CSPAN: President Trump Participates in Abraham Accord Signing.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?475842-1/president-trump-participates-abraham-accord-signing&live
Video from the WH: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/videos/646913169567329
Related Story: Remarks by President Trump on the Announcement of Normalization of Relations Between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain.--WH
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-announcement-normalization-relations-israel-kingdom-bahrain/
Other related news stories:
Trump Hosts Israel, U.A.E. and Bahrain at White House Signing Ceremony
Critics of the agreement between the three countries have called President Trump’s declarations of peace overblown.---NYT
Israel to sign deal establishing formal ties with two Arab states at the White House
The agreement, called the Abraham Accord, lays the ground for diplomatic, economic and other ties between Israel and United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.--WP
Trump hosts officials from Israel, UAE and Bahrain, but unclear what deals will do--LA TIMES
UAE and Bahrain Sign Historic Peace Deals With Israel at White House---NEWS MAX
Donald Trump: Middle East Peace Broker
Bahrain becomes the fourth Arab nation to agree to normalize relations with Israel.---The Patriot Post.
Media Pushes Unverified Gossip To Hide Trump’s Amazing Economic And Foreign Policy Achievements
With the most dynamic economic comeback in U.S. history and unprecedented progress towards peace in the Middle East, what did the media establishment choose to cover?---The Federalist
Cantwell, Udall, Senate Democrats call on FCC to Address the Digital Divide in Indian Country
Less than half of households on Tribal lands have access to fixed broadband service.
Press release from Sen Cantwell dated 9/14/20
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, joined U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and 13 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in a letter calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to expedite broadband connectivity to Native communities. Writing to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the senators urged the FCC to use its existing authority to ensure universal service and to improve Native communities’ access to critical services during the COVID-19 pandemic including telemedicine services, online education, and teleworking opportunities.
“We are concerned that under your leadership the Commission has not done enough to bridge the digital divide on Native lands, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 national health emergency,” the senators wrote. “Now more than ever, broadband services are vital to providing and maintaining essential community services, including ensuring members have access to telemedicine, virtual learning, and teleworking capabilities.”
Less than half of households on Tribal lands have access to fixed broadband service, according to the FCC. This represents a nearly 27-point gap compared to non-Tribal rural areas. This gap only widens when compared to the countrywide average—in 2018, the FCC estimated that 35 percent of Americans living on Tribal lands lacked access to broadband services, compared to eight percent of all Americans.
Specifically, the senators asked the FCC to help ensure that Native communities have access to telecommunications services by:
Making a formal determination recognizing the digital divide on Native lands;
Increasing the Lifeline program subsidy to $75 to provide subscribers on Native lands with additional resources;
Increasing the Tribal set-aside for Universal Service Fund dollars for Native communities to expand access to advance wireless broadband services on Native lands;
Extending the 2.5 GHz Tribal Priority Window for 180 days;
Expediting the processing of Rural Health Care Program applications, as well as increasing funding for the program, increasing broadband capacity for telehealth providers, and increasing subsidies for telehealth providers; and
Ensuring that Tribal colleges and universities have broadband access and target support towards places that remain unconnected.
Senator Cantwell has long championed efforts to end the digital divide and has stressed the need for comprehensive broadband infrastructure to support telehealth and other critical services. In May, Cantwell urged the FCC to ensure that rural Tribal communities had adequate time and equitable opportunity to apply for spectrum for broadband services and mobile coverage. Since the pandemic began, Cantwell has announced more than $6.6 million in funding for telehealth services to health care entities throughout Washington state. And in January, Cantwell introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that billions of dollars from a public auction of C-Band spectrum will be used to invest in bridging the digital divide and enabling next-generation public safety services.
Today's Headlines...
World Headline News:
Iran: ‘Secret execution’ of champion wrestler ‘deeply disturbing’ – UN rights experts
A group of five independent UN human rights experts have strongly condemned the summary execution in Iran on Saturday of a former champion wrestler convicted of murdering a security guard during anti-government protests in 2018.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/09/1072302
Historic Afghan talks present ‘major opportunity’ for peace: UN Secretary-General.
