As a result of AG Ferguson’s lawsuit, Teva begins delivery of more than 54,000 free naloxone kits to Washington.

  

Overdose reversal kits are available for free through the statewide mail-order naloxone program

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that the first of more than 54,000 naloxone overdose reversal kits started arriving in Washington this week. The kits will be available for free to Washingtonians as a result of a December 2022 resolution in Ferguson’s lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals for its role in fueling the opioid epidemic.

As part of the $90.7 million resolution, Teva is sending the 54,120 kits to Washington in quarterly shipments over the next two years. Each kit contains two small nasal spray devices that rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. The first shipment of 6,765 kits arrived on Monday.

The Department of Health will distribute the kits through the statewide mail-order naloxone program, which allows individuals to order a free kit with no shipping costs. The program, managed by the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance, helps make naloxone available in rural and remote regions of the state, where access to naloxone is limited, or for individuals who have privacy concerns about to access naloxone in their community. More information about the free mail-order program is available here.

“These kits will save lives,” Ferguson said. “Our lawsuits against opioids manufacturers are providing resources to combat the fentanyl and opioid crisis to every part of the state. These kits will make immediate impacts in that fight.”

Washingtonians do not need formal training to carry or administer naloxone. The health department has online written and video instructions about how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, including how to administer naloxone, here.

Beyond the mail-order program, the health department uses funds recovered from the Attorney General’s opioids litigation to increase and support its broader Overdose Education & Naloxone Distribution Program, including:

Providing assistance and training to approximately 600 community organizations across the state on overdose education and how to distribute naloxone in their communities.

Providing naloxone to groups that work with individuals at highest risk of witnessing or experiencing opioid overdose — like syringe service programs, jail release programs, street outreach programs, first-responders, public libraries, schools and some housing programs.

$1.29 billion and counting

The Washington Attorney General’s Office’s total recoveries directed to funding programs that will combat the opioid and fentanyl epidemic is now more than $1.29 billion, with multiple ongoing and active cases against other drug companies still pending. Ferguson directed approximately half of these resources to local governments in Washington and the other half to the Legislature. Ferguson insisted on terms in the court orders that require all of these resources to be used to combat the fentanyl and opioid crisis in Washington.

Washingtonians can use this chart to see what their local government will receive from the $1.29 billion as a result of the Attorney General’s litigation to combat the opioid epidemic.

Opioid lawsuits resources fund other state agency programs

This year the Legislature appropriated to state agencies more than $52.3 million recovered from previous resolutions with opioid companies to fund programs that will combat the opioid epidemic. The appropriations overall included significant investments to increase access to opioid medication, assist tribal governments, support first responders and educate youth.

This brings the Legislature’s total appropriations from Ferguson’s opioid lawsuits to more than $110 million since 2023.

Highlights from this year’s spending include:

$4,458,000 is provided to the Department of Corrections for health care services, with $2,700,000 specifically for approved long-term injectable medication for treatment of opioid use disorder of incarcerated individuals.

$2,000,000 is provided to the Health Care Authority for a tribal opioid prevention campaign.

$400,000 is provided to increase support for EMS and fire department opioid overdose prevention efforts.

$3,000,000 is provided to establish three additional health engagement hub pilot program sites, and $1,500,000 is provided to establish high-intensity community-based teams serving people with opioid use disorder. 

Other resolutions

Successful outcomes include:

$518 million from distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen.

$183 million from manufacturer Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family bankruptcy.

$149.5 million from Johnson & Johnson.

$120.3 million from Walgreens.

$110.6 million from CVS.

$62.6 million from Walmart.

$50 million from Allergan.

$47.5 million from Kroger.

$13.5 million from McKinsey, a consulting firm that advised Purdue Pharma.

$7.9 million from Publicis Health.

$7.7 million from the Mallinckrodt bankruptcy.

Ferguson has rejected national settlements with five corporations, netting Washington more than $180 million more for resources that will improve treatment options, funds for first responders and provide other proven strategies to address the epidemic.

In 2022, Ferguson reached a resolution, pending bankruptcy court approval, requiring Purdue Pharma to pay $183 million to Washington — $113 million more than the national deal. Also in 2022, Ferguson’s case against the three largest opioid distributors —  McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc. and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corp. — led to a $518 million resolution. That was $46 million more for funding to combat the opioid epidemic than the national settlement promised. Ferguson's recent settlement with Johnson & Johnson was $24 million more for opioid abatement funding than the national settlement offer he rejected.

ref. https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/result-ag-ferguson-s-lawsuit-teva-begins-delivery-more-54000-free-naloxone-kits

IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:

Report: Lack of affordable housing options reaches critical levels in communities throughout Washington state/WA COMMERCE DEPT.

From forklifts to catch basins, protecting water quality at industrial sites

Proposed updates will improve monitoring, and better define who needs this permit./DOE

Getting clean drinking water to the Lower Yakima Valley

Groundwater Management Area project update/DOE

DFI Director Charlie Clark Elected Chair of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) Board of Directors/DFI

Wenas Wildlife Area summer target shooting rules go into effect May 15.

