NEWS COMMENTARY BY: Peter Ripley. Publisher,
The big headline story was the day after....CNN Was scolded by Trump,
during press conference. But first let's look at Tuesday's results...
News Story article from The Seattle Times: Maria Cantwell defeats Susan Hutchison in U.S. Senate race.
Quotes: “I want the voters of Washington state to know that I am going to continue — no, I’m going to redouble my efforts to work across the aisle, to work with Democrats, Republicans and Independents, to get things done for our country,” Cantwell said Tuesday at the Democrats’ election party in Seattle."
Hutchison, who hadn’t conceded by late Tuesday, stressed the importance of taking on an incumbent and forcing Cantwell to engage with voters. “There was way more passion on our side than the other side,” Hutchison said. “The hardest thing of all is to unseat an incumbent.”
Other headline stories on the midterm election:
NYT: Despite Loss of House, Trump Claims ‘Big Victory’ and Threatens Democrats.
WP: European leaders see Democratic gains as a blow to Trump’s ‘racism’
LA TIMES: Trump's bombast scores wins for GOP in Senate but propels Democrats to flip House.
BOSTON GLOBE: Voters give Trump a tempered rebuke as Democrats take House.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS: Blue wave washes over Republicans as Democrats decisively reclaim control of the House.
Editorial Comment: The midterm elections are behind us, and it looks like we'll have both Senator Cantwell, and Congressman Kilmer for another four years. The results within Clallam County on those two races were: Derek Kilmer: 13,188 vs Douglas Dightman: 9,822. The race between Cantwell vs Susan Hutchison: Senator Cantwell with 11,843 v Hutchison with 11,353.
That's the totals in Clallam County. Despite the disappointment of Hutchison's lost there were some bright spots for example the sounding defeat of I-1631 the carbon tax measure. Looking at the totals of Clallam County alone on I-1631: No votes: 14,189 Yes votes: 8,984. See link for full election results
http://results.vote.wa.gov/results/current/clallam/
But what made the headlines was the day after the midterms during a press conference President Trump held, and the media was eager to dig at Trump.
Acosta probably didn't do himself any favors by resisting attempts of a young woman intern to get the mic from Acosta after he was asked to give it up by Trump.
And, the media has the audacity to question journalistic ethics of Fox News Commentators Sean Hannity, and Jeanine Pirro for appearing on stage with Trump during a campaign rally in Missouri on the eve of the midterms. It was Trump who called those two on stage. Where is CNN's journalistic ethics for one of their own reporters strong arming a woman for a mic?
On my Facebook group page I posed the question who was out of line. the President, or Acosta?
I believe both were acting unbecoming in this. From his very first comments Trump made was against the media, which only encourage the hostile atmosphere in that news conference.
related stories...
News story from CNSN NEWS: Trump to CNN’s Jim Acosta: ‘You Are a Rude, Terrible Person!’
PJ MEDIA: Jim Acosta Spars with White House Staffer Over Microphone.
CSPAN: President Trump Calls 2018 Midterm Elections "Very Close to Complete Victory"
(see video)
WHITE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE: Remarks by President Trump in Press Conference After Midterm Elections.
THE PRESIDENT: "Thank you. Thank you very much. Please, thank you.
It was a big day yesterday. An incredible day. And last night, the Republican Party defied history to expand our Senate Majority while significantly beating expectations in the House for the midtown and midterm year. We did this in spite of a very dramatic fundraising disadvantage driven by Democrats’ wealthy donors and special interests, and very hostile media coverage, to put it mildly. The media coverage set a new record and a new standard."
NYT: ‘You Are a Rude, Terrible Person’: After Midterms, Trump Renews His Attacks on the Press.
NEWS BUSTERS: HISSY FIT: Arrogant CNN Makes White House Press Conference About Itself, Condemns Trump.
WASHINGTON TIMES: Trump berates CNN's Jim Acosta in contentious White House news conference.
LA TIMES: Fox News issues statement disapproving of Sean Hannity's appearance at Trump campaign rally.
IN THE CASE OF KAVANAUGH THE MEDIA IS GOING FOR...POTUS IS MISLEADING...
But who is misleading who?
Is it the president who made mention of the Kavanaugh case during his campaign stop in Missouri. Or is it the media that is misleading their readership?
That's according to the New York Times story they ran after the midterm elections with the headline: It Was All Fake,’ Trump Misleadingly Says of Kavanaugh Accusations.
Quote: " But the main accuser, Dr. Blasey, never wavered in her testimony about a party in the early 1980s when she said Justice Kavanaugh, then a 17-year-old high school student, pinned her to a bed, groped her, tried to take her clothes off and covered her mouth when she screamed.
Dr. Blasey’s account remains in dispute. Justice Kavanaugh adamantly denied it, and the other people she named being in the house at the time all said they did not remember the episode she described. During her testimony, she could not remember certain details like exactly where and when it took place."
