https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=35083
PIERCE COUNTY THIRD AFFECTED IN STATE
OLYMPIA – With cases of avian influenza piling up in Washington, state veterinarians are asking bird owners to double down on biosecurity measures.
The two most recent cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 were discovered in non-commercial backyard flocks in Pierce County and confirmed yesterday, May 10, after the flock owners contacted the Washington State Department of Agriculture's (WSDA) sick bird hotline to report an unusual number of sudden deaths in their flocks.
Between the two affected flocks, there are a mixture of turkeys, chickens, peacocks, ducks, and waterfowl. The state veterinarian quarantined the premises and the birds that have not already succumbed to the virus will be euthanized.
Washington wildlife officials confirmed two cases of HPAI in wild birds- a bald eagle at Loon Lake in Stevens County and a Canada goose in Whatcom County. In addition to the confirmed cases, there are eight more wild bird cases being investigated across the state.
“With so many suspicious cases in wild birds pending investigation, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to avoid exposing your flock to wild waterfowl and shorebirds,” Dr. Amber Itle, state veterinarian, said. “Call us if you suspect your own birds are sick and report sick wild birds to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.”
Itle says one step flock owners should continue to take is preventing contact between their birds and wild birds by eliminating access to ponds or standing water on your property and keeping different domestic species like ducks and geese penned separately from chickens and turkeys. Flock owners should also limit access to their farms, not lend or share farm tools or equipment, and not share or sell eggs from backyard flocks. While eating cooked eggs does not pose a health risk, transferring eggs off-farm could also transfer the virus.
There is no immediate public health concern due to the avian influenza virus detected. always, the meat from both wild game birds and domestic poultry should be properly cooked.
Unusual deaths or illness among domestic birds should be reported to the WSDA Avian Health Program at 1-800-606-3056. Report dead or sick wild birds using the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife’s online reporting tool.
Since May 5 when the first case of avian influenza was announced in Washington, WSDA has received nearly two dozen calls on its sick bird hotline. Now confirmed in three counties, several other suspect cases are being investigated now.
“Avian influenza is here,” Itle said. “Whether it has been confirmed in your county yet or not, you should be taking steps to protect your birds and prevent the spread of this virus which could wipe out your flock.”
Avian influenza can be transmitted from wild birds to domestic birds through direct contact, fecal contamination, transmission through the air, environmental contamination, and shared water sources. The virus can also be spread from farm to farm. Both wild and domestic waterfowl can be infected with the virus and not show signs of disease.
Reducing or eliminating contact between wild birds and domestic flocks and practicing good biosecurity is the best way to protect domestic birds from this disease. Bird owners can bring their flocks inside and undercover to protect them from wild waterfowl.
IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:
AG Ferguson shuts down Global Grid’s illegal robocalls, deceptive marketing.
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that, as a result of his lawsuit against the company, Global Grid, a Corvallis, Ore.-based company, and its owner must shut down its illegal robocalling operation. The company must also stop all deceptive marketing practices, including misrepresentations about a product it falsely promised could block robocalls. Global Grid must pay more than $8,000 to the Attorney General’s Office, which Ferguson will deliver to approximately 200 Washingtonians harmed by the company’s hidden start-up fee.
Attorney General’s Office completes project to collect lawfully owed DNA from registered sex offenders.
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that his office completed its project to collect DNA samples from registered sex offenders in Washington who are legally required to provide their DNA but from whom a sample has never been collected or submitted to a lab for testing. This phase of the project resulted in 372 new DNA profiles entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a nationwide database.
Environmental restoration grants reach across state
Ecology to fund nearly $640,000 in water quality improvement projects.
Fifteen locally-sponsored projects across Washington that restore or protect the natural environment will each receive up to $50,000 in state grant funding to benefit state residents.
https://ecology.wa.gov/Blog/Posts/May-2022/Environmental-restoration-grants-reach-across-stat
Environmental penalties issued for the first quarter of 2022.
OLYMPIA –
The Washington Department of Ecology issued $683,378 in penalties of $1,000 or more from January through March 2022. A detailed list of the violations and resulting penalties appears in the table below.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Who-we-are/News/2022/First-Quarter-Penalties-2022
Statement from Gov. Jay Inslee in response to federal report regarding Native boarding schools.