YAKIMA — Annual summer target shooting rules go into effect this week on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)-managed Wenas Wildlife Area, located between Selah and Ellensburg. Target shooting hours are restricted every year at this time in an effort to reduce the risk of wildfire./wdfw

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

KILMER INTRODUCES BILL TO ENSURE FAIR ADOPTION TAX CREDITS FOR TRIBAL FAMILIES

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Gwen Moore (WI-04), and John Moolenaar (MI-02) introduced the Tribal Adoption Parity Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at establishing parity between state and Tribal governments in determining whether an adoption qualifies as “special needs” and is thus eligible for the full adoption tax credit. U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (MN) and John Hoeven (ND) previously introduced companion legislation in the Senate./ from a press release issue 5/15/24

KILMER LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE RURAL AIRPORT RESILIENCY PASSES HOUSE, NOW HEADS TO PRESIDENT BIDEN’S DESK

FAA REAUTHORIZATION LEGISLATION INCLUDES REP. KILMER’S RESILIENT AIRPORTS ACT/ from a press release issued 5/15/24

Housing Programs Across WA Secure $96M in HUD Funds to Build Affordable Homes, Operate Emergency Shelters, & Preserve Very Low-Cost Housing

Sen. Cantwell supported increased funding for Community Development Block Grants, HOME and Housing Trust Fund in budget Congress passed in March/ from a press release issued 5/13/24

Cantwell, Murray Announce $15 Million for Cle Elum Ridge Landscape Project

Funding will protect 100+ local jobs and vital habitat for steelhead and bull trout Sens. Cantwell and Murray sent letters to U.S. Forest Service Chief in support of project/ from a press release issued 5/15/24

After Nearly 14,000 WA Taxpayers File Federal Taxes Using Direct File Pilot, Murray Joins Over 130 Lawmakers in Touting Successes of Program, Urging Biden Administration to Expand Direct File and Make Permanent/from a press release issued 5/16/24

Senator Murray: Our Investments in the Department of Commerce Essential to Our Competitiveness and Country’s Future/ From a press release issued 5/16/24

3) WORLD< NATION< BUSINESS

WORLD: 

Creative Sci-fAI Challenge Invites Youth to Explore Possible Futures of AI Integration in Military Domain

Call for Submissions Now Open

NEW YORK, 17 May (Office for Disarmament Affairs) — The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs is launching the Sci-fAI Futures Youth Challenge, calling on young people to share their vision of a fictional world in 2145 where countries around the world have integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into their militaries, exploring scenarios of both benefits and risks./UN PRESS RELEASE

Time to Turn Pages on ‘Darker Images of Iraq’s Past’, Special Representative Tells Security Council amid Calls to Draw Down UN Assistance Mission in Country

Amid calls from Security Council members today to draw down the United Nations mission in Iraq, the senior United Nations official in that country briefed the 15-member organ on both progress and ongoing challenges at many State levels, while emphasizing it is time to “turn the page on the darker images of Iraq’s past”./UN PRESS RELEASE

Citing Rise in Death Rate, Deputy Secretary-General Tells Multi-stakeholder Hearing Leadership Crucial to Find Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance/UN PRESS RELEASE

Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Arria-Formula Meeting on Hostage-Taking/USUN

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba at a Joint Press Availability/US STATE DEPT.

NATION:

Pentagon Official: Partnerships Key to Bolstering Defense Industry, Meeting Warfighting Needs/DOD

Departments of Homeland Security and Justice to Announce “Recent Arrivals” Docket Process for More Efficient Immigration Hearings/DOJ

Biden-Harris Administration Allows Borrowers More Time to Consolidate Loans to Get Credit for Progress Toward Loan Forgiveness Programs/Dept. of Education

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $1.1 Billion for Tribal Housing and Community Development

Funding will address housing challenges in Tribal communities, marking an historic increase in federal support.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman welcomed the Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee at HUD Headquarters where she announced awarding a record $1.1 billion in funding for the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program and a $75 million funding opportunity for the Indian Community Development Block (ICDBG) program to support housing and community development projects./HUD

CDC Releases Guidance for Preventing Spread of Infections in Schools to Keep Children Healthy and Learning/CDC

BUSINESS:

Two Foreign Nationals Arrested for Laundering At Least $73M Through Shell Companies Tied to Cryptocurrency Investment Scams/DOJ

USDA Highlights Opportunities to Advance Equity in Agricultural Communities at Third Regional Equity Convening/USDA

Chamber Summit Champions Pro-Growth Tax Policy Ahead of 2025 Fiscal Cliff

The 2024 Tax Policy Summit convened current and former members of Congress and industry professionals to kick off the Chamber's major education and advocacy effort in support of pro-growth tax policies./US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Innovation and the Evolving Financial Landscape

Governor Michelle W. Bowman

At The Digital Chamber DC Blockchain Summit 2024, Washington, D.C./THE FED

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES $12M IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING AVAILABLE TO IMPROVE JOB QUALITY, EXPAND ACCESS TO GOOD JOBS IN CRITICAL INDUSTRIES/DEPT. of Labor

4) IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS

IN FOCUS: KILMER INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT ELECTIONS FROM DECEPTIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN POLITICAL ADS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Tony Gonzales (TX-23) introduced the Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act, bipartisan legislation to safeguard the integrity of federal elections. This pioneering legislation aims to combat the rise of deceptive AI-generated content in political campaign advertising. U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (MN), Josh Hawley (MO), Susan Collins (ME), and Chris Coons (DE) previously introduced companion legislation in the Senate. 

“Artificial intelligence holds immense potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives, from health care to national security to everyday life,” said Rep. Kilmer. “But when it comes to our democratic processes, the intentional use of AI to create and spread deceptive content threatens the very fabric of our electoral integrity. The bipartisan Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act is a crucial step toward ensuring that AI is harnessed for positive change – not to undermine the trust of the American people in their elections.”

“With the rise of deepfake AI technology in recent years, we need to do much more to combat fraud in our electoral process,” said Rep. Gonzales. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to fight back against politically motivated attacks that use AI to spread misinformation and lie to the American people.”

This bill seeks to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to expressly prohibit the distribution of materially deceptive AI-generated audio, images, or videos that pertain to federal candidates within political advertisements or certain issue ads aimed at influencing federal elections or fundraising efforts. Under the Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act, federal candidates who are affected by such deceptive content would be able to initiate actions to have the content removed and would be entitled to pursue damages in federal court.

