On Tuesday, October 17th, the Port Angeles City Council meeting was the target of hate speech by virtual participants using fake names. The City of Port Angeles has a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and does not tolerate hate or discrimination.
Our City embraces freedom of speech and respects diverse opinions. However, we draw a clear line when it comes to hate speech and discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Such behavior is not and will never be tolerated in Port Angeles.
At the core of our values is respect, safety, and the celebration of diversity. Port Angeles thrives on its diverse cultures, backgrounds and perspectives, which define us and enrich our collective experience. This diversity is a source of strength and pride.
We apologize to any member of our community who felt uncomfortable, upset or threatened by the incident on Tuesday. We assure you that our City stands firm in our commitment to safety for all.
Keeping our community safe takes all of us working together. We invite all residents to join us in taking a strong stand against hate and discrimination, and to embrace inclusivity, understanding, and respect for one another. Together, we can foster a community that is safe, inclusive and welcoming to all.
link source: https://www.cityofpa.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1510
CITY COUNCIL MEETING INTERRUPTED MULTIPLE TIMES BY HATE SPEECH-KONP related story
“I don’t remember exactly the order of things, but we had, at one point, someone was unmuted or was able to be unmuted during one of the public hearings, and shouted out some really inappropriate words. And then, fast forward to public comment. I think one made it through with just really disturbing discussions. And then, another one ended with some, some hate speech, which is out of order, and therefore, is immediately muted.”
STATE HEADLINE NEWS:
AG Ferguson announces more than $2 million in recoveries for student-borrowers.
Nearly three dozen entities must pay restitution to more than 2,600 Washingtonians with an average payment of nearly $800 per consumer
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that his office has recovered more than $2 million from nearly three dozen debt adjusters who preyed on student borrowers. These entities engaged in unfair and deceptive practices, including unlawfully charging tens of thousands of dollars in excessive fees to thousands of Washingtonians./ WAAG
Homeless Diversion Program Grant Competitive Application.
The Department of Commerce seeks applications from organizations interested in providing diversion services to people at risk of homelessness or recently homeless in their communities. Services must be prioritized to communities with a demonstrated disproportionate representation in homelessness and housing instability. Services must be low-barrier, trauma-informed and culturally responsive. Funding will not exceed $1.275 million, and Commerce expects to fund between 8-10 contracts. Responses are due November 27./ WA COMMERCE DEPT
Local partners using $3 million to safeguard critical shoreline areas.
Washington’s approximately 28,000 miles of river, lake, and marine shorelines are getting a protective boost. We are awarding $3 million in competitive grants to 21 cities and counties across the state to help them safeguard their local shorelines./DOE
Department of Health unveils Strong Start, a new statewide data system that supports child development.4
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is pleased to announce the launch of the state’s new universal developmental screening system, Strong Start. It’s a free online tool where parents, caregivers, and providers can securely store, share, and track children’s developmental screening information from birth through age 5./DOH
DFI Enters Multi-State Settlement with ACI Payments, Inc. for Unauthorized Transactions.
ACI Payments agrees to pay combined fines of $20 million to state regulators and state attorneys general and to maintain a comprehensive risk management program
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) joined regulators from 43 other states and entered a legal settlement with ACI Payments, Inc. (ACI) imposing $10 million in fines and affirmative action requirements for initiating unauthorized electronic transactions. Additionally, 50 state attorneys general, including Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, levied $10 million in fines against ACI, in coordination with state regulators for a total combined fine of $20 million./DFI
2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
Senator Murray, Colleagues Call for U.S. to Provide Humanitarian Aid to Address Urgent Humanitarian Needs in Gaza
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism and 32 of their Senate colleagues in urging the Biden administration to lead the international community in contributing to the United Nations’ emergency appeal of $294 million to address the immediate humanitarian needs in the West Bank and Gaza./ PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10/18/23
KILMER, BIPARTISAN GROUP REINTRODUCE BILL TO HELP SHIPYARD WORKERS, OTHER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES RETIRE ON TIME
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Don Bacon (NE-02), and David Valadao (CA-22) reintroduced the Federal Retirement Fairness Act (FRFA), legislation to address a gap for federal employees who began their careers as temporary workers and were thus unable to make retirement contributions. The FRFA will allow these workers to make catch-up contributions to ensure they can retire as planned. In the absence of this provision, many face an unfair choice: exit the federal service without complete retirement benefits or delay retirement to achieve full benefits./PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10/19/23
Cantwell, Murray Announce $68.4 Million to Strengthen WA Grid Against Wildfires and Boost Infrastructure for EVs and Renewables
Awards come from Cantwell-authored program
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Patty Murray (D-WA), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $30 million for the Snohomish County Public Utility District’s Secure Modern Automated and Reliable Technology Project (SnoSMART) and $38.4 million for Avista Utilities in Spokane and the Klickitat County Public Utility District’s “Advanced Solutions to Mitigate Wildfire Risk” project—both of which will help enhance grid flexibility and improve the resilience of the power system against growing threats of wildfires, extreme weather, and climate change./ PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10/19/23
3) WORLD, NATIONAL, & BUSINESS:
WORLD:
Outer Space Becoming Contested Domain for Supremacy with Space-Based Communications, Intelligence Assets, Anti-Satellite Weapons, First Committee Hears
Divergent Views Emerge on Way Forward, with Some Seeking Political Commitments to Avert Danger, Others, Legally Binding Accords
Outer space is becoming a contest for supremacy, drawing on space-based communications and intelligence assets, and the early development of anti-satellite weaponry, the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) heard today as its thematic debate opened on preventing an arms race in that realm./ UN PRESS RELEASE
Secretary-General Appoints Andrea Cook of United Kingdom Executive Director, United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Andrea Cook of the United Kingdom as the first Executive Director of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office. The Secretary-General wishes to extend his appreciation to Matthew Varghese, who served as Acting Executive Director./ UN PRESS RELEASE
Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on the Adoption of a UN Security Council Resolution on Haiti Sanctions/USUN
Special Envoy Fowler’s Remarks at the 2023 World Food Forum in Rome/ US STATE DEPT.
DOD Responds to Attacks, Continues Efforts to Deter Spread of Israel-Hamas War.
DOD assets in the Red Sea, Iraq and Syria responded to missile and drone attacks over the past two days, as U.S. service members look to deter groups from using the Israel-Hamas war as an opportunity to launch conflict that could engulf the region, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said today./ DOD
NATION:
Justice Department Participates in the 22nd Annual International Competition Network Conference in Barcelona, Spain/DOJ
Biden-Harris Administration Awards $14 Million Under First-Ever Fostering Diverse Schools Demonstration Grant Program.
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) has made $14 million in awards to help support local- and state-driven voluntary efforts to foster more diverse school communities through its first-ever Fostering Diverse Schools Demonstration Program. These grants, in alignment with the Department’s Raise the Bar: Lead the World call to action, support districts as they work to enrich educational experiences by providing every student with a well-rounded education and improved school conditions for student learning, inclusive of a broader perspective on the world./ DEPT. of EDUCATION
HUD Announces $40 Million to Hire New and Maintain Existing Service Coordinators for Residents of Public and Indian Housing
Notice of Funding Opportunity available for eligible entities to hire a program coordinator who links residents with training opportunities, job placement organizations, and local employers./HUD
Biden-Harris Administration Advances Long-Term Planning Efforts to Protect the Colorado River System
Process to develop future guidelines and strategies leverages historic investments from President’s Investing in America agenda/ DEPT. of INTERIOR
EPA Proposes Rule to Strengthen TSCA Risk Evaluation Process to Protect Workers and Communities/EPA
BUSINESS:
IRS Launches New Initiatives Using Inflation Reduction Act Funding to Ensure Large Corporations Pay Taxes Owed, Continues to Improve Service and Modernize Technology with Launch of Business Tax Account/ US TREASURY DEPT.
USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program Pays More Than $1.77 Billion to America’s Producers in Support of Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture/USDA
Steel Manufacturer Enters Agreement Solidifying Its Commitment to Spend More Than $100 Million to Reduce Emissions from Its Dearborn, Michigan, Facility/DOJ
Opening Remarks
Vice Chair Philip N. Jefferson
At the 18th Central Bank Conference on the Microstructure of Financial Markets, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington, D.C./THE FED
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES NEW ACTIONS IN WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE REPORT TO PROTECT MIGRANT, US WORKERS AGAINST EMPLOYER EXPLOITATION/DEPT. of LABOR
