Nearly $2 million will help gun violence prevention efforts in communities across 9 counties
SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that his office is awarding nearly $2 million to 12 local law enforcement agencies across Washington state for gun violence prevention efforts.
The agencies receiving the funding include local police departments, tribal law enforcement and sheriff’s offices in communities spanning nine counties on both sides of the Cascades. The departments will use the funds for everything from gun buybacks and youth outreach to education programs and firearms safety classes. The funds will also help departments purchase locking safes and other safety equipment for gun storage.
The largest award, more than $545,000 to Airway Heights Police Department in Spokane County, will fund a support program for victims of gun violence.
“We are investing this money in communities to help law enforcement prevent gun violence,” Ferguson said. “Their efforts will improve public safety across Washington.”
The one-time funding is the result of a lawsuit enforcing Washington’s ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines. A King County judge ruled Federal Way Discount Guns violated the law by selling thousands of high-capacity magazines, and the store eventually agreed to pay $3 million to resolve the claims. As permitted by the court order approving the resolution, Ferguson chose to dedicate more than $1.8 million to fund local law enforcement efforts to reduce gun violence, promote firearms safety and support victims of gun violence.
Any local police department, county sheriff’s office or tribal police agency in Washington was eligible to apply. The Attorney General’s Office received 20 applications. Of those, 12 proposals were selected for their potential to address the problem of gun violence and firearm safety.
Letters confirming the awards will be sent this week. These agencies must keep track of how the funds are used and follow specific reporting requirements laid out by the Attorney General’s Office.
Federal Way Discount Guns lawsuit results in gun violence prevention funding
Ferguson’s consumer protection lawsuit against Federal Way Discount Guns led to a resolution that funded this opportunity.
Washington prohibits the sale of magazines with the capacity to hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Ferguson's investigation into Federal Way Discount Guns found that the retailer sold 3,625 of these unlawful high-capacity magazines between July 1, 2022 — when the law went into effect — and December 2022, when Ferguson filed his lawsuit.
In April 2023, a King County judge ruled Federal Way Discount Guns broke the law. As a result of the case, Federal Way Discount Guns paid $3 million to the Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office will retain funds that are not used by local law enforcement for the office’s costs to investigate and litigate the case and future enforcement efforts.
IN OTHER STATE HEADLINES:
Judge blocks Kroger-Albertsons merger following AG Ferguson challenge
SEATTLE — A King County judge ruled today that the proposed merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons is unlawful and cannot go forward. The decision came following a September trial in Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s antitrust case challenging the merger. Today’s ruling is the first decision on the merits of the case amongst multiple state and federal challenges of the merger. /WAAG
Working group named targeting billions in CHIPS and Science Act funding for Washington state.
Commerce Department announces first working group members to develop statewide response to historic federal funding opportunities, slates first meeting Dec. 17/WA COMMERCE DEPT.
New indicator tracks & visualizes ocean acidification in Washington
We’re measuring the impacts of carbon pollution to help support healthy ocean habitats, assist communities in adapting to change./DOE
Coleman Oil Company fined for spill near Colfax.
OLYMPIA –
In January 2023, a Coleman Oil tank truck swerved to avoid an animal near Colfax, causing its trailer to overturn and spill more than 2,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel. The spill contaminated nearby soils and flowed into a ditch leading to Spring Flat Creek./DOE
WDFW to conduct a 2024 summer crab harvest survey for three Puget Sound marine areas.
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will conduct a select survey of Dungeness crab harvested in three Puget Sound marine areas during the 2024 summer crabbing season./WDFW
NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:
Murray, Cornyn, Van Hollen, Warner Send Bipartisan Letter Urging Update on American Journalist Austin Tice in Light of the Fall of Assad Regime in Syria/from new release issued 12.11.24
EPA announces $8.4M for clean heavy-duty vehicles in Washington
Funding for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles, along with infrastructure and workforce development projects, to tackle climate change, reduce air pollution, and advance environmental justice/ from press release issued 12.11.24
https://www.murray.senate.gov/epa-announces-8-4m-for-clean-heavy-duty-vehicles-in-washington/
Priorities for WA Maritime Industry & Water Infrastructure Secured in Cantwell-Supported Agreement
2024 Water Resources Development Act will boost port competitiveness, improve the Columbia River channel, support community water infrastructure projects in Central WA, & more/press release issued 12.10.24
Cantwell Celebrates $57.8 Million Funding for Fish Passage & Water Infrastructure Projects in Chelan, Grant, and Kittitas County
Leavenworth Fisheries Complex, West Canal Replacement, and Roza Dam Fish Screen Modification received funding from Cantwell-supported Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act/ from press release issued 12.11.24
WORLD, NATION, BUSINESS & IN FOCUS
WORLD:
Afghanistan’s De Facto Authorities’ New Law Barring Women from Medical Training Imperils Entire Country’s Health, Stability, Briefers Tell Security Council/UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15932.doc.htm
Secretary-General Welcomes Announcement of Ankara Declaration between Ethiopia, Somalia to Resolve Differences through Friendship, Mutual Trust/UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sgsm22495.doc.htm
General Assembly Adopts Texts on Ocean Governance, International Observances, as Speakers Stress Need to Safeguard Marine Ecosystem, Resources/UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/ga12668.doc.htm
Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press
"SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. I just had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Sudani. I’ve been coming to Iraq for more than 20 years, and one of the things I told the prime minister was how striking it was flying in from the airport just to see all of the construction, the vibrancy of the city, the cars moving around. And I know as well really important work has been done to make sure that Iraqis have the services they need, and increasingly the opportunities that they want to build better lives. So it’s been very impressive to see these changes, and I think it just underscores the importance of Iraq continuing to have the space to do that. That’s what its people deserve."--US STATE DEPT.