The first ever direct talks between Afghan Government representatives and the Taliban which began on Saturday, present “a major opportunity” to finally realize the “long-held aspirations” of the people, for a peaceful future, the UN chief has said.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/09/1072222
‘Stupid mistake’ for rich nations not to back a COVID vaccine for the people, says UN chief.
The march of COVID-19 which has “brought us to our knees”, should be a lesson in humility for world leaders, and a lack of solidarity on the part of some richer nations towards developing countries, means we will all pay a heavy price, the UN chief has told UN News, in an exclusive interview ahead of the new General Assembly session.
https://news.un.org/en/interview/2020/09/1072362
Guterres urges world leaders to ‘do what is necessary’ for peace and the planet.
As global leaders prepare to convene in New York next week to debate the best way forward for the planet, Secretary-General António Guterres is urging them to “do what is necessary” to ensure that “we are able to solve the dramatic problems we face.”
https://news.un.org/en/interview/2019/09/1046822
UN report highlights links between ‘unprecedented biodiversity loss’ and spread of disease.
The continued degradation of the environment is increasing the likelihood of diseases spreading from animals to humans, warns a UN report on biodiversity, released on Tuesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/09/1072292
UN urges a more equal, inclusive world, marking International Day of Democracy.
The United Nations marked the annual International Day of Democracy, on Tuesday, calling on world leaders to build a more equal, inclusive and sustainable world, with full respect for human rights.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/09/1072352
Rise to the occasion to tackle injustice, Bachelet urges Human Rights Council.
UN Member States gathered in person in Geneva on Monday for a new session of the Human Rights Council, where UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet urged countries to “rise to the occasion” to tackle injustice everywhere.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/09/1072282
US MISSION TO THE UN: Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Yemen.
" But as we well know, another destabilizing force is through the Islamic Republic of Iran, who holds little interest in fostering stability and security in Yemen – or anywhere else in the region. Just the opposite: Iran continues to send lethal aid to the Houthis, fueling the Houthis’ ongoing offensive near Marib, and the larger conflict. On August 20, the United States initiated the process that will restore virtually all UN sanctions on Iran, which had been lifted under paragraph 7(a) of Resolution 2231."
https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-at-a-un-security-council-briefing-on-the-situation-in-yemen-11/
NATIONAL HEADLINES:
Remarks by President Trump in a Ceremony Recognizing the California Army National Guard | McClellan Park, CA--WH press release
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-ceremony-recognizing-california-army-national-guard-mcclellan-park-ca/
US STATE DEPT: Former First Lady of The Gambia Sanctioned for Supporting the Former President’s Corruption.
https://www.state.gov/former-first-lady-of-the-gambia-sanctioned-for-supporting-the-former-presidents-corruption/
Sports Heroes Who Served: Pro Football Player to Formidable Marine--DOD
https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Features/Story/Article/2342721/sports-heroes-who-served-pro-football-player-to-formidable-marine/
Former DEA Agent and His Wife Plead Guilty for Roles in Scheme to Divert Drug Proceeds From Undercover Money Laundering Investigations
A former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent and his wife pleaded guilty Monday to all charges in a 19-count indictment unsealed against them on Feb. 21, 2020. U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Wilson accepted the guilty pleas in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. --DOJ
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-dea-agent-and-his-wife-plead-guilty-roles-scheme-divert-drug-proceeds-undercover-money
HUD SECRETARY BEN CARSON AND ATTORNEY GENERAL WILLIAM BARR VISIT OPPORTUNITY ZONE PROJECT IN WILMINGTON
WILMINGTON, DE - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and U.S. Attorney General William Barr yesterday traveled to Wilmington to tour Second Chances Farm, which is located in an Opportunity Zone. The Secretary and Attorney General held a roundtable with the organization’s leadership and employees to discuss the work of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council and the Federal Interagency Council on Reentry. Second Chances Farm (SCF) is the first commercial, indoor, hydroponic, vertical farm in Delaware and one of the leading Smart Farms in the United States. SCF is a public benefit corporation, certified minority enterprise, a qualified opportunity fund, and a Foreign Trade Zone. SCF hires people who were formerly incarcerated in federal or state prisons and provides them with mentorship and green-collar jobs.---HUD
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_20_146
USDA Encourages Ag Producers, Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Sally--USDA
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses in the path of Hurricane Sally that USDA has programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices stand ready and are eager to help.