The prohibition would apply broadly to any individual, political committee, or entity that distributes content with the intent to fraudulently influence an election outcome or raise funds. Importantly, the Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act includes exceptions to uphold First Amendment rights, allowing for parody and satire. Additionally, there is an exception for the use of AI-generated content in news broadcasts when clearly identified as such.

ref. https://kilmer.house.gov/media/press-releases/kilmer-introduces-legislation-to-protect-elections-from-deceptive-artificial-intelligence-in-political-ads

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS

Clallam County Commission work session for 5/20/24

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05202024-1190

Clallam County Commission meeting for 5/21/24

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05212024-1191

Clallam County Board of Health meeting for 5/21/24

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05212024-1192

City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 5/21/24

https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/14855/05212024-CC-Agenda-Packet

JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS

Port of Port Townsend commission meeting for 5/22/24

https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-05-22-Comm.Mtg-Agenda.pdf

City of Port Townsend meeting for 5/20/24

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=3558

Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE:  Hebrews 6:10 (New International Version)

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

Weekly Bible Lesson:   

Jesus Is God

“God” is a name which correctly applies only to the three Persons of the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16,17; 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). All three of these Persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, are called “God” in the Scriptures (John 1:1; 3:16; Acts 5:3-4). Each one of them possesses all of the attributes of Deity. Many claim that Jesus is not God, and that the Bible does not teach that He is God. However, the Bible clearly teaches Jesus is one of the three Persons of the Godhead.--TFTW

https://truthfortheworld.org/jesus-is-god

Free bible studies (WBS)

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)

http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/

(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)

 1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362

http://pachurchofchrist.com/

The Chosen: About the life of Christ

https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen

 

THIS WEEK'S VIDEOS:

Real or FAKE?! Solving Glenn’s Sputnik Satellite Mystery

Tired of hearing about the 2024 presidential election, Sleepy Joe Biden’s latest gaffe, or the devastating Israel/Gaza war? Glenn is too, which is why "Glenn TV" is taking a break this week from the tumultuous news cycle and bringing you something different: a pilot episode of "The Beck Story," a history TV series that will attempt to answer some of the most burning questions and mysteries surrounding the artifacts in Glenn's museum. This episode is all about the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States, and specifically it is about the one item that began it all: the Sputnik satellite. 

Tension between the U.S. and Russia isn’t new. Decades ago, when the Soviet Union launched the first-ever satellite into space, Americans eerily felt that Russians were watching them constantly. Sputnik also may be the reason for America’s urgency to land on the moon in the 1960s and why JFK uttered those famous words: "We choose to go to the moon." It’s an item with countless historical ramifications, which is why Glenn purchased one of the Sputnik test models in late 2023 for this museum … or did he?! When his research team informed him that he MAY have bought a fake item, Glenn decided to take YOU along for the ride to discover the truth. Is the Sputnik model in his museum collection fraudulent? And if it is a true test model, then how the heck did a prized possession from the Soviet Union end up in Texas, USA?!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMhC8OrdJ1c

Sunday Worship 05/12/2024--FOUR LAKES C. of C

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ARpXRleWrw

NIGHT OWL COMICS

https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/

 

The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley

Attorney General Ferguson announces investigation into Catholic Church’s handling of child sex abuse allegations.

 

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced his office is initiating legal action against the Seattle Archdiocese. The Archdiocese has refused to comply with Ferguson’s investigation into whether the three Washington dioceses of the Catholic Church used charitable funds to cover up allegations of child sex abuse by clergy.

The Attorney General’s Office sent subpoenas to the Seattle Archdiocese, the Diocese of Spokane and the Diocese of Yakima. The Seattle Archdiocese refused to cooperate. Consequently, Ferguson filed a petition to enforce the subpoena in King County Superior Court. The office is asking the court to hear the petition on May 22.

The Attorney General’s Office has a longstanding policy that it does not comment on investigations, including confirming whether they exist. Because the Seattle Archdiocese refused to comply with the office’s subpoena, the office now must seek a court order to move the investigation forward. This process made the investigation public.

“Washingtonians deserve a public accounting of how the Catholic Church handles allegations of child sex abuse, and whether charitable dollars were used to cover it up,” Ferguson said. “As a Catholic, I am disappointed the Church refuses to cooperate with our investigation. Our goal is to use every tool we have to reveal the truth, and give a voice to survivors. If you or a loved one have been impacted by clergy abuse, please contact my office.”

Survivor Esther Lucero-Miner issued a statement in support of the investigation: “Like too many other women (and men too), I experienced sexual abuse at the hands of a priest, my Catholic pastor. … For years, I believed that family and friends and the community, would believe and defend the priest. I was terrified of being labeled and becoming an outcast, so I kept quiet. For too long, I felt estranged from my community of faith. I was reticent to go to church because I did not trust that I would be safe in what should be a holy and sacred place, this abuse engulfed my life. For me, the struggle is not over. As with any significant injury, the pain of the incident never completely goes away. … I strongly support the investigation by the Attorney General into the Catholic dioceses of Washington state. It is long overdue in my opinion and will be an important step in the healing that our Church deserves.”

Advocacy organization Heal Our Church offered a statement: “For too long the faithful have been kept in the dark regarding the ‘how and why’ of this sordid chapter of Church history. We call on the Church, and its legal representatives, to cooperate fully with the investigation by granting full access to all relevant records, including internal chancery memos, attorney correspondence and financial information. Church members and survivors deserve no less.”

If the investigation reveals any violation of the law, the Attorney General’s Office will take all steps within its power to seek justice, and to put in place any appropriate oversight and monitoring to ensure that children are not exposed to abuse in the future.

Survivors of clergy sexual abuse and their loved ones can contact the Attorney General’s Office at 833-952-6277.

Legal approach

The Attorney General’s Office has authority under the Charitable Trusts Act to investigate organizations’ use of charitable funds.

The three Catholic dioceses in Washington are organized as a special type of corporation under Washington law — a “corporation sole” — that holds assets in trust for religious and charitable purposes. The Attorney General’s investigation is aimed at uncovering whether these charitable funds were used to conceal the sexual abuse of Washingtonians.

There is reason to believe that the Seattle Archdiocese knew about certain priests’ abusive behavior, but used its resources to protect and support the abusers instead of their victims. For example, publicly available information indicates that the Seattle Archdiocese knew for decades that Father Michael J. Cody repeatedly sexually abused children, but it allowed him to stay in positions of power and moved him to different parishes periodically to hide his predations, giving him access to new victims while continuing to support him financially.

Calls for transparency

When Ferguson opened his investigation, he and his team reached out to organizations supporting and advocating for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. At the center of these conversations has been the desire that people of faith have to bring daylight to allegations of sexual abuse and efforts to cover up that abuse.

The Catholic Church has in recent years made a number of reports about clergy sexual abuse, including publicizing the names of current and former priests that it determined to have been “credibly” accused of sexual abuse.

These claims are evaluated by the church itself. When state attorneys general have conducted their own investigations, some have found a dramatically greater number of credible allegations.

For example, when the Illinois Attorney General’s Office published its report in 2023, it listed four times as many substantiated child sex abusers than the dioceses of Illinois had previously disclosed – 451 compared to 103.

Investigation timeline

The Attorney General’s Office has primarily civil legal authority, a significant difference from other states that have announced similar investigations. Many states have used grand juries to conduct their investigations, an authority the attorney general does not have in Washington.

In 2021, Washington State Supreme Court issued a decision that said a statutory religious exemption from a state law did not cover a church’s secular activities, where exempting the church from the law would affect another person’s fundamental rights.

While Washington’s Charitable Trust Act contains an exemption for religious organizations, Ferguson argues that there is no reasonable ground for applying this immunity to an investigation focused on sexual abuse. Therefore, his office has the authority to investigate whether the church has misused charitable trust funds to cover up systemic sexual abuse and shield abusive priests. 

Ferguson subsequently opened a formal investigation, and sent the first round of subpoenas to the Seattle, Spokane and Yakima dioceses in summer of 2023.

The dioceses only responded with information that was already public. They did not fully respond to the subpoena.

The office sent a second set of subpoenas this spring seeking additional information, including accounting and financial records.

The Seattle Archdiocese refused to respond. The office filed today’s petition to enforce its subpoenas as a result.

The office has not yet taken action against the Spokane and Yakima dioceses, but is prepared to do so if they refuse to comply.

Investigations by other attorneys general

Including Washington, 23 state attorneys general have announced investigations into the Catholic Church – 27 have not.

In the past five years, six states have produced reports detailing their findings. Many investigations are ongoing.

ref. https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/attorney-general-ferguson-announces-investigation-catholic-church-s-handling

IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:

SPONGY MOTH TREATMENTS BEGIN IN WESTERN WASHINGTON

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) plans to begin treatments to eradicate spongy moth caterpillars starting Friday, May 10, weather permitting. In total, WSDA will aerially treat about 1400 acres in Thurston County and 900 acres in Skagit County with a naturally occurring soil bacteria, Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki). Only the Thurston County site is anticipated to start on Friday. Because the Skagit County site is in a cooler climate, treatments are anticipated to start there mid- to late-May./WSDA

Public Works Board approves $21 million in broadband construction, pre-construction, and emergency grants and loans.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) recently approved $21 million in critical infrastructure projects in 10 communities for broadband construction, pre-construction, and emergency funding. Taking action at its May 3, 2024 business meeting, the PWB approved $20 million to expand broadband access in unserved communities, $550,000 for two pre-construction projects, and two emergency infrastructure projects for $514,500./ WA COMMERCE DEPT.

Is there a connection between old concrete and water quality? New study to identify possible pollution and guide the industry.

Concrete structures like buildings, foundations, and sidewalks, might seem like they will last forever, but modern-day concrete structures generally do not last longer than 50 to 100 years./DOE

Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission to decide on land transaction at May 17 virtual meeting.

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will decide on a proposed land transaction in Douglas County at a virtual meeting May 17. 

The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. with a report to the Commission from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind, including an update on petitions for which the Commission had previously delegated decision-making to the director. At 8:45 a.m., staff will brief the Commission and request a decision on the proposed acquisition of a 672-acre property in WDFW’s North Central Region. Public comment will also be accepted on the land transaction proposal./WDFW

Joint News Release: Washington joins Age and Dementia-friendly Networks.

OLYMPIA – This Older Americans Month, we are happy to announce that Washington is now a part of AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities and USAging’s Dementia-Friendly America networks, collaborations that will help people in our state thrive in their communities. These designations are the result of ongoing collaboration between Washington State’s Department of Health, Department of Social and Health Services, and the Health Care Authority./DOH

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:

Cantwell FAA Bill Makes Flying Safer: Enhanced Oversight on Factory Floors, New Tech to Avoid Close Calls on Runways & Mandatory 25-Hour Cockpit Recordings

Bill includes top Cantwell priorities of more FAA oversight in aircraft manufacturing facilities & better tools for NTSB investigators/From a press release issued for 5/9/24

85 Yakima Residential Properties to Get Safer, More Reliable Drinking Water Thanks to $4.9M Federal Grant

Residents currently rely on deteriorating wells, some more than a century old, susceptible to contamination and drying out; Connecting homes to the city’s water supply will increase water conservation and improve public health/From a press release issued 5/8/24

Senator Murray Announces Nearly $129 Million to Expand Affordable Housing, Support People Experiencing Homelessness in WA State/ from a press release issued 5/9/24

Senator Murray Questions FDA Commissioner Califf on Avian Flu, Cosmetics Reform, Human Foods Reorganization; Rebukes Republicans and Anti-Choice Activists for Attacking FDA’s Authority in Mifepristone Case Before SCOTUS./ press release issued 5/9/24

WORLD< NATIONAL< BUSINESS

WORLD:

Speakers Focus on Potential of Artificial Intelligence to Address Climate Change, as Science, Technology and Innovation Multi-stakeholder Forum Opens/UN PRESS RELEASE.

Mission in Mali Must Have Necessary Resources to Finish Its Work, Country’s Speaker Says, as Fifth Committee Reviews 2024/25 Budget for Three Peacekeeping Operations

The representative of Mali called for the necessary resources to ensure the stabilization mission in his country can liquidate its operations on schedule by year’s end, as the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today examined the proposed 2024/25 budgets for that mission as well as two other peacekeeping operations and their logistics and support entities./UN PRESS RELEASE

‘Outer Space Should Never Be an Arena for Militarization’, Delegate Tells General Assembly Debate on Moscow’s Veto of Resolution Aimed at Curbing Arms Race

With the sharp escalation of threats to security in and from outer space, a legally binding agreement to preserve its peaceful nature is pivotal, speakers told the General Assembly today, in a meeting sparked by a veto cast by the Russian Federation, blocking a draft resolution on 24 April that aimed to prevent an arms race in outer space in all its aspects, including through the obligation not to place in Earth’s orbit any objects carrying weapons of mass destruction./UN PRESS RELEASE

Statement on the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session on Palestinian UN Membership Resolution./USUN

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares at the Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Foreign State Information Manipulation/ US STATE DEPT

NATIONAL:

Brown, Top Special Warfare Official Underscore Power of Partnerships, Collaboration.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the principal civilian advisor to the secretary of defense for all matters related to Defense Department special warfare both underscored the importance of partnerships and collaboration during a pair of speeches today at the Special Operations Forces 2024 convention in Tampa, Florida./ DOD

Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter Announces Task Force on Health Care Monopolies and Collusion.

New Health Care Task Force Will Tackle Competition Problems in Health Care Markets

The Justice Department today announced the formation of the Antitrust Division’s Task Force on Health Care Monopolies and Collusion (HCMC). The HCMC will guide the division’s enforcement strategy and policy approach in health care, including by facilitating policy advocacy, investigations and, where warranted, civil and criminal enforcement in health care markets./DOJ

During Mental Health Awareness Month, U. S. Department of Education Announces New Actions to Increase Access to School-Based Mental Health Services/DEPT. of EDUCATION

Biden-Harris Administration Reports Significant Progress Toward Protecting Children from Lead Poisoning

WASHINGTON - The President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children is publishing the Progress Report on the Federal Lead Action Plan, a comprehensive update on the government’s progress since 2018 toward reducing childhood lead exposures. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as co-leading members of the Task Force’s Lead Exposures Subcommittee, are leading aggressive actions to combat lead exposure./HUD

EPA, FDA, and USDA Issue Joint Regulatory Plan for Biotechnology.

In response to President Biden’s Executive Order 14081, “Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have developed a plan to update, streamline, and clarify their regulations and oversight mechanisms for products of biotechnology./FDA

BUSINESS: 

CHIPS for America Announces $285 million Funding Opportunity for a Digital Twin and Semiconductor CHIPS/ US COMMERCE.

Justice Department Secures Agreement with Climate Nonprofit to Resolve Claims of Employment Discrimination/DOJ

USDA Announces $22 Million to Support Underserved and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers through the 2501 Program./USDA

Financial Stability Risks: Resiliency and the Role of Regulators Governor Michelle W. Bowman/THE FED

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TAKES CRITICAL STEP IN HEAT SAFETY RULEMAKING, CONTINUES HEIGHTENED ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS, FOCUSES ON DANGERS TO AGRICULTURAL WORKERS/DEPT. of LABOR

IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS:

IN FOCUS: Tree Mortality Attributed to Douglas-fir Engraver Reaches 55-Year High in Annual Forest Health Highlights.

Annual DNR and Forest Service report also includes first pine mortality attributed to California Fivespined Ips beetle in western Washington

 

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources released its annual Forest Health Highlights report on Wednesday following a 2023 aerial detection survey that mapped 517,000 acres of forests with some level of tree mortality, defoliation, or foliar diseases.

 

Surveyors from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the USDA Forest Service gathered data and observed approximately 22 million forested acres across Washington on a series of low-altitude flights conducted each year since 1947, other than when the COVID-19 pandemic grounded the survey in 2020.

 

Though the 2023 Forest Health Highlights report documents the fewest acres affected as part of a complete survey since 2018, it also contains several concerning trends and new data points underscoring the forest health crisis in Washington.

 

“The Annual Forest Health Highlights report is one of the most comprehensive resources available each year for everyone to understand the magnitude of the challenges our forests face from increasing heat, drought, and wildfires,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “I encourage all landowners and land managers to use it as a resource as we work together to keep the Evergreen State evergreen for future generations.”

 

One of the most concerning datapoints within the Forest Health Highlights comes courtesy of the Douglas-fir engraver. Scientists mapped 25,600 acres of tree damage attributed to this bark beetle – the largest amount recorded by an aerial survey in Washington since 1969 and nearly 20 percent more than the 20,300 acres observed in 2019.

 

Douglas-fir engraver damage signatures such as dead tops and branch flagging are also caused by a second bark beetle (Scolytus monticolae) and by Douglas-fir pole beetle. All three species are considered secondary bark beetles because are not typically the primary cause of death for otherwise healthy trees. Rather, they take advantage of trees already stressed other factors like excess heat and drought.

 

Increased rates of drought and excess heat are also the likely driver behind the expansion of California Fivespined Ips beetle (CFI) up into the Puget Sound region. Prior to 2022, CFI-caused mortality in pine trees was historically limited in Washington to the Columbia River Gorge. A scientist from the Forest Service determined ponderosa pine mortality at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in July 2022 to be the work of CFI – the first known occurrence in western Washington.

 

Since then, scientists have recorded CFI-caused mortality in pine trees up through King County. Trap sites in western Washington north of Vancouver historically captured fewer than 10 CFI each season, with no recorded mortality, but are now attracting the beetles by the hundreds in Renton and Bothell. Localized outbreaks in Skamania, Klickitat, and Benton counties are causing unusually high levels of ponderosa pine mortality.