https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-remarks-to-the-press-33/
DOD Innovation Official Discusses Progress on Replicator.
The Defense Department is integrating lessons learned from executing the first iteration of its Replicator initiative as it tackles the next phase of the effort to put cutting-edge capabilities in the hands of warfighters, said a senior Defense Innovation Unit official today. /DOD
NATION:
Notice to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Global Illicit Drug Trade./ WH
Justice Department Announces Resolution of Criminal and Civil Investigations into McKinsey & Company’s Work with Purdue Pharma L.P.; Former McKinsey Senior Partner Charged with Obstruction of Justice/DOJ
U.S. Department of Education Surpasses 1.5 Million 2025–26 FAFSA Submissions
Department Launches Next Phase of FAFSA Student Support Strategy and College Support Strategy to Help More Students Complete the FAFSA and Pursue Higher Education/ DEPT. of ED.
HUD Highlights Significant Accomplishments in Rental Assistance Programs, Strengthening Housing Stability Nationwide
The agency has administered more vouchers since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, the largest increase the program has seen in 20 years./HUD
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_24_319
Secretary Haaland Initiates Two-Year Protection of Pecos River Watershed from Mining Claims
BLM, USFS initiate process to engage public on proposed 20-year mineral withdrawal for important New Mexico watershed while segregation is in place. /DEPT. OF interior
BUSINESS:
Housing Crisis in Focus: LIHTC Best Practices to Discourage Qualified Contracts and Keep Housing Affordable for Longer./US TREASURY DEPT.
Early Bitcoin Investor Sentenced for Filing Tax Returns that Falsely Reported His Cryptocurrency Gains./DOJ
USDA Announces Two Prominent Speakers for the 2025 Agricultural Outlook Forum./USDA
https://www.usda.gov/article/usda-announces-two-prominent-speakers-2025-agricultural-outlook-forum-0
IRS recovers billions in tax, financial criminal cases focused on drug trafficking, terrorist financing; launches new business online account features./IRS
US Department of Labor awards $99.3M in grants to support training, job services to prepare young people to succeed in high-demand careers./DEPT. of LABOR
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20241212-0
IN FOCUS: Commerce announces inaugural grants supporting equitable access to credit for small businesses.
Lenders awarded funding will help borrowers who otherwise may not be eligible for traditional bank loans
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today named the first eight recipients of grants from a new Equitable Access to Credit program. The funding will allow Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to offer technical assistance services, small business training, loans and investments to aid borrowers who may not otherwise be eligible for traditional bank loans.
”Access to capital has long been at the top of the list of small business needs, especially in underserved communities,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong. “The Equitable Access to Credit program represents a unique funding mechanism to fuel small business growth and create new opportunities throughout the state.”
The inaugural grant awardees will receive a total of $1 million:
Craft3 – $172,493
Northwest Access Fund – $172,493
MoFi – $172,493
Business Impact NW – $149,494
Enterprise Community Loan Fund – $137,994
Chehalis Tribal Loan Fund – $95,676
JST Capital – $66,237
Rainier Valley Community Development Fund – $33,119
The Washington State Legislature created the Equitable Access to Credit program in 2023 through HB1015. The program awards grants to qualified lending institutions using funds generated by contributions from businesses in exchange for tax credits through the Department of Revenue (DOR). Any business with state Business and Occupation (B&O) tax liabilities can contribute to the program and receive a $1 for $1 tax credit.
”Craft3 is honored to be recognized with one of the inaugural awards from the Washington Equitable Access to Credit Program,” said Bruce Brooks, Craft3 president and interim CEO. “Small businesses provide 49.8% of jobs in Washington State and this grant will help us serve entrepreneurs who are working to build vibrant communities and who, too often, struggle to access the capital they need.”
The Equitable Access to Credit program encourages investment in communities that have historically lacked access to capital. At least 65% of the value of all grants awarded in any calendar year go to native CDFI grantees or grantees for services or investments, or both, in rural counties.
“We are deeply honored to be awarded this grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce, which will significantly enhance our ability to serve the members of the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation and other Native American communities in Southwest Washington,” said Tamra J. Marlowe, Executive Director, Chehalis Tribal Loan Fund. “At the Chehalis Tribal Loan Fund, we are committed to breaking down financial barriers and fostering economic empowerment. Brick by brick, we are paving the way to financial empowerment through education, coaching, and fair lending. This funding allows us to expand access to vital resources, promote financial literacy, and support entrepreneurship within these communities. Together, we are building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”
Deadline for 2024 contributions is Dec. 31
To date, Washington businesses have contributed $5.9 million to the program. The 2024 window for tax deductible contributions closes Dec. 31 and contributions for this year will be available in 2025.
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:
Clallam County work session for 12.16.24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12162024-1374
Clallam County Commission meeting for 12.17.24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12172024-1375
Clallam County Board of Health for 12.17.24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12172024-1378
Peninsula Housing Authority meeting for 12.18.24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12182024-1371
Port Angeles City Council meeting for 12.17.24
https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/16204/12172024-CC-Agenda-Packet
Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 12.17.24
https://portofpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Comm-Pkt-12-17-24.pdf
OMC BOARD MEETING for 12.18.24
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Commission Meeting for 12.16.24
https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/Calendar.aspx?EID=3035
City of Port Townsend meeting for 12.16.24
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=4684
Weekly devotional
Luke 1:26-28 (New International Version)
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Weekly Bible Lesson:
Unless
The word “unless” (or “except”) means that what is mentioned must be done! It is not something that can safely be left out of our lives. In this lesson, we shall notice five things our Lord taught must be done!--TFTW
https://truthfortheworld.org/unless
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
Come and See
https://www.comeandseefoundation.org/
THIS WEEKS VIDEOS:
Glenn & Panel DEBATE Trump’s 10 Most Controversial Cabinet Picks
The last five years, including the pandemic, have destroyed trust in the federal government. The election handed Trump a mandate to do something about it — to root out the corruption and waste at the heart of this distrust. Trump has not taken the safe path with his Cabinet and agency picks: Kash Patel (FBI), Tulsi Gabbard (DNI), Pete Hegseth (DOD), Pam Bondi (AG), Kristi Noem (Homeland Security), Tom Homan (border czar), RFK Jr. (HHS), Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (NIH), Linda McMahon (Education), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Labor), and Scott Bessent (Treasury).
He has mostly gone for firebrands — nominees who are already sending the establishment into a panic. Will this strategy actually work? Or is the firebrand approach doomed out of the gate? BlazeTV’s Steve Deace, Liz Wheeler, Stu Burguiere, and Jason Buttrill join Glenn along with recovering investment banker Carol Roth and FBI whistleblower Steve Friend to break down the Cabinet controversies and debate these nominees. Will the swamp establishment let them survive the nomination process?--Glenn Beck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHpYUhdCgF4
Mark Levin Audio Rewind - 12/13/24
On Friday’s Mark Levin Show, the dehumanization of President-Elect Trump has to stop! MSNBC’s Joy Reid and ABC’s Ana Navarro continue to compare Trump to Hitler. This is offensive to Jewish people and a grotesque act of blasphemy against Trump. Reid and Navarro are feeding the antisemitism that is spreading. Why do their corporations, Comcast and Disney, tolerate this? They need to be fired! Also, the country is being inundated with drones.
These drones are mapping, and the government is concealing information. Most likely these are drones from China. Iran and Russia are too busy right now to do this. This is a massive coverup. Later, Sen Mitch McConnell and Rep Nancy Pelosi both fell injuring themselves. These people are too old to be representing us, they can’t do the job effectively. There must be term limits because they love holding on to power. Afterward, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is a traitor - he subsidized many terrorist entities in the Middle East through his policies. He treats Turkey’s mass murderer Erdogan with more respect than Benjamin Netanyahu.--Mark Levin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDJ8P8EaYFw&t=1453s
When a “Good” Man Sins--Concord Street Church of Christ on December 8, 2024. David Pharr preached a sermon titled “When a “Good” Man Sins”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01Hsrc_y7ZQ
Other News Sources:
Biden’s mass pardons are unpardonable--Washington Examinier
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/3260271/bidens-mass-pardons-are-unpardonable/
Joni Ernst says federal spending on monkey studies is bananas--Washington Times
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/dec/14/joni-ernst-says-federal-spending-monkey-studies-ba/
Pardons Shouldn’t Stop Investigations
Investigations lead to the truth coming to light — whether punishments follow or not.--American Spectator
https://spectator.org/pardons-shouldnt-stop-investigations/
NIGHT OWL COMICS
https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/
The Port Angeles Globe is published weekly by, Peter Ripley
