WSDA PLANS ‘GOLDEN TRAP CEREMONY’ TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS PROTECTING WASHINGTON FROM SPONGY MOTH.

  

CEREMONY KICKS OFF 2024 TRAPPING SEASON

OLYMPIA – Seasonal trappers are starting to disperse throughout the state to set traps as part of the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) annual hunt for invasive species.

This marks the start of the 50th year that WSDA has monitored for and successfully kept spongy moth – a highly invasive pest that has devastated forests in the Eastern United States – from establishing in Washington. WSDA first detected spongy moth in 1974 and conducted the first spongy moth eradication in 1979. While WSDA trapped as many as 1315 moths in 1983, the trapping and eradication project has been so successful over the decades that since 1995 there have only been two years that the department trapped more than 100 moths.

To celebrate this success, WSDA will hold a “Golden Trap Ceremony” on Tuesday, May 28 at 12:15 p.m. in Olympia. The event will be held near the Sunken Garden on the state capitol grounds. Tracy Shirek, who has been a seasonal trapping supervisor with the WSDA Spongy Moth Program for nearly 30 years, will have the honor of hanging a golden trap to mark the start of the trapping season.

“We get new introductions of spongy moth into Washington every year,” Sven Spichiger, WSDA Pest Program Manager, said. “Keeping this destructive moth from establishing here for so long is a testament to the commitment the public, state and federal officials, and our staff have to protect Washington’s natural resources.”

Spongy moth is just one of 130 pests that WSDA’s Pest Program monitors for every year. In addition to the invasive moths, other major pests WSDA will be looking for this year include Japanese beetles, apple maggots, grape and stone fruit pests, and wood-boring insects. Trapping for the northern giant hornet will also begin later this summer.

WSDA’s traps are labeled for easy identification. If you find a trap, do not disturb it. Traps are placed in systematic grids to ensure proper pest detection. If a trap has fallen or needs to be moved, please note the number written on the trap and contact the WSDA Pest Program at pest@agr.wa.gov or 1-800-443-6684.

ref. https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=39039

IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:

AG Ferguson, feds seek breakup of Ticketmaster, Live Nation ticket monopoly.

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today he is partnering with the U.S. Department of Justice and a bipartisan group of 29 other attorneys general in an antitrust lawsuit aimed at breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s monopoly over the live entertainment industry./WAAG

Federal judge dismisses John Stockton, Kennedy Jr. lawsuit against AG Ferguson.

SPOKANE — A federal judge agreed with Attorney General Bob Ferguson today, dismissing a lawsuit filed by former basketball player John Stockton, two doctors accused of spreading COVID-19 misinformation and an organization founded by presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr./WAAG

Collaborating for cleaner water: The next step for the Spokane River.

In 2004, the State of Washington listed the Spokane River as impaired for toxics because it was contaminated with chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. This listing made it clear that improving the water quality of the Spokane River was essential./DOE

New rulemaking effort aims to keep toxics out of cosmetics.

Goal is to reduce inhalation and skin contact with carcinogenic chemicals

OLYMPIA  – 

Makeup, cosmetics and other personal care products can sometimes contain toxic chemicals. Since these products are used on skin, hair or sometimes teeth, those toxics pose a special concern for protecting people’s health. In 2023, the Washington Legislature passed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA) to reduce these exposures, and now the Washington Department of Ecology is taking action to identify and restrict the use of chemicals that can release toxic formaldehyde./DOE

Free Fishing Weekend returns to Washington June 8-9

OLYMPIA – For one weekend, anglers across the state can fish for many species without a license. This year, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) annual Free Fishing Weekend event will take place June 8-9, 2024./WDFW

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:

KILMER ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $18 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR CULVERT RESTORATION ACROSS WASHINGTON’S SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

TACOMA, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded $18.4 million in new federal funding to four fish passage restoration projects in Washington’s Sixth District. This funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to restore aquatic access to healthy habitats through the Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal program and the Restoring Priority Tribal Fish Passage through Barrier Removal program. These grants are part of nearly $75 million in funding for Washington state projects – including $39.4 million for Tribes – to help remove fish barriers, improve fish passages, and protect critical habitats./press release issued 5/23/24

KILMER ANNOUNCES HISTORIC INVESTMENT IN TRIBAL HOUSING ACROSS WASHINGTON’S SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

TACOMA, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a total of more than $21.5 million in federal funds through the Indian Housing Block Grant Program to Tribes in Washington’s Sixth Congressional District to support Tribal housing projects. These funds may be used for affordable housing activities, including new housing construction, rehabilitation, housing services, and more./ Press release issued 5/22/24

Cantwell Introduces Bill to Boost AI Education

Bill would create student scholarships, fellowships for professional development, AI guidance for K-12 teachers & new AI education hubs at community colleges/ from press release issued 5/23/24

Cantwell Introduces Bill to Boost AI Education

Bill would create student scholarships, fellowships for professional development, AI guidance for K-12 teachers & new AI education hubs at community colleges

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a senior member of the Commerce Committee, today introduced the bipartisan NSF AI Education Act of 2024 to expand scholarship and professional development opportunities to study artificial intelligence and quantum with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF)./ press release issued 5/23/24

Senators Murray, Tillis Introduce New Bipartisan Bill to Ensure All Purple Heart Recipients Can Transfer Benefits to Dependents 

Legislation led by Murray—daughter of a Purple Heart veteran—was inspired by a Washington state veteran who wrote into Murray’s office about a loophole in the law denying GI bill benefit transferability to certain Purple Heart veterans/press release issued 5/23/24

Senator Murray Chairs Hearing on Department of Energy’s Budget, Underscores: We Cannot Cut Investments Without Ceding Ground./ press release issued 5/22/24

3) WORLD< NATION< BUSINESS

Security Council Calls for Strengthening Africa’s Role in Addressing Global Security, Development Challenges, Adopting Presidential Statement ahead of Day-long Debate

The Security Council today unanimously adopted a presidential statement aimed at strengthening the role of African countries in addressing global security and development challenges, as speakers debated the intricate and complex dynamics between peace and development in those States and across their continent./UN PRESS RELEASE

General Assembly Adopts Resolution on Srebrenica Genocide, Designating International Day of Reflection, Commemoration

Many Decry ‘Politicized’ Nature of Text, Note Action May Exacerbate Tensions

The General Assembly today adopted a resolution on the Srebrenica genocide, designating 11 July as the “International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica”, to be observed annually, amid a flurry of abstentions and votes against the measure, including from Serbia, which decried the “highly politicized” nature of the resolution./UN PRESS RELEASE

United Nations Peacekeepers ‘Embody Humanity’s Highest Ideal — Peace’, Says Secretary-General in Message for International Day/UN PRESS RELEASE

Explanation of Vote Following the Adoption of a UN Security Council Resolution on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel/ USUN

Opening Remarks Before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on the FY25 Department of State Budget Request/US STATE DEPT.

NATION:

Statement from President Joe Biden on $7.7 Billion in Student Debt Cancellation for 160,000 Borrowers/WH

More Than 1 Million Pounds of Aid Moved Into Gaza Via DOD's Temporary Pier.

U.S. forces have facilitated the transfer of more than 1 million pounds of humanitarian assistance into Gaza via the Defense Department's Joint Logistics, Over-the-Shore pier, a senior military official said today./DOD

Doctor Convicted of Nearly $2M Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Scheme.

A federal jury convicted a Nevada doctor yesterday for his role in defrauding Medicare and Medicaid of nearly $2 million./DOJ

CDC warns of Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry flocks/CDC

HUD Finalizes Deal to Promote Energy Efficiency Climate Resilience and Housing Affordability for California Families as Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda

Transaction funded by Inflation Reduction Act enhances green features and climate resilience measures for renovation of affordable rental housing in Glendale, California./HUD

BUSINESS:

Biden-Harris Administration Invests in Domestic Fertilizer Projects to Strengthen American Farms and Businesses./ USDA

Remarks by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen Ahead of Roundtable with CEOs of German Banks in Frankfurt, Germany/US TREASURY

Former Venezuelan Military Official Sentenced for Money Laundering and Bribery Scheme/DOJ

Some Thoughts on r*: Why Did It Fall and Will It Rise?

Governor Christopher J. Waller/the FED

Department of Treasury, IRS and Department of Energy announce opening date for the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit new allocation round/IRS

IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS

IN FOCUS: WA Tribes to Receive $39.4 Million to Remove Fish Barriers, Restore Salmon Habitat

Funding will pay to remove culverts that block salmon from habitat in Clallam, Thurston, Kitsap, Mason, Skagit, Snohomish, Yakima, and Cowlitz counties.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced $39.4 million in funding for nine projects in the State of Washington to remove fish passage barriers like small dams and culverts, open salmon and steelhead migration routes, and allow more salmon to return to their natural spawning grounds. These funds come from the NOAA Fish Passage through Barrier Removal grant program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

"Habitat restoration works, and these projects will help boost the salmon and steelhead runs our tribes and our regional economy depend on,” said Sen. Cantwell. “These grants will make lasting and meaningful improvements to habitat, including for Puget Sound Chinook stocks that orcas need to thrive. Removing fish barriers will also boost endangered Upper Columbia River Chinook and threatened Upper Columbia steelhead.”

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Sen. Cantwell secured $2.855 billion in the BIL for programs that could fund salmon and ecosystem restoration, representing the single largest investment in salmon recovery in history. This also includes her $1 billion National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program, the first federal program devoted entirely to culverts removal to improve fish passage.

All nine projects in Washington state will be led by or completed in partnership with tribes. Together, these projects will help recover habitats for endangered migratory fish and support the sustainability of commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries. Nationally, NOAA awarded $240 million for 46 passage projects, and 40% of the recommended projects were led or supported by tribes. Today’s announcement builds on the $166 million awarded in 2022 in the first round of funding. There will be one more round of NOAA fish passage barrier removal projects to come under the BIL.

The following organizations in Washington state will receive funding for fish passage projects:

North Puget Sound:

Tulalip Tribes – $9.2 million:

Funding will help the Tulalip Tribes to remove multiple fish passage barriers at priority streams in the Stillaguamish and Snohomish Basins. These barrier removals will allow threatened Puget Sound Chinook and steelhead, as well as Puget Sound coho, to access significant habitat that also benefits Southern resident orcas.

Sen. Cantwell wrote a letter of support for this project in January 2024.

Skagit River System Cooperative – $3.3 million

Funding will help the Skagit River System Cooperative remove or replace seven culverts that block fish passage in the Skagit and Samish watersheds and asses the feasibility of one additional fish passage project. This project will support tribal capacity to develop and engage in fish passage projects and provide a hands-on opportunity for tribal members and youth to participate in habitat restoration.

South Puget Sound:

Squaxin Island Tribe – $6.4 million:

Funding will help the Squaxin Island Tribe remove the 5th Avenue Dam across the mouth of the Deschutes River which at one time created Capitol Lake. Removing the dam and restoring the estuary will help recover habitat for threatened Puget Sound Chinook. The project will also support tribal capacity to expand their barrier removal efforts and engage in salmon recovery planning in South Puget Sound.

Nisqually Indian Tribe – $5.8 million:

Funding will allow the Nisqually Indian Tribe to remove and replace a culvert that is completely blocking fish passage on Brighton Creek, a tributary of the Nisqually River. The new channel-spanning culvert will allow threatened Puget Sound steelhead and Chinook salmon to reach high-quality habitat. The new channel-spanning culvert project will include a wildlife crossing and help reduce flood risks and provide opportunities for further native plant restoration in the area. 

Olympic Peninsula:

Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe – $2.2 million:

Funding will allow the Port Gable S’Klallam Tribe to improve juvenile steelhead passage at the floating Hood Canal Bridge. The Tribe will develop a plan to address near-term solutions and evaluate the possibility of eventually replacing the bridge.

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe – $1.4 million:

Funding will help remove one of the last remaining fish passage barriers in the Ennis Creek watershed by replacing a culvert under a city road in Port Angeles with a bridge. The new bridge will benefit threatened Puget Sound steelhead, bull trout, and Chinook salmon. The bridge will reduce road maintenance costs and risks of road failure and flooding.

Central WA:

Yakama Nation – $3.1 million:

Funding will replace a barrier comprised of three culverts with a bridge to address the last remaining fish passage barrier on Brush Creek in the Klickitat Watershed. This project will support threatened Mid-Columbia River steelhead as well as additional migratory species. Funding will also help the Yakama Nation increase capacity by supporting new staff positions focused on fish passage efforts in the Yakima and Klickitat watersheds.

Yakama Nation – $3 million in the first year, up to $6.1 million total over three years:

Funding will allow the Yakama Nation to relocate a portion of a state highway to improve fish passage, reduce roadway flooding, and reconnect habitat for salmon and steelhead. This section of Route 207 currently restricts migratory fish access to half of the floodplain. This project will reconnect 13 acres of floodplain habitat in a highly important area for the spawning and rearing of endangered Upper Columbia spring-run Chinook and threatened Upper Columbia steelhead.

Southwest WA:

Cowlitz Indian Tribe – $1.9 million:

Funding will allow the Cowlitz Indian Tribe to remove the last remaining fish passage barrier and an abandoned railroad crossing on Ostrander Creek, a tributary of the lower Cowlitz River. This project will benefit multiple species of steelhead and salmon and help reduce the risk of downstream flooding.

ref. https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wa-tribes-to-receive-394-million-to-remove-fish-barriers-restore-salmon-habitat

CLALLAM MEETINGS:

Clallam County Commission meeting for 5/28/24

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05282024-1197

City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 5/28/24

https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/14897/05282024-Work-Session-CFP

City of Sequim Council meeting for 5/28/24

https://sequimwa.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=165

City of Forks Council meeting for 5/28/24

https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Agenda-20240528.pdf

Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 5/28/24

https://portofpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Comm-Pkt-5-28-24.pdf

School Board Forum.

Meeting

May 28, 2024 - PASD Community Forum

Category

Location/Time

Subject

Port Angeles High School - 304 Park Ave -Cafeteria - 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Type: Information

JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:

Jefferson County Commission meeting for 5/28/24

https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/43ba839e-26f2-4684-b9e0-5b3a8f55182e

Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE: James 1:19 (New International Version)

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

Weekly Bible Lesson:   

Jesus Is Joined to Salvation - Part 1

We have already seen that God has joined Himself to this universe, that God is the creator of all things. We have seen that God has joined Himself to the Bible, that God is the author of this book, and the evidences are overwhelming to show that this is the case. And, we have seen that God has joined Himself to Jesus, that God and Jesus are one. In John 10:30, Jesus said that He and the Father are one; they are one in nature, one in purpose, one in doctrine. No man can come to God except through Jesus Christ.--TFTW

https://truthfortheworld.org/jesus-is-joined-to-salvation-part-1

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 WEEKS VIDEOS

How Tulsi Gabbard Went from Bernie Sanders Supporter to Possible Trump VP.

How did former Democratic congresswoman and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard go from endorsing Bernie Sanders to allegedly being on Donald Trump’s vice-presidential shortlist? Tulsi, who recently released her newest book, "For Love of Country," joins Glenn to explain what all changed. She addresses the rumors about whether she’s talked to Trump about being VP and whether she’d join his administration as Secretary of Defense. Plus, she lays out the 2 most critical questions that voters should be asking when choosing between Trump and Biden in the election.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeWFpjioa90

Sunday Worship Service 05/19/2024 FOUR LAKES C. of C

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PksI07rJUSE

NIGHT OWL COMICS

https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/

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