Press release issued 12.3.20
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D, WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Derek Kilmer (D, WA-06), Denny Heck (D, WA-10), and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Cuffari about the treatment of individuals at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC). The letter comes after a troubling report was released by the University of Washington Center for Human Rights on the misuse of solitary confinement at the NWDC.
“For years, we have raised concerns about reports of inadequate health care, medical neglect, and the inhumane treatment of individuals detained at the NWDC,” wrote the members. “Due to the demonstrated lack of transparency, accountability, and decency documented in the Center for Human Rights report and past reviews conducted by your office, we request an immediate investigation into the recent allegations of violence against detained immigrants and a comprehensive review of the use of solitary confinement at the NWDC.”
“Solitary confinement is not the only pressing issue at the NWDC,” the members continued. “With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading to record levels, including in Pierce County, individuals in immigration detention centers remain extremely vulnerable to outbreaks. Several individuals detained at the NWDC are reportedly on hunger strikes in protest of inadequate policies and a lack of communication regarding the spread and prevention of COVID-19. In addition, our offices have been made aware of serious allegations of violence and abuse against detained immigrants in recent weeks. These recent allegations are even more alarming given the history of retaliation, the significant use of solitary confinement, and a lack of transparency at the NWDC.”
IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:
New report details ocean acidification in greater Puget Sound--DOE
https://ecology.wa.gov/Blog/Posts/December-2020/New-report-details-ocean-acidification-in-greater
Cleanup process moving forward at North Seattle site.
Public can comment on draft agreement for studies and planning; Web meetings set for Dec. 15 and 17--DOE
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2020/Dec-4-Stone-Way-Apartments
Inslee updates proclamation on truck driver hours.
Gov. Jay Inslee announced updates to one proclamation in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. This proclamation updates and extends the state waiver of truck driver hours restrictions through February 28, 2021.
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-updates-proclamation-truck-driver-hours
More than 1 million users enable WA Notify within first four days
The more people who use exposure notification technology, the more effective it is--DOH
-------------------IN OTHER NEWS HEADLINES---------------
WORLD HEADLINE NEWS:
First Person: COVID education is child’s play for Thai UN volunteer.
An innovative initiative to provide child-friendly information about COVID-19 has been launched by a UN volunteer (UNV) in Thailand who recognized that children needed to know more about the dangers of the virus but also have fun learning at home during the lockdown. On International Volunteer Day marked annually on 5 December, UNICEF’s Rasa Pattikasemkul talks about motivation, family loss and keeping children safe.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/12/1079182
Contribution of life in soil ‘remains largely underestimated’, says UN agriculture agency
Even though soil organisms play a crucial role in boosting food production, enhancing nutritious diets, preserving human health, and combating climate change, the real contribution of these tiny life forms remains largely underestimated, the UN agriculture agency (FAO) said on Friday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/12/1079352
Amidst positive steps, challenges in Africa ‘loom large’, UN chief tells Security Council
The United Nations-African Union (AU) partnership has yielded “significant results”, including at the country level, the UN chief told the Security Council on Friday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/12/1079342
Introduction to the U.S. National Statement at a UN General Assembly Special Session on COVID-19.---USUN
NATIONAL NEWS:
WH: Proclamation on Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, 2020.
" Nearly 250 years ago, heroes of our Revolution signed the Declaration of Independence, offering a bold enumeration of inalienable rights endowed to us by our Creator. In time, with independence secured from a tyrannical monarchy, our Nation etched these principles of liberty and equality into the law of our fledgling Nation when we ratified our Constitution. The revolutionary idea they embodied — that certain individual rights are beyond the reach of government — has resonated around the world. Today, and this week, we celebrate our sacred rights and the example they have set for the rest of history."
Officials Describe How Arms Sales Benefit the U.S., Partners--DOD
Justice Department Files Complaint to Stop Distribution of Unapproved, Misbranded, and Adulterated "Poly-MVA" Products
The United States filed a civil complaint to stop a California company from distributing unapproved and misbranded drugs and adulterated animal drugs, the Department of Justice announced today.
Changing the Narrative on Bats and Rabies--USDA
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2020/12/04/changing-narrative-bats-and-rabies
BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS
Hope Arrives for Some Unemployed.
This week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the Senate GOP’s Targeted Relief Package. After months of stalemate, the Republican offer comes just one week before government funding runs out and a month before emergency pandemic unemployment programs end. Secretary Mnuchin has said that President Trump will sign this proposal into law, should it pass both Chambers of Congress.--US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE dated 12.2.20
https://www.uschamber.com/article/hope-arrives-some-unemployed
Federal Reserve Board announces results from second round of bank stress tests will be released Friday, December 18, at 4:30 p.m. EST
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20201204a.htm
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR APPLAUDS THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY’S CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION’S ACTION ON FORCED LABOR IN CHINA.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ilab/ilab20201204
The Plight of the small business owner Under COVID19 regimes
See video
LA Bar Owner FURIOUS at COVID Double-Standard
Bar Owner Forced To Close Her Business in LA Livid After Mayor Garcetti Okays Movie Studio’s Food Tent Next Door.--Via Sean Hannity
https://www.facebook.com/SeanHannity/videos/1027847277715758
Related news story from PJ MEDIA
INFURIATING: Owner of Shut Down LA Outdoor Bar Gets 'Slapped in the Face' By California's COVID Double Standards
CONTINUING COVERGE of THE ELECTION FRAUD CASE:
Did the Conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court Just Doom Trump's Election Lawsuit?--PJ MEDIA
Appeals Court: Trump Election Challenge in Michigan Is Moot--NEWS MAX
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/michigan-election-2020-trump/2020/12/04/id/1000142/
President Trump visits Valdosta, Georgia for first post-election rally--NY POST
https://nypost.com/2020/12/05/trump-visits-valdosta-georgia-for-first-post-election-rally/
Tales of ballot capers convince Trump fans, not judges, of stolen election--Washington Times
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/dec/5/tales-ballot-capers-convince-trump-fans-not-judges/
TODAY'S TOP VIDEO
OANN reports on election fraud in Nevada
https://www.facebook.com/officialteamtrump/videos/997588880724799
LOCAL MEETINGS AND AGENDAS;
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
Work session of the Clallam County Commission for 12.7.20
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1240
Clallan County Board meeting for 12. 8.20
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7242
Port of Port Angeles meeting for 12.8.20
https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12082020-464
PASD Board Meeting
When: Thu, December 10, 7pm – 9pm
Where: 905 W 9th St, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA, Lincoln Center-200-208-CR 208
Description: Regular Meeting
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS
Jefferson County Board meeting for 12.7.20
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 540 WATER STREET December 7, 2020
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1666
Port of Port Townsend Commission Meeting 12.09.2020
https://portofpt.com/event/regular-business-meeting-2020-03-11-2020-05-13-2020-12-09/