Other related headlines:
PJ MEDIA: Woman Who Accused Brett Kavanaugh of Rape Admits to Judiciary Committee She Lied.
WASHINGTON TIMES: Another Kavanaugh accuser admits to fabricating rape story.
Seattle Times: ‘It was all fake,’ Trump misleadingly says of Kavanaugh accusations ( running the story from the New York Times)
Editorial Note: At first blush when I read the story in PJ MEDIA, I thought it was about Ford, but is was about Judy Munro-Leighton. Another accuser who identified herself as "Jane Doe" my apologies on that. However, in either case if one lie is revealed what other lies about this case is out there?
My point was not to prove or disprove the allegations, merely to point out where's there's one fabrication there maybe more, either way perjury was committed in this case and it should be prosecuted, not be put on the back burner by the mainstream media like the New York Times who took their time even putting out the story, which was on Wednesday, only to use the story to bash Trump. We may never know what really happened, but one day the truth will be revealed either in this life, or the here after.
I've check the headlines of these papers ever since the story broke on last Saturday, and I saw nothing mentioned about these developments until Wednesday in the New York Times, and the Seattle Times who just ran the story from the NYT, except for some right leaning publications like the Washington Times ran on this story. When you get involved in cases where it's he said she said, it's difficult to keep track on the facts. But, why did Ford, and the other accusers took 40 some odd years to come forward to make the claims of being raped? That leads one to think true or false, this was a ploy to ditch Trump in the long run. That's why this publication endeavours to seek information right from the horse's mouth if all possible, other than that we pass along information to you, and let you make the call.
🌍WORLD NEWS HEADLINES FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER & OTHER SOURCES.
Civilians suffering due to sanctions must be spared ‘collective punishment’ urges UN rights expert.
Innocent civilians must not be exposed to “collective punishment” in disputes between two States, a United Nations human rights expert has said, calling for greater protection for ordinary people affected by punitive sanctions imposed by one country on another.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/11/1025201
Poor diets threaten health more than malaria, tuberculosis, measles – new UN report.
With one-in-five deaths associated with poor-quality diets, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) issued a co-authored report on Wednesday, urging policymakers to reduce food loss and waste, to improve access to nutritious and healthy food.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/11/1025131
International crime gangs amass ‘staggering’ profits in conflict zones, expert tells Security Council
During a Tuesday briefing to the Security Council, Tuesday Reitano, Deputy Director of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, described the problem as a “global and accelerating phenomenon, and a threat to international peace and security,” that, in conflict areas alone, is generating around $31.5 billion in illicit profits.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/11/1025141
Frontline workers vaccinated in Uganda over Ebola fears, as top UN officials visit outbreak epicentre in DR Congo.
The World Health Organization (WHO), and Ugandan Ministry of Health, have begun vaccinating frontline health workers in the country against Ebola, in a bid to stop an outbreak in the neighbouring Democratic of Congo (DRC) from crossing the border.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/11/1025101
Halt ‘rushed plans’ to return Rohingyas to Myanmar, pleads UN expert fearing repeated abuses.
A United Nations human rights expert has implored Bangladesh to shelve “rushed plans” to repatriate Rohingya refugees back across the border into Myanmar’s Rakhine State for fear that without safety guarantees from the Burmese Government, persecution and horrific violence could begin all over again.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/11/1025161
PAGE 2
NEWS COMMENTARY: PLAYING A DIFFERENT TUNE NOW!
By, Peter Ripley, Publisher.
SENATOR MURRAY DECRIES AG SESSIONS FIRING...
Even though back in the confirmation hearings in 2017, she voted against him.
Editorial Commentary: My, what a difference a year makes, wasn't it in February of 2017 she had this to say?
"Sen. Murray on Attorney General Nominee Before Final Vote: “Senator Sessions is Not the Attorney General This Country Needs”
Feb 08 2017 press release
“Senator Sessions is not the Attorney General this country needs. I urge members of the Senate to stand up for the Constitution, to stand with your fellow Americans. The stakes are too high to make Senator Sessions our next Attorney General. I urge you to join me in voting against this nomination. Now, more than ever, we need an Attorney General who will be independent and willing to stand up to the President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional actions, whenever they happen. The last thing this country needs is a rubber stamp to validate this Administration’s illegal actions."
NOW SHE SAYS....
Senator Murray Calls on Newly-Installed Acting Attorney General to Recuse Himself From Mueller Investigation.
Press release issued 11/ 7/ 18
Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after President Trump forced out U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who had recused himself from overseeing the Russia investigation.
