WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell released the following statements after the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration announced an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking on vapor pressure for crude oil transported by rail:
“I applaud the Department of Transportation for taking this important step to regulate the dangerous and volatile crude oil being transported through communities across Washington state and the nation. The volatility of crude oil must be regulated by the federal government, not private corporations.”
Background
Today’s announcement follows months of pressure from Cantwell. In 2015, Cantwell successfully passed a proposal requiring DOT and the U.S. Department of Energy to study crude oil volatility – a critical component to DOT’s final rulemaking.
Cantwell has been a constant voice in increasing tanker car safety and reducing volatility of crude oil that passes through communities across Washington state. Following the oil train derailment in Mosier, Oregon, Cantwell led a group of ten senators calling on DOT and PHMSA to set an emergency interim rule for volatility of crude oil transported by rail.
As part of her efforts to protect communities along rail tracks, Cantwell introduced the Crude-By-Rail Safety Act of 2015, which would set strong new safety standards for trains hauling volatile crude oil.
Ref. https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-phmsa-rulemaking-on-volatility-of-crude-transported-by-rail-
For local news making headlines click here
Friday, January 13, 2017
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Bipartisan Working Group Announces Kilmer will serve as New Co-Chair
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Bipartisan Working Group announced that Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) will serve as a new co-chairman of the organization along with current Co-Chair Jim Renacci (R-OH). The Bipartisan Working Group was founded in 2011 and includes an even number of Democrat and Republican members. They meet once a week to discuss legislation and how they can work together on issues to make Congress more effective for the American people.
“I’m honored to serve as co-chair with Representative Renacci,” said Kilmer. “Democrats and Republicans aren’t always going to agree, but now more than ever we need to give folks the opportunity to engage in a respectful and productive dialogue. I’m proud to be part of a group that brings people together to talk about the big issues impacting Americans. I look forward to helping pushing Congress to get back on track by following our approach.”---from Congressman Kilmer's webpage dated 1.9.17
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-working-group-announces-kilmer-will-serve-as-new-co-chair-
For more state news headlines click here
“I’m honored to serve as co-chair with Representative Renacci,” said Kilmer. “Democrats and Republicans aren’t always going to agree, but now more than ever we need to give folks the opportunity to engage in a respectful and productive dialogue. I’m proud to be part of a group that brings people together to talk about the big issues impacting Americans. I look forward to helping pushing Congress to get back on track by following our approach.”---from Congressman Kilmer's webpage dated 1.9.17
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-working-group-announces-kilmer-will-serve-as-new-co-chair-
For more state news headlines click here
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
OBAMA BIDS FAREWELL TO HIS FAILED PRESIDENCY IN SPEECH...There's the door pal!
The White House: Remarks by the President in Farewell Address
Quote: There’s a second threat to our democracy -- and this one is as old as our nation itself. After my election, there was talk of a post-racial America. And such a vision, however well-intended, was never realistic. Race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society. Now, I’ve lived long enough to know that race relations are better than they were 10, or 20, or 30 years ago, no matter what some folks say. You can see it not just in statistics, you see it in the attitudes of young Americans across the political spectrum.
But we’re not where we need to be. And all of us have more work to do. If every economic issue is framed as a struggle between a hardworking white middle class and an undeserving minority, then workers of all shades are going to be left fighting for scraps while the wealthy withdraw further into their private enclaves. If we're unwilling to invest in the children of immigrants, just because they don’t look like us, we will diminish the prospects of our own children -- because those brown kids will represent a larger and larger share of America’s workforce. (Applause.) And we have shown that our economy doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. Last year, incomes rose for all races, all age groups, for men and for women.
So if we're going to be serious about race going forward, we need to uphold laws against discrimination -- in hiring, and in housing, and in education, and in the criminal justice system. That is what our Constitution and our highest ideals require.
But laws alone won’t be enough. Hearts must change. It won't change overnight. Social attitudes oftentimes take generations to change. But if our democracy is to work in this increasingly diverse nation, then each one of us need to try to heed the advice of a great character in American fiction -- Atticus Finch -- who said “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
For blacks and other minority groups, it means tying our own very real struggles for justice to the challenges that a lot of people in this country face -- not only the refugee, or the immigrant, or the rural poor, or the transgender American, but also the middle-aged white guy who, from the outside, may seem like he’s got advantages, but has seen his world upended by economic and cultural and technological change. We have to pay attention, and listen.
For white Americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and Jim Crow didn’t suddenly vanish in the ‘60s that when minority groups voice discontent, they’re not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness. When they wage peaceful protest, they’re not demanding special treatment but the equal treatment that our Founders promised.
For native-born Americans, it means reminding ourselves that the stereotypes about immigrants today were said, almost word for word, about the Irish, and Italians, and Poles -- who it was said we're going to destroy the fundamental character of America. And as it turned out, America wasn’t weakened by the presence of these newcomers; these newcomers embraced this nation’s creed, and this nation was strengthened.
Related stories:
'Yes we did' _ Obama bids farewell in nostalgic last speech
CHICAGO (AP) — President Barack Obama has bid farewell to the nation in an emotional speech that sought to comfort a country on edge over rapid economic changes, persistent security threats and the election of Donald Trump.
Obama pushes values and prods Trump in final, emotional address ( REU)
With a final call of his campaign mantra "Yes We Can," President Barack Obama urged Americans on Tuesday to stand up for U.S. values and reject discrimination as the United States transitions to the presidency of Republican Donald Trump.
FULL SPEECH: Emotional Obama's final speech, challenge to the nation (The Hill)
On Tuesday night, President Obama delivered the final address of his presidency to the American people.
For more national news headlines click here...
Quote: There’s a second threat to our democracy -- and this one is as old as our nation itself. After my election, there was talk of a post-racial America. And such a vision, however well-intended, was never realistic. Race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society. Now, I’ve lived long enough to know that race relations are better than they were 10, or 20, or 30 years ago, no matter what some folks say. You can see it not just in statistics, you see it in the attitudes of young Americans across the political spectrum.
But we’re not where we need to be. And all of us have more work to do. If every economic issue is framed as a struggle between a hardworking white middle class and an undeserving minority, then workers of all shades are going to be left fighting for scraps while the wealthy withdraw further into their private enclaves. If we're unwilling to invest in the children of immigrants, just because they don’t look like us, we will diminish the prospects of our own children -- because those brown kids will represent a larger and larger share of America’s workforce. (Applause.) And we have shown that our economy doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. Last year, incomes rose for all races, all age groups, for men and for women.
So if we're going to be serious about race going forward, we need to uphold laws against discrimination -- in hiring, and in housing, and in education, and in the criminal justice system. That is what our Constitution and our highest ideals require.
But laws alone won’t be enough. Hearts must change. It won't change overnight. Social attitudes oftentimes take generations to change. But if our democracy is to work in this increasingly diverse nation, then each one of us need to try to heed the advice of a great character in American fiction -- Atticus Finch -- who said “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
For blacks and other minority groups, it means tying our own very real struggles for justice to the challenges that a lot of people in this country face -- not only the refugee, or the immigrant, or the rural poor, or the transgender American, but also the middle-aged white guy who, from the outside, may seem like he’s got advantages, but has seen his world upended by economic and cultural and technological change. We have to pay attention, and listen.
For white Americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and Jim Crow didn’t suddenly vanish in the ‘60s that when minority groups voice discontent, they’re not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness. When they wage peaceful protest, they’re not demanding special treatment but the equal treatment that our Founders promised.
For native-born Americans, it means reminding ourselves that the stereotypes about immigrants today were said, almost word for word, about the Irish, and Italians, and Poles -- who it was said we're going to destroy the fundamental character of America. And as it turned out, America wasn’t weakened by the presence of these newcomers; these newcomers embraced this nation’s creed, and this nation was strengthened.
Related stories:
'Yes we did' _ Obama bids farewell in nostalgic last speech
CHICAGO (AP) — President Barack Obama has bid farewell to the nation in an emotional speech that sought to comfort a country on edge over rapid economic changes, persistent security threats and the election of Donald Trump.
Obama pushes values and prods Trump in final, emotional address ( REU)
With a final call of his campaign mantra "Yes We Can," President Barack Obama urged Americans on Tuesday to stand up for U.S. values and reject discrimination as the United States transitions to the presidency of Republican Donald Trump.
FULL SPEECH: Emotional Obama's final speech, challenge to the nation (The Hill)
On Tuesday night, President Obama delivered the final address of his presidency to the American people.
For more national news headlines click here...
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
US DEFENSE NEWS: Carter, U.S. Needs Strong, Balanced Approach to Russia
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2017 — The United States needs a strong but balanced approach to Russia, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today on NBC's Meet the Press.
Carter also discussed the recent U.S. intelligence community assessment of alleged Russian activities and intentions in the November presidential election. The intelligence community did a "painstaking" and "careful" job in coming to its assessment, Carter said.
The intelligence community on Friday released a declassified assessment that alleged Russia carried out an "influence campaign" aimed at the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Those alleged actions included cyber activities against targets, according to the assessment.
The intelligence community, according to Carter, was "very clear -- they were very unequivocal about the judgement." The situation raises questions about U.S. overall strategy with respect to Russia, he said.
"It's an aggressive act against our very democracy," he said, adding, "That’s why I think all Americans need to regard it very seriously."
A U.S. response does not have to be limited to cyber, or to a military response, he explained, emphasizing the importance of trying to work with Russia "where we can."
Read more: https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1044497/carter-us-needs-strong-balanced-approach-to-russia
For more world news click here
Carter also discussed the recent U.S. intelligence community assessment of alleged Russian activities and intentions in the November presidential election. The intelligence community did a "painstaking" and "careful" job in coming to its assessment, Carter said.
The intelligence community on Friday released a declassified assessment that alleged Russia carried out an "influence campaign" aimed at the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Those alleged actions included cyber activities against targets, according to the assessment.
The intelligence community, according to Carter, was "very clear -- they were very unequivocal about the judgement." The situation raises questions about U.S. overall strategy with respect to Russia, he said.
"It's an aggressive act against our very democracy," he said, adding, "That’s why I think all Americans need to regard it very seriously."
A U.S. response does not have to be limited to cyber, or to a military response, he explained, emphasizing the importance of trying to work with Russia "where we can."
Read more: https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1044497/carter-us-needs-strong-balanced-approach-to-russia
For more world news click here
Monday, January 9, 2017
DNR: Teanaway Community Forest Advisory Committee set to begin recreation planning
The Teanaway Community Forest Advisory Committee will begin developing a recreation plan for the forest when it meets on Thursday, Jan. 12, in Cle Elum.
The meeting, which will be open to the public, will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Swauk-Teanaway Grange, 1361 Ballard Hill Road.
Washington state acquired about 50,000 acres for the community forest in 2013, and the departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) worked with the advisory committee to develop a long-term forest management plan which was published in 2015.
The management plan calls for the two agencies to develop a recreation blueprint for the forest. The recreation plan will lay a foundation for the preservation and development of recreation opportunities over the next 10 to 15 years, consistent with watershed protection and other priorities identified by state lawmakers.
DNR and WDFW hosted a public open house in late October 2016 to give local residents the opportunity to discuss the recreation planning effort with agency personnel and members of the advisory committee.
The Jan. 12 meeting will be the committee’s first session devoted specifically to recreation planning. It will include a review of the recreation elements of the forest management plan and an overview of the recreation planning process. Future committee meetings will occur on the second Thursday of each month through December 2017, and all are open to the public.
The meeting agenda, future committee meeting dates and other information about the forest, including the 2015 management plan and the roster of advisory committee members, is available on the DNR website at www.dnr.wa.gov/TeanawayRec.
Background: Washington’s first state-managed community forest
The Teanaway Community Forest is located at the headwaters of the Yakima Basin watershed. Its acquisition in 2013 was the largest single land transaction by Washington state in 45 years and reflected more than a decade of collaboration involving many organizations and individuals. The property is Washington’s first state-managed community forest under the terms of legislation enacted in 2011. That law empowers communities to partner with DNR to purchase forests that support local economies and public recreation.
Acquisition of the Teanaway was a key step in implementing the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, an initiative developed by a coalition of public and private organizations to safeguard the basin’s water supply, restore fisheries, conserve habitat, preserve working lands and enhance recreational opportunities.
The forest is managed through a partnership between DNR and WDFW, with input from the advisory committee, the local community and interested stakeholders.
Ref. http://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/teanaway-community-forest-advisory-committee-set-begin-recreation-planning
For more Business and finance report click here
The meeting, which will be open to the public, will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Swauk-Teanaway Grange, 1361 Ballard Hill Road.
Washington state acquired about 50,000 acres for the community forest in 2013, and the departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) worked with the advisory committee to develop a long-term forest management plan which was published in 2015.
The management plan calls for the two agencies to develop a recreation blueprint for the forest. The recreation plan will lay a foundation for the preservation and development of recreation opportunities over the next 10 to 15 years, consistent with watershed protection and other priorities identified by state lawmakers.
DNR and WDFW hosted a public open house in late October 2016 to give local residents the opportunity to discuss the recreation planning effort with agency personnel and members of the advisory committee.
The Jan. 12 meeting will be the committee’s first session devoted specifically to recreation planning. It will include a review of the recreation elements of the forest management plan and an overview of the recreation planning process. Future committee meetings will occur on the second Thursday of each month through December 2017, and all are open to the public.
The meeting agenda, future committee meeting dates and other information about the forest, including the 2015 management plan and the roster of advisory committee members, is available on the DNR website at www.dnr.wa.gov/TeanawayRec.
Background: Washington’s first state-managed community forest
The Teanaway Community Forest is located at the headwaters of the Yakima Basin watershed. Its acquisition in 2013 was the largest single land transaction by Washington state in 45 years and reflected more than a decade of collaboration involving many organizations and individuals. The property is Washington’s first state-managed community forest under the terms of legislation enacted in 2011. That law empowers communities to partner with DNR to purchase forests that support local economies and public recreation.
Acquisition of the Teanaway was a key step in implementing the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, an initiative developed by a coalition of public and private organizations to safeguard the basin’s water supply, restore fisheries, conserve habitat, preserve working lands and enhance recreational opportunities.
The forest is managed through a partnership between DNR and WDFW, with input from the advisory committee, the local community and interested stakeholders.
Ref. http://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/teanaway-community-forest-advisory-committee-set-begin-recreation-planning
For more Business and finance report click here
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Monday’s Supreme Court Inauguration Ceremony includes swearing in of newly elected Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst; New six-year terms for Justices Madsen, Wiggins and Yu
From a press release issued January 5th
OLYMPIA, WA — On Monday, January 9th at 9:30 a.m., Justice Mary E. Fairhurst will be sworn in as the newest Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court; along with the inaugurations of Justices Barbara A. Madsen, Charles K. Wiggins and Mary I. Yu, who were reelected to six-year terms.
While seating is very limited in the courtroom, the event is open to the public and overflow seating will be available in the foyer of the Supreme Court at the Temple of Justice in Olympia.
Chief Justice-Elect Mary E. Fairhurst was recently elected by her peers as the 56th chief justice of the Court. Fairhurst was first elected to the Court in 2002 and served 16 years in the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and as president of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA). She earned her undergraduate and law degree from Gonzaga University. In 2011, the WSBA gave her its highest honor, the Award of Merit.
Justice Barbara Madsen was the first woman to be popularly elected to the Washington Supreme Court and has served two terms as Chief Justice — one of the longest serving in Washington State history. She has been honored for her leadership on issues of gender equality by many organizations and has served as chair of the Washington State Gender and Justice Committee for 18 years. Madsen was elected to the Washington Supreme Court in 1992, 1998, 2004, 2010, and 2016.
Justice Charles K. Wiggins was first elected to the Court in 2010 after practicing law for over 30 years, including serving as a judge on Division Two of the Washington Court of Appeals, as a pro tem superior court judge in King and Jefferson Counties, and as an attorney in private practice. Justice Wiggins graduated from Princeton University and earned an MBA from the University of Hawaii and his JD from Duke Law School.
Justice Mary Yu joined the Supreme Court in 2014 after more than 14 years as a judge on the King County Superior Court bench. Justice Yu serves on numerous boards, including as Co-Chair of the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission. She has received several “Judge of the Year” awards from organizations, including the Washington State Bar Association. Yu received her law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School and in 2015 received the “Woman of the Year” award from Seattle University School of Law and the Women’s Law Caucus.
Ref. http://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/?fa=newsinfo.internetdetail&newsid=10548
For local meetings and news commentaries click here
OLYMPIA, WA — On Monday, January 9th at 9:30 a.m., Justice Mary E. Fairhurst will be sworn in as the newest Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court; along with the inaugurations of Justices Barbara A. Madsen, Charles K. Wiggins and Mary I. Yu, who were reelected to six-year terms.
While seating is very limited in the courtroom, the event is open to the public and overflow seating will be available in the foyer of the Supreme Court at the Temple of Justice in Olympia.
Chief Justice-Elect Mary E. Fairhurst was recently elected by her peers as the 56th chief justice of the Court. Fairhurst was first elected to the Court in 2002 and served 16 years in the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and as president of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA). She earned her undergraduate and law degree from Gonzaga University. In 2011, the WSBA gave her its highest honor, the Award of Merit.
Justice Barbara Madsen was the first woman to be popularly elected to the Washington Supreme Court and has served two terms as Chief Justice — one of the longest serving in Washington State history. She has been honored for her leadership on issues of gender equality by many organizations and has served as chair of the Washington State Gender and Justice Committee for 18 years. Madsen was elected to the Washington Supreme Court in 1992, 1998, 2004, 2010, and 2016.
Justice Charles K. Wiggins was first elected to the Court in 2010 after practicing law for over 30 years, including serving as a judge on Division Two of the Washington Court of Appeals, as a pro tem superior court judge in King and Jefferson Counties, and as an attorney in private practice. Justice Wiggins graduated from Princeton University and earned an MBA from the University of Hawaii and his JD from Duke Law School.
Justice Mary Yu joined the Supreme Court in 2014 after more than 14 years as a judge on the King County Superior Court bench. Justice Yu serves on numerous boards, including as Co-Chair of the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission. She has received several “Judge of the Year” awards from organizations, including the Washington State Bar Association. Yu received her law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School and in 2015 received the “Woman of the Year” award from Seattle University School of Law and the Women’s Law Caucus.
Ref. http://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/?fa=newsinfo.internetdetail&newsid=10548
For local meetings and news commentaries click here
Friday, January 6, 2017
Senator Murray Meets with Congressman Tom Price, Discuss Vision for Health Department and “Starkly Different Views” on Health Care Priorities
Press release issued: Jan 04 2017
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement after meeting with President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Congressman Tom Price (R-GA).
“Today I met with Congressman Price to discuss his vision for the Department of Health and Human Services and the starkly different views we have about our health care system and health priorities crucial to women, families, and seniors nationwide. As I have made clear, Congressman Price’s record of spearheading policies that undermine the health and rights of women, the LGBT community, and other vulnerable populations makes him a deeply troubling choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
“As a leading proponent of rushing to dismantle our health care system, Congressman Price continues to pursue a dangerous agenda that would take health care away from millions of people, raise families’ health care costs, make draconian cuts to Medicaid that will hurt children and people with disabilities, and would end the guarantee of coverage under Medicare.
“I also continue to be concerned by recent reports suggesting that Congressman Price may have fallen short of his basic duty to appropriately separate his position in public office and his financial investments.
“I expect a thorough, rigorous vetting and hearing process.”
Ref. http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7F7396E4-E468-434B-A7E8-316306DF7D47
For local news making the headlines click here
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement after meeting with President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Congressman Tom Price (R-GA).
“Today I met with Congressman Price to discuss his vision for the Department of Health and Human Services and the starkly different views we have about our health care system and health priorities crucial to women, families, and seniors nationwide. As I have made clear, Congressman Price’s record of spearheading policies that undermine the health and rights of women, the LGBT community, and other vulnerable populations makes him a deeply troubling choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
“As a leading proponent of rushing to dismantle our health care system, Congressman Price continues to pursue a dangerous agenda that would take health care away from millions of people, raise families’ health care costs, make draconian cuts to Medicaid that will hurt children and people with disabilities, and would end the guarantee of coverage under Medicare.
“I also continue to be concerned by recent reports suggesting that Congressman Price may have fallen short of his basic duty to appropriately separate his position in public office and his financial investments.
“I expect a thorough, rigorous vetting and hearing process.”
Ref. http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7F7396E4-E468-434B-A7E8-316306DF7D47
For local news making the headlines click here
Thursday, January 5, 2017
First swipes at new administration of the new year by our congressional delegations
Kilmer Statement on Reversal of Proposal to Gut Congressional Ethics Office
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) released the following statement after the majority withdrew a plan to approve a change to House Rules that would severely limit the ability of the Office of Congressional Ethics to investigate allegations of corruption.
“Congress needs to get back on track,” said Kilmer. “It can’t do that without having transparency and accountability when it comes to ethics. More than ever, a strong Office of Congressional Ethics is needed to ensure that leaders abide by the highest standards. I’m glad this office will continue to operate independently. To restore the public’s faith in Congress it’s time for members to focus on offering solutions that give people hope that our future will remain bright.”
REF: http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-statement-on-reversal-of-proposal-to-gut-congressional-ethics-office-
Senator Murray on GOP Plans to Dismantle Health Care System: Instead of Putting Politics Ahead of Families’ Health Care, Work to Make System Better
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, and fellow Democrats to hold a press conference to discuss Republican attempts to dismantle Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the Affordable Care Act. The press conference was held following Senate and House Democrats’ meeting with President Barack Obama.
Senator Murray said that studies show Republican plans to dismantle the health care system will cause families to pay more for health care, and leave seniors vulnerable when they can least afford it. She urged Republicans to step back from the brink before it’s too late and agree to work across the aisle to make the health care system work better for all families.
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0F54E5F8-6C7A-4820-89F9-31ED66F9ABA5
For State news headlines click here
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) released the following statement after the majority withdrew a plan to approve a change to House Rules that would severely limit the ability of the Office of Congressional Ethics to investigate allegations of corruption.
“Congress needs to get back on track,” said Kilmer. “It can’t do that without having transparency and accountability when it comes to ethics. More than ever, a strong Office of Congressional Ethics is needed to ensure that leaders abide by the highest standards. I’m glad this office will continue to operate independently. To restore the public’s faith in Congress it’s time for members to focus on offering solutions that give people hope that our future will remain bright.”
REF: http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-statement-on-reversal-of-proposal-to-gut-congressional-ethics-office-
Senator Murray on GOP Plans to Dismantle Health Care System: Instead of Putting Politics Ahead of Families’ Health Care, Work to Make System Better
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, and fellow Democrats to hold a press conference to discuss Republican attempts to dismantle Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the Affordable Care Act. The press conference was held following Senate and House Democrats’ meeting with President Barack Obama.
Senator Murray said that studies show Republican plans to dismantle the health care system will cause families to pay more for health care, and leave seniors vulnerable when they can least afford it. She urged Republicans to step back from the brink before it’s too late and agree to work across the aisle to make the health care system work better for all families.
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0F54E5F8-6C7A-4820-89F9-31ED66F9ABA5
For State news headlines click here
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
From the FBI Files: Cyberstalking Woman Sentenced for Harassing Victim on Social Media
The messages were relentless. A California woman couldn’t escape the barrage of malicious texts, phone calls, and social media posts originating from a mysterious individual with whom she had no previous connection.
The harassment didn’t stop until the FBI intervened and uncovered a trail of threats and extortion that led to a Miami college student—who is now behind bars for cyberstalking.
“An unwanted relationship was being pushed on a victim who ultimately felt terrorized by an obsessed individual she didn’t even know,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jodi Anton, who supported the FBI during the investigation. “The constant intimidation was destroying her life, to the point where she could barely function at work and considered suicide.”
The perpetrator, Kassandra Cruz was completing her criminal justice degree at Florida International University and spent countless hours behind the computer between her studies. In June 2015, she became fixated on a woman she found on a pornography website and tracked down the actress through her social media accounts.
“The victim was an 18-year-old high school student at the time looking for ways to get ahead in life. She made a bad decision trying out pornography,” said Special Agent George Nau, who investigated the case out of the FBI’s Miami Field Office. “It was something she kept hidden from her family and employers. She didn’t realize her past would come back to haunt her 15 years later.”
Cruz gained access to two of the victim’s social media feeds by creating a fake persona of an attractive male U.S. Marine named Giovanni and sending friend requests. The former adult film actress accepted, and Giovanni began liking and commenting on almost every picture she shared. But the victim’s suspicions began to mount in September 2015, when Giovanni started to follow and like the her friends’ posts as well.
By the end of the summer, Cruz’s fake profiles were blocked, which angered her. She resorted to harassment and often violent threats, which were aimed not only at the victim but also her friends and family. Included in Cruz’s messages were a plot to expose the victim’s hidden past making adult films as well as demands to be paid $100,000 in return for leaving the victim alone.
Cruz’s flurry of e-mails, letters, and social media messages were taking their toll on the victim’s personal life and professional career. From the beginning of 2016 until late April, the victim received more than 900 phone calls and text messages on her cell phone alone. Approximately the same amount of unwanted calls were made to the victim’s home and work phones before the FBI ended the stalking.
“Cruz had many fake social media accounts, so it was difficult at first to track all of the threats to the source,” said Nau. “She would create a new profile as soon as she was blocked. But ultimately, the e-mails, phone calls, and letters led us to her.”
A turning point in the investigation took place in May 2016, when the FBI lured Cruz into a video chat with the victim to discuss paying the $100,000 extortion demand. While the conversation further solidified that Cruz was behind the threats, it was the in-person meeting arranged during the chat that allowed agents to finally make an arrest.
In August 2016, Cruz was sentenced to 22 months in prison after having been found guilty of cyberstalking.
“Even while Cruz was being driven to jail, she still wanted to talk to the victim,” said Nau. “She was blinded by her obsession and oblivious to the impact of her crime.”
https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/woman-sentenced-for-cyberstalking
Editorial note: I bet she'll be let off easy, plead mentally unstable and let off the hook. That's the usual case, if it was a guy forcing himself on this girl, he'd be sent to prison for a very long time mentally ill or not! His name and reputation smeared for all time.
But, because the perp is a woman...different story! It's pathic really, that people have to resort in this kind of harassment in order to gain attention or some feeble notion of "love". The FBI is already setting up her defense as being unstable mentally. So just you watch. In my book, freaks like this should never be allowed near a computer again!
For more national, and adovacy news headlines click here
The harassment didn’t stop until the FBI intervened and uncovered a trail of threats and extortion that led to a Miami college student—who is now behind bars for cyberstalking.
“An unwanted relationship was being pushed on a victim who ultimately felt terrorized by an obsessed individual she didn’t even know,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jodi Anton, who supported the FBI during the investigation. “The constant intimidation was destroying her life, to the point where she could barely function at work and considered suicide.”
The perpetrator, Kassandra Cruz was completing her criminal justice degree at Florida International University and spent countless hours behind the computer between her studies. In June 2015, she became fixated on a woman she found on a pornography website and tracked down the actress through her social media accounts.
“The victim was an 18-year-old high school student at the time looking for ways to get ahead in life. She made a bad decision trying out pornography,” said Special Agent George Nau, who investigated the case out of the FBI’s Miami Field Office. “It was something she kept hidden from her family and employers. She didn’t realize her past would come back to haunt her 15 years later.”
Cruz gained access to two of the victim’s social media feeds by creating a fake persona of an attractive male U.S. Marine named Giovanni and sending friend requests. The former adult film actress accepted, and Giovanni began liking and commenting on almost every picture she shared. But the victim’s suspicions began to mount in September 2015, when Giovanni started to follow and like the her friends’ posts as well.
By the end of the summer, Cruz’s fake profiles were blocked, which angered her. She resorted to harassment and often violent threats, which were aimed not only at the victim but also her friends and family. Included in Cruz’s messages were a plot to expose the victim’s hidden past making adult films as well as demands to be paid $100,000 in return for leaving the victim alone.
Cruz’s flurry of e-mails, letters, and social media messages were taking their toll on the victim’s personal life and professional career. From the beginning of 2016 until late April, the victim received more than 900 phone calls and text messages on her cell phone alone. Approximately the same amount of unwanted calls were made to the victim’s home and work phones before the FBI ended the stalking.
“Cruz had many fake social media accounts, so it was difficult at first to track all of the threats to the source,” said Nau. “She would create a new profile as soon as she was blocked. But ultimately, the e-mails, phone calls, and letters led us to her.”
A turning point in the investigation took place in May 2016, when the FBI lured Cruz into a video chat with the victim to discuss paying the $100,000 extortion demand. While the conversation further solidified that Cruz was behind the threats, it was the in-person meeting arranged during the chat that allowed agents to finally make an arrest.
In August 2016, Cruz was sentenced to 22 months in prison after having been found guilty of cyberstalking.
“Even while Cruz was being driven to jail, she still wanted to talk to the victim,” said Nau. “She was blinded by her obsession and oblivious to the impact of her crime.”
https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/woman-sentenced-for-cyberstalking
Editorial note: I bet she'll be let off easy, plead mentally unstable and let off the hook. That's the usual case, if it was a guy forcing himself on this girl, he'd be sent to prison for a very long time mentally ill or not! His name and reputation smeared for all time.
But, because the perp is a woman...different story! It's pathic really, that people have to resort in this kind of harassment in order to gain attention or some feeble notion of "love". The FBI is already setting up her defense as being unstable mentally. So just you watch. In my book, freaks like this should never be allowed near a computer again!
For more national, and adovacy news headlines click here
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
From the UN NEWS CENTER: New UN chief Guterres pledges to make 2017 'a year for peace'
1 January 2017 – On his first day at the helm of the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres today pledged to make 2017 a year for peace.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=55899#.WGvaQ_krIps
“On this New Year's Day, I ask all of you to join me in making one shared New Year's resolution: Let us resolve to put peace first,” said Mr. Guterres in an appeal for peace.
He said one question weighs heavy on his heart. “That is: how can we help the millions of people caught up in conflict, suffering massively in wars with no end in sight?”
“Peace must be our goal and our guide,” he said, urging all citizens, governments and leaders to strive to overcome differences.
“I appeal to you all to join me in committing to peace, today and every day. Let us make 2017 a year for peace,” he added.
Having been formally appointed by the UN General Assembly on 13 October 2016, Mr. Guterres, aged 67, will serve for a five-year period from today to 31 December 2021. He was Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.
Related story:
Thank you,’ says Ban, bidding farewell to staff and delegations at UN Headquarters
30 December 2016 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said goodbye to staff and Permanent Representatives at United Nations Headquarters in New York today, saying that though he had delivered many speeches over his decade in office, he had but two important words for those gathered to wish him well: “thank you.”
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=55896#.WGvcDPkrIps
For more world news headlines click here..
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=55899#.WGvaQ_krIps
“On this New Year's Day, I ask all of you to join me in making one shared New Year's resolution: Let us resolve to put peace first,” said Mr. Guterres in an appeal for peace.
He said one question weighs heavy on his heart. “That is: how can we help the millions of people caught up in conflict, suffering massively in wars with no end in sight?”
“Peace must be our goal and our guide,” he said, urging all citizens, governments and leaders to strive to overcome differences.
“I appeal to you all to join me in committing to peace, today and every day. Let us make 2017 a year for peace,” he added.
Having been formally appointed by the UN General Assembly on 13 October 2016, Mr. Guterres, aged 67, will serve for a five-year period from today to 31 December 2021. He was Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.
Related story:
Thank you,’ says Ban, bidding farewell to staff and delegations at UN Headquarters
30 December 2016 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said goodbye to staff and Permanent Representatives at United Nations Headquarters in New York today, saying that though he had delivered many speeches over his decade in office, he had but two important words for those gathered to wish him well: “thank you.”
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=55896#.WGvcDPkrIps
For more world news headlines click here..
Monday, January 2, 2017
US TREASURY: Treasury Sanctions Two Individuals for Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities
12/29/2016
WASHINGTON – Building on the authority previously provided to the Secretary of the Treasury, the President amended Executive Order 13694, “Blocking the Property of Certain Persons Engaging in Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities,” which was issued by President Obama on April 1, 2015 to authorize sanctions against individuals and entities that threaten the national security, foreign policy, or economic health or financial stability of the United States through involvement in malicious cyber-enabled activities that constitute tampering with, altering, or causing a misappropriation of information with the purpose or effect of interfering with or undermining election processes or institutions. In an Annex to the amended E.O., the President imposed sanctions on five entities and four individuals in response to the Government of Russia’s interference with U.S. elections and processes in recent months.
In a parallel action, today, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on two Russian individuals for engaging in malicious cyber-enabled activities pursuant to E.O. 13694. Specifically, Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bogachev and Aleksey Alekseyevich Belan are being designated for their activities related to the significant misappropriation of funds or economic resources, trade secrets, personal identifiers, or financial information for private financial gain. As a result of today’s action, any property or interests in property of the designated persons within U.S. jurisdiction must be blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
ref. https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0693.aspx
Related stories:
Trump questions quest for cybersecurity: ‘No computer is safe’---WP
President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned whether critical computer networks can ever be protected from intruders, alarming cybersecurity experts who say his comments could upend more than a decade of national cybersecurity policy and put both government and private data at risk.
Trump Promises a Revelation on Hacking---NY TIMES
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald J. Trump, expressing lingering skepticism about intelligence assessments of Russian interference in the election, said on Saturday evening that he knew “things that other people don’t know” about the hacking, and that the information would be revealed “on Tuesday or Wednesday.”
Boston Globe: Trump gets intel briefings on ‘daily basis,’ says official
WASHINGTON — Incoming White House press secretary Sean Spicer is defending cryptic comments by President-elect Donald Trump that he knows ‘‘things that other people don’t know’’ when it comes to allegations of Russian hacking.
For business and finance report click here
News Notebook:
WASHINGTON – Building on the authority previously provided to the Secretary of the Treasury, the President amended Executive Order 13694, “Blocking the Property of Certain Persons Engaging in Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities,” which was issued by President Obama on April 1, 2015 to authorize sanctions against individuals and entities that threaten the national security, foreign policy, or economic health or financial stability of the United States through involvement in malicious cyber-enabled activities that constitute tampering with, altering, or causing a misappropriation of information with the purpose or effect of interfering with or undermining election processes or institutions. In an Annex to the amended E.O., the President imposed sanctions on five entities and four individuals in response to the Government of Russia’s interference with U.S. elections and processes in recent months.
In a parallel action, today, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on two Russian individuals for engaging in malicious cyber-enabled activities pursuant to E.O. 13694. Specifically, Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bogachev and Aleksey Alekseyevich Belan are being designated for their activities related to the significant misappropriation of funds or economic resources, trade secrets, personal identifiers, or financial information for private financial gain. As a result of today’s action, any property or interests in property of the designated persons within U.S. jurisdiction must be blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
ref. https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0693.aspx
Related stories:
Trump questions quest for cybersecurity: ‘No computer is safe’---WP
President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned whether critical computer networks can ever be protected from intruders, alarming cybersecurity experts who say his comments could upend more than a decade of national cybersecurity policy and put both government and private data at risk.
Trump Promises a Revelation on Hacking---NY TIMES
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald J. Trump, expressing lingering skepticism about intelligence assessments of Russian interference in the election, said on Saturday evening that he knew “things that other people don’t know” about the hacking, and that the information would be revealed “on Tuesday or Wednesday.”
Boston Globe: Trump gets intel briefings on ‘daily basis,’ says official
WASHINGTON — Incoming White House press secretary Sean Spicer is defending cryptic comments by President-elect Donald Trump that he knows ‘‘things that other people don’t know’’ when it comes to allegations of Russian hacking.
For business and finance report click here
News Notebook:
DON'T JUST TOSS ME!
Christmas is over, but let's us not just toss out these table top trees which has served us well over the holidays. These trees are alive, and can be replanted.
Contact your local boy, or girl scout troop and donate these seedlings to them, they can plant these out in the woods come this spring time. Save these table top trees.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
WDFW: New fishing rules in effect on Lake Roosevelt to protect redband rainbow trout
REF: http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/dec2916a/
SPOKANE – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reminds Lake Roosevelt anglers that new fishing rules are in effect to protect wild native redband rainbow trout on Lake Roosevelt and the Spokane and Sanpoil Arms of the 150-mile reservoir.
Anglers must now release any trout with an intact adipose fin in Lake Roosevelt from Grand Coulee Dam to the Little Dalles power line crossing. Only hatchery-produced trout, marked with a clipped adipose fin, can be retained. The daily catch limit is still five trout, not including kokanee. But there is no longer a limit on how many of those fish can exceed 20 inches, as is currently indicated in the WDFW fishing rules pamphlet.
The same new rule is in effect on the Spokane Arm and Sanpoil Arm of Lake Roosevelt.
In addition, from the Little Dalles power line crossing to the Canadian border, the daily catch limit is now only two trout (marked hatchery or unmarked wild), with a minimum size of 18 inches.
There is also an extended closure in sections of the Sanpoil Arm (listed as Sanpoil River in the pamphlet) of Lake Roosevelt, during redband rainbow trout staging, spawning and outmigration. The Sanpoil Arm will now open to fishing June 1, instead of April 1, with a daily limit of five hatchery-marked (clipped adipose fin) trout.
For the complete rule changes, see "Corrections to the pamphlet," posted at http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01818/2016_fishing_regulation_errata.pdf
Chris Donley, fish program manager for WDFW's eastern region, said 20 percent of the annual rainbow trout harvest on Lake Roosevelt has been wild redband rainbow trout. WDFW and tribal co-managers were concerned that the current harvest level – and the potential for increased harvest as the trout fishery continues to grow in popularity – would not be sustainable for the redband trout population.
"This rule change is intended to help ensure the presence of a healthy population of wild redband rainbow trout in Lake Roosevelt and its tributaries," Donley said. "There will be minimal impact to the quality of the recreational trout fishing experience on the reservoir because there are 750,000 adipose-fin clipped triploid rainbow trout stocked annually. While anglers will have to release a few wild trout each season, there are plenty of harvestable fish available to make a fishing trip to Lake Roosevelt worth your while."
Donley notes that wild native trout are becoming an increasingly rare commodity across the west. The rule change is a way for anglers to actively help protect the last remaining healthy population of wild redband trout in the upper Columbia River within the United States.
For a summary of local upcoming meetings and commentary click here
SPOKANE – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reminds Lake Roosevelt anglers that new fishing rules are in effect to protect wild native redband rainbow trout on Lake Roosevelt and the Spokane and Sanpoil Arms of the 150-mile reservoir.
Anglers must now release any trout with an intact adipose fin in Lake Roosevelt from Grand Coulee Dam to the Little Dalles power line crossing. Only hatchery-produced trout, marked with a clipped adipose fin, can be retained. The daily catch limit is still five trout, not including kokanee. But there is no longer a limit on how many of those fish can exceed 20 inches, as is currently indicated in the WDFW fishing rules pamphlet.
The same new rule is in effect on the Spokane Arm and Sanpoil Arm of Lake Roosevelt.
In addition, from the Little Dalles power line crossing to the Canadian border, the daily catch limit is now only two trout (marked hatchery or unmarked wild), with a minimum size of 18 inches.
There is also an extended closure in sections of the Sanpoil Arm (listed as Sanpoil River in the pamphlet) of Lake Roosevelt, during redband rainbow trout staging, spawning and outmigration. The Sanpoil Arm will now open to fishing June 1, instead of April 1, with a daily limit of five hatchery-marked (clipped adipose fin) trout.
For the complete rule changes, see "Corrections to the pamphlet," posted at http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01818/2016_fishing_regulation_errata.pdf
Chris Donley, fish program manager for WDFW's eastern region, said 20 percent of the annual rainbow trout harvest on Lake Roosevelt has been wild redband rainbow trout. WDFW and tribal co-managers were concerned that the current harvest level – and the potential for increased harvest as the trout fishery continues to grow in popularity – would not be sustainable for the redband trout population.
"This rule change is intended to help ensure the presence of a healthy population of wild redband rainbow trout in Lake Roosevelt and its tributaries," Donley said. "There will be minimal impact to the quality of the recreational trout fishing experience on the reservoir because there are 750,000 adipose-fin clipped triploid rainbow trout stocked annually. While anglers will have to release a few wild trout each season, there are plenty of harvestable fish available to make a fishing trip to Lake Roosevelt worth your while."
Donley notes that wild native trout are becoming an increasingly rare commodity across the west. The rule change is a way for anglers to actively help protect the last remaining healthy population of wild redband trout in the upper Columbia River within the United States.
For a summary of local upcoming meetings and commentary click here
Friday, December 30, 2016
AG FERGUSON ACCUSES ASBESTOS CONTRACTOR OF FALSIFYING DISPOSAL DOCUMENTS
REF: http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-accuses-asbestos-contractor-falsifying-disposal-documents
WENATCHEE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed five felony charges in Chelan County Superior Court today against a Cashmere man and his asbestos abatement business.
Timothy Powell and his business, A1 Asbestos LLC, are accused of providing false asbestos waste shipment records to an Okanogan County landfill, including forging signatures on one of the documents. Powell and A1 Asbestos are also accused of offering false statements to the state Department of Labor & Industries about the start dates of asbestos abatement work in an attempt to avoid worksite safety inspections.
“Strict rules governing the disposal of asbestos waste exist to protect workers and the public, and they must be followed,” Ferguson said.
The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Before a landfill will accept general construction waste, contractors must provide proof from an asbestos abatement contractor, such as A1 Asbestos, that the waste does not contain asbestos. The abatement contractors remove asbestos and dispose of it, properly and safely contained, at landfills and provide an asbestos waste shipment record to contractors as proof that their construction waste has been cleared of asbestos.
Powell is accused of falsifying Okanogan County waste shipment records on several occasions to inaccurately show that he properly disposed of asbestos waste at a different landfill in Grant County.
Disposing of asbestos waste is more expensive than disposing of general construction waste. The false documents allegedly allowed Powell and his business to avoid some of the costs of asbestos disposal by combining asbestos waste from multiple job sites and only paying one disposal fee.
Powell and A1 Asbestos have been charged with:
Four counts each of offering a false instrument for filing or record; One count each of forgery.
Both charges are class C felonies with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine plus costs, fees and restitution.
The Chelan County Superior Court has scheduled a preliminary hearing on the charges for Jan. 9.
The Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting the case at the request of the Chelan County Prosecutor’s Office. Assistant Attorney General Josh Choate is leading the case.
Ferguson has made prosecuting environmental crimes a priority of his administration. Since 2013, he has brought environmental prosecutions leading to 19 criminal convictions, and restitution orders in excess of $900,000.
For local news making headlines click here
WENATCHEE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed five felony charges in Chelan County Superior Court today against a Cashmere man and his asbestos abatement business.
Timothy Powell and his business, A1 Asbestos LLC, are accused of providing false asbestos waste shipment records to an Okanogan County landfill, including forging signatures on one of the documents. Powell and A1 Asbestos are also accused of offering false statements to the state Department of Labor & Industries about the start dates of asbestos abatement work in an attempt to avoid worksite safety inspections.
“Strict rules governing the disposal of asbestos waste exist to protect workers and the public, and they must be followed,” Ferguson said.
The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Before a landfill will accept general construction waste, contractors must provide proof from an asbestos abatement contractor, such as A1 Asbestos, that the waste does not contain asbestos. The abatement contractors remove asbestos and dispose of it, properly and safely contained, at landfills and provide an asbestos waste shipment record to contractors as proof that their construction waste has been cleared of asbestos.
Powell is accused of falsifying Okanogan County waste shipment records on several occasions to inaccurately show that he properly disposed of asbestos waste at a different landfill in Grant County.
Disposing of asbestos waste is more expensive than disposing of general construction waste. The false documents allegedly allowed Powell and his business to avoid some of the costs of asbestos disposal by combining asbestos waste from multiple job sites and only paying one disposal fee.
Powell and A1 Asbestos have been charged with:
Four counts each of offering a false instrument for filing or record; One count each of forgery.
Both charges are class C felonies with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine plus costs, fees and restitution.
The Chelan County Superior Court has scheduled a preliminary hearing on the charges for Jan. 9.
The Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting the case at the request of the Chelan County Prosecutor’s Office. Assistant Attorney General Josh Choate is leading the case.
Ferguson has made prosecuting environmental crimes a priority of his administration. Since 2013, he has brought environmental prosecutions leading to 19 criminal convictions, and restitution orders in excess of $900,000.
For local news making headlines click here
Thursday, December 29, 2016
USDA: MyPlate, MyWins Helps Americans Turn Resolutions into Real Solutions for Healthy Eating in the New Year
New video series, landing page, and resources guide Americans towards a healthier eating style
WASHINGTON, Dec. 28 2016 - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) launched a New Year's campaign to help Americans turn their resolutions into real solutions for healthy eating in 2017. This campaign is supported by new and existing MyPlate, MyWins resources available on ChooseMyPlate.gov, which are designed such that Americans can decide where to start on the journey to healthy eating.
"As Americans begin thinking about setting goals for the New Year, MyPlate, MyWins is the place to start," said Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. "With the new resources available on the MyPlate, MyWins webpages, Americans can set small, attainable, healthy eating solutions to incorporate into their lifestyle now and into the future."
Turning Resolutions into Real Solutions
Every January, Americans are overloaded with information about New Year's resolutions. While starting with the best intentions, many people set unrealistic resolutions and incorporate goals that are difficult to maintain. Starting with small steps and celebrating milestones along the way are shown to be more beneficial strategies in keeping resolutions. This is where MyPlate, MyWins comes in; MyPlate, MyWins is a resource to help Americans turn resolutions into real solutions to achieve a healthy eating style in alignment with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020.
Real solutions are small, practical changes that add up to a healthy lifestyle over time. These changes can be incorporated into Americans' lives to maintain a healthy eating style based on the five food groups of MyPlate. MyPlate, MyWins encourages consumers to find and celebrate their wins and their real solutions. Since everyone has different eating habits, MyPlate, MyWins helps individuals create their own, personalized nutrition goals and solutions.
New MyPlate, MyWins Animated Video Series
Over the course of five weeks as part of the New Year campaign, CNPP will release five MyPlate, MyWins animated videos to the new Make Small Changes webpage. These short, animated videos demonstrate simple changes Americans can make to their typical meals to decrease sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars. Each video has a different theme including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages.
"Making a small change, for example, switching from two slices of pepperoni pizza for lunch to one slice of veggie pizza, a salad, and an apple decreases sodium and saturated fat intake, while adding items from other food groups," said Angie Tagtow, Executive Directors of USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. "The videos demonstrate to Americans that small, healthy changes, or switches, during meal and snack times can add up over time and improve your eating style."
To supplement these videos, there are new, meal-specific webpages with nutrition information, more examples of small ways to improve typical meals, and five new MyPlate, MyWins tip sheets. The tip sheets provide suggestions for making healthier choices in typical dining environments: potlucks and parties, coffee shops, buffets, Italian restaurants, and Asian cuisine takeout. All of these resources can help consumers utilize real solutions in their typical day to achieve nutrition goals and maintain a healthy eating style now and into the future.
Read more: https://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/12/0270.xml&contentidonly=true
For state news headlines click here
WASHINGTON, Dec. 28 2016 - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) launched a New Year's campaign to help Americans turn their resolutions into real solutions for healthy eating in 2017. This campaign is supported by new and existing MyPlate, MyWins resources available on ChooseMyPlate.gov, which are designed such that Americans can decide where to start on the journey to healthy eating.
"As Americans begin thinking about setting goals for the New Year, MyPlate, MyWins is the place to start," said Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. "With the new resources available on the MyPlate, MyWins webpages, Americans can set small, attainable, healthy eating solutions to incorporate into their lifestyle now and into the future."
Turning Resolutions into Real Solutions
Every January, Americans are overloaded with information about New Year's resolutions. While starting with the best intentions, many people set unrealistic resolutions and incorporate goals that are difficult to maintain. Starting with small steps and celebrating milestones along the way are shown to be more beneficial strategies in keeping resolutions. This is where MyPlate, MyWins comes in; MyPlate, MyWins is a resource to help Americans turn resolutions into real solutions to achieve a healthy eating style in alignment with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020.
Real solutions are small, practical changes that add up to a healthy lifestyle over time. These changes can be incorporated into Americans' lives to maintain a healthy eating style based on the five food groups of MyPlate. MyPlate, MyWins encourages consumers to find and celebrate their wins and their real solutions. Since everyone has different eating habits, MyPlate, MyWins helps individuals create their own, personalized nutrition goals and solutions.
New MyPlate, MyWins Animated Video Series
Over the course of five weeks as part of the New Year campaign, CNPP will release five MyPlate, MyWins animated videos to the new Make Small Changes webpage. These short, animated videos demonstrate simple changes Americans can make to their typical meals to decrease sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars. Each video has a different theme including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages.
"Making a small change, for example, switching from two slices of pepperoni pizza for lunch to one slice of veggie pizza, a salad, and an apple decreases sodium and saturated fat intake, while adding items from other food groups," said Angie Tagtow, Executive Directors of USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. "The videos demonstrate to Americans that small, healthy changes, or switches, during meal and snack times can add up over time and improve your eating style."
To supplement these videos, there are new, meal-specific webpages with nutrition information, more examples of small ways to improve typical meals, and five new MyPlate, MyWins tip sheets. The tip sheets provide suggestions for making healthier choices in typical dining environments: potlucks and parties, coffee shops, buffets, Italian restaurants, and Asian cuisine takeout. All of these resources can help consumers utilize real solutions in their typical day to achieve nutrition goals and maintain a healthy eating style now and into the future.
Read more: https://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/12/0270.xml&contentidonly=true
For state news headlines click here
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
FDA approves first drug for spinal muscular atrophy
From a press release issued Dec. 23rd
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm534611.htm
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Spinraza (nusinersen), the first drug approved to treat children and adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare and often fatal genetic disease affecting muscle strength and movement. Spinraza is an injection administered into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord.
“There has been a long-standing need for a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, the most common genetic cause of death in infants, and a disease that can affect people at any stage of life,” said Billy Dunn, M.D., director of the Division of Neurology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “As shown by our suggestion to the sponsor to analyze the results of the study earlier than planned, the FDA is committed to assisting with the development and approval of safe and effective drugs for rare diseases and we worked hard to review this application quickly; we could not be more pleased to have the first approved treatment for this debilitating disease.”
SMA is a hereditary disease that causes weakness and muscle wasting because of the loss of lower motor neurons controlling movement. There is wide variability in age of onset, symptoms and rate of progression. Spinraza is approved for use across the range of spinal muscular atrophy patients.
The FDA worked closely with the sponsor during development to help design and implement the analysis upon which this approval was based. The efficacy of Spinraza was demonstrated in a clinical trial in 121 patients with infantile-onset SMA who were diagnosed before 6 months of age and who were less than 7 months old at the time of their first dose. Patients were randomized to receive an injection of Spinraza, into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord, or undergo a mock procedure without drug injection (a skin prick). Twice the number of patients received Spinraza compared to those who underwent the mock procedure. The trial assessed the percentage of patients with improvement in motor milestones, such as head control, sitting, ability to kick in supine position, rolling, crawling, standing and walking.
For more national headline news click here
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm534611.htm
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Spinraza (nusinersen), the first drug approved to treat children and adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare and often fatal genetic disease affecting muscle strength and movement. Spinraza is an injection administered into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord.
“There has been a long-standing need for a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, the most common genetic cause of death in infants, and a disease that can affect people at any stage of life,” said Billy Dunn, M.D., director of the Division of Neurology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “As shown by our suggestion to the sponsor to analyze the results of the study earlier than planned, the FDA is committed to assisting with the development and approval of safe and effective drugs for rare diseases and we worked hard to review this application quickly; we could not be more pleased to have the first approved treatment for this debilitating disease.”
SMA is a hereditary disease that causes weakness and muscle wasting because of the loss of lower motor neurons controlling movement. There is wide variability in age of onset, symptoms and rate of progression. Spinraza is approved for use across the range of spinal muscular atrophy patients.
The FDA worked closely with the sponsor during development to help design and implement the analysis upon which this approval was based. The efficacy of Spinraza was demonstrated in a clinical trial in 121 patients with infantile-onset SMA who were diagnosed before 6 months of age and who were less than 7 months old at the time of their first dose. Patients were randomized to receive an injection of Spinraza, into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord, or undergo a mock procedure without drug injection (a skin prick). Twice the number of patients received Spinraza compared to those who underwent the mock procedure. The trial assessed the percentage of patients with improvement in motor milestones, such as head control, sitting, ability to kick in supine position, rolling, crawling, standing and walking.
For more national headline news click here
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
AMBASSADOR POWERS SHAMELESSLY EVOKES REAGAN DURING UN VOTE ON ISRAEL
US MISSION TO THE UN: Explanation of Vote at the Adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2334 on the Situation in the Middle East
Let me begin with a quote: “The United States will not support the use of any additional land for the purpose of settlements during the transitional period. Indeed, the immediate adoption of a settlement freeze by Israel, more than any other action, could create the confidence needed for wider participation in these talks. Further settlement activity is in no way necessary for the security of Israel and only diminishes the confidence of the Arabs that a final outcome can be freely and fairly negotiated.”
This was said in 1982 by President Ronald Reagan. He was speaking about a new proposal that he was launching to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While ultimately, of course, President Reagan’s proposal was not realized, his words are still illuminating in at least two respects.
First, because they underscore the United States’ deep and long-standing commitment to achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. That has been the policy of every administration, Republican and Democrat, since before President Reagan and all the way through to the present day.
Second, because President Reagan’s words highlight the United States’ long-standing position that Israeli settlement activity in territories occupied in 1967 undermines Israel’s security, harms the viability of a negotiated two-state outcome, and erodes prospects for peace and stability in the region. Today, the Security Council reaffirmed its established consensus that settlements have no legal validity. The United States has been sending the message that the settlements must stop – privately and publicly – for nearly five decades, through the administrations of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and now Barack Obama. Indeed, since 1967, the only president who had not had at least one Israeli-Palestinian-related Security Council resolution pass during his tenure is Barack Obama. So our vote today is fully in line with the bipartisan history of how American Presidents have approached both the issue – and the role of this body."
Given the consistency of this position across U.S. administrations, one would think that it would be a routine vote for the U.S. to allow the passage of a resolution with the elements in this one, reaffirming the long-standing U.S. position on settlements, condemning violence and incitement, and calling for the parties to start taking constructive steps to reverse current trends on the ground. These are familiar, well-articulated components of U.S. policy.
But in reality this vote for us was not straightforward, because of where it is taking place – at the United Nations. For the simple truth is that for as long as Israel has been a member of this institution, Israel has been treated differently from other nations at the United Nations. And not only in decades past – such as in the infamous resolution that the General Assembly adopted in 1975, with the support of the majority of Member States, officially determining that, “Zionism is a form of racism” – but also in 2016, this year. One need only look at the 18 resolutions against Israel adopted during the UN General Assembly in September; or the 12 Israel-specific resolutions adopted this year in the Human Rights Council – more than those focused on Syria, North Korea, Iran, and South Sudan put together – to see that in 2016 Israel continues to be treated differently from other Member States.
Like U.S. administrations before it, the Obama Administration has worked tirelessly to fight for Israel’s right simply to be treated just like any other country – from advocating for Israel to finally be granted membership to a UN regional body, something no other UN Member State had been denied; to fighting to ensure that Israeli NGOs are not denied UN accreditation, simply because they are Israeli, to getting Yom Kippur finally recognized as a UN holiday; to pressing this Council to break its indefensible silence in response to terrorist attacks on Israelis. As the United States has said repeatedly, such unequal treatment not only hurts Israel, it undermines the legitimacy of the United Nations itself.
The practice of treating Israel differently at the UN matters for votes like this one. For even if one believes that the resolution proposed today is justified – or, even more, necessitated – by events on the ground, one cannot completely separate the vote from the venue.
And Member States that say they are for the two-state solution must ask themselves some difficult questions. For those states that are quick to promote resolutions condemning Israel, but refuse to recognize when innocent Israelis are the victims of terrorism – what steps will you take to stop treating Israel differently? For those states that passionately denounce the closures of crossings in Gaza as exacerbating the humanitarian situation, but saying nothing of the resources diverted from helping Gaza’s residents to dig tunnels into Israeli territory so that terrorists can attack Israelis in their homes – what will you do to end the double-standard that undermines the legitimacy of this institution?
Member States should also ask themselves about the double standards when it comes to this Council taking action. Just this morning we came together, as a Council, and we were unable to muster the will to act to stop the flow of weapons going to killers in South Sudan, who are perpetrating mass atrocities that the UN has said could lead to genocide. We couldn’t come together just to stem the flow of arms. Earlier this month, this Council could not muster the will to adopt the simplest of resolutions calling for a seven-day pause in the savage bombardment of innocent civilians, hospitals, and schools in Aleppo. Yet when a resolution on Israel comes before this Council, members suddenly summon the will to act.
ref. https://usun.state.gov/remarks/7621 (Read more of the statement)
Click here for more
Let me begin with a quote: “The United States will not support the use of any additional land for the purpose of settlements during the transitional period. Indeed, the immediate adoption of a settlement freeze by Israel, more than any other action, could create the confidence needed for wider participation in these talks. Further settlement activity is in no way necessary for the security of Israel and only diminishes the confidence of the Arabs that a final outcome can be freely and fairly negotiated.”
This was said in 1982 by President Ronald Reagan. He was speaking about a new proposal that he was launching to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While ultimately, of course, President Reagan’s proposal was not realized, his words are still illuminating in at least two respects.
First, because they underscore the United States’ deep and long-standing commitment to achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. That has been the policy of every administration, Republican and Democrat, since before President Reagan and all the way through to the present day.
Second, because President Reagan’s words highlight the United States’ long-standing position that Israeli settlement activity in territories occupied in 1967 undermines Israel’s security, harms the viability of a negotiated two-state outcome, and erodes prospects for peace and stability in the region. Today, the Security Council reaffirmed its established consensus that settlements have no legal validity. The United States has been sending the message that the settlements must stop – privately and publicly – for nearly five decades, through the administrations of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and now Barack Obama. Indeed, since 1967, the only president who had not had at least one Israeli-Palestinian-related Security Council resolution pass during his tenure is Barack Obama. So our vote today is fully in line with the bipartisan history of how American Presidents have approached both the issue – and the role of this body."
Given the consistency of this position across U.S. administrations, one would think that it would be a routine vote for the U.S. to allow the passage of a resolution with the elements in this one, reaffirming the long-standing U.S. position on settlements, condemning violence and incitement, and calling for the parties to start taking constructive steps to reverse current trends on the ground. These are familiar, well-articulated components of U.S. policy.
But in reality this vote for us was not straightforward, because of where it is taking place – at the United Nations. For the simple truth is that for as long as Israel has been a member of this institution, Israel has been treated differently from other nations at the United Nations. And not only in decades past – such as in the infamous resolution that the General Assembly adopted in 1975, with the support of the majority of Member States, officially determining that, “Zionism is a form of racism” – but also in 2016, this year. One need only look at the 18 resolutions against Israel adopted during the UN General Assembly in September; or the 12 Israel-specific resolutions adopted this year in the Human Rights Council – more than those focused on Syria, North Korea, Iran, and South Sudan put together – to see that in 2016 Israel continues to be treated differently from other Member States.
Like U.S. administrations before it, the Obama Administration has worked tirelessly to fight for Israel’s right simply to be treated just like any other country – from advocating for Israel to finally be granted membership to a UN regional body, something no other UN Member State had been denied; to fighting to ensure that Israeli NGOs are not denied UN accreditation, simply because they are Israeli, to getting Yom Kippur finally recognized as a UN holiday; to pressing this Council to break its indefensible silence in response to terrorist attacks on Israelis. As the United States has said repeatedly, such unequal treatment not only hurts Israel, it undermines the legitimacy of the United Nations itself.
The practice of treating Israel differently at the UN matters for votes like this one. For even if one believes that the resolution proposed today is justified – or, even more, necessitated – by events on the ground, one cannot completely separate the vote from the venue.
And Member States that say they are for the two-state solution must ask themselves some difficult questions. For those states that are quick to promote resolutions condemning Israel, but refuse to recognize when innocent Israelis are the victims of terrorism – what steps will you take to stop treating Israel differently? For those states that passionately denounce the closures of crossings in Gaza as exacerbating the humanitarian situation, but saying nothing of the resources diverted from helping Gaza’s residents to dig tunnels into Israeli territory so that terrorists can attack Israelis in their homes – what will you do to end the double-standard that undermines the legitimacy of this institution?
Member States should also ask themselves about the double standards when it comes to this Council taking action. Just this morning we came together, as a Council, and we were unable to muster the will to act to stop the flow of weapons going to killers in South Sudan, who are perpetrating mass atrocities that the UN has said could lead to genocide. We couldn’t come together just to stem the flow of arms. Earlier this month, this Council could not muster the will to adopt the simplest of resolutions calling for a seven-day pause in the savage bombardment of innocent civilians, hospitals, and schools in Aleppo. Yet when a resolution on Israel comes before this Council, members suddenly summon the will to act.
ref. https://usun.state.gov/remarks/7621 (Read more of the statement)
Click here for more
Monday, December 26, 2016
Treasury Sanctions Additional Individuals and Entities in Response to Continuing Violence in Syria
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated eighteen individuals and five entities in response to the continued acts of violence committed by the Government of Syria, led by Bashar al-Assad, against its own citizens. The designated individuals and entities have provided support or services to the Government of Syria, acted as senior officials of the Government of Syria, supported designated individuals and entities, or aided Syria’s weapons of mass destruction program. As a result of today’s action, any property or interests in property of the designated persons in the possession or control of U.S. persons or within the United States must be blocked. Additionally, transactions by U.S. persons involving the designated persons are generally prohibited.
“The daily attacks on civilian centers by the Government of Syria led by Bashar al-Assad are reprehensible, and both the Government and its enablers must be isolated and held accountable for their barbarism,” said Adam J. Szubin, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “Treasury will continue to intensify the pressure on the Assad regime in support of the diplomatic efforts of the U.S. and our allies to resolve the conflict in Syria.”
Today’s action was taken pursuant to three Executive Orders (E.O.s) related to Syria: E.O. 13582, which targets the Government of Syria and its supporters; E.O. 13573, which targets senior officials of the Government of Syria; and E.O. 13572, which targets persons responsible for human rights abuses in Syria. In addition, today’s action includes designations pursuant to E.O. 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters.
REF: https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0690.aspx
For more business and finance news click here
“The daily attacks on civilian centers by the Government of Syria led by Bashar al-Assad are reprehensible, and both the Government and its enablers must be isolated and held accountable for their barbarism,” said Adam J. Szubin, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “Treasury will continue to intensify the pressure on the Assad regime in support of the diplomatic efforts of the U.S. and our allies to resolve the conflict in Syria.”
Today’s action was taken pursuant to three Executive Orders (E.O.s) related to Syria: E.O. 13582, which targets the Government of Syria and its supporters; E.O. 13573, which targets senior officials of the Government of Syria; and E.O. 13572, which targets persons responsible for human rights abuses in Syria. In addition, today’s action includes designations pursuant to E.O. 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters.
REF: https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0690.aspx
For more business and finance news click here
Saturday, December 24, 2016
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE PA GLOBE!
Editorial note: There are no planned meetings locally this week as far as I can tell, believe me I looked. So today's edition I am sharing with you news stories of the holiday. I want to wish all of my readership all over the globe, a Merry Christmas, and hopefully a happy new year.
WEEKLY ADDRESS: Merry Christmas from the President and the First Lady
In this week’s address, the President and the First Lady wished all Americans a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. They reflected on the honor of serving the American people as President and First Lady over the past eight years and the progress that has been made. The President and the First Lady recognized our troops and their families for their service, and they encouraged everyone to visit JoiningForces.gov to find out how to support service members, veterans, and military families in your community.
The White House December 24, 2016
REF: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/12/24/weekly-address-merry-christmas-president-and-first-lady
THE PRESIDENT: Merry Christmas everybody! One of the best parts of the holiday season is spending time with the special people in your life. And for me, that means getting some help from my best friend for our annual Christmas Weekly Address.
THE FIRST LADY: Given how our first Christmas Weekly Address went, I realized that Barack needed all the help he could get.
THE FIRST LADY: Celebrating the holidays in the White House over these past eight years has been a true privilege. We’ve been able to welcome over half a million guests… our outstanding pastry chefs have baked 200,000 holiday cookies… and Barack has treated the American people to countless dad jokes.
THE PRESIDENT: Although a few got a…Frosty reception.
THE FIRST LADY: This year’s White House holiday theme is “The Gift of the Holidays,” and our decorations reflect some of our greatest gifts as a nation: from our incredible military families, to the life-changing impact of a great education.
THE PRESIDENT: And the greatest gift that Michelle and I have received over the last eight years has been the honor of serving as your President and First Lady. Together, we fought our way back from the worst recession in 80 years, and got unemployment to a nine-year low. We secured health insurance for another twenty million Americans, and new protections for folks who already had insurance. We made America more respected around the world, took on the mantle of leadership in the fight to protect this planet for our kids, and much, much more.
By so many measures, our country is stronger and more prosperous than it was when we first got here. And I’m hopeful we’ll build on the progress we’ve made in the years to come.
Tomorrow, for the final time as the First Family, we will join our fellow Christians around the world to rejoice in the birth of our Savior. And as we retell His story from that Holy Night, we’ll also remember His eternal message, one of boundless love, compassion and hope.
THE FIRST LADY: The idea that we are our brother’s keeper and our sister’s keeper. That we should treat others as we would want to be treated. And that we care for the sick… feed the hungry… and welcome the stranger… no matter where they come from, or how they practice their faith.
THE PRESIDENT: Those are values that help guide not just my family’s Christian faith, but that of Jewish Americans, and Muslim Americans; nonbelievers and Americans of all backgrounds. And no one better embodies that spirit of service than the men and women who wear our country’s uniform and their families.
THE FIRST LADY: As always, many of our troops are far from home this time of year, and their families are serving and sacrificing right along with them. Their courage and dedication allow the rest of us to enjoy this season. That’s why we’ve tried to serve them as well as they’ve served this country. Go to JoiningForces.gov to see how you can honor and support the service members, veterans and military families in your community – not just during the holidays, but all year round.
THE PRESIDENT: So as we look forward to the New Year, let’s resolve to recommit ourselves to the values we share. And on behalf of the all the Obamas – Michelle, Malia, Sasha, Bo, and that troublemaker Sunny – Merry Christmas, everybody.
THE FIRST LADY: And we wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2017… thanks, and God bless.
Christmas time related stories and commentaries
Merry Christmas From Bibi Netanyahu--PJ MEDIA
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a splendid Christmas message for his "Christian brothers and sisters" on Facebook Friday. From the courtyard of Jerusalem's International Christian Embassy Netanyahu said, "To all of our Christian friends around the world, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
https://pjmedia.com/video/merry-christmas-from-bibi-netanyahu/
Patriot Post: The Islamic Terrorists Wage Real War on Christmas
2016 hasn’t been a hot year for discussions of a rhetorical war on Christmas in our malls or public schools. Maybe we’ve tuned out the secular hostility in our culture. We’ve gone from banning Linus reading from the Gospel of Luke to banning Christmas to banning Santa Claus to banning even the thought of a holiday, since it might not be for others.
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/46608
CS MONITOR: Looking beyond the holidays
DECEMBER 22, 2016 —A news photo Dec. 21 shows a line of 25 buses packed with evacuees crawling away from embattled Aleppo, Syria, through heavy snow. About 3,000 people, both rebel fighters and civilians, were among the last to flee the advancing troops of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2016/1222/Looking-beyond-the-holidays
CNSNEWS: Christmas with the Presidents, from Washington to Reagan
Christmas is a time of celebration and coming together, of letting go of old—and not so old—hurts and looking forward to a new day and a new year.
http://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/lee-edwards/christmas-presidents-washington-reagan
DAILY SIGNAL: 5 Ways the Feds Might Trip Up Santa Claus This Year
While most people know Jolly Old Saint Nick as a friendly figure, he too is not immune from the perils of administrative overreach and overcriminalization.
To get you in the Christmas spirit, here is a list of some of the potential crimes and violations of federal law Saint Nick as he prepares to take flight for 2016.
http://dailysignal.com/2016/12/22/5-ways-the-irs-might-trip-up-santa-claus-this-year/
AMERICAN SPECTATOR: Will Palestinian Christians Survive Another Christmas?
Christmas is supposed to be a happy time of rejoicing and being together with the ones you love. But in the city where it all began, it is coming dangerously close to being celebrated for the last time. In Bethlehem, along with the rest of the Palestinian-controlled territories, the Christian population is dwindling rapidly as it lives under the threat of extinction.
https://spectator.org/will-palestinian-christians-survive-another-christmas/
Sean Hannity: Read Putin's 'Christmas Letter' To President-Elect Trump
In the letter, which is dated December 15th, President Putin expressed his hopes that Trump's presidency will see an increase in cooperation between the United States and Russia.
http://www.hannity.com/articles/hanpr-election-493995/read-putins-christmas-letter-to-presidentelect-15416739/
WP: Where is God?
It is one of the common questions of eighth-grade theology (which is generally more insightful and useful than post-doctoral theology): If God really exists, why doesn’t he show himself in some dramatic, undeniable way?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/where-is-god/2016/12/23/495ebfca-c881-11e6-85b5-76616a33048d_story.html?utm_term=.859c38e0353e
NY TIMES: Humanizing Jesus
Early in my Christian pilgrimage, as a young man struggling to understand the implications of a story I had only a surface knowledge of, I stumbled onto a theological insight.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/23/opinion/humanizing-jesus.html?ref=opinion&_r=0
WASHINGTON TIMES: Obama’s Hawaii Christmas vacations cost taxpayers $35 million over 8 years
For the last time, taxpayers are paying for a Hawaiian Christmas vacation for President Obama and his family, an annual luxury getaway that has cost the Treasury easily more than $35 million over eight years.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/dec/22/obamas-hawaii-christmas-vacations-cost-taxpayers-3/
CBS NEWS: 5,000-year-old "nativity scene" reportedly found in Egypt
Italian researchers may have discovered the oldest nativity scene ever found, predating Christian nativity art by about three millennia, according to the travel and exploration website Seeker.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/5000-year-old-nativity-scene-reportedly-found-in-egypt/ar-BBxv6b3?li=BBnbfcL
Winter weather may be a bummer for jolly holiday travelers (AP)
CHICAGO — It'll be a white Christmas for the northern Plains and some Western states, but it's likely to cause troublesome travel.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/winter-weather-may-be-a-bummer-for-jolly-holiday-travelers/ar-BBxwNAG
Christmas cards get holy touch with Bethlehem postmark (AP)
BETHLEHEM, N.H. — Instead of mailing her Christmas cards from her local post office, Sherry Wareing drove 20 miles roundtrip to a small post office in a White Mountains town of about 2,500.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/christmas-cards-get-holy-touch-with-bethlehem-postmark/ar-BBxuImm
A Struggling Theme Park Asks: Do You Still Believe in Santa?---NY TIMES
NORTH POLE, N.Y. — On a snowy shoulder of Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks, beyond hand-painted signs advertising “North Pole, N.Y.” and “Rides, Shops, Shows,” several parking attendants pushed a sedan, its tires spinning, into a packed lot. The car’s occupants spilled out, joining other families who high-stepped through snowdrifts — just about everyone smiling, some tossing snowballs — toward the entrance to Santa’s Workshop, a theme park from another era.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-struggling-theme-park-asks-do-you-still-believe-in-santa/ar-BBxuNhp
NY DAILY NEWS: O, little lamb, who made thee? A Christmas tale
It was cold in the stable that night, and the animals were huddled together for warmth. The cows and the oxen and the donkeys.
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/o-lamb-made-thee-christmas-tale-article-1.2921538
NY POST: US warns of possible attacks on churches, holiday gatherings
WASHINGTON — Federal authorities warned law enforcement authorities across the nation Friday that Islamic State sympathizers are continuing to call for attacks on churches and other holiday gathering sites.
http://nypost.com/2016/12/24/us-warns-of-possible-attacks-on-churches-holiday-gatherings/
DAILY DEVOTIONAL:
Is Christmas the Birthday of Jesus?--Truth for the World
WEEKLY ADDRESS: Merry Christmas from the President and the First Lady
In this week’s address, the President and the First Lady wished all Americans a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. They reflected on the honor of serving the American people as President and First Lady over the past eight years and the progress that has been made. The President and the First Lady recognized our troops and their families for their service, and they encouraged everyone to visit JoiningForces.gov to find out how to support service members, veterans, and military families in your community.
The White House December 24, 2016
REF: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/12/24/weekly-address-merry-christmas-president-and-first-lady
THE PRESIDENT: Merry Christmas everybody! One of the best parts of the holiday season is spending time with the special people in your life. And for me, that means getting some help from my best friend for our annual Christmas Weekly Address.
THE FIRST LADY: Given how our first Christmas Weekly Address went, I realized that Barack needed all the help he could get.
THE FIRST LADY: Celebrating the holidays in the White House over these past eight years has been a true privilege. We’ve been able to welcome over half a million guests… our outstanding pastry chefs have baked 200,000 holiday cookies… and Barack has treated the American people to countless dad jokes.
THE PRESIDENT: Although a few got a…Frosty reception.
THE FIRST LADY: This year’s White House holiday theme is “The Gift of the Holidays,” and our decorations reflect some of our greatest gifts as a nation: from our incredible military families, to the life-changing impact of a great education.
THE PRESIDENT: And the greatest gift that Michelle and I have received over the last eight years has been the honor of serving as your President and First Lady. Together, we fought our way back from the worst recession in 80 years, and got unemployment to a nine-year low. We secured health insurance for another twenty million Americans, and new protections for folks who already had insurance. We made America more respected around the world, took on the mantle of leadership in the fight to protect this planet for our kids, and much, much more.
By so many measures, our country is stronger and more prosperous than it was when we first got here. And I’m hopeful we’ll build on the progress we’ve made in the years to come.
Tomorrow, for the final time as the First Family, we will join our fellow Christians around the world to rejoice in the birth of our Savior. And as we retell His story from that Holy Night, we’ll also remember His eternal message, one of boundless love, compassion and hope.
THE FIRST LADY: The idea that we are our brother’s keeper and our sister’s keeper. That we should treat others as we would want to be treated. And that we care for the sick… feed the hungry… and welcome the stranger… no matter where they come from, or how they practice their faith.
THE PRESIDENT: Those are values that help guide not just my family’s Christian faith, but that of Jewish Americans, and Muslim Americans; nonbelievers and Americans of all backgrounds. And no one better embodies that spirit of service than the men and women who wear our country’s uniform and their families.
THE FIRST LADY: As always, many of our troops are far from home this time of year, and their families are serving and sacrificing right along with them. Their courage and dedication allow the rest of us to enjoy this season. That’s why we’ve tried to serve them as well as they’ve served this country. Go to JoiningForces.gov to see how you can honor and support the service members, veterans and military families in your community – not just during the holidays, but all year round.
THE PRESIDENT: So as we look forward to the New Year, let’s resolve to recommit ourselves to the values we share. And on behalf of the all the Obamas – Michelle, Malia, Sasha, Bo, and that troublemaker Sunny – Merry Christmas, everybody.
THE FIRST LADY: And we wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2017… thanks, and God bless.
Christmas time related stories and commentaries
Merry Christmas From Bibi Netanyahu--PJ MEDIA
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a splendid Christmas message for his "Christian brothers and sisters" on Facebook Friday. From the courtyard of Jerusalem's International Christian Embassy Netanyahu said, "To all of our Christian friends around the world, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
https://pjmedia.com/video/merry-christmas-from-bibi-netanyahu/
Patriot Post: The Islamic Terrorists Wage Real War on Christmas
2016 hasn’t been a hot year for discussions of a rhetorical war on Christmas in our malls or public schools. Maybe we’ve tuned out the secular hostility in our culture. We’ve gone from banning Linus reading from the Gospel of Luke to banning Christmas to banning Santa Claus to banning even the thought of a holiday, since it might not be for others.
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/46608
CS MONITOR: Looking beyond the holidays
DECEMBER 22, 2016 —A news photo Dec. 21 shows a line of 25 buses packed with evacuees crawling away from embattled Aleppo, Syria, through heavy snow. About 3,000 people, both rebel fighters and civilians, were among the last to flee the advancing troops of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2016/1222/Looking-beyond-the-holidays
CNSNEWS: Christmas with the Presidents, from Washington to Reagan
Christmas is a time of celebration and coming together, of letting go of old—and not so old—hurts and looking forward to a new day and a new year.
http://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/lee-edwards/christmas-presidents-washington-reagan
DAILY SIGNAL: 5 Ways the Feds Might Trip Up Santa Claus This Year
While most people know Jolly Old Saint Nick as a friendly figure, he too is not immune from the perils of administrative overreach and overcriminalization.
To get you in the Christmas spirit, here is a list of some of the potential crimes and violations of federal law Saint Nick as he prepares to take flight for 2016.
http://dailysignal.com/2016/12/22/5-ways-the-irs-might-trip-up-santa-claus-this-year/
AMERICAN SPECTATOR: Will Palestinian Christians Survive Another Christmas?
Christmas is supposed to be a happy time of rejoicing and being together with the ones you love. But in the city where it all began, it is coming dangerously close to being celebrated for the last time. In Bethlehem, along with the rest of the Palestinian-controlled territories, the Christian population is dwindling rapidly as it lives under the threat of extinction.
https://spectator.org/will-palestinian-christians-survive-another-christmas/
Sean Hannity: Read Putin's 'Christmas Letter' To President-Elect Trump
In the letter, which is dated December 15th, President Putin expressed his hopes that Trump's presidency will see an increase in cooperation between the United States and Russia.
http://www.hannity.com/articles/hanpr-election-493995/read-putins-christmas-letter-to-presidentelect-15416739/
WP: Where is God?
It is one of the common questions of eighth-grade theology (which is generally more insightful and useful than post-doctoral theology): If God really exists, why doesn’t he show himself in some dramatic, undeniable way?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/where-is-god/2016/12/23/495ebfca-c881-11e6-85b5-76616a33048d_story.html?utm_term=.859c38e0353e
NY TIMES: Humanizing Jesus
Early in my Christian pilgrimage, as a young man struggling to understand the implications of a story I had only a surface knowledge of, I stumbled onto a theological insight.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/23/opinion/humanizing-jesus.html?ref=opinion&_r=0
WASHINGTON TIMES: Obama’s Hawaii Christmas vacations cost taxpayers $35 million over 8 years
For the last time, taxpayers are paying for a Hawaiian Christmas vacation for President Obama and his family, an annual luxury getaway that has cost the Treasury easily more than $35 million over eight years.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/dec/22/obamas-hawaii-christmas-vacations-cost-taxpayers-3/
CBS NEWS: 5,000-year-old "nativity scene" reportedly found in Egypt
Italian researchers may have discovered the oldest nativity scene ever found, predating Christian nativity art by about three millennia, according to the travel and exploration website Seeker.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/5000-year-old-nativity-scene-reportedly-found-in-egypt/ar-BBxv6b3?li=BBnbfcL
Winter weather may be a bummer for jolly holiday travelers (AP)
CHICAGO — It'll be a white Christmas for the northern Plains and some Western states, but it's likely to cause troublesome travel.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/winter-weather-may-be-a-bummer-for-jolly-holiday-travelers/ar-BBxwNAG
Christmas cards get holy touch with Bethlehem postmark (AP)
BETHLEHEM, N.H. — Instead of mailing her Christmas cards from her local post office, Sherry Wareing drove 20 miles roundtrip to a small post office in a White Mountains town of about 2,500.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/christmas-cards-get-holy-touch-with-bethlehem-postmark/ar-BBxuImm
A Struggling Theme Park Asks: Do You Still Believe in Santa?---NY TIMES
NORTH POLE, N.Y. — On a snowy shoulder of Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks, beyond hand-painted signs advertising “North Pole, N.Y.” and “Rides, Shops, Shows,” several parking attendants pushed a sedan, its tires spinning, into a packed lot. The car’s occupants spilled out, joining other families who high-stepped through snowdrifts — just about everyone smiling, some tossing snowballs — toward the entrance to Santa’s Workshop, a theme park from another era.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-struggling-theme-park-asks-do-you-still-believe-in-santa/ar-BBxuNhp
NY DAILY NEWS: O, little lamb, who made thee? A Christmas tale
It was cold in the stable that night, and the animals were huddled together for warmth. The cows and the oxen and the donkeys.
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/o-lamb-made-thee-christmas-tale-article-1.2921538
NY POST: US warns of possible attacks on churches, holiday gatherings
WASHINGTON — Federal authorities warned law enforcement authorities across the nation Friday that Islamic State sympathizers are continuing to call for attacks on churches and other holiday gathering sites.
http://nypost.com/2016/12/24/us-warns-of-possible-attacks-on-churches-holiday-gatherings/
DAILY DEVOTIONAL:
Is Christmas the Birthday of Jesus?--Truth for the World
Friday, December 23, 2016
New WDFW hunting and fishing license system is up and running
Ref. http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/dec2216a/
OLYMPIA – The state's new recreational license sales system became operational this week, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officials say the switch from the old system went as smoothly as possible.
The new system began selling hunting and fishing licenses and the Discover Pass on the evening of Dec. 18, several hours earlier than expected, said Peter Vernie, WDFW's licensing division manager. "This secure, next-generation system will improve service to our customers and to the approximately 600 retailers across the state who partner with us," he said.
Vernie said customers will notice one significant change when they buy licenses or manage their accounts. The new system has a single log-in that provides customers access to their data and allows them to buy licenses and report harvest activity. The old system required customers to log-in multiple times to access separate features, such as harvest reporting.
Vernie said the new system also underwent extensive security reviews by the state's cyber-security and technology agencies before it was approved for launch.
He said people who have questions or difficulty using the system should call the Licensing Division's customer service desk at 360-902-2464 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on weekdays, or send an email to licensing@dfw.wa.gov.
In the first 48 hours of operation, Vernie said the new system processed more than 1,000 customer transactions through dealer sales, phone sales, and the internet.
WDFW sells about 2.5 million hunting and fishing licenses and related recreational permits each year, generating about $55 million in revenue that directly supports recreation programs and hunting and fishing opportunities. The system also sells the Discover Pass throughout the state.
"We are very pleased with the new system," Vernie said. "The switch-over went smoothly overall, and we are now working hard to support our dealer partners as they set up new equipment and become acquainted with the new system. A number of issues remain to be investigated and resolved, and we appreciate the public's patience while we deal with them."
WDFW contracted with JMT Technology Group, a consulting firm based in Maryland, to develop the new system in less than six months, in collaboration with a team of WDFW personnel. JMT has developed similar outdoor recreation licensing systems in Maryland and West Virginia.
License fees did not change with the release of the new system. Most license items for the 2017-18 license year, which begins April 1, 2017, will be available for sale in the new system in mid-January, 2017. Until then, all products for the 2016-17 license year will remain available.
Individuals can access WDFW's licensing system at: https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/
For news stories that are making local and regional news click here
NEWS NOTEBOOK:
WP: Putin to Democratic Party: You lost, get over it
MOSCOW — Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has a message for the White House and Democratic leaders who accuse him of stealing their victory: Don’t be sore losers.
That was how Putin answered a question Friday about whether Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election in favor of Donald Trump at the Russian leader’s nationally televised annual news conference
“Democrats are losing on every front and looking for people to blame everywhere,” Putin said in answer to a Russian TV host, one of 1,400 journalists accredited to the marathon session. “They need to learn to lose with dignity.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/trump-syria-hacking-and-terrorism-in-play-as-russias-putin-meets-the-press/2016/12/23/28ead25a-c878-11e6-acda-59924caa2450_story.html?tid=sm_fb&utm_term=.e35a41f77dd7
Editorial Note: I would say so! The Democrats only care about one thing readers, power and they hate giving that up! Putin hit the nail on the head I think.
OLYMPIA – The state's new recreational license sales system became operational this week, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officials say the switch from the old system went as smoothly as possible.
The new system began selling hunting and fishing licenses and the Discover Pass on the evening of Dec. 18, several hours earlier than expected, said Peter Vernie, WDFW's licensing division manager. "This secure, next-generation system will improve service to our customers and to the approximately 600 retailers across the state who partner with us," he said.
Vernie said customers will notice one significant change when they buy licenses or manage their accounts. The new system has a single log-in that provides customers access to their data and allows them to buy licenses and report harvest activity. The old system required customers to log-in multiple times to access separate features, such as harvest reporting.
Vernie said the new system also underwent extensive security reviews by the state's cyber-security and technology agencies before it was approved for launch.
He said people who have questions or difficulty using the system should call the Licensing Division's customer service desk at 360-902-2464 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on weekdays, or send an email to licensing@dfw.wa.gov.
In the first 48 hours of operation, Vernie said the new system processed more than 1,000 customer transactions through dealer sales, phone sales, and the internet.
WDFW sells about 2.5 million hunting and fishing licenses and related recreational permits each year, generating about $55 million in revenue that directly supports recreation programs and hunting and fishing opportunities. The system also sells the Discover Pass throughout the state.
"We are very pleased with the new system," Vernie said. "The switch-over went smoothly overall, and we are now working hard to support our dealer partners as they set up new equipment and become acquainted with the new system. A number of issues remain to be investigated and resolved, and we appreciate the public's patience while we deal with them."
WDFW contracted with JMT Technology Group, a consulting firm based in Maryland, to develop the new system in less than six months, in collaboration with a team of WDFW personnel. JMT has developed similar outdoor recreation licensing systems in Maryland and West Virginia.
License fees did not change with the release of the new system. Most license items for the 2017-18 license year, which begins April 1, 2017, will be available for sale in the new system in mid-January, 2017. Until then, all products for the 2016-17 license year will remain available.
Individuals can access WDFW's licensing system at: https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/
For news stories that are making local and regional news click here
NEWS NOTEBOOK:
WP: Putin to Democratic Party: You lost, get over it
MOSCOW — Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has a message for the White House and Democratic leaders who accuse him of stealing their victory: Don’t be sore losers.
That was how Putin answered a question Friday about whether Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election in favor of Donald Trump at the Russian leader’s nationally televised annual news conference
“Democrats are losing on every front and looking for people to blame everywhere,” Putin said in answer to a Russian TV host, one of 1,400 journalists accredited to the marathon session. “They need to learn to lose with dignity.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/trump-syria-hacking-and-terrorism-in-play-as-russias-putin-meets-the-press/2016/12/23/28ead25a-c878-11e6-acda-59924caa2450_story.html?tid=sm_fb&utm_term=.e35a41f77dd7
Editorial Note: I would say so! The Democrats only care about one thing readers, power and they hate giving that up! Putin hit the nail on the head I think.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
WDFW tentatively schedules razor clam digs through February
OLYMPIA – State shellfish managers have tentatively scheduled evening razor clam digs through February on three ocean beaches.
Final approval of all scheduled openings at Copalis, Mocrocks and Kalaloch beaches will depend on whether results of marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) typically announces whether a dig will go forward about a week before the opening, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the department.
"We know people are anxious to make plans to go razor clamming in 2017," Ayres said. "We've planned openings for 19 days in January and February, but we can't give final approval until tests show we can open those beaches to digging."
WDFW will announce next week whether a previously announced two-day opening at Copalis and Mocrocks can proceed. The proposed dig is scheduled for Dec. 30 and 31 at both beaches.
Both Twin Harbors and Long Beach remain closed to razor clam digging.
For the first time since 2012, Kalaloch Beach is tentatively scheduled to open – on Jan. 8 and 9 – for digging. Located inside Olympic National Park, the beach hasn't been open the last few years for razor clam digging due a low abundance of clams. WDFW and park officials say the population is robust enough for digs in 2017. Additional digs at Kalaloch will be announced in the coming months.
The proposed razor clam digs, along with evening low tides and beaches, are listed below.
Elevated levels of domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of algae, have disrupted razor clam digs on Washington's ocean beaches over the past 18 months. Razor clams at both Twin Harbors and Long Beach exceed public health standards for marine toxins. For that reason, neither beach will open for the remainder of 2016, Ayres said.
"We're continuing to monitor domoic acid levels at all our ocean beaches," Ayres said. "As soon as testing indicates the clams at Long Beach or Twin Harbors are safe to eat, we'll announce digs there."
Under state law, diggers at open beaches can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.
All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2016-17 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW's website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.
REf: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html
For more state news headlines click here
Final approval of all scheduled openings at Copalis, Mocrocks and Kalaloch beaches will depend on whether results of marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) typically announces whether a dig will go forward about a week before the opening, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the department.
"We know people are anxious to make plans to go razor clamming in 2017," Ayres said. "We've planned openings for 19 days in January and February, but we can't give final approval until tests show we can open those beaches to digging."
WDFW will announce next week whether a previously announced two-day opening at Copalis and Mocrocks can proceed. The proposed dig is scheduled for Dec. 30 and 31 at both beaches.
Both Twin Harbors and Long Beach remain closed to razor clam digging.
For the first time since 2012, Kalaloch Beach is tentatively scheduled to open – on Jan. 8 and 9 – for digging. Located inside Olympic National Park, the beach hasn't been open the last few years for razor clam digging due a low abundance of clams. WDFW and park officials say the population is robust enough for digs in 2017. Additional digs at Kalaloch will be announced in the coming months.
The proposed razor clam digs, along with evening low tides and beaches, are listed below.
Elevated levels of domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of algae, have disrupted razor clam digs on Washington's ocean beaches over the past 18 months. Razor clams at both Twin Harbors and Long Beach exceed public health standards for marine toxins. For that reason, neither beach will open for the remainder of 2016, Ayres said.
"We're continuing to monitor domoic acid levels at all our ocean beaches," Ayres said. "As soon as testing indicates the clams at Long Beach or Twin Harbors are safe to eat, we'll announce digs there."
Under state law, diggers at open beaches can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.
All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2016-17 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW's website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.
REf: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html
For more state news headlines click here
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Dept. of Interior: A Solid Foundation to Stop Wildlife Trafficking in 2017 and Beyond
The world’s wildlife is under siege. Over the past four decades, wildlife populations have declined by nearly 60 percent on average, and projections indicate that by 2020, vertebrate populations may have declined by two-thirds in the previous half century as a result of climate change, habitat loss, and – especially dispiriting – poaching. Indeed, it is poaching – the intentional killing of wildlife to feed market demand for illegal wildlife products – which has emerged as the most acute threat facing some of the world’s most iconic animal populations.
Over the past couple of years, however, important progress is being made in addressing the poaching crisis. The President’s Task Force to Combat Wildlife Trafficking developed and put in place a National Strategy for addressing this national – and global – crisis. One of its key conclusions was that the U.S. and other major trading nations reduce consumer demand for ivory, exotic skins, scales and other animal parts. It emphasized that traditional NGOs and government agencies cannot do the job by themselves. Companies need to close off their supply chains; corporations and NGOs must reach out to the public, with the help of media experts, and raise awareness of the crisis and shut off the U.S. and other markets for illegal wildlife products.
With strong support, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Task Force, and the U.S. Wildlife Trafficking Alliance has been bringing together all of these players in a unified, whole-of-society effort to attack the problem. Congress has joined in the effort too. Through its bipartisan passage of the Eliminate, Neutralize and Disrupt (“END”) Wildlife Trafficking Act, Congress is requiring that the work of the Task Force continue, and has called for on-going reports of progress made under the National Strategy and its Implementation Plan – including the demand reduction efforts that the Alliance and its partners are focusing on.
Over the past year, the Alliance’s network of partners has expanded to include e-commerce giants fashion industry icons, and travel industry leaders. Earlier this year, these companies – and many others – committed to take action, and they have made good on their promises. Their commitment to corporate social responsibility is commendable, and is going a long way to show how these actions are good for wildlife and the environment—and good for business as well.
We already have a lot to show for our efforts to work with our members by tapping into their creativity, and applying their vast influence across their market sectors to educate their customers about the dangers of wildlife trafficking. For example, we have collaborated with nonprofits like WWF, WildAid, IFAW and TRAFFIC to develop an e-commerce policy framework that will simplify shopping guidelines for consumers, identify prohibited products and eliminate loopholes that make easy for criminals to traffic wildlife online.
While the U.S. has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the largest markets for illegal wildlife products, we can lead the way by making a difference here at home. This year, we’ve laid the groundwork for a lasting, whole-of-society effort to spread awareness and block traffickers at every turn. And next year holds even more promise.
Ref. https://www.doi.gov/blog/solid-foundation-stop-wildlife-trafficking-2017-and-beyond
For more national and advocacy note book stories click here
http://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/the-national-weekly-digest.html
Over the past couple of years, however, important progress is being made in addressing the poaching crisis. The President’s Task Force to Combat Wildlife Trafficking developed and put in place a National Strategy for addressing this national – and global – crisis. One of its key conclusions was that the U.S. and other major trading nations reduce consumer demand for ivory, exotic skins, scales and other animal parts. It emphasized that traditional NGOs and government agencies cannot do the job by themselves. Companies need to close off their supply chains; corporations and NGOs must reach out to the public, with the help of media experts, and raise awareness of the crisis and shut off the U.S. and other markets for illegal wildlife products.
With strong support, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Task Force, and the U.S. Wildlife Trafficking Alliance has been bringing together all of these players in a unified, whole-of-society effort to attack the problem. Congress has joined in the effort too. Through its bipartisan passage of the Eliminate, Neutralize and Disrupt (“END”) Wildlife Trafficking Act, Congress is requiring that the work of the Task Force continue, and has called for on-going reports of progress made under the National Strategy and its Implementation Plan – including the demand reduction efforts that the Alliance and its partners are focusing on.
Over the past year, the Alliance’s network of partners has expanded to include e-commerce giants fashion industry icons, and travel industry leaders. Earlier this year, these companies – and many others – committed to take action, and they have made good on their promises. Their commitment to corporate social responsibility is commendable, and is going a long way to show how these actions are good for wildlife and the environment—and good for business as well.
We already have a lot to show for our efforts to work with our members by tapping into their creativity, and applying their vast influence across their market sectors to educate their customers about the dangers of wildlife trafficking. For example, we have collaborated with nonprofits like WWF, WildAid, IFAW and TRAFFIC to develop an e-commerce policy framework that will simplify shopping guidelines for consumers, identify prohibited products and eliminate loopholes that make easy for criminals to traffic wildlife online.
While the U.S. has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the largest markets for illegal wildlife products, we can lead the way by making a difference here at home. This year, we’ve laid the groundwork for a lasting, whole-of-society effort to spread awareness and block traffickers at every turn. And next year holds even more promise.
Ref. https://www.doi.gov/blog/solid-foundation-stop-wildlife-trafficking-2017-and-beyond
For more national and advocacy note book stories click here
http://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/the-national-weekly-digest.html
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR GUNNED DOWN, ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE 'PEACEFUL RELIGION" AT WORK?
THE WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT: Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on the Assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov
The United States strongly condemns the assassination of the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, in Ankara today, which reportedly also left others wounded. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of Ambassador Karlov and the other victims, and we offer our condolences to the Russian people and Government. This heinous attack on a member of the diplomatic corps is unacceptable, and we stand united with Russia and Turkey in our determination to confront terrorism in all of its forms.
REF: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/12/19/statement-nsc-spokesperson-ned-price-assassination-russian-ambassador
Editor's note: President Obama didn't have anything to say on this? He had his spokesman make a statement instead? What, too busy?
UN NEWS CENTER: UN condemns assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey
19 December 2016 – Strongly condemning the assassination today of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov in Ankara, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations Security Council emphasized that there is no justification for targeting diplomatic personnel and civilians.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=55837#.WFlaDPkrIps
US STATE DEPT: The Assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov
The United States condemns the assassination today in Ankara of Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, the Russian people, and with the other victims who were injured in this shooting.
We stand ready to offer assistance to Russia and Turkey as they investigate this despicable attack, which was also an assault on the right of all diplomats to safely and securely advance and represent their nations around the world.
REF: http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2016/12/265774.htm
Related news stories:
Turkish official: Envoy's killer unlikely to have been alone (AP)
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — The Turkish policeman who assassinated Russia's ambassador was unlikely to have acted alone, a senior Turkish government official said Tuesday, as investigators from both countries hunted for clues as to who might have been behind the killing.
Trump blames terrorists for killings in Turkey, Germany
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — On the day that his election victory became official, Donald Trump on Monday experienced what life will be like as president as he condemned separate deadly incidents against a Russian diplomat and shoppers at a German Christmas market, blaming Islamic terrorism in both instances.
Invoking Syria, policeman kills Russian ambassador to Turkey
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A Turkish policeman fatally shot Russia's ambassador to Turkey on Monday in front of a shocked gathering at a photo exhibit and then, pacing near the body of his victim, appeared to condemn Russia's military role in Syria, shouting: "Don't forget Aleppo! Don't forget Syria!"
Russia says drafting document to resolve Syria conflict with Turkey, Iran (REU)
Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday that Russian experts had drawn up a "Moscow Declaration" that amounted to a roadmap for ending the Syria crisis and that he hoped that Turkey and Iran could support the document.
Aghast at Iran's Syria gains, Gulf Arabs see potential in Trump (REU)
"Where are you, Oh Arabs, Oh Muslims, while we are being slaughtered?"
An old man's cry, in a video posted online from Aleppo's ruins, poses an uncomfortable question for the mainly Sunni Muslim Arab states backing rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad and his allies Iran and Russia.
For more world news headlines click here...
The United States strongly condemns the assassination of the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, in Ankara today, which reportedly also left others wounded. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of Ambassador Karlov and the other victims, and we offer our condolences to the Russian people and Government. This heinous attack on a member of the diplomatic corps is unacceptable, and we stand united with Russia and Turkey in our determination to confront terrorism in all of its forms.
REF: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/12/19/statement-nsc-spokesperson-ned-price-assassination-russian-ambassador
Editor's note: President Obama didn't have anything to say on this? He had his spokesman make a statement instead? What, too busy?
UN NEWS CENTER: UN condemns assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey
19 December 2016 – Strongly condemning the assassination today of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov in Ankara, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations Security Council emphasized that there is no justification for targeting diplomatic personnel and civilians.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=55837#.WFlaDPkrIps
US STATE DEPT: The Assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov
The United States condemns the assassination today in Ankara of Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, the Russian people, and with the other victims who were injured in this shooting.
We stand ready to offer assistance to Russia and Turkey as they investigate this despicable attack, which was also an assault on the right of all diplomats to safely and securely advance and represent their nations around the world.
REF: http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2016/12/265774.htm
Related news stories:
Turkish official: Envoy's killer unlikely to have been alone (AP)
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — The Turkish policeman who assassinated Russia's ambassador was unlikely to have acted alone, a senior Turkish government official said Tuesday, as investigators from both countries hunted for clues as to who might have been behind the killing.
Trump blames terrorists for killings in Turkey, Germany
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — On the day that his election victory became official, Donald Trump on Monday experienced what life will be like as president as he condemned separate deadly incidents against a Russian diplomat and shoppers at a German Christmas market, blaming Islamic terrorism in both instances.
Invoking Syria, policeman kills Russian ambassador to Turkey
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A Turkish policeman fatally shot Russia's ambassador to Turkey on Monday in front of a shocked gathering at a photo exhibit and then, pacing near the body of his victim, appeared to condemn Russia's military role in Syria, shouting: "Don't forget Aleppo! Don't forget Syria!"
Russia says drafting document to resolve Syria conflict with Turkey, Iran (REU)
Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday that Russian experts had drawn up a "Moscow Declaration" that amounted to a roadmap for ending the Syria crisis and that he hoped that Turkey and Iran could support the document.
Aghast at Iran's Syria gains, Gulf Arabs see potential in Trump (REU)
"Where are you, Oh Arabs, Oh Muslims, while we are being slaughtered?"
An old man's cry, in a video posted online from Aleppo's ruins, poses an uncomfortable question for the mainly Sunni Muslim Arab states backing rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad and his allies Iran and Russia.
For more world news headlines click here...
Monday, December 19, 2016
IRS: Tax Preparedness Series: What to Do Before The Tax Year Ends Dec. 31
IR-2016-170, Dec. 14, 2016
WASHINGTON — As tax filing season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers there are things they should do now to get ready for filing season.
For most taxpayers, Dec. 31 is the last day to take actions that will impact their 2016 tax returns. For example, charitable contributions are deductible in the year made. Donations charged to a credit card before the end of 2016 count for the 2016 tax year, even if the bill isn’t paid until 2017. Checks to a charity count for 2016 as long as they are mailed by the last day of the year.
Taxpayers who are over age 70 ½ are generally required to receive payments from their individual retirement accounts and workplace retirement plans by the end of 2016, though a special rule allows those who reached 70 ½ in 2016 to wait until April 1, 2017 to receive them. Most workplace retirement account contributions should be made by the end of the year, but taxpayers can make 2016 IRA contributions until April 18, 2017. For 2016, the limit for a 401(k) is $18,000. For traditional and Roth IRAs, the limit is $6,500 if age 50 or older and up to $15,500 for a Simple IRA for age 50 or older.
Taxpayers who have moved should tell the US Postal Service, their employers and the IRS. To notify the IRS, mail IRS Form 8822, Change of Address, to the address listed on the form’s instructions. For taxpayers who purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, they should also notify the Marketplace when they move out of the area covered by their current Marketplace plan.
For name changes due to marriage or divorce, notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) so the new name will match IRS and SSA records. Also notify the SSA if a dependent’s name changed. A mismatch between the name shown on your tax return and the SSA records can cause problems in the processing of your return and may even delay your refund.
Effective Jan. 1, 2017, any Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) not used at least once on a tax return in the past three years will no longer be valid for use on a return. In addition, an ITIN with middle digits 78 or 79 will also expire on Jan. 1. Those with expiring ITINs who need to file a return in 2017 must renew their ITIN. Affected ITIN holders can avoid delays by starting the renewal process now.
Taxpayers should allow seven weeks from Jan. 1, 2017, or the mailing date of the Form W-7, whichever is later, for the IRS to notify them of their ITIN application status - nine to 11 weeks if taxpayers wait to submit Form W-7 during the peak filing season, or send it from overseas. Those who fail to renew before filing a return could face a delayed refund and may be ineligible for some important tax credits. For more information, including answers to frequently-asked questions, visit the ITIN information page on IRS.gov.
Keeping copies of tax returns is important as the IRS makes changes to protect taxpayers and authenticate their identity. Beginning in 2017, taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income amount from a prior tax return to verify their identity. Taxpayers can learn more about how to verify their identity and electronically sign their tax return at Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return.
REF: https://www.irs.gov/uac/tax-preparedness-series-what-to-do-before-the-tax-year-ends-dec-31
For more business and finance news click here
WASHINGTON — As tax filing season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers there are things they should do now to get ready for filing season.
For most taxpayers, Dec. 31 is the last day to take actions that will impact their 2016 tax returns. For example, charitable contributions are deductible in the year made. Donations charged to a credit card before the end of 2016 count for the 2016 tax year, even if the bill isn’t paid until 2017. Checks to a charity count for 2016 as long as they are mailed by the last day of the year.
Taxpayers who are over age 70 ½ are generally required to receive payments from their individual retirement accounts and workplace retirement plans by the end of 2016, though a special rule allows those who reached 70 ½ in 2016 to wait until April 1, 2017 to receive them. Most workplace retirement account contributions should be made by the end of the year, but taxpayers can make 2016 IRA contributions until April 18, 2017. For 2016, the limit for a 401(k) is $18,000. For traditional and Roth IRAs, the limit is $6,500 if age 50 or older and up to $15,500 for a Simple IRA for age 50 or older.
Taxpayers who have moved should tell the US Postal Service, their employers and the IRS. To notify the IRS, mail IRS Form 8822, Change of Address, to the address listed on the form’s instructions. For taxpayers who purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, they should also notify the Marketplace when they move out of the area covered by their current Marketplace plan.
For name changes due to marriage or divorce, notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) so the new name will match IRS and SSA records. Also notify the SSA if a dependent’s name changed. A mismatch between the name shown on your tax return and the SSA records can cause problems in the processing of your return and may even delay your refund.
Effective Jan. 1, 2017, any Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) not used at least once on a tax return in the past three years will no longer be valid for use on a return. In addition, an ITIN with middle digits 78 or 79 will also expire on Jan. 1. Those with expiring ITINs who need to file a return in 2017 must renew their ITIN. Affected ITIN holders can avoid delays by starting the renewal process now.
Taxpayers should allow seven weeks from Jan. 1, 2017, or the mailing date of the Form W-7, whichever is later, for the IRS to notify them of their ITIN application status - nine to 11 weeks if taxpayers wait to submit Form W-7 during the peak filing season, or send it from overseas. Those who fail to renew before filing a return could face a delayed refund and may be ineligible for some important tax credits. For more information, including answers to frequently-asked questions, visit the ITIN information page on IRS.gov.
Keeping copies of tax returns is important as the IRS makes changes to protect taxpayers and authenticate their identity. Beginning in 2017, taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income amount from a prior tax return to verify their identity. Taxpayers can learn more about how to verify their identity and electronically sign their tax return at Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return.
REF: https://www.irs.gov/uac/tax-preparedness-series-what-to-do-before-the-tax-year-ends-dec-31
For more business and finance news click here
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Port to look for US 101 Elwha River Bridge Alternatives During special meeting on Monday.
According the staff memo provide by the Port:
The Elwha River Bridge is a 90-year-old bridge that is being closely monitored by WSDOT because of erosion that has occurred around the piers, caused by changes in the location and flow of the Elwha River. In early October, WSDOT reinforced the piers by placing over 3,300 tons of riprap (large boulders) around the pier bases. WSDOT also implemented several monitoring systems to help gauge any changes in the status of the bridge.
The bridge has remained stable and is open to traffic. Future work will be required to maintain a reliable state transportation system in the area. WSDOT has begun its analysis on seven options for a path forward. The seven options for the bridge range from “do nothing” to building a replacement bridge while the existing bridge remains in use.
1. No build — Abandon the bridge and construct turnarounds at both ends of it. Use state highways 112 and 113 as a detour: $400,000 to $600,000; one year to build turnarounds.
2. Replace with state Highways 112 and 113 — Abandon the existing bridge and improve the state highways to National Highway System standards: $40 million to $50 million for immediate upgrades, up to $95 million to reach national standards; up to 10 years.
3. Alternate highway — Build a new highway between Highway 101 and Highway
112 west of the Elwha River on or near Eden Valley Road: $35 million to $45 million; two to three years.
4. Retrofit — Fix the existing bridge and stabilize its foundation. Existing 101 traffic
would use the bridge with occasional single-lane closures and detours onto 112 and 113: $10 million to $15 million; one to two years.
5. Existing alignment — Remove the existing bridge and replace it at the same location. Traffic would use detours during construction: $15 million to $20 million; two to three years.
6. Parallel alignment — Build a new bridge adjacent to the old bridge. Existing
bridge would remain open during construction: $15 million to $20 million; one to
two years.
7. New Alignment alternative – Build a new bridge on a new alignment across the
Elwha River. The existing bridge would remain open to traffic during construction: $18 million to $25 million; over 1 to 2 years. After construction was complete, traffic would be shifted onto the new bridge and the old bridge would be removed.
• WSDOT's Design Alternatives - US 101 Elwha River Bridge
• US Highway 101 detour if closure of Elwha River Bridge
ANALYSIS:
From a general economic development perspective, support of freight mobility and emergency response, ability to make a living and general quality of life, it is important to retain connectivity with the west end of the County utilizing Highway 101 across the Elwha River bridge instead of the circuitous and substandard route along the coast.
From a Port perspective, staff is concerned with the potential interruption on timber related harvest activities and deliveries into the Port and its customers.
It is important that WSDOT takes quick action in identifying and building a solution to this compromised bridge. Staff recommends support for alternative seven because it
has the least disruption on current activity and provides for a long-term solution while making the bridge crossing safer by improving the alignment to the approach on the east side of the bridge.
See full agenda: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/12192016-209
For more meeting highlights and commentary click here...
The Elwha River Bridge is a 90-year-old bridge that is being closely monitored by WSDOT because of erosion that has occurred around the piers, caused by changes in the location and flow of the Elwha River. In early October, WSDOT reinforced the piers by placing over 3,300 tons of riprap (large boulders) around the pier bases. WSDOT also implemented several monitoring systems to help gauge any changes in the status of the bridge.
The bridge has remained stable and is open to traffic. Future work will be required to maintain a reliable state transportation system in the area. WSDOT has begun its analysis on seven options for a path forward. The seven options for the bridge range from “do nothing” to building a replacement bridge while the existing bridge remains in use.
1. No build — Abandon the bridge and construct turnarounds at both ends of it. Use state highways 112 and 113 as a detour: $400,000 to $600,000; one year to build turnarounds.
2. Replace with state Highways 112 and 113 — Abandon the existing bridge and improve the state highways to National Highway System standards: $40 million to $50 million for immediate upgrades, up to $95 million to reach national standards; up to 10 years.
3. Alternate highway — Build a new highway between Highway 101 and Highway
112 west of the Elwha River on or near Eden Valley Road: $35 million to $45 million; two to three years.
4. Retrofit — Fix the existing bridge and stabilize its foundation. Existing 101 traffic
would use the bridge with occasional single-lane closures and detours onto 112 and 113: $10 million to $15 million; one to two years.
5. Existing alignment — Remove the existing bridge and replace it at the same location. Traffic would use detours during construction: $15 million to $20 million; two to three years.
6. Parallel alignment — Build a new bridge adjacent to the old bridge. Existing
bridge would remain open during construction: $15 million to $20 million; one to
two years.
7. New Alignment alternative – Build a new bridge on a new alignment across the
Elwha River. The existing bridge would remain open to traffic during construction: $18 million to $25 million; over 1 to 2 years. After construction was complete, traffic would be shifted onto the new bridge and the old bridge would be removed.
• WSDOT's Design Alternatives - US 101 Elwha River Bridge
• US Highway 101 detour if closure of Elwha River Bridge
ANALYSIS:
From a general economic development perspective, support of freight mobility and emergency response, ability to make a living and general quality of life, it is important to retain connectivity with the west end of the County utilizing Highway 101 across the Elwha River bridge instead of the circuitous and substandard route along the coast.
From a Port perspective, staff is concerned with the potential interruption on timber related harvest activities and deliveries into the Port and its customers.
It is important that WSDOT takes quick action in identifying and building a solution to this compromised bridge. Staff recommends support for alternative seven because it
has the least disruption on current activity and provides for a long-term solution while making the bridge crossing safer by improving the alignment to the approach on the east side of the bridge.
See full agenda: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/12192016-209
For more meeting highlights and commentary click here...
Friday, December 16, 2016
Washington Department of Commerce awards $33.5 million for affordable housing projects
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Housing Finance Unit today awarded $26 million in loans and grants from the state’s Housing Trust Fund, $2.7 million from the Federal HOME program, and $2.9 from the National Housing Trust Fund for 20 affordable housing projects in Washington. Another $1.9 million from the Ultra-High Energy Efficiency Demonstration Program were awarded to some of these projects that met the requirements laid out by the Legislature in the 2015-2017 capital budget.
The nonprofit housing organizations receiving these awards will use the funds to build, purchase, or renovate buildings to provide 923 units of affordable housing in 10 counties across the state. The projects will provide permanent housing for some of Washington’s most vulnerable residents, including people with chronic mental illnesses, homeless families with children, homeless youth, people with disabilities, veterans, and farmworkers. A further 334 beds will be provided for seasonal farmworkers. Approximately 79 percent of the units provided by these projects will serve extremely low-income households earning 30 percent or less of the area median income.
“The Housing Finance Unit has worked extensively with its public funding partners to make sure the state’s investment is stretched as far as it can go in the current climate,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender. “Washington communities cannot be strong and vibrant without sufficient housing that is safe, affordable, and decent to live in, and the Housing Trust Fund plays an important part in making sure that happens.”
Funds for these awards were made available through capital appropriations in the 2015-2017 state biennial budget and through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Commerce’s investment will leverage an estimated $280.6 million from other sources – approximately $7.89 for every $1 it awards – which will include funds from the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, local public funders and private investors.
HOME and National Housing Trust Fund are HUD programs administered by Department of Commerce. These federal funds are competitively awarded to qualifying Housing Trust Fund projects through the regular Housing Trust Fund application process.
A list detailing specific projects and awards is available at http://www.commerce.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/hfu-htf-award-list-2016.pdf. For more information on Commerce’s administration of the Housing Trust Fund in support of community-based efforts to provide affordable housing, please visit the program’s website.
Now in its 30th year, the Housing Trust Fund has invested almost $1 billion in funding and helped build or preserve nearly 47,000 units of affordable housing statewide, serving an estimated 78,000 persons at any one time. With Housing First, Health Home, and Net-Zero Efficiency projects awarded or currently in development, the Housing Trust Fund is looking forward to being a continuing source of resiliency, security, and sustainability for the citizens of Washington State for the next 30 years and beyond.
REF. http://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-release-washington-department-commerce-awards-33-5-million-affordable-housing-projects/
For local news headlines click here
The nonprofit housing organizations receiving these awards will use the funds to build, purchase, or renovate buildings to provide 923 units of affordable housing in 10 counties across the state. The projects will provide permanent housing for some of Washington’s most vulnerable residents, including people with chronic mental illnesses, homeless families with children, homeless youth, people with disabilities, veterans, and farmworkers. A further 334 beds will be provided for seasonal farmworkers. Approximately 79 percent of the units provided by these projects will serve extremely low-income households earning 30 percent or less of the area median income.
“The Housing Finance Unit has worked extensively with its public funding partners to make sure the state’s investment is stretched as far as it can go in the current climate,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender. “Washington communities cannot be strong and vibrant without sufficient housing that is safe, affordable, and decent to live in, and the Housing Trust Fund plays an important part in making sure that happens.”
Funds for these awards were made available through capital appropriations in the 2015-2017 state biennial budget and through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Commerce’s investment will leverage an estimated $280.6 million from other sources – approximately $7.89 for every $1 it awards – which will include funds from the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, local public funders and private investors.
HOME and National Housing Trust Fund are HUD programs administered by Department of Commerce. These federal funds are competitively awarded to qualifying Housing Trust Fund projects through the regular Housing Trust Fund application process.
A list detailing specific projects and awards is available at http://www.commerce.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/hfu-htf-award-list-2016.pdf. For more information on Commerce’s administration of the Housing Trust Fund in support of community-based efforts to provide affordable housing, please visit the program’s website.
Now in its 30th year, the Housing Trust Fund has invested almost $1 billion in funding and helped build or preserve nearly 47,000 units of affordable housing statewide, serving an estimated 78,000 persons at any one time. With Housing First, Health Home, and Net-Zero Efficiency projects awarded or currently in development, the Housing Trust Fund is looking forward to being a continuing source of resiliency, security, and sustainability for the citizens of Washington State for the next 30 years and beyond.
REF. http://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-release-washington-department-commerce-awards-33-5-million-affordable-housing-projects/
For local news headlines click here
Thursday, December 15, 2016
NO SENATOR MURRAY RUSSIA DIDN'T INFLUENCE MY VOTE!
Senator Murray’s Statement on Reports of Russian Interference in 2016 Election
Dec 10 2016
(Washington, D.C)—Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on news reports about the CIA’s analysis of Russian interference in the 2016 election.
“These reports should disturb and outrage every American—Democrat, Republican, or independent—who believes that the integrity of our elections is fundamental to the strength of our democracy. I join in the calls for bipartisan Congressional hearings and a comprehensive investigation to begin as soon as possible to get to the bottom of this, and for disclosure of any evidence that Russia actively worked to hijack our election and elect Donald Trump. President-elect Trump is already disputing the reports and indicating that he’d like to ‘move on,’ but no American should stand for something like this to be swept under the rug or allow President-elect Trump to obstruct an investigation when he gets into office. This is too important, and I will relentlessly pursue this with my colleagues until we get the answers voters deserve.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=236A5253-80B6-4279-B9F0-F4B65AD49018
Editorial note: Hate to tell you this Senator, no one influenced my vote on voting for Gary Johnson. So sounds like the Senator is just pushing the overturning an election routine. I have to wonder how Murray would react if Hillary was aided in getting elected by Iran's meddling in her favor? Would Patty Murray be sounding off like this if the tables were turned in Hillary Clinton's favor, doubtful! So, with that in mind, maybe Patty Murray's opponent during this last election should also demand a recount, and call for investigations in Murray's re-election win, make sure no foreign government was aiding in her election. How would that go Patty? Turnabout is fair play Senator.
Edmonds seeks funding for overpass to waterfront
The city has a plan for ensuring emergency access to the city’s waterfront — building a $24 million overpass.
Now it’s making the case for money for the project with federal and state officials.
Last week, city representatives, including Mayor Dave Earling, flew to the nation’s capital. They explained the need for the project to representatives of the federal Department of Transportation as well as U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, staff of U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Lake Stevens, and Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Tacoma, who also represents the Olympic Peninsula.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/edmonds-seeks-funding-for-overpass-to-waterfront
Senator Murray Statement on Trump’s Pick to Head U.S. Department of Energy
Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to head the U.S. Department of Energy, former Texas Governor Rick Perry.
“Washington state is home to one of the largest nuclear cleanup efforts in the world, so I cannot stress enough how critical it is to have strong, able leadership at the U.S. Department of Energy to guide the cleanup at Hanford. This requires a leader with a commitment to help our country fulfill its legal and moral obligation, but more importantly, a commitment to the safety of thousands of workers who show up day in and day out. It is imperative for Governor Perry, or any Energy nominee, to truly understand the sacrifices Hanford workers and the Tri-Cities community made to help America win World II and the Cold War. Any effort to roll back progress at Hanford, shortchange PNNL, destabilize BPA, or privatize portions of the Department of Energy will be met with swift opposition.
“I am also deeply troubled by Governor Perry’s past statements regarding climate change and his obvious ties to Big Oil. I have supported and will continue to support renewable energy research, development, and deployment in order to address the critical issues of climate change and to create a comprehensive national energy policy suited for the economy of the next century, not one that is merely beholden to billionaires and big corporations.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A88030DA-DC60-49EA-AFC3-FA4FE8ADCE13
VETERANS: Sen. Murray’s Effort to Protect Homeless Veterans Passes Congress, Now Headed to President’s Desk
Murray’s provision solves two years of uncertainty for homeless veterans and advocates, prevents VA from changing requirements for benefits that would have left thousands of vulnerable veterans without access to housing Sen. Murray: “The men and women who signed up to serve our country deserve our respect, not a door slammed in their face during their time of need”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D40EA437-9BB9-49D7-821D-97D88DF71DA6
Cantwell, Brown, Feinstein Blast CFTC For Failure To Finish Rule To Curb Excessive Speculation In Commodities
Leading Senate Democrats Criticize Agency for Once Again Delaying Long-Overdue Rule to Limit Speculation in Futures Contracts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) criticized the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for failing to complete a long-delayed rule to curb the number of futures contracts a trader can hold on certain commodities, including oil, natural gas, and gold. The CFTC in 2013 revised its proposal to crack down on excessive speculation in a group of 28 commodities, but the agency has yet to issue a final rule. On Dec. 5, CFTC Chairman Timothy Massad punted again, reproposing the rule despite assurances it would be completed this year.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-brown-feinstein-blast-cftc-for-failure-to-finish-rule-to-curb-excessive-speculation-in-commodities
For more state news headlines click here...
Dec 10 2016
(Washington, D.C)—Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on news reports about the CIA’s analysis of Russian interference in the 2016 election.
“These reports should disturb and outrage every American—Democrat, Republican, or independent—who believes that the integrity of our elections is fundamental to the strength of our democracy. I join in the calls for bipartisan Congressional hearings and a comprehensive investigation to begin as soon as possible to get to the bottom of this, and for disclosure of any evidence that Russia actively worked to hijack our election and elect Donald Trump. President-elect Trump is already disputing the reports and indicating that he’d like to ‘move on,’ but no American should stand for something like this to be swept under the rug or allow President-elect Trump to obstruct an investigation when he gets into office. This is too important, and I will relentlessly pursue this with my colleagues until we get the answers voters deserve.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=236A5253-80B6-4279-B9F0-F4B65AD49018
Editorial note: Hate to tell you this Senator, no one influenced my vote on voting for Gary Johnson. So sounds like the Senator is just pushing the overturning an election routine. I have to wonder how Murray would react if Hillary was aided in getting elected by Iran's meddling in her favor? Would Patty Murray be sounding off like this if the tables were turned in Hillary Clinton's favor, doubtful! So, with that in mind, maybe Patty Murray's opponent during this last election should also demand a recount, and call for investigations in Murray's re-election win, make sure no foreign government was aiding in her election. How would that go Patty? Turnabout is fair play Senator.
Edmonds seeks funding for overpass to waterfront
The city has a plan for ensuring emergency access to the city’s waterfront — building a $24 million overpass.
Now it’s making the case for money for the project with federal and state officials.
Last week, city representatives, including Mayor Dave Earling, flew to the nation’s capital. They explained the need for the project to representatives of the federal Department of Transportation as well as U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, staff of U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Lake Stevens, and Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Tacoma, who also represents the Olympic Peninsula.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/edmonds-seeks-funding-for-overpass-to-waterfront
Senator Murray Statement on Trump’s Pick to Head U.S. Department of Energy
Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to head the U.S. Department of Energy, former Texas Governor Rick Perry.
“Washington state is home to one of the largest nuclear cleanup efforts in the world, so I cannot stress enough how critical it is to have strong, able leadership at the U.S. Department of Energy to guide the cleanup at Hanford. This requires a leader with a commitment to help our country fulfill its legal and moral obligation, but more importantly, a commitment to the safety of thousands of workers who show up day in and day out. It is imperative for Governor Perry, or any Energy nominee, to truly understand the sacrifices Hanford workers and the Tri-Cities community made to help America win World II and the Cold War. Any effort to roll back progress at Hanford, shortchange PNNL, destabilize BPA, or privatize portions of the Department of Energy will be met with swift opposition.
“I am also deeply troubled by Governor Perry’s past statements regarding climate change and his obvious ties to Big Oil. I have supported and will continue to support renewable energy research, development, and deployment in order to address the critical issues of climate change and to create a comprehensive national energy policy suited for the economy of the next century, not one that is merely beholden to billionaires and big corporations.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A88030DA-DC60-49EA-AFC3-FA4FE8ADCE13
VETERANS: Sen. Murray’s Effort to Protect Homeless Veterans Passes Congress, Now Headed to President’s Desk
Murray’s provision solves two years of uncertainty for homeless veterans and advocates, prevents VA from changing requirements for benefits that would have left thousands of vulnerable veