northwest – if they heard that call, they would respond to it…. We need thousands, hundreds of thousands of people in this infrastructure call.”
Cantwell has been the leading voice on protecting critical U.S. infrastructure, including energy infrastructure such as the electric grid and oil and gas pipelines, from cyber attacks. On March 12, 2017, and June 22, 2017, Senator Cantwell sent letters to President Trump calling on him to defend energy infrastructure and to instruct DOE to conduct an analysis of Russian capabilities with respect to cyber attacks 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 cyber attacks. And in July 2018, Cantwell and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) sent a bipartisan letter to President Trump calling for greater action from the federal government to defend the U.S. energy grid from cyber attacks.
Editorial Note: During the debate with Susan Hutchison earlier this week this subject came up about cyber security. Quoting Hutchison in the Daily Chronicle, and the video when the topic was brought up: " When I hear Senator Cantwell speak about hacking, I can’t help but think about how the Russians and Chinese were able to hack into Hillary Clinton’s emails,” she said."
Hutchison apparently hoping her comment would get a response from Cantwell regarding the Clinton email gate drama, didn't get any response from Cantwell. Cantwell's facial expression through out the debate looked like someone who didn't really wanted to be debating anyone. While Hutchison may seem like a cheerleader for the Trump agenda, Cantwell is also a hack for the Democrats, both sides I think need to find some independent thinking, not be mouth pieces for their parties.
How about focusing on Washington State, not DC! What are they planning to do for this state if elected for next four years? Hutchison to her credit, did make a clear point that Cantwell as lost touch with the state she saids that she represents. With the latest flurry of press releases she's been pumping out seems to me a frantic gesture of someone trying make up for lost focus on this state. Clearly she's been in DC way to long, time for someone new.
See video of debate: https://www.c-span.org/video/?452555-1/washington-senate-debate
STATE NEWS HEADLINES...
Washington and B.C. recommit to strengthening regional partnership, building sustainable future
Gov. Jay Inslee and B.C. Premier John Horgan met today for a bilateral meeting and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to act jointly to grow the region’s innovation economy, protect the environment and combat climate change, promote trade, and improve transportation connectivity.
https://medium.com/wagovernor/washington-state-and-british-columbia-recommit-to-strengthening-regional-partnership-building-1972f94fbe97
Inslee statement regarding Supreme Court decision invalidating Washington's death penalty.
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-regarding-supreme-court-decision-invalidating-washingtons-death-penalty
"Today’s decision by the state Supreme Court thankfully ends the death penalty in Washington. The court makes it perfectly clear that capital punishment in our state has been imposed in an ‘arbitrary and racially biased manner,’ is ‘unequally applied’ and serves no criminal justice goal. This is a hugely important moment in our pursuit for equal and fair application of justice.”
Related press releases:
AG FERGUSON RELEASES STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT RULING ON DEATH PENALTY.
OLYMPIA — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson released the following statement on the state Supreme Court’s decision today in State v. Gregory, ruling that the state’s death penalty is unconstitutional:
“Washington’s Supreme Court issued an important decision today. The court recognized that Washington state’s death penalty is broken. We should act quickly to remove the death penalty from state law once and for all. Next session, I will again propose legislation repealing the death penalty, replacing it with life in prison without the possibility of parole.”
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-releases-statement-supreme-court-ruling-death-penalty
State of Washington v. Allen Eugene Gregory
Supreme Court Case Number 88086-7
Allen Eugene Gregory was first convicted and sentenced to death in 2001 for the rape and murder of 43-year-old Geneine Harshfield. Gregory's case was appealed to the Washington Supreme Court, and the oral argument for State of Washington v. Allen Eugene Gregory was heard on February 25, 2016.
http://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/SupremeCourt/?fa=supremecourt.StatevGregory
Inslee launches Complete Count 2020 census committee
Gov. Jay Inslee today kicked-off a meeting of his Complete Count Committee, a group of 30 leaders he has appointed to support and advise state officials on how best to ensure an accurate count of all Washington residents for the 2020 Census. Former governor and U.S. ambassador to China Gary Locke joined Inslee for the announcement. Locke will serve as committee chair.
https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-launches-complete-count-2020-census-committee-559c7e3f077e
WSDA expands apple maggot quarantine into Methow Valley
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is expanding the state's apple maggot quarantine into parts of Okanogan County, in an effort to slow the spread of this invasive pest and protect commercial apple production.
https://agr.wa.gov/News/2018/NR2018-10-11AMQuarantine.aspx
🌎PAGE 7: MORE STATE NEWS HEADLINES & LOCAL MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS.
ATTORNEY GENERAL SURVEY SHOWS NEARLY HALF OF CHILD DEPENDENCY CASES IMPACTED BY OPIOID ABUSE
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that a recent internal survey found almost half of child dependency cases and about 40 percent of parental rights termination cases handled by the Attorney General’s Office are impacted by opioid abuse.