 

“We know that heat and drought are two of the most prominent areas of concern for forest health throughout Washington,” said DNR entomologist Glenn Kohler. “While we cannot say for sure if those factors led to some of our findings last year, we did expect to start seeing the effects of recent extreme weather events, like the 2021 heat dome, on our forests.”

 

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of western Washington ranged from moderate to extreme drought condition by late September of last year, while all forested areas of eastern Washington were in abnormally dry to severe drought conditions.

 

The symptoms of drought stress in trees are often amplified during summers marked by below-average precipitation and above-average temperatures. This also makes the trees less likely to recover from injuries incurred in 2023, which could lead to tree mortality in drought-prone forests this year.

ref. https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/tree-mortality-attributed-douglas-fir-engraver-reaches-55-year-high-annual-forest-health

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:

Clallam County Commission work session for 5/13/24

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132024-1186

Clallam County Commission meeting for 5/14/24

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05142024-1187

Housing Authority Committee meeting for 5/15/24

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05152024-1183

City of Sequim Council meeting for 5/13/24

https://sequimwa.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=115

City of Forks Council meeting for 5/13/24

https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Agenda-2024-05-13.pdf

Clallam County PUD meeting for 5/13/24

https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/clallampud/Board.nsf/Public

OMC BOARD MEETING FOR 5/15/24

https://res.cloudinary.com/dpmykpsih/image/upload/olympic-medical-site-460/media/1b356de01c374ac0bef51c788e167c26/agenda-may-15-2024-business-meeting.pdf

JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSON MEETING FOR 5/13/24

https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/67a45cc9-7d70-4d62-a5ea-ce0f5040cc6a

City of Port Townsend meeting for 5/13/24

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1979

Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE: Ephesians 4:32 (New International Version)

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Weekly Bible Lesson:   

Jesus and the Bible

Many people today claim to believe in Jesus, and even praise His name, but do not follow the Bible. Sometimes you will hear such people say, “Our faith is in a living Saviour, not in a dead book!” Others will speak of their great love for the Lord, yet refuse to obey His plain commands in the Bible. Jesus spoke of such people when He said: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).--TFTW

https://truthfortheworld.org/jesus-and-the-bible

Free bible studies (WBS)

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)

http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/

(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)

 1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362

http://pachurchofchrist.com/

The Chosen: About the life of Christ

https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen

 

THIS WEEK'S VIDEOS:

Leak Exposes DARK WORLD of 'Gender-Affirming Care' 

In a special in-depth exposé, Glenn blows the lid off one of the biggest scandals in medical history you’ve probably never heard of. This past March, journalist Michael Shellenberger’s organization, Environmental Progress, leaked the WPATH Files. WPATH is the World Professional Association for Transgender Health — without most of us knowing what it is, it has been setting the standards for transgender medical “care” for way too long. 

Although its name makes it sound reputable and scientific, it is actually just a terrifying mix of surgeons, therapists, and activists working together to create “standards of care” that are neither standards nor about care. The WPATH Files are a collection of internal messages between this grab-bag of gender ideologues. Environmental Progress made all of the files publicly available and asked for other news outlets to dig into them. Very few outlets took him up on that offer, but the Glenn TV team did. And what we found was SHOCKING. 

From Frankenstein-like experiments on minors and the mentally ill, to admissions on how to scam the insurance system, you will understand why Glenn is demanding doctors be jailed, and we all bring a reckoning to this activist cult. WPATH, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all have blood on their hands. Glenn is joined by Mia Hughes, Environmental Progress researcher and author of WPATH Files, who tells Glenn that “the Hippocratic Oath has long been abandoned” by these doctors. Glenn is also joined in studio by de-transitioner Luka Hein and her lawyer Harmeet Dhillon. They are suing her doctors, who she says coerced her into a life-altering medical transition. And Luka is not alone. There are dozens of other de-transitioners using lawfare to end this medical malpractice operating under the guise of compassion and care. The reckoning has just begun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeXpKvXmYp0

Sunday Worship 05/05/2024- Four Lakes C. of C.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASOdX3agShg

NIGHT OWL COMICS

https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/

 

The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley

West Point Treatment Plant water quality permit now issued.

Link source: https://ecology.wa.gov/blog/april-2024/west-point-treatment-plant-water-quality-permit-now-issued

Each municipal wastewater treatment plant in Washington is regulated by their own unique water quality permits from Ecology. These permits ensure that the wastewater treated by these facilities is safe to discharge to the waters of the state, including rivers and Puget Sound. 

Last year, we released a draft water quality permit for the largest wastewater facility in the state, the West Point plant in Seattle, which is operated by the King County Wastewater Treatment Division. We held two public hearings and received over 200 pages of comments on the draft permit. In preparing the final permit, we carefully considered and responded to all comments received and revised some parts of the permit. 

We’ve now issued the final permit. It strengthens protective measures for Puget Sound by updating the permit to match current water quality rules. Some of the most notable changes from the previous permit are:

Monitoring and controlling sources of PFAS. PFAS is a general term for a family of chemicals that don’t break down naturally in the environment. The permit includes a new focus on identifying and reducing PFAS in industrial wastewater before it enters the sewage system. The final permit also requires King County to monitor for PFAS in the influent (the water coming into the plant), in the treated wastewater from the plant, and in biosolids that the plant produces.

Best management practices for additional pollutants. We’re requiring King County to expand its long-standing pollution prevention program to specifically address several pollutants, including copper, zinc, PCBs, and 6PPD/6PPD-Q. 

Elliott West treatment facility. King County is working on upgrading the Elliott West wet weather treatment facility, which treats combined sewer overflows into Elliott Bay near Myrtle Edwards Park. This facility, which began operating in 2005, has issues with treating stormwater flows adequately; at times, its discharge has high levels of bacteria and other pollutants. The permit requires King County to redesign this facility and begin construction of the improved facility. Ecology expects construction completion in 2031, due to the complexity of the upgrade work.

