THE PORT ANGELES GLOBE: 05/07/22

Saturday, May 7, 2022

Inslee announces upcoming rescission of two proclamations related to in-person drivers licenses and public meetings.

https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-announces-upcoming-rescission-two-proclamations-related-person-drivers-licenses

Today, Gov. Jay Inslee announced the upcoming rescission of Proclamations 20-15 and 20-28. Proclamation 20-15 suspended and waived certain statutes related to in-person drivers licensing eye examinations and in-person drivers licenses/identicards renewals. The Department of Licensing is now or will soon be able to provide a full range of services at its 56 offices statewide.

Proclamation 20-28 suspended and waived certain provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act that require or allow in-person attendance or transactions. Key provisions in Proclamation 20-28 ensured public access to public meetings by requiring that remote access be provided to the public. With the passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1329 last session, public agency governing bodies are now authorized to hold public meetings remotely in certain circumstances after a local, state or federal state of emergency has been declared.

Although our state remains in a state of emergency and most COVID-19-related barriers that required issuance of these orders have largely receded, impacted agencies and governing bodies may need notice and time to adjust to pre-COVID-19 procedures.

As a result, these orders of rescission are effective at 12:01 AM on June 1, 2022.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:

TRAPPING GETS UNDERWAY FOR INVASIVE PESTS.

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is beginning its annual hunt for pests that threaten the state’s environment and agricultural industry. Trappers will set thousands of traps statewide to monitor for the introduction or spread of over 130 invasive pests and diseases, including spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth), Asian giant hornet, apple maggot and Japanese beetle.

https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=35071

AG Ferguson: Opioid distributors to pay $518 million to Washington.

Ferguson’s decision to reject national settlement and take distributors to trial results in approximately $46 million in additional resources to address the opioid epidemic.

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-opioid-distributors-pay-518-million-washington

AG Ferguson wins $3.75 million for Washingtonians who paid to use TurboTax when they were eligible to e-file for free.

More than 121,000 Washingtonians impacted by Intuit’s conduct will receive restitution payments.

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-wins-375-million-washingtonians-who-paid-use-turbotax-when-they-were

Memorial Service for Washington Supreme Court Justices Set for May 11

May 06, 2022

The public is warmly invited to a virtual memorial service hosted by the Washington Supreme Court in honor of three retired justices who passed away between December 2019 and December 2021. The service honoring Justices Walter T. McGovern, Roselle Pekelis and Mary E. Fairhurst will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11.

https://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/?fa=newsinfo.internetdetail&newsid=49670

State provides new guidance for commercial marine fish net pens--DOE

https://ecology.wa.gov/Blog/Posts/May-2022/State-provides-new-guidance-for-commercial-marine

Columbia Gorge smelter cleanup, redevelopment considered.

For many years, the former Columbia Gorge Aluminum smelter was a pillar of the local economy in Klickitat County, providing hundreds of family-wage jobs. It was common to have multiple generations of the same family working side-by-side at the smelter.

https://ecology.wa.gov/Blog/Posts/May-2022/Columbia-Gorge-Aluminum-site

State, federal, and Canadian partners remind boaters to abide by Be Whale Wise regulations.

OLYMPIA – To kick off boating season, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), NOAA Fisheries, Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and other partners are calling on recreational boaters to follow Be Whale Wise regulations to protect Southern Resident killer whales.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/state-federal-and-canadian-partners-remind-boaters-abide-be-whale-wise-regulations

Nursing Commission suspends Okanogan County nurse’s license after murder charge.--DOH

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/nursing-commission-suspends-okanogan-county-nurses-license-after-murder-charge

FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC:

Commerce Committee Report Underscores Need for Congress to Restore FTC Authority to Return Billions to Consumers Ripped off by Scams, Fraud, Deception

2021 SCOTUS decision gutted FTC “13(b)” authority which returned $11.2B to victims during prior 5 years.

Cantwell Warns of “Political Earthquake” and “Brain Drain” from Federal Agencies in States that Ban Abortion

Cantwell: “Do you think people are going to want to go and work in NASA in Florida or Texas if that state precludes a woman's right to choose?”

House Speaker Pelosi visits Chambers Creek project funded by Infrastructure and Jobs Act

Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, joined U.S. House Rep. Marilyn Strickland at Chambers Creek watershed in Pierce County on Wednesday to discuss the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. “This remarkable backdrop reminds us of America’s collective obligation to care for nature’s life-giving wonders,” Pelosi said. “The health and livelihood of working families depend on good stewardship.” Other local leaders also spoke, including Bill Sterud, Chairman of the Puyallup Tribe; Willie Frank III, Chairman of the Nisqually Tribal Council; Don Anderson, Lakewood City Council member; and U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer.

At Senate Hearing, Senator Murray Presses VA Secretary on Patient Care, Caregivers Program, and Reiterates Call to Stop EHR Rollout in Washington state.

Senator Murray Hosts a Virtual Roundtable with AARP Washington, Outlines Efforts to Lower Prescription Drug Costs.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:

From the UN News Center & USUN

Security Council ‘speaks with one voice for peace in Ukraine’

The UN chief welcomed on Friday afternoon, the unity of the Security Council in support of peace in Ukraine, while also assuring that he would continue to “spare no effort” in saving lives, reducing suffering and finding the path of peace.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/05/1117742

WFP appeals for re-opening of Ukraine ports to avert looming famine threat.