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/attorney-general-survey-shows-nearly-half-child-dependency-cases-impacted-opioid
Commerce received 17 Stage 2 applications for the State Housing Trust Fund.
The Washington State Department of Commerce has received 17 Stage 2 applications to the Washington State Housing Trust Fund (HTF) for affordable housing projects across the state.The proposed projects intend to serve a wide variety of low-income and special needs populations, including persons with chronic mental illnesses, persons with disabilities, veterans, seniors, homeless families with children and farm workers.
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/community-programs-facilities/commerce-received-17-stage-2-applications-for-the-state-housing-trust-fund/
Department of Commerce seeking input to develop guidebook that will help communities plan for growth, development around military installations
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce is drafting a Washington State Guidebook on Military and Community Compatibility as a technical resource for local governments to use in planning for development near military installations. The first of several community workshops to capture opinions and comments for the project is Monday, Oct. 22 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Kittitas Valley Event Center, Armory Hall, 901 E. 7th Ave., Ellensburg, WA, 98926.
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/community-programs-facilities/state-to-host-community-workshop-on-civilian-military-compatible-land-use-planning-oct-22-in-ellensburg/
Public Works Board approves $3.5 million in loans for communities in need.
even communities to receive funding for public infrastructure projects
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board awarded seven cities, counties and water districts approximately $3,504,774 in pre-construction and emergency loans for 2018. The board selected seven out of eight projects from applications requesting over $4.5 million.
The purpose of a pre-construction loan is to pay for the work required before constructions begins. These projects will improve water, sanitary sewer, roads, and street systems:
• City of North Bend – $99,774 for North Bend Waste Water Treatment Plant Priority Improvements
• City of Palouse – $250,000 for Water System Improvements Designs
• King County – $1,000,000 for West Point Primary Sedimentation Area Roof Structure
• Town of Cusick – $40,000 for Comprehensive Collection System Evaluation
• Town of Cathlamet – $55,000 for Columbia Street Water Line Improvement
• Kittitas County – $1,000,000 for Ellensburg Transfer Station Design
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/community-programs-facilities/public-works-board-approves-3-5-million-in-loans-for-communities-in-need/
Oil companies practice responding to a spill on the Columbia River.
VANCOUVER – Nine oil companies and their response contractors will practice responding to an oil spill on the Columbia River today. The drill will be highly visible from the Interstate 5 bridge between Washington and Oregon as crews launch boats, oil skimming vessels and floating containment boom.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2018/Oct-10-Oil-companies-practice-responding
Finding common ground for clean water and healthy farms
Bill Dewey new co-chair of our Ag/Water Quality committee
Livestock producers, crop growers, shellfish farmers, environmental groups and Ecology are sitting at the table – together – finding common ground on protecting clean water and supporting a healthy agricultural industry.--DOE Blog.
https://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2018/10/finding-common-ground-for-clean-water.html
Commission to hear public comments on Columbia salmon policy at Oct. 15 meeting
OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will take comments on the results of a 5-year-old policy that significantly changed salmon fisheries on the Columbia River at an upcoming meeting in Olympia.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/oct0818a/
Investigation into five possible AFM illnesses from four WA counties
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health and four local public health agencies are investigating reports of five children hospitalized for sudden onset of paralysis of one or more limbs. The Department of Health is working with experts in neurology from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmation of acute flaccid myelitis.
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/2018NewsReleases/18146AFMInvestigationNewsRelease
Commissioner Franz Seeks $55 Million To Protect Communities From Wildfire.
Historic budget request addresses immediate need for helicopters, full-time firefighters, better training, and healthier forests.
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/commissioner-franz-seeks-55-million-protect-communities-wildfire
State Archives awards $1.2 million to help Washington communities preserve their history.
OLYMPIA — Local governments across Washington will receive help managing and modernizing their public records thanks to nearly $1.2 million in new grants from the Washington State Archives, a division of the Office of Secretary of State.
https://www.sos.wa.gov/office/news-releases.aspx#/news/1324
📢LOCAL MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS.
Clallam County meetings:
Clallam Commission work session for 10/ 15/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1128
Agenda highlights:
Regular session of the Clallam County Commission for 10/ 16/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=397
Agenda Highlights:
- EXECUTIVE SESSION - 11:30 a.m.
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has requested an Executive Session with the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, the Director of Community Development, the Director of Human Resources/Risk Department, outside legal counsel and a representative from the WCRP.