Henderson/MLK treatment facility. Like Elliott West, the Henderson/MLK facility is designed to treat combined sewer overflows. In the draft permit, we based our pollutant limits on discharge into fresh water, as the facility outfall (discharge pipe) is located where the river transitions between fresh and saltwater conditions. After our review of public comments and additional available data, the final permit applies marine water quality standards to this outfall. This facility can’t currently meet the marine standard for copper, so the permit requires King County to study ways to comply with the standard and implement them by 2031.

In addition to setting limits for the pollutants allowed in treated wastewater that’s discharged into Puget Sound, the permit also describes requirements for operations and maintenance, monitoring and reporting, responding to problems with equipment, planning for the future, engineering design work to improve water quality protections, and controlling industrial wastewater before it enters the sewage system.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:

Puyallup contractor settles water quality penalty.

Puyallup-based contractor RM Homes LLC will pay a reduced $40,000 penalty for water quality violations./DOE

Public comment period open for cougar hunting season rule making.

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is now accepting public comments on proposed changes to cougar hunting seasons. The public may submit comments electronically, by phone, or by mail through June 21, or in person during a public hearing at the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission’s June meeting in Vancouver, Wash./WDFW

Chinook fry lost after mechanical failure at Samish Hatchery.

MILL CREEK – Approximately 1 million young Chinook salmon have died at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)’s Samish Hatchery near Burlington after a mechanical failure at 1 a.m. on Monday morning, April 29./WDFW

Organic walnuts linked to E. coli infections in Washington, California.

People should stop eating and throw away recalled walnuts

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise people to stop eating organic walnut halves and pieces sold in bulk at several stores in Washington because of possible contamination with E. coli bacteria./DOH

On the road: Ferries and solar panels in the San Juans

On Monday, Gov. Jay Inslee traveled to San Juan County to highlight the urgent need to get more ferry boats on the water for Washington’s island communities. He met with Steve Nevey, the new assistant secretary for Washington’s ferry system, as well as several members of the ferry advisory committee to discuss the status of state investments. In recent months, interisland service has seen increased reliability thanks to a partnership with private companies to get relief crewmembers out to the San Juan islands faster./Gov. Office

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION.

Cantwell Statement on Landmark New Hanford Tank Waste Cleanup Agreement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, issued a statement following the announcement of a new holistic agreement to manage the chemical and radioactive tank waste at the Hanford site in Washington state/ from press release issued 4/30/24

At Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing, Murray Presses Secretary McDonough on EHR Oversight, Expansion of VA Child Care Pilot She Established

ICYMI: Murray Urges VA to Consider Feedback from Providers and Veterans in Spokane and Walla Walla When Evaluating Future of EHR, Get it Right in WA State First./from press release issued 5/1/24

Senators Murray, Murkowski, Baldwin, Collins, Klobuchar, Capito Other Women Senators Rally to Introduce Historic New Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Menopause Research, Expand Training and Awareness Around Menopause/from press release issued 5/2/24

3) WORLD< NATION< BUSINESS

WORLD:

General Assembly Adopts Text to Mark 25 Years of Landmark Declaration on Culture of Peace

Draft on Global Heath Passes, but Some Delegates Voice Concerns

As speakers discussed the importance of collective efforts to promote a culture of peace in a world torn by conflict and crisis, the General Assembly today adopted a draft resolution in pursuit of that goal, in addition to draft texts on a variety of other topics./UN PRESS RELEASE

Meeting Two Weeks after United States Vetoes Security Council Resolution Recommending Full UN Membership for Palestine, General Assembly Debates Ramifications

Failure to Act in Face of Escalating Crisis in Gaza Endangering Peace, Causing Unchecked Human Suffering, Devastation, Speakers Stress/UN PRESS RELEASE

Aim High to Deliver on People’s Hopes for Well-being, Ensure All Stakeholders Have Voice, Deputy Secretary-General Urges Social Development Summit Preparatory Event

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s keynote remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the High-level Seminar “Towards the Second Summit for Social Development:  Enhancing Global Efforts to Achieve the 2030 Agenda” organized by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and International Labour Organization (ILO), in Santiago, Chile, today./UN PRESS RELEASE

ICYMI: The Wall Street Journal – Press Freedom Is Under Attack in Much of World, U.N. Ambassador Says/ USUN

Taiwan as an Observer at the 77th World Health Assembly.

New and existing threats to global health demand broad international cooperation.  Beginning May 27, the World Health Organization (WHO) will hold its annual World Health Assembly (WHA) where Member State delegates and health experts from around the world will discuss priorities for advancing global health and global health security./ US STATE DEPT.

NATION:

Statement from President Joe Biden on $6.1 Billion in Student Debt Cancellation for 317,000 Borrowers who Attended the Art Institutes/WH

Department of Defense Issues Class Deviation on Cybersecurity Standards for Covered Contractor Information Systems./DOD

Opioid Manufacturer Endo Health Solutions Inc. Ordered to Pay $1.536B In Criminal Fines and Forfeiture for Distributing Misbranded Opioid Medication./DOJ

As White House Honors National Teachers of the Year at State Dinner, Biden-Harris Administration Releases New Data on Public Service Loan Forgiveness Approvals in Every Congressional District/DEPT. of EDUCATION

HUD Announces Nearly $90 Million to Make Low-income Families’ Homes Safer and Healthier

Funding supports President Biden's plan to address residential health hazards, including lead paint, carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire safety, and asbestos./HUD

BUSINESS:

Sixth Nigerian National Pleads Guilty to International Fraud Scheme that Defrauded Elderly U.S. Victims.

A sixth Nigerian national pleaded guilty to operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded elderly and vulnerable consumers across the United States./DOJ

U.S. Department of the Treasury, IRS Outline Accomplishments in First Year of Implementation of Plan to Improve Taxpayer Service, Modernize Technology, Increase High-End Enforcement/ US TREASURY DEPT.

