THE PORT ANGELES GLOBE: 10/19/20

Related news stories:

TOP STORY FOR TODAY...

AG FERGUSON ANNOUNCES DECISION TO FILE CAMPAIGN FINANCE DISCLOSURE LAWSUIT AGAINST GOOGLE.

Press release issued 20/19/20

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-announces-decision-file-campaign-finance-disclosure-lawsuit-against

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson released the following statement about his decision to file a second campaign finance disclosure lawsuit against Google:

“My office will file a lawsuit against Google for violating Washington campaign finance disclosure laws. I take repeat violations of our campaign finance laws seriously. This is the second time Google has been accused of not complying with campaign finance laws related to making required information about political advertisements available to Washington voters. The first time resulted in Google paying $217,000 to Washington. The Public Disclosure Commission referred this matter to our office on Sept. 3. Normally, we don’t announce lawsuits until they are filed, but we are required by statute to publish a decision on whether to commence an action within 45 days after a referral. In 1972, the people of Washington passed Initiative 276 requiring transparency in our elections. We will continue working to ensure that our elections are transparent.”

Hillside erosion, not snowfall, to close SR 542 to Artist Point earlier than usual on Oct. 12.

https://wsdot.wa.gov/news/2020/10/07/hillside-erosion-not-snowfall-close-sr-542-artist-point-earlier-usual-oct-12

Final 2.7 miles of Mount Baker Highway will close to vehicle traffic for the winter; backcountry use is also discouraged below crumbling wall

GLACIER – No signs of snowfall yet, but beginning Monday, Oct. 12, State Route 542/Mount Baker Highway to Artist Point is closing for the season. This early closure is due to a crumbling wall and the potential safety hazard to travelers and the ski runs below.

Built in the 1930s, the wall is located at milepost 55.6 and sits above the Heather Meadows Visitor Center, Chain Lakes Loop trailhead and Austin Pass Picnic area. Erosion below and behind the wall is creating the risk of collapse. The Washington State Department of Transportation will close SR 542 and the ski area below before snow arrives to reduce the risks of an uncontrolled collapse over the winter, including removing a section of the wall in the short-term to keep it from falling on the road or areas below.

This stretch of highway, known as the Road to Artist Point, is narrow with sharp curves and steep slopes. Each winter, WSDOT closes it to vehicle traffic to keep travelers safe, while at the same time a portion of the road becomes part of Mt. Baker Ski Area’s terrain.

Slopes will also be closed

Due to the risk of falling rock and debris, backcountry adventurers are being asked to avoid the area. Anyone using areas along closed winter highways should also check conditions with Northwest Avalanche Center or Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest before your trip.

Reopening the Road to Artist Point

Typically during the summer months WSDOT crews start clearing the final 2.7 miles of Mount Baker Highway as well as the Artist Point parking lot. More information will be available on the status of the road in spring/summer 2021 when snow begins to melt and the condition of the wall and slopes can be evaluated for longer-term options.

TODAY'S TOP HEADLINE NEWS...

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:

COVID-19 vaccine: UNICEF to stockpile more than half a billion syringes by year’s end.

With countries and pharmaceutical companies around the world gearing up to distribute COVID-19 vaccines following trials, the UN Children’s Fund UNICEF has begun laying the groundwork for the rapid, safe and efficient delivery by buying and pre-positioning syringes and other necessary equipment.

‘Biocups’, electric motorcycle taxis and recycling 500 billion bottles for a sustainable Thailand: a UN Resident Coordinator blog.

The private sector in Thailand has a key role to play in helping the south-east Asian country to reach poverty reduction and sustainable development goals agreed by the international community. In this blog, Gita Sabharwal, the UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand and the Chairperson of the UN Global Compact Network Thailand, Suphachai Chearavanont, explain how, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, progress is being made towards the goals.

Both sides obliged to ‘spare and protect civilians’ over Nagorno-Karabakh fighting declares UN’s Guterres.

The UN Secretary-General on Sunday condemned “all attacks on populated areas” in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh zone of conflict, as Armenia and Azerbaijan reportedly accused each other of violating the latest humanitarian ceasefire agreement.

NATIONAL HEADLINES:

Army Reserve Combat Medic Gets Frontline Experience--DOD

Remarks by Attorney General William P. Barr at the Major Cities Chiefs Association Conference--DOJ

Weekly Update: DHS Response to COVID-19