Note that applicant Judy Lee has proposed a 32,000+ square feet structure. Lee asserts her application is for a bed and breakfast within a single family residence while the County has determined the application is for a hotel. In light of this dispute, the parties have previously agreed to have a third-party reviewer determine the proper land use classification for the Lee proposal and review the Lee building plans to determine which building code applies. Lee’s counsel has provided a list of three possible neutral reviewers and the County must now name one of these neutral reviewers as its preferred choice. There is also a federal court lawsuit against Clallam County and Director Winborn under cause #3:17-cv-06065.
Discussing such matters in executive session is appropriate because public knowledge of the discussion would reveal the County’s legal strategies and likely result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency. RCW 42.30.110 (1)(i) expressly authorizes a governing body to convene an executive session for the above-described purposes, specifically actual litigation against the County.
Clallam County Board of health meeting for 10/ 16/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=clallam_6e9e7bb6c3b93e54ca9d9a60c649cddd.pdf&view=1
Agenda highlight: Continued discussion of Stable funding.
PORT OF PORT ANGELES SPECIAL MEETING FOR 10/ 16/ 18
https://portofpa.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=518
Agenda highlight:
Commission budget work session
o 2018 projected year end
o Introduce 2019 operating budget
( At time of publication there was no official agenda posted on Port web page, the above agenda was from their previous meeting agenda under future meetings)
CITY OF PORT ANGELES COUNCIL MEETING FOR 10/ 16/ 18
http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6060/Agenda-Packet-10162018
Agenda Highlight: Proposed Adjustments to 2019 Utility Rates
Background / Analysis: Rates for Electric, Water, Wastewater, Stormwater and Solid Waste Collections utilities were adopted on December 19, 2017 (Ord. No 3601) to set rates through 2018.
Solid Waste Transfer Station rates for 2018 were adopted on October 17, 2017 (Ord. No 3590). All utility rates, with the exception of Medic 1, are to expire on December 31, 2018.
As part of the Budget and Cost of Service Analysis (COSA) process, revenue and expenditure analysis was completed to determine the rate requirements for the 2019 Budget expenditures. Some rates were determined to already meet expenditure requirements, thus no change in rates are recommended. Other rates will require differing levels of rate increases to achieve the required revenue levels. In some cases the information presented by the COSA process has identified areas suggesting potential adjustments between and within rate classes to achieve customer rate equity.
As with the 2018 Budget, the recommendation for 2019 is one-year rate options for all affected utilities. The proposal of single year rate setting will allow Staff and Council the opportunity to fully understand the implications that the operational reviews (COSAs) are sending, evaluate rate structure preferences, pursue potential rate changes including phase-in options, and recommend future rate options that can be used for multiple years.
For 2019, staff recommends rate increases for the Water at 5.4% for residential Water and Wastewater at 0.5%. These changes are reflected in attachments A and B. Existing 2018 rates provide sufficient 2019 revenues for Electric, Solid Waste Collections, Solid Waste Transfer Station, and Stormwater.
Medic 1 rates were approved in 2017 for 3 years. 2019 Medic 1 rates will increase 1.8%. The overall impact to residential customer bills is expected to be an increase of less than 1%.
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
City of Port Townsend meeting agenda for 10/ 15/ 18
http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1255
Agenda highlight: Ordinance 3197 Stating the Intent of the City Council to Annex into and Join Jefferson County Fire Protection District No. 1 DBA East Jefferson Fire Rescue in Accordance with RCW 52.04.061 through .131 to Continue Providing for Fire Prevention, Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical and Hazardous Material Incident Response Services within the City
Action: Move to Waive Council Rules and Adopt Ordinance 3197 Stating the Intent of the City Council to Annex into and Join Jefferson County Fire Protection District No. 1 DBA East Jefferson Fire Rescue in Accordance with RCW 52.04.061 through .131 to Continue Providing for Fire Prevention, Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical and Hazardous Material Incident Response Services within the City.
Jefferson Commission meeting for 10/ 15/ 18
https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=77bad00e-78bf-4324-867c-77ba2594212c&prefilter=845,5958
Agenda highlight: PROCLAMATION re: National Disability Employment Month.
🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌎🌍
🕂He's in your corner
WEEKLY BIBLE VERSE: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.---Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Weekly Bible Study
True Greatness: Wealth, Power, Popularity, Fame, or Service?
Would you like to achieve true greatness in your life? Most people think they could never become great, but they are mistaken. Everyone can be great. Would you like to learn how?---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: A thief was brought before a king to receive his punishment. The king, feeling merciful, asked the thief how he would like to die. The thief told him, and the king let him go. How did the thief wish to die?
Last week's answer: He wanted to die of natural causes.
New Question: An old man had been browsing for some time. He finally walked up to the girl behind the counter and handed her a book. She looked at the tag on the inside cover and said, "That's 4.50 please." The man handed her the money and promptly walked away without the book. The girl saw him leave empty-handed but she didn't call out to him in any way. Why?
Answer next week!
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly publication, published every Saturday by, Peter Ripley, Publisher.