The U.S. Department of the Interior released a national investigative report today that identified more than 400 federally-run schools for Native American children, including 15 in Washington state. The report is the first step for the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative launched by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland last June following stunning revelations of hundreds of unmarked graves at Indian residential schools in Canada.
Wenas Wildlife Area summer target shooting rules go into effect.
YAKIMA — Annual summer target shooting rules go into effect on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)-managed Wenas Wildlife Area next week to reduce the risk of wildfires.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/wenas-wildlife-area-summer-target-shooting-rules-go-effect-0
Childhood immunization rates decline during the pandemic.
Now is the time to schedule a well-child visit to get your child up to date on vaccinations--DOH
https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/childhood-immunization-rates-decline-during-pandemic
Yakima Neighbors Work Together to Protect Homes, Properties from Wildfires.
Community teams with the Department of Natural Resources to launch Wildfire Ready Neighbors program in high-risk areas.
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/yakima-neighbors-work-together-protect-homes-properties-wildfires
FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC:
At Hearing with HUD Secretary, Senator Murray Highlights Urgent Need to Address Homelessness and Fund Affordable Housing.
Senator Murray Joins Bipartisan Effort to Improve Safety for Legal Cannabis Businesses
Bipartisan Group of Senators Calls to Include the SAFE Banking Act in Compromise House-Senate Competitiveness Bill.
King County parks agencies awarded $6.27 million from fund championed by Sen. Cantwell
Grants will help build or revitalize three recreation sites in urban areas.
Cantwell: “Republicans Want A Ban On Abortion”
Senate vote to protect reproductive freedom fails 49-51.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-republicans-want-a-ban-on-abortion
Kilmer Announces New $7 Million Investment by U.S. Department of Commerce to Make Critical Improvements to Maritime Infrastructure in Port Townsend
WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:
From the UN NEWS CENTER & USUN
Mariupol evacuations ‘a glimmer of hope’ in Ukraine war.
The United Nations continues to explore all options to reach civilians affected by Russia’s brutal assault on Ukraine, deputy humanitarian affairs chief Joyce Msuya said in an update to the Security Council on Thursday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/05/1118062
World ‘at a crossroads’ as droughts increase nearly a third in a generation.
Humanity is “at a crossroads” when it comes to managing drought and accelerating ways of slowing it down must happen “urgently, using every tool we can”, said the head of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) on Thursday, calling for a global commitment to support drought preparedness and resilience.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/05/1118142
WHO ready to support DPR Korea battle COVID-19 infections.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that it is committed to helping the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), respond to COVID-19, after its first declared infection was reported in the media there.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/05/1118092
Secretary-General Appoints Ingeborg Ulrika Ulfsdotter Richardson of Sweden Deputy Special Representative, United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Ingeborg Ulrika Ulfsdotter Richardson of Sweden as his new Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and Resident Coordinator in Haiti. Ms. Richardson will also serve as Humanitarian Coordinator.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2022/sga2119.doc.htm
Eleven Non-Self-Governing Territories Enjoy ‘Historic’ Representation, as 2022 Pacific Regional Seminar on Decolonization Opens
Secretary-General Urges Tangible Support for Their Transition into Green Economies, as Chair Reports Rise over Previous Attendance.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2022/gacol3355.doc.htm
War in Ukraine Presenting ‘Child Protection, Child Rights Crisis’, Senior United Nations Official Tells Security Council
With the devastating toll of war on Ukraine’s children becoming clearer each day, humanitarian efforts — punctuated by several “monumental” recent evacuations of trapped civilians — must continue to scale up, officials told the Security Council today, as the representatives of Kyiv and Moscow traded accusations of attacks on schools and educational indoctrination.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2022/sc14889.doc.htm
Remarks in a Meeting of the Fifth Committee’s Second Resumed Session on Improving the Financial Situation of the United Nations.
Closing Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the White House Global COVID-19 Summit.
NATIONAL & BUSINESS HEADLINES:
Jordan's King Meets With U.S. Security Leaders.