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2020/09/14/usda-encourages-ag-producers-residents-prepare-hurricane-sally
EPA Proposes 2020 Financial Capability Assessment for Water Services in Disadvantaged Communities
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-proposes-2020-financial-capability-assessment-water-services-disadvantaged
BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS:
Treasury Sanctions Chinese Entity in Cambodia Under Global Magnitsky Authority---US TREASURY Dept.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1121
IRS selects 10 new members for Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-selects-10-new-members-for-electronic-tax-administration-advisory-committee
DAEC Summary of key highlights from CSIS report: Analysis of the FY2021 Defense Budget---US Chamber of Commerce
https://www.uschamber.com/article/daec-summary-of-key-highlights-csis-report-analysis-of-the-fy2021-defense-budget
FTC Settlement Requires Online Trading Academy to Forgive Consumer Debt, and Principals to Turn Over Millions in Cash and Assets.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/09/ftc-settlement-requires-online-trading-academy-forgive-consumer
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR CONTINUES EFFORT TO RAISE AWARENESS OF PAID SICK LEAVE AND LAWFUL PAY REQUIREMENTS AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20200914-1
ICYMI: No Offshore Drilling around Florida and the Southern Atlantic.
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/icymi-no-offshore-drilling-around-florida-and-southern-atlantic
U.S. Department of Commerce Announces Draft Amendment to the Suspension Agreement on Uranium from the Russian Federation.
https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2020/09/us-department-commerce-announces-draft-amendment-suspension-agreement
STATE NEWS HEADLINES
INSLEE SENDS OPEN LETTER ON WILDFIRES, AND CLIMATE CHANGE...
Open letter to President Donald Trump on the role of climate change in historic wildfires.
https://medium.com/wagovernor/open-letter-to-president-donald-trump-on-the-role-of-climate-change-in-historic-wildfires-115a9ef2d9b9
Mr. President,
I hope you had an enlightening trip to the West Coast, where your refusal to address climate change — and your active steps to enable even more carbon pollution — will accelerate devastating wildfires like those you’re seeing today. I implore you to recognize the science behind this destruction and stop your path of distortion and deception.
Rapid climate change driven by human activity has created a fusion of natural risk and man-made catalysts to accelerate these unnatural disasters. Study after study confirm the close connection between climate change and intensifying wildfires. Your reckless statements that climate change is a hoax and your gutting of environmental policies benefit no one but fossil fuel companies.
These willful denials are harming our nation and our people. Today, you said about the climate: “It’ll start getting cooler. You just watch.” That is false. This abandonment of leadership has once again left the states on their own to fight this existential threat to our people.
The knowledge and tools are at your disposal to be a leader if you choose. Every day, climate experts are showing us ways to reduce carbon pollution while helping our health and economy.
Wildfires are not new in the Western states, yet the 21st century is quickly laying claim to the worst levels of devastation we have ever seen. It took five days for 2020 to become our state’s second-worst fire season on record with more than 600,000 acres burned, eclipsed only by the 1.1 million acres burned in 2015. Worse events in California and Oregon have sent historic levels of smoke to the Puget Sound region, forcing millions of Washingtonians indoors until it passes.
Mr. President, our temperatures are consistently rising while moisture is increasingly evaporating. Forest management is merely one piece of the puzzle — something our own firefighters would be quick to remind you. Since 2009, our state has spent more than $130 million for forest health and fire preparedness. These events still overwhelm our residents and resources, because these fires are unlike anything people have seen before.
You have worked to distract from our country’s most critical driver of long-term risk in favor of a more politically convenient target — state forest management. This shows an utter lack of understanding about the robust forest management plans our states already have in place, as well as the need for our federal partners to work more collaboratively with us on forest health issues.
Your comments also betray ignorance of the very sources and locations of these wildfires. They don’t just happen in the forests; the fire that burned 80 percent of the buildings in Malden, Washington, was a grass and brush fire. These fires could not be prevented by thinning timber because there is no timber to thin.
As Dana Skelly, a fuels program manager for the U.S. Forest Service in Portland, told the Washington Post last week: “The systems that people rely on to help them get through these events are completely maxed out.”
To Stefan Doerr, a geographer at Swansea University in Wales and a chief editor of the International Journal of Wildland Fire, it’s basic physics: “If we have higher temp[eratures], we have a greater probability of fire starting, fire spreading, and fire intensifying.”
The federal government produced a rigorous, comprehensive report, the National Climate Assessment, that concluded “the annual area burned in the western United States could increase 2–6 times from the present” if current trends continue, due to human-caused climate change.
Research by the Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington shows our region is dealing with higher temperatures and less frost, which is both affecting our water reclamation efforts and heightening conditions for fires throughout our diverse ecosystems, not just forests. The group projects temperatures will rise rapidly throughout this century, making conditions ripe for longer fire seasons and more challenging circumstances for trying to mitigate them.
Climate change is doing more damage to our communities faster than anyone thought. Hotter temperatures are drawing more moisture out of soils, grasses, bushes and trees — which evolved over thousands of years to withstand less severe fires — turning them into the perfect fuel for ignition.
I would urge you to abandon your half-baked theories and engage in good faith about the obvious relationship between climate change and wildfires.
The rules of fighting wildfires are changing because our climate is changing. There is no fire suppression plan on this planet that does anyone any good if it doesn’t even acknowledge the role of climate change. Deliberate and decisive action must be taken on a global scale, with the United States in the lead.
It is time to abandon the disastrous course that now envelops us in smoke and ash. A new approach could slow or turn around the damage done by climate change, all while building a more robust and more sustainable future for all 50 states.
The states are willing and eager to work in partnership with the federal government to protect all Americans from the ravages of climate change. Washingtonians in places such as Malden, Bonney Lake, Bridgeport and Graham — which have all begun long roads to recovery from the fires of recent days — deserve as much.
Sincerely,
Gov. Jay Inslee
Related stories:
Seattle PI: Choking air from Western fires just won't ease.
https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Choking-air-from-Western-fires-just-won-t-ease-up-15567428.php
Seattle area gets its first rain of September, but not enough to clear wildfire smoke
"The smoke is going to continue, and there's probably not going to be relief for at least a couple days," said Gary Schneider, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle. "It's trapped. It has no place to go.---Seattle Times
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/weather/seattle-area-gets-its-first-rain-of-september-but-its-not-enough-to-clear-the-wildfire-smoke/
Gov. Inslee urges Trump to ‘abandon half-baked theories’ on climate change amid wildfires--MY NORTHWEST
https://mynorthwest.com/2163787/gov-inslee-trump-climate-change-wildfires/
In other headlines...
Taking On ‘Cuties’ Culture Should Be An Easy Move For The Right
Normalizing child sexualization did not start with 'Cuties.' The defensive reaction to it, however, just clarified the stakes for the future.---The Federalist
https://thefederalist.com/2020/09/15/taking-on-cuties-culture-should-be-an-easy-move-for-the-right/
Most Americans Know Joe Biden Is a Trojan Horse for the Tyrannical Senator Who Lost the Primary---PJ Media
https://pjmedia.com/election/tyler-o-neil/2020/09/15/a-harris-administration-most-americans-think-biden-wont-finish-out-a-first-term-n933029
Biden's Wildfire Gaslighting
Forest mismanagement, not climate change, is most responsible for massive wildfires.---The Patriot Post
https://patriotpost.us/articles/73452-bidens-wildfire-gaslighting-2020-09-15