“It’s extremely concerning that hours after the polls closed and voters removed Republicans from full control of government, President Trump ousted the U.S. Attorney General and installed one of his loyalists, who has publicly criticized the Mueller probe, to oversee the investigation. The Department of Justice should never work to protect the president or advance his political interests, so I urge the newly-installed Acting Attorney General, Matthew Whitaker, to recuse himself from the investigation and for the Administration to make it clear to the American public that this investigation will not be compromised or undercut in any way. I strongly urge Senate Majority Leader McConnell to immediately schedule a vote on bipartisan legislation to shield this investigation from further political pressure. It is critically important to ensure the special counsel is able to follow the facts of the ongoing investigation wherever those facts may lead.”
Editorial note: Didn't she say that Sessions was going to put an end to the Muller Probe?
Both Senators Cantwell & Murray had this to say in a joint press release:
Senators Murray and Cantwell Join Call For Investigation Into Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
“It is clear that Attorney General Sessions had an active role in the termination of Director Comey. This seems to be in direct violation of Attorney General Sessions’ recusal from ‘any existing or future investigations of any matter relating in any way to the campaigns for president of the United States.’ At the time of his termination, Director Comey was actively leading the F.B.I.’s investigations into both the attempts by the Russian government to influence the 2016 presidential campaign, and the ties of members/employees/representatives of the Trump Campaign had, or have, with the Russian government or Russian intelligence services,” wrote the senators."
And this quote: " “It is imperative that the American people have faith in the institutions that are investigating the influence a hostile foreign power may have had on our presidential campaign, election, and the current administration of President Trump. We believe the Attorney General’s involvement in the termination of Director Comey has injected the exact “partiality” in these investigations he claimed to wish to avoid. Further, the President’s recent admission that Comey was fired, at least in part, due to the Russia investigation only raises further questions about the role of the Attorney General in the termination, his willingness to provide cover for a political decision, and both his and the Department of Justice’s ability to perform an independent investigation,” the senators continued in their letter.'
Related news stories...
NYT: Jeff Sessions Is Forced Out as Attorney General as Trump Installs Loyalist.
BOSTON GLOBE: Where Jeff Sessions’ temporary replacement stands on marijuana.
DAILY SIGNAL: Democrats Protest Trump’s Naming Critic of Mueller Probe as Acting Attorney General.
THE HILL: DOJ: Acting AG to take over oversight of Russia probe.
WP: Sessions’s ouster raises questions about special counsel.
Editorial Comment: Our State Delegation to DC, like most of the democrats will challenge any AG nomination they feel will impedied Robert Muller's investigation of Russia interfering in the 2016 elections, their objective is to build a case for impeachment of Trump. They can never accept defeat on any level, to them holding high office is their entitlement no one can take that away from them, and we seen this during the midterms, between Cantwell and Hutchsion. To Canwell being Senator is her entitlement, that was displayed during the campaign, when she failed to show up in those debates earlier.
🌎MORE WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
UN sounds alarm as Venezuelan refugees and migrants passes three million mark.
The number of refugees and migrants who have left Venezuela worldwide has now reached three million, the two main United Nations agencies advocating for them announced on Thursday, flagging the need to increase support for the countries which are hosting large numbers of displaced Venezuelans.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/11/1025231
Despite funding crisis, Palestine refugee students can end the school year: UNRWA.
The Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) will most likely be able to keep its schools open for Palestine refugee students until the end of the school year in 2019.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/11/1025211
From the US Mission to the UN:
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8737
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8734
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8725
🌏PAGE 3
WH: Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
On November 14, 1994, by Executive Order 12938, the President declared a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States posed by the proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons (weapons of mass destruction) and the means of delivering such weapons. On July 28, 1998, by Executive Order 13094, the President amended Executive Order 12938 to respond more effectively to the worldwide threat of proliferation activities related to weapons of mass destruction. On June 28, 2005, by Executive Order 13382, the President, among other things, further amended Executive Order 12938 to improve our ability to combat proliferation activities related to weapons of mass destruction. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12938 with respect to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering such weapons must continue beyond November 14, 2018. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12938, as amended by Executive Orders 13094 and 13382.
This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.---DONALD J. TRUMP
WH: Presidential Message on the National Day for the Victims of Communism.
On the National Day for the Victims of Communism, we honor the memory of the more than 100 million people who have been killed and persecuted by communist totalitarian regimes. We also reaffirm our steadfast support for those who strive for peace, prosperity, and freedom around the world.
Since the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, we have witnessed the effects of the tyrannical communist ideology—anguish, repression, and death. Communism subordinates inherent human rights to the purported well-being of all, resulting in the extermination of religious freedom, private property, free speech, and, far too often, life. These horrors have included Ukrainians deliberately starved in the Holodomor, Russians purged in the Great Terror, Cambodians murdered in the killing fields, and Berliners shot as they tried to escape to freedom. The victims of these and many other atrocities bear silent testimony to the undeniable fact that communism, and the pursuit of it, will forever be destructive to the human spirit and to the prosperity of mankind.
Today, we remember all who have been denied the great blessings of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness under oppressive communist regimes. Together, we mourn the unbearable losses so many have endured under communism, and we renew our pledge to continue advancing the cause of freedom and opportunity for all. (read full statement)
🗽OTHER NATIONAL HEADLINES
US STATE DEPT: Special Representative for Iran Addresses Reporters
Special Representative Hook (Nov. 8): "Now that our sanctions on the Iranian regime have been reimposed, we want to alert nations of the risk of doing business with Iran’s shipping sector. If Iranian tankers make calls to your ports or transit through your waterways, this comes at great risk."
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2018/11/287201.htm
DOD: Navy to Christen Expeditionary Fast Transport Puerto Rico
The Navy will christen its newest Expeditionary Fast Transport, the future USNS Puerto Rico (T-EPF 11), during a 10 a.m. CST ceremony Saturday, November 10, at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
https://dod.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1686029/navy-to-christen-expeditionary-fast-transport-puerto-rico/
DOJ: Co-Owners of Miami Pain Management Clinic and Patient Recruiter Sentenced to Prison for Scheme to Distribute Medically Unnecessary Opioid Prescriptions
The husband and wife co-owners of a Miami, Florida pain management clinic and a patient recruiter who doubled as a drug diverter were sentenced to prison today for their participation in a scheme to unlawfully distribute thousands of pills of oxycodone.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/co-owners-miami-pain-management-clinic-and-patient-recruiter-sentenced-prison-scheme
HUD CHARGES NEW JERSEY RENTAL PROPERTY OWNER WITH HOUSING DISCRIMINATION.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it is charging a Paramus, New Jersey, property owner with housing discrimination for allegedly refusing to rent an apartment to an African-American woman because of her race. HUD’s charge further alleges that the owner used racial slurs in a text message he sent to the woman informing her that she did not get the apartment.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_18_134
EPA Awards More Than $27 Million to New Hampshire to Support Local Clean Water Projects.
(BOSTON) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the State of New Hampshire was awarded a total of $27,147,000 in Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) grants to finance community-based water infrastructure projects, such as upgrades to municipal sewage plants and public drinking water systems.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-awards-more-27-million-new-hampshire-support-local-clean-water-projects
🌎PAGE 4
U.S. Department of Education Fulfills Administration Promise to Invest $200 Million in STEM Education.
Press release issued 11/ 8/ 18
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-fulfills-administration-promise-invest-200-million-stem-education
The U.S. Department of Education announced today that it has not only fulfilled but surpassed President Trump's directive to invest $200 million in high-quality science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), including computer science, education. In total, the Department obligated $279 million in STEM discretionary grant funds in Fiscal Year 2018.
"It's important that all students have access to a high-quality STEM education," U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said. "These discretionary grant programs and this Administration's increased focus on STEM will help ensure our nation's students are exposed to STEM early in their lifelong education journeys and will have the tools needed for success in the 21st century economy."
The Department's efforts to support STEM education, through the Secretary's STEM discretionary grant priority, include funding for:
Education Innovation and Research (EIR)— $66.8 million
Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED)—$28.2 million
Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP)—$16.4 million
Pathways to Apprenticeship for High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Students—$3.6 million
Innovative approaches to literacy (IAL)—$26.7
Indian Education Discretionary Grants Programs: Professional Development Grants Program—$6.2 million
Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs—$1.2 million
GEAR UP Competition: New Partnership Awards—$108 million
GEAR UP Competition: New State Awards—$20.4 million
Center on Early STEM Learning for Young Children with Disabilities 1.45 million
While these investments mark a significant step toward advancing STEM education in the United States, there is still more work to be done. According to the Department's newly released data story on STEM, 80 percent of all eighth-graders attend a school that offers Algebra 1, but only 24 percent of these students are actually enrolled in the course. As many have acknowledged, this "leak" in the STEM pipeline can have long-term effects on students' education, since Algebra 1 is considered the gatekeeper course to advanced math and science courses.
According to the primary data source, the 2015-16 Civil Rights Data Collection , students' access to algebra in eighth grade is inconsistent across the country and access to STEM education can be impacted by a number of factors, such as the location of the school or the type of school a student attends. Students enrolled in magnet or traditional public schools were more likely to have access to Algebra 1 than at other types of schools. Similarly students attending suburban schools were more likely to have access than students in other areas.
Enrollment is just as important as access, but data show not all students with access were enrolled at the same rate. Asian students were more likely to be enrolled in Algebra 1 in eighth grade—34 percent—compared with only 12 percent of eighth grade black students. In addition, a slightly higher percentage of female students (25 percent) compared with male students (22 percent) were enrolled in Algebra 1 in eighth grade.
This Administration knows that a strong STEM education is a pathway to successful careers, and that's why it is committed to ensuring equal access to a strong STEM education for all students.
🗽MORE NATIONAL HEADLINES
Secretary DeVos Releases Guide to Help Families Understand School Report Cards Required by ESSA.
WASHINGTON – Building on her commitment to empower parents and guardians with relevant, transparent information on their local schools, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos released today a resource guide to understanding state and local report cards required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-releases-guide-help-families-understand-school-report-cards-required-essa
Veterans find healing and hope on public lands.
A visit to America’s public lands is more than an opportunity to see an epic vista, learn about history and experience wildlife. It’s also good medicine. The Interior Dept.
https://www.doi.gov/blog/veterans-find-healing-and-hope-public-lands
CDC: Cigarette Smoking Among U.S. Adults Lowest Ever Recorded: 14% in 2017.
Cigarette smoking has reached the lowest level ever recorded among U.S. adults, according to new data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute (NCI). Still, about 47 million (1 in 5) U.S. adults used a tobacco product in 2017, and they used a variety of smoked, smokeless, and electronic tobacco products.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p1108-cigarette-smoking-adults.html
Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on new efforts to strengthen FDA’s expanded access program.
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm625397.htm
Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., and Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, on approval of OTC Primatene Mist to treat mild asthma.
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm625338.htm
📊PAGE 5: BUSINESS & FINANCE
U.S. Department of Commerce Finds Dumping and Countervailable Subsidization of Imports of Large Diameter Welded Pipe from China and India.
Press release issued 11/ 7/ 18
https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2018/11/us-department-commerce-finds-dumping-and-countervailable-subsidization
Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the affirmative final determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of imports of large diameter welded pipe from China and India, finding that exporters from these countries have sold large diameter welded pipe at less than fair value in the United States at rates of 132.63 percent and 50.55 percent, respectively. Commerce also determined that exporters from China and India received countervailable subsidies at rates of 198.49 percent and 541.15 percent, respectively.
In 2017, imports of large diameter welded pipe from China and India were valued at an estimated $29.2 million and $294.7 million, respectively.
The petitioners are American Cast Iron Pipe Company (Birmingham, AL), Berg Steel Pipe Corp. (Panama City, FL), Berg Spiral Pipe Corp., Dura-Bond Industries (Steelton, PA), Skyline Steel (Parsippany, NJ), and Stupp Corporation (Baton Rouge, LA).
The strict enforcement of U.S. trade law is a primary focus of the Trump Administration. Since the beginning of the current Administration, Commerce has initiated 131 new antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – this is a 245 percent increase from the comparable period in the previous administration.
Antidumping and countervailing duty laws provide American businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of the unfair pricing of imports into the United States. Commerce currently maintains 460 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is currently scheduled to make its final injury determinations on December 20, 2018. If the ITC makes affirmative final injury determinations, Commerce will issue AD and CVD orders. If the ITC makes negative final determinations of injury, the investigations will be terminated and no orders will be issued.
MORE BUSINESS & FINANCE HEADLINES:
Treasury Sanctions Officials and Targets Entities Supporting Russia’s Occupation of Crimea and Forcible Control of Eastern Ukraine.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today imposed additional sanctions in response to Russia’s continuing malign activity and destabilizing behavior by designating three individuals and nine entities under Ukraine-related authorities.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm543
IRS: Get Ready for Taxes: Here’s how the new tax law revised family tax credits.
WASHINGTON ― More families will be able to get more money under the newly-revised Child Tax Credit, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/get-ready-for-taxes-heres-how-the-new-tax-law-revised-family-tax-credits
Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in September indicates that the labor market has continued to strengthen and that economic activity has been rising at a strong rate. Job gains have been strong, on average, in recent months, and the unemployment rate has declined. Household spending has continued to grow strongly, while growth of business fixed investment has moderated from its rapid pace earlier in the year. On a 12-month basis, both overall inflation and inflation for items other than food and energy remain near 2 percent. Indicators of longer-term inflation expectations are little changed, on balance.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20181108a.htm
At FTC’s Request, Court Halts Massive “Sanctuary Belize” Real Estate Investment Scam
Serial scammer Andris Pukke, others charged with deceiving Americans out of more than $100 million by deceptively marketing property in Belize.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/11/ftcs-request-court-halts-massive-sanctuary-belize-real-estate
USDA BLOG: Scientists Bring Back the Good Earth.
“You can’t have a forest without a foundation of quality soil,” said Debbie Page-Dumroese, a soil scientist for the U.S. Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Research Station in Moscow, Idaho. That’s the lesson learned when hundreds of ponderosa pines were planted on rocky streambanks in national forests—only to die during their first year.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/11/08/scientists-bring-back-good-earth
US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BLOG: The Two-Gap Workforce Challenge.
Much of this insecurity can be attributed to two gaps that are preventing our nation from leveraging its talent and people from realizing their potential. The first is a skills gap – too many people lack the skills or credentials necessary to compete for 21st century jobs. The second is a people gap – too many businesses can’t find the workers they need, when and where they need them. Closing both gaps is imperative to our competitiveness.
https://www.uschamber.com/series/above-the-fold/the-two-gap-workforce-challenge
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PROPOSES PROTECTING AMERICAN WORKERS BY REQUIRING ADVERTISING JOBS ONLINE FOR TEMPORARY LABOR CERTIFICATIONS.
WASHINGTON, DC – To make it easier for Americans to find and fill open jobs, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced a proposal for employers seeking temporary labor certifications through the H-2B and H-2A visa programs to advertise jobs online.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20181108
🌎PAGE 6
Inslee and AG Ferguson urge Trump Administration to withdraw rule weakening legal protections for immigrant children.
Press release issued 11/ 7/ 18
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-and-ag-ferguson-urge-trump-administration-withdraw-rule-weakening-legal
In response to a proposed rule relaxing legal protections for migrant children, Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson submitted a comment letter urging the federal government to withdraw the proposal. Ferguson and Inslee released the following statement:
“Washington is no stranger to the devastating impacts of institutional detention. This Administration’s family separation policies are appallingly reminiscent of the immoral removal of Native American children from their families and the unjustified internment of thousands of innocent Japanese Americans.
“Instead of learning from the past, the Trump Administration insists on repeating it. The policies embedded in this proposal would reverse protections for migrant children, allowing the federal government to detain them for prolonged, potentially indefinite, amounts of time. It also attempts to skirt state licensing standards that ensure innocent children are housed in safe facilities, rather than restrictive settings.
“The Trump Administration’s attempt to reverse longstanding requirements that are in the best interest of children and families cannot stand. For decades, courts have prohibited the detainment of children for long periods of time.
“This proposal to indefinitely detain families disguised as immigration policy is unacceptable. The consensus among medical providers, mental health experts and social scientists is that institutional detention harms children. To leverage that harm as a means of deterring future immigration is shameful and contrary to the evidence.”
The proposed rule, “Apprehension, Processing, Care, and Custody of Alien Minors and Unaccompanied Alien Children,” purports to codify the requirements of a settlement agreement that came out of the Flores case, a class action lawsuit from the 1980s. The Floresagreement set the “nationwide policy for the detention, release, and treatment of minors in the custody” of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Among other things, the Flores agreement limits the amount of time DHS can keep a migrant child in civil custody, requires the swift release of children to a state-licensed facility or sponsor and allows DHS to release children to the care of qualified adult relatives, including siblings and grandparents.
The proposed rule attempts to reverse these requirements.
In the letter, Ferguson and Inslee point out that if adopted, the proposed rule would reduce or eliminate many of the Floresagreement’s protections. The two write, “We strongly oppose the Proposed Rule’s attempt to allow the indefinite detention of children in family detention centers, raise barriers for children seeking to be released into the care of sponsors, and grant the Department of Homeland Security essentially unfettered discretion to prolong the detention of children during an ‘emergency’ or ‘influx.’”
The comment letter urges the federal government to withdraw the proposed rule immediately.
Separately, Ferguson also led 17 other attorneys general in submitting a comment letter on the proposed rule. The public comment period ended Nov. 6.
This is not the first time that Ferguson has opposed the Trump Administration’s inhumane treatment and detention of immigrant families. In June, Ferguson filed a lawsuit challenging the Administration’s “zero tolerance” policy promoting the separation of migrant families at the border. Ferguson’s case is pending before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.
Related story
AG FERGUSON AND GOV. INSLEE URGE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO WITHDRAW RULE WEAKENING LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR IMMIGRANT CHILDREN.
http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-and-gov-inslee-urge-trump-administration-withdraw-rule-weakening
OLYMPIA — In response to a proposed rule relaxing legal protections for migrant children, Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Gov. Jay Inslee submitted a comment letter urging the federal government to withdraw the proposal. Ferguson and Inslee released the following statement:
“Washington is no stranger to the devastating impacts of institutional detention. This Administration’s family separation policies are appallingly reminiscent of the immoral removal of Native American children from their families and the unjustified internment of thousands of innocent Japanese Americans.
“Instead of learning from the past, the Trump Administration insists on repeating it. The policies embedded in this proposal would reverse protections for migrant children, allowing the federal government to detain them for prolonged, potentially indefinite, amounts of time. It also attempts to skirt state licensing standards that ensure innocent children are housed in safe facilities, rather than restrictive settings.
“The Trump Administration’s attempt to reverse longstanding requirements that are in the best interest of children and families cannot stand. For decades, courts have prohibited the detainment of children for long periods of time.
“This proposal to indefinitely detain families disguised as immigration policy is unacceptable. The consensus among medical providers, mental health experts and social scientists is that institutional detention harms children. To leverage that harm as a means of deterring future immigration is shameful and contrary to the evidence.”
The proposed rule, “Apprehension, Processing, Care, and Custody of Alien Minors and Unaccompanied Alien Children,” purports to codify the requirements of a settlement agreement that came out of the Flores case, a class action lawsuit from the 1980s. The Flores agreement set the “nationwide policy for the detention, release, and treatment of minors in the custody” of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Among other things, the Flores agreement limits the amount of time DHS can keep a migrant child in civil custody, requires the swift release of children to a state-licensed facility or sponsor and allows DHS to release children to the care of qualified adult relatives, including siblings and grandparents.
The proposed rule attempts to reverse these requirements.
In the letter, Ferguson and Inslee point out that if adopted, the proposed rule would reduce or eliminate many of the Flores agreement’s protections. The two write, “We strongly oppose the Proposed Rule’s attempt to allow the indefinite detention of children in family detention centers, raise barriers for children seeking to be released into the care of sponsors, and grant the Department of Homeland Security essentially unfettered discretion to prolong the detention of children during an ‘emergency’ or ‘influx.’”
The comment letter urges the federal government to withdraw the proposed rule immediately.
Separately, Ferguson also led 17 other attorneys general in submitting a comment letter on the proposed rule. The public comment period ended Nov. 6.
This is not the first time that Ferguson has opposed the Trump Administration’s inhumane treatment and detention of immigrant families. In June, Ferguson filed a lawsuit challenging the Administration’s “zero tolerance” policy promoting the separation of migrant families at the border. Ferguson’s case is pending before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.
In other state news headlines:
Governor’s NMA Council Recommends Actions to Maintain Edge in Aerospace and High-Demand Industry Talent.
Early commitment to the council’s workforce strategy will help market the state’s extensive training system to local and global employers – a key factor in company siting decisions.
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/governors-nma-council-recommends-actions-to-maintain-edge-in-aerospace-and-high-demand-industry-talent/
WSDA issues 2018 dairy nutrient management grants
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) this week announced the recipients of eight water-quality project grants funded by fines issued to dairies for improper recordkeeping or manure management.---press release issued 11/ 2/ 18
https://agr.wa.gov/News/2018/NR2018-11-02DairyNutrientGrants.aspx
AG FERGUSON URGES ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL WHITAKER TO RECUSE HIMSELF FROM THE MUELLER INVESTIGATION IN MULTISTATE LETTER
OLYMPIA — AG Ferguson today joined a coalition of 18 state attorneys general in urging Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to recuse himself from Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-urges-acting-attorney-general-whitaker-recuse-himself-mueller
Editorial Comment: The state AG is also hoping that Muller will find evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 election.
DOE: Fecal Matters: Heavy rainfall can increase health risks for surfers, divers, and other beachgoers.
https://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2018/11/fecal-matters-heavy-rainfall-can.html
DOE: Reining in dust in the Horse Heaven Hills.
https://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2018/11/reining-in-dust-in-horse-heaven-hills.html
🌎PAGE 7: MORE STATE NEWS HEADLINES & LOCAL MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS.
Washington companies honored with Hire-A-Vet Award.
11/2/2018---ESD press release.
OLYMPIA - Twelve Washington businesses were honored today for their efforts to hire and support military veterans in 2018.
https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/washington-companies-honored-with-2018-hire-a-vet-award
Public workshops scheduled on Willapa Bay salmon management
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will review the Willapa Bay salmon management policy during two upcoming workshops.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/nov0818a/
DNR: Blanchard State Forest Purchase Secures Scenic Vistas, School Funding.
Board of Natural Resources approves land acquisition designed to preserve popular forest while continuing to support public services.
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/blanchard-state-forest-purchase-secures-scenic-vistas-school-funding
State Parks Commission regular meeting in Auburn next week
OLYMPIA – Nov. 6, 2018 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will consider housekeeping changes on rules and a change to the Commission 2019 meeting calendar at its regular meeting in Auburn next week.
http://parks.state.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=435
King County excavator penalized $21,000 for violating state dig law.
OLYMPIA, Wash. – A King County excavator was issued a $21,000 penalty for violating the state’s “call before you dig law.”
https://www.utc.wa.gov/aboutUs/Lists/News/DispForm.aspx?ID=567
📢LOCAL MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
Clallam County meetings
( Both the work session and regular County Commission meetings canceled)
Special Port of Port Angeles for November 14, 2018
https://portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11142018-334
Agenda highlight: Adopt 2019 Budget – Resolution 18-1184 (pg. 141-142) of agenda packet
The 2019 Capital Budget includes a 1-year Capital Projects Budget, a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan and a 6 to 20 year Capital Improvement Plan. The Capital Projects
Budget is funded by a combination of grants, property tax surplus, operating surplus and reserves. Surplus from property taxes is net of general tax levies in excess of debt
service expenditures. Surplus from Port operations results from the cumulative excess of revenues over expenses. The operating surplus that is transferred from the General
Fund to the Capital Improvement Fund is the amount that exceeds the target fund balance for the General Fund. Periodically, the Port will also issue debt to fund projects. ( pg 90)
CITY OF SEQUIM COUNCIL MEETING FOR 11/ 13/ 18
https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1958
Agenda highlight: : 2019 Preliminary Budget and Ordinance 2018-009 Adopting the 2019 Budget.
CITY OF FORKS MEETING FOR 11/ 13/ 18
http://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/agenda111318.pdf
Agenda highlight: Resolution regarding 2019 property taxes.
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 11/ 13/ 18
https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=3e832db0-e0ac-4723-af9b-ea5de9a6f7c5&prefilter=845,5958
Agenda highlight: HEARING re: Application by Seamount Estates Community Water System for a Non exclusive Franchise to Construct, Maintain and Operate a Group A Community Public Water System consisting of Pipes, Valves, Hydrants and Other Appurtenances Upon, Under, Along and Across a Franchise Area within Unincorporated Jefferson County
NEWS STORY COMMENTARY: COUNCIL OF PA RAISE TAXES ON UTILITIES AND BAN PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS, PEOPLE CONTINUE TO VOTE FOR THEM.
By, Peter Ripley, Publisher
News story from the PDN: Port Angeles council OKs utility rate increase.
PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles City Council has approved a 1 percent rate increase on residential utility customers’ total bills that will take effect Jan. 1.
The council voted 6-1 Tuesday — with member Cherie Kidd opposed — to establish 2019 utility rates that include a 5.4 percent increase for residential water customers and a 0.5 percent increase for wastewater.
Editorial Note: As the old saying goes you get what you voted for.
It is difficult for a conservative minded person to win in Washington State, including local elections, because we are within a blue state. Mostly democratic, and don't mind having their taxes raised, or having environmentalist get their way on most things. If you want real change start voting for people who won't raise your taxes, or approve of 'feel good measures' like approving bans on plastic shopping bags, or trying to impose a carbon tax, and wonder why their water, or light bill keeps going up. I have a wacky idea, how about repealing the plastic bag ordinance, and put it up for a vote at the next general election. Can you imagine the uproar that would cause? And, you thought the fluoridation issue was wild! But, the public had a chance at least the citizens had their voice heard by a vote.
Vote for people who will have the nerve to say...NO! (Vote better, be more informed.)
🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏
🕂He's in your corner
WEEKLY BIBLE VERSE: God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.---Job 37:5-6 NKJV
Weekly Bible Study
What Is Your Hope? What Comes after Death?
One of the most comforting words in human language is the word “hope.” Hope gives courage in time of danger, comfort in time of sorrow, and strength in time of weakness.---Gospel Way
https://www.gospelway.com/topics/christian_life/hope.art.php
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
http://www.pacofc.org/index.php
👲Riddle Genie
From, Squigly's Featured Games
last week's question: Sara hopped out of her car and walked up the long path that led to the house. Right away she was ushered inside by Mrs. Glen. "Detective, I'm so glad you came. The last place I saw Mr. Gooding was in his room. I suspected that would be your first question." Mrs. Glen said somewhat nervously. She walked Sara into the other room. "Up here," Mrs. Glen called from a twisting flight of stairs. The front door banged shut just as Sara started up the steps. "Oh, I must have left the door open. The wind must have shut it." Mrs. Glen said. Again they started up the stairs.
They walked up the enormous stairway. Halfway up detective Sara noticed a weather vane through the window. She realized that the wind was blowing west and in order for it to have shut the door it would have to have been blowing east. Then Sara realized for the first time that there was a third set of footsteps on the stairs. Then it dawned on her and she realized she had walked into a trap. How did Sara know she had walked into a trap?
Last week's answer: Detective Sara Dunts realized she had walked into a trap when she heard the extra set of footsteps. Hearing the footsteps on the stairs made her remember what her partner had said, "Mr. John Gooding had mysteriously vanished from his one story home." She then realized that this was not Mr. Gooding’s home because at that very moment she realized that she was climbing stairs in a supposedly one story house. Sara immediately called for backup and arrested Mrs. Glen. She then walked down the stairs to find Mr. Gooding near the bottom. The two had planned on kidnapping and killing Sara for putting Mr. Gooding’s niece and Mrs. Glen’s son in jail for murder. Both went to jail to serve their time.
New Question: A farmer has a sack of grain, a chicken and a fox. He has to get them across the river and he can't go around or fly but he does have a boat. He can only take one thing at a time across the river. How can he get them across?
Answer next week!
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly publication, published every Saturday by, Peter Ripley, Publisher. Your donation is appreciated.