Even with all that is happening in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East remains a source of concern for the United States and its partners in the region.---DOD
Justice Department and EEOC Warn Against Disability Discrimination
Employers’ Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools Can Violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.--DOJ
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-and-eeoc-warn-against-disability-discrimination
United States Signs Protocol to Strengthen International Law Enforcement Cooperation to Combat Cybercrime.--DOJ
Education Department Announces 161 Students to be Honored as 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars.--DEPT. of EDUCATION
HUD EXPANDS EVICTION PROTECTION AND DIVERSION PROGRAM WITH ADDITIONAL $20 MILLION
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Monday announced $20 million in new grants for its Eviction Protection Grant Program, doubling the amount originally allocated for the launch of the Program in November 2021.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_22_091
HUD Announces Over $1.4 Million in Housing Assistance for Foster Youth During National Foster Care Month
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced over $1.4 million in housing assistance through the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative for youth transitioning out of foster care who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. May marks National Foster Care Month, a time to renew the commitment to ensuring all young people who are or have been in foster care have the support and resources they need to thrive.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_22_092
Firearm Deaths Grow, Disparities Widen
New analysis shows firearm homicide rates grew nearly 35% from 2019 to 2020, with disparities by race/ethnicity and poverty level widening, and firearm suicide rates remaining high.--CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0510-vs-firearm-deathrates.html
BUSINESS:
Man Sentenced for Stealing from PayPal Accounts in Wire Fraud Scheme
A Texas man was sentenced today to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his conduct in connection with a scheme to buy 38,000 compromised PayPal account credentials from an illegal online marketplace, and then use those credentials to steal money from the rightful PayPal account owners. In addition to the term of imprisonment, the defendant was ordered to pay $1.4 million in restitution.--DOJ
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/man-sentenced-stealing-paypal-accounts-wire-fraud-scheme
Statement for the United States by Andy Baukol Performing the Duties of Under Secretary for International Affairs U.S. Department of the Treasury.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0777
Agencies release revised interagency questions and answers regarding flood insurance--THE FED
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20220511a.htm
A Closer Look: Expanding Access in Puerto Rico--IRS
The IRS wants to serve in every community, and we’re committed to providing the assistance and opportunities to meet the needs of those we serve. Today we are taking a closer look at how we are working to serve residents of Puerto Rico.
https://www.irs.gov/about-irs/a-closer-look-expanding-access-in-puerto-rico
Statement from Secretaries Fudge, McDonough, Vilsack and Yellen on Continued Efforts to Connect Homeowners to Pandemic Relief.---USDA
US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES $3.4M FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TO ATTRACT, RETAIN WOMEN IN REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS, NONTRADITIONAL OCCUPATIONS--Dept. of Labor
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/wb/wb20220511
Want to work from home? Spot the scams first--FTC
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/05/want-work-home-spot-scams-first
FTC Announces Tentative Agenda for May 19 Open Commission Meeting.
HEADLINES FROM OTHER SOURCES:
Court Agrees To Let Spygate Cabal Hide Some Of Their Emails From The Grand Jury.--The Federalist
Baby Formula for Illegal Immigrants, But Shortages for American Citizens?--CNSNEWS
Doctor Reveals How Woke Health Care Providers Affect You--DAILY SIGNAL
LOCAL MEETINGS:
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:
Clallam County Commission work session for 5/16/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1315
Clallam County Board meeting for 5/17/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7317
Clallam County Board of Health meeting for 5/17/22
Clallam County Housing Authority for 5/18/22
City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 5/17/22
https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/11529/CC-Agenda-Packet-05172022
Clallam County PUD meeting for 5/19/22
https://clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/5-19-22-BOC-PreAgenda-FINAL.pdf
OMC Board meeting for 5/16/22
https://www.olympicmedical.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AGENDA-Special-Meeting-May-16-2022.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson Commission Meeting for 5/16/22
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/bb43a613-0e30-4ee3-84b0-27d4e1596626
Port Townsend City Council meeting for 5/16/22
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1701
Port of Port Townsend Commissioners’ Retreat
AGENDA for 5/18-5/19/22
https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-05-1819-PoPT-Retreat-Agenda.pdf
