THE PORT ANGELES GLOBE: 10/17/20

Here's a few headlines of the events, Thursday. I shared some of these yesterday, but wanted to expand on it today.

Headlines:

Voter Humiliates Biden: What Do You Have To Say Besides 'You Ain't Black'?--WJ

Six Takeaways From Thursday’s Dueling Trump and Biden Town Halls

After the cacophony of the first presidential debate, it turns out simultaneous events aren’t much of an improvement.---NYT

How the Internet Viewed the Presidential Town Halls

President Trump and Joe Biden answered questions from voters at the same time, on separate networks. The difference between the two events did not escape anyone’s notice.---NYT

Savannah Guthrie Was a Good Pet for Her DNC Masters During Trump Town Hall---PJ MEDIA

Under pointed questioning, Trump doubles down on confrontational style in town hall in Miami

The president offered falsehoods, exaggerated claims and little specificity about his plans for a second term.---WP

Mayra Joli, AKA #NoddingWoman, enrages left by agreeing with Trump during NBC town hall---Washington Times

TOP NEWS STORIES FOR TODAY...

ATTORNEY GENERAL FERGUSON ANNOUNCES ELECTION PROTECTION INITIATIVE.

Press release issued 10/16/20

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/attorney-general-ferguson-announces-election-protection-initiative

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today an initiative in his office to combat election interference in November and guarantee a peaceful transition of power.

Ferguson convened an internal legal team to coordinate the office’s election protection efforts, and to work with state attorneys general across the country. The legal team includes Solicitor General Noah Purcell and attorneys with expertise in election law, constitutional law and civil rights. They are focused on upholding the Constitution, preventing illegal election interference and ensuring every vote is counted in every state.

Ferguson made protecting a fair, secure and safe election a top priority in the wake of the Trump Administration’s unfounded claims that mail-in voting is not secure, and its attempts to undermine the Postal Service’s ability to deliver ballots in a timely manner. Ferguson brought his successful lawsuit blocking interference in the Postal Service on behalf of more than a dozen states, including the battlegrounds of Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin.

“Washingtonians have a stake in the integrity of elections in all 50 states,” Ferguson said. “My legal team is prepared to defend democracy and the longstanding American tradition of a peaceful transition of power.”

President Trump

On Oct. 9, Oct. 12, and Oct. 13, President Trump tweeted about a “rigged election.” These are the latest of dozens of instances in which the president has suggested the November election will be “rigged.” Many Washingtonians have written the Washington State Attorney General’s Office to express fears that the president’s language is an attempt to undermine confidence in the election results and set up a constitutional challenge.

President Trump and Vice President Pence both failed to commit to a peaceful transfer of power when asked direct questions by the moderators of the presidential and vice-presidential debates.

Participating in election-related cases around the country

Ferguson joined several amicus — friend-of-the-court — briefs supporting a fair and secure election in legal challenges around the country, including:

Texas League of United Latin American Citizens v. Hughes — Supporting mail-in voting and challenging recent changes to ballot drop box policies in Texas

Parham v. Watson — Supporting a preliminary injunction to stop restrictions on mail-in voting in Mississippi

Middleton v. Andino — Supporting a preliminary injunction to stop restrictions on mail-in voting in South Carolina

Jones v. DeSantis — Supporting the restoration of voting rights in Florida

Legal challenges to protect the integrity of the election

Ferguson led a coalition of 14 states that filed a lawsuit over the changes to the Postal Service on Aug. 18. The coalition includes battleground states, including Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin. The Postal Service changes, including eliminating or reducing staff overtime, halting outgoing mail processing at distribution centers and removing critical mail sorting equipment, threaten the timely delivery of mail to millions of Americans who rely on the Postal Service for everything from medical prescriptions to ballots.

On Sept. 17, a federal judge in Yakima, Wash., granted Ferguson’s request for a nationwide injunction forcing the U.S. Postal Service to immediately halt its drastic operational changes.

State leaders warn U.S. Senators of pending ACA lawsuit amid Supreme Court nomination.

Press release issued 10/15/20

https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/state-leaders-warn-us-senators-pending-aca-lawsuit-amid-supreme-court-nomination

As the U.S. Senate rushes through the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, the lawsuit deciding the fate of Affordable Care Act (California v. Texas) will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in less than a month — putting the future of the popular law and the health care of millions in serious peril.

If the court overturns the Affordable Care Act, the impacts to Washington state would be widespread and devastating. Despite the state’s efforts to enact many of the ACA protections into Washington state law, overturning the ACA would be financially catastrophic to the state and its residents. It would be especially damaging as Washingtonians continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter to Washington's U.S. Senators, Gov. Jay Inslee, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler and Washington Health Benefit Exchange CEO Pam MacEwan detailed what's at risk in the highly anticipated court case.

They laid out that if the Affordable Care Act is overturned, Washington state will lose $4.2 billion annually in federal funds and more than 750,000 could lose coverage.

$3.6 billion cut in annual federal funding to pay for Medicaid expansion coverage as 625,000 newly eligible enrollees would lose health coverage.

$620 million cut in federal premium subsidies as 140,000 people lose the financial assistance that helps them afford health insurance.

"That a decision could be made in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and our nation’s ongoing efforts to recover only intensifies the harm. More than 90,000 Washingtonians will have a new pre-existing condition this year after having been diagnosed with COVID-19,” the leaders wrote. “This would have massive implications for people who rely on the law's reforms, such as women and older adults. A court decision that makes coverage unaffordable for many would effectively undermine these consumer protections and erode the safety net we have fought to preserve."

State leaders acknowledge that these are federal decision and urged members of Congress, particularly U.S. Senators, to continue fighting to protect the health and well-being of Washingtonians.”

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:

Condemning Attacks in Mali on Peacekeepers, Civilians, Mission Camp, Secretary-General Urges Authorities to Bring Perpetrators to Justice---UN PRESS RELEASE

Alarmed by Crumbling Disarmament Agreements, First Committee Delegates Raise Urgent Concerns about Maintaining Security, from Online to Outer Space--UN PRESS RELEASE

Welcoming Mass Prisoner Swap in Yemen as ‘Airlift of Hope’, Speakers Urge Government, Houthi Rebels to Negotiate Durable Peace, during Security Council Briefing

Welcoming today’s large‑scale prisoner release in Yemen as “an airlift of hope” for ending the suffering caused by the long conflict in the country, speakers in the Security Council today called on the Government and Houthi rebels to build on that hope to stop the fighting and negotiate a lasting solution to the conflict.--UN PRESS RELEASE

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Yemen---US MISSION TO THE UN.

Explanation of Vote on the Adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution on the Mandate Renewal of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti--UN MISSION TO THE UN.

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Erick Erickson of The Erick Erickson Show on WSB Atlanta--US STATE DEPT.

Bolivia elections, an opportunity to defuse extreme polarization: UN rights chief.

The UN’s top human rights official has called on everyone active in Bolivian politics, to ensure calm on the streets, and refrain from any action that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the general elections, taking place on Sunday.

NATIONAL NEWS:

First Lady Melania Trump: “My personal experience with COVID-19.”---WH

It was two weeks ago when I received the diagnosis that so many Americans across our country and the world had already received—I tested positive for COVID-19. To make matters worse, my husband, and our nation’s Commander-in-Chief, received the same news.

Agency Plays Key Role in Procuring, Distributing Limited Pandemic Supplies--DOD

Justice Department And Indian Authorities Announce Enforcement Actions Against Technical-Support Fraud Scheme Targeting Seniors---DOJ

When the Extraordinary Becomes the Ordinary, the Ordinary Become Extraordinary--USDA

HUD SECRETARY BEN CARSON DESIGNATES THE BEDFORD HOPE CENTER AS NEW ENVISION CENTER

PITTSBURGH, PA - U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson announced the latest HUD EnVision Center designation, located at the Bedford Hope Center in Pittsburgh, PA.---HUD

DHS, ICE Announce Arrests Of More Than 170 At-Large Aliens In Sanctuary Jurisdictions--DHS

FDA Reissues Emergency Use Authorization for Certain Non-NIOSH-Approved Filtering Face-Piece Respirators Manufactured in China--FDA

BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS:

North Carolina Return Preparer Pleads Guilty in Tax Fraud Scheme

A Rocky Mount, North Carolina, tax return preparer pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina.--DOJ

United States Unseals Superseding Indictment Charging Nationwide Money Laundering Network

The Justice Department today announced the unsealing of a superseding indictment charging six individuals with participating in a conspiracy to launder millions of dollars of drug proceeds on behalf of foreign cartels. This superseding indictment is the result of a nearly four-year investigation into the relationship between foreign drug trafficking organizations and Asian money laundering networks in the United States, China, and elsewhere.

Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the IRS and to Steal Crash Reports from the Detroit Police Department

A Birmingham, Michigan, resident pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the IRS and to steal from an organization receiving federal funds, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.

Modernizing and Strengthening CRA Regulations: A Conversation with Minority Depository Institutions--THE FED

Secretary Ross Highlights Commerce Actions Supporting Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technologies--US COMMERCE DEPT

How IPOs Would Help A Broad Economic Recovery--US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FTC Halts Scheme that Falsely Claimed to Offer Unlimited Inmate Calling Plans

STATE HEADLINE NEWS

WDFW seeks new advisory committee members to guide investments in Puget Sound recreational fishing.

Statewide COVID-19 vaccine distribution progress update

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) continues to make progress with our COVID-19 vaccine distribution planning efforts. We are working with the federal government and local partners within Washington to plan for the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available.--DOH

New Puget Sound Energy electric rates effective today Customers see slight rate increase--UTC

Man with burning piece of wood torches police car with officer inside, Seattle cops say--THE OLYMPIAN

What you need to know for your election ballot due on Nov. 3

Use this guide to explore key races and learn more about what's on the ballot for the Nov. 3 general election in King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap counties.---Seattle Times

Washington Supreme Court reverses its 1960 ruling that allowed Seattle cemetery to discriminate against a Black family--Seattle Times

Seattle, Bellevue see significant rent decreases amid pandemic--Seattle PI

IN OTHER HEADLINES:

Trump Administration Denies California Request for Wildfire Disaster Aid---PJ MEDIA

Hunter Biden's Trouble Grows, House GOP Questions FBI

More emails reveal lucrative deals with a Chinese firm for "investment" in the Biden family.--Patriot Post

If the Democrats Win Everything--National Review

Social Media vs. the American Right--National Review

Shy Trump Voters, Pollsters, and the Appeal to Ignorance--American Spectator

Kudlow: 'Almost Impossible' to Execute 'Grand' Stimulus Deal Before Election--News Max

FCC Chairman: First Amendment Doesn’t Give Big Tech ‘Special Immunity’ Over The Free Press--The Federalist

LOCAL MEETINGS & AGENDAS

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:

County Commission work session for 10/19/20

https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1233

Clallam County Commission meeting for 10/20/20

https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7235

Clallam County Board of Health meeting for 10/20/20

https://clallam.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=clallam_e277d8d50c56334fd32d06add7576f02.pdf&view=1

UPDATED BUDGET MEETING NOTICE

CLALLAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

https://clallam.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=clallam_f27e6dbdcc1756b2f29631431a5bbf9f.pdf&view=1

City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 10/20/20

https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/8848/10202020-Final-Packet-Amended

PASD Board Meeting

When: Thu, October 22, 7pm – 9pm

Where: 905 W 9th St, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA, Lincoln Center.

JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:

Jefferson County Commission meeting for 10/ 19/20

https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=8dcb2854-dd65-4bec-99e8-e577b785b085&prefilter=845,5958

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA for 10/ 19/ 20

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1663

October 22 Meeting of the ICC

Meeting of the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee (ICC) that includes 2 representatives from each the 4 public entities: Jefferson County Commissioners, Port Townsend City Council, Public Utility District #1, and Port of Port Townsend.

https://portofpt.com/event/october-22-meeting-of-the-icc/

🙏He became the ultimate sacrifice

Weekly Scripture verse: Psalm 19:14 (New King James Version)

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

Weekly Bible Study: Troubled Over Immorality

by Connie Adams

http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/TroubledOverImmorality.html

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)