Ports in the Odesa area of southern Ukraine must be re-opened urgently to prevent the global hunger crisis from spinning out of control, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/05/1117722

UNICEF highlights devastating mental health dangers for Ukraine’s children.

Ten weeks into the war in Ukraine, UN humanitarians on Friday said that they were urgently ramping up efforts to provide vulnerable children with specialist and psychosocial support, amid “tremendous” mental health needs and ongoing dangers linked to the Russian invasion and sexual and gender-based violence.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/05/1117662

Peru: Lethal force by police officers must be barred from peaceful demonstrations.

Peru has failed to protect the rights of two fleeing demonstrators who were shot dead when police opened fire on a non-violent march in February 2008, the UN Human Rights Committee said in a decision published on Friday.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/05/1117732

Collective bargaining in the workplace, essential for global recovery: ILO.

In the fast-changing world of work, the UN International Labour Organization (ILO) highlighted on Thursday just how important dialogue between workers and management is to the global post-pandemic recovery – and to keeping people’s wages fair.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/05/1117562

Statement by the President of the UN Security Council on Ukraine, May 6, 2022.--USUN

https://usun.usmission.gov/statement-by-the-president-of-the-un-security-council-on-ukraine-may-6-2022/

Security Council Presidential Statement Expresses Strong Support for Efforts by Secretary-General in Seeking Peaceful Solution to Ukraine Conflict.

https://www.un.org/press/en/2022/sc14884.doc.htm

Third Humanitarian Convoy Under Way to Evacuate Civilians from Besieged Ukraine City, Secretary-General Tells Security Council

Members Hear Briefings on Humanitarian, Human Rights, Civil Society Situations.

https://www.un.org/press/en/2022/sc14882.doc.htm

NATIONAL & BUSINESS HEADLINES:

Statement by President Joe Biden on Additional Security Assistance to Ukraine--WH

$150 Million in Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine--US STATE DEPT.

https://www.state.gov/150-million-in-additional-u-s-military-assistance-for-ukraine/

Arctic Partnerships Vital to Regional, National Security, Commanders Say.

Alaska plays a central role in the U.S. integrated deterrence strategy regarding the defense of North America, Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck said. --DOD

U.S. Department of Education Announces Intent to Strengthen and Protect Rights for Students with Disabilities by Amending Regulations Implementing Section 504.

CDC Recommendation for Masks and Travel.

At this time, CDC recommends that everyone aged 2 and older – including passengers and workers – properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator over the nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation (such as airplanes, trains, etc.) and transportation hubs (such as airports, stations, etc.). --CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0503-covid-19-travel.html

FACT SHEET: Justice Department Efforts to Address the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons--DOJ

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/fact-sheet-justice-department-efforts-address-crisis-missing-or-murdered-indigenous-persons

ON ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF INNOVATIVE “FAIRCLOTH-TO-RAD" INITIATIVE, HUD ON TRACK TO CREATE NEARLY 1,850 NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS

Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) unlocks the creation of deeply affordable housing in support of Administration objectives to increase rental housing supply for some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations.--HUD

https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_22_085

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Limits Use of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine to Certain Individuals--FDA

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-limits-use-janssen-covid-19-vaccine-certain-individuals

BUSINESS HEADLINES:

CEO of Mining Capital Coin Indicted in $62 Million Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme

An indictment was unsealed yesterday charging the CEO of Mining Capital Coin (MCC), a purported cryptocurrency mining and investment platform, for allegedly orchestrating a $62 million global investment fraud scheme.--DOJ

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ceo-mining-capital-coin-indicted-62-million-cryptocurrency-fraud-scheme

Oil Tanker Owner and Operator Sentenced for Obstructing Justice and Concealing Deliberate Pollution

Liquimar Tankers Management Services Inc. and Evridiki Navigation Inc. were sentenced after being convicted at trial on all charges, including violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, falsifying ships’ documents, obstructing a U.S. Coast Guard inspection and making false statements to U.S. Coast Guard inspectors. --DOJ

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/oil-tanker-owner-and-operator-sentenced-obstructing-justice-and-concealing-deliberate

U.S. Treasury Issues First-Ever Sanctions on a Virtual Currency Mixer, Targets DPRK Cyber Threats.--US TREASURY DEPT.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0768

Agencies issue joint proposal to strengthen and modernize Community Reinvestment Act Regulations.--THE FED

https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20220505a.htm

For National Small Business Week, special tax credit can help employers hire workers; key certification requirement applies.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/for-national-small-business-week-special-tax-credit-can-help-employers-hire-workers-key-certification-requirement-applies

IRS provides guidance for residents of Puerto Rico to claim the Child Tax Credit.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-guidance-for-residents-of-puerto-rico-to-claim-the-child-tax-credit

Statements by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health--USDA

https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2022/05/04/statements-secretary-agriculture-tom-vilsack-and-hhs-secretary

US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LINKEDIN CORP. ENTER AGREEMENT TO RESOLVE ALLEGED PAY DISCRIMINATION ON BEHALF OF 686 FEMALE WORKERS IN CALIFORNIA.

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ofccp/ofccp20220503

NEWS HEADLINES FROM OTHER SOURCES:

Thank God I Was Adopted, Not Aborted--NEWS MAX

Democratic outrage over Roe v. Wade has little to do with women’s rights--WT

Federal judge dismisses Trump's Twitter ban lawsuit

The former president was permanently suspended from the platform in the days after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.--WE

LOCAL MEETINGS:

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:

Clallam County Commission work session for 5/9/22

https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1314