USDA Announces 28 Host Organizations to Train Future Conservation and Climate Leaders, as part of President Biden’s American Climate Corps

Prospective applicants can now apply for available positions at ClimateCorps.gov/USDA

IRS releases Strategic Operating Plan update outlining future priorities; transformation momentum accelerating following long list of successes for taxpayers/IRS

FTC to Host Compliance Webinar on Rule Banning Noncompetes.

The Federal Trade Commission will host an online compliance webinar on May 14, 2024, at 11a.m. ET to provide an overview of the FTC’s final rule banning noncompetes, which will include information on how to comply with the rule after its effective date./FTC

IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS

IN FOCUS: Secretary Haaland Celebrates President Biden’s Expansion of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

WASHINGTON — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland applauded President Biden’s 13,696-acre expansion of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in northern California’s Inner Coast Range today. The new designation protects a striking 11-mile-long north-south ridgeline that is sacred to the Patwin people and hosts a mosaic of rare natural features supported by the area’s unique geologic and hydrologic features. The presidential proclamation also permanently renames the ridgeline, previously known as “Walker Ridge,” to Molok Luyuk, which means Condor Ridge in the language of the Patwin people. 

“Locally led conservation efforts are at the heart of what we are advancing in the Biden-Harris administration. Molok Luyuk is sacred to the Tribes who have long advocated for its protection and maintain a deep connection with this land and thanks to President Biden’s leadership, it will now be protected for future generations,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Today I am honored to stand with the Tribal leaders, local communities, and coalitions that made the expansion of this monument possible.” 

The expansion of the monument advances the Biden-Harris administration’s work to support community-driven and Tribally led initiatives to conserve and restore the nation’s lands and waters through the President’s America the Beautiful initiative. The Biden-Harris administration has already conserved more than 41 million acres of lands and waters, putting President Biden on track to conserve more lands and waters than any President in history. 

Lands within the monument have sustained Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. In recognition of the importance to the Patwin people, including the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and the Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians, the proclamation directs the Secretary of the Interior to explore co-stewardship agreements within the expansion area, including for educational efforts regarding the history of the Tribal Nations.    

The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, was originally established by Presidential Proclamation on July 10, 2015, to protect its rich biodiversity, including relic prairies, riparian habitats, and species endemic to California, such as tule elk. In addition to holding important significance for Tribes, the monument provides essential habitat for threatened and endangered fish and wildlife, is home to exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities, and is invaluable for scientific research. 

In September, Secretary Haaland, Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning, Congressmen John Garamendi and Mike Thompson, and leaders from the State of California, BLM and Forest Service visited Molok Luyuk to hear directly from the community on proposals to expand the existing national monument to include existing BLM-managed public land. A public meeting was held in December 2023, and demonstrated strong local support for the expansion. 

“With today’s action, President Biden has lifted up the voices of Tribes and the local community, honoring collaborative conservation for a place that deserves protection,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning, “Molok Luyuk will undoubtedly become one of the treasures of the monument, and we look forward to working with the Tribes to manage it.”  

Now encompassing more than 340,000 acres of public land, the national monument is subject to valid existing rights. The monument designation applies to existing federal land managed by the BLM; it does not apply to or affect Tribal land, private, state or local government property.

ref. https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-haaland-celebrates-president-bidens-expansion-berryessa-snow-mountain

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS

Callam County Work session for 5/6/24

  https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062024-1177

Clallam County Commission meeting for 5/7/24

 https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072024-1178

City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 5/7/24

https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/14793/05072024-CC-Agenda-Packet

JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS

Jefferson County Commission meeting for 5/6/24

https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/fe8b6a5f-a1ef-4ee2-bfa8-6e90c643a245

City of Port Townsend for 5/6/24

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=3557

Port of Port Townsend meeting for 5/8/24

https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-05-08-CommMtg-Agenda-1.pdf

Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE: 2 Chronicles 7:14 (New International Version)

 

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Weekly Bible Lesson:   

Is It Possible for a Child of God to Fall From Grace?

Fifteen hundred years ago, a famous writer named Augustine taught that it is impossible for a Christian to fall from God’s grace. Four hundred years ago, John Calvin, a Protestant leader, taught the same doctrine. Calvin called his doctrine “the perseverance of the saints.” This means that if one is saved from his past sins, he can never commit a sin in the future which will cause him to be lost in Hell./TFTW

https://truthfortheworld.org/is-it-possible-for-a-child-of-god-to-fall-from-gra

Free bible studies (WBS)

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)

http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/

(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)

 1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362

http://pachurchofchrist.com/

The Chosen: About the life of Christ

https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen

 

THIS WEEK'S VIDEOS:

The People vs. the Swamp: LIVE Election 2024 Focus Group with Glenn Beck.

Our college campuses are on fire, turning into anti-Semitic, radical Islamist breeding grounds. Our economy is in shambles, with Americans suffering more and more each day. We’re facing a potential World War III, and our borders are WIDE OPEN, driving national security concerns with illegal immigration. And yet, the leaders in Washington, D.C. — Democrats AND Republicans — keep spending and edging us closer to war with Russia and Iran, all while sticking their fingers in their ears. With the 2024 presidential election just six months away, it’s way past time for elected representatives to LISTEN to the people.

 Glenn is joined by a live studio audience ready to speak out about the issues that matter most to them going into November. For some, the financial pressures from inflation are driving them to make business and family decisions they never saw coming. For others, they live in fear that their constitutional rights (freedom of religion, right to own guns, free speech) will be ripped away. But Glenn encourages the audience to not give up. “We are at a tipping point and really close to winning.” This is the conversation Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and every member of Congress NEED to hear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-KBVA5X4ZQ

Sunday Worship Service 4/28/2024 --FOUR LAKES C. of C

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9nwmLENRPg

NIGHT OWL COMICS

https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/

 

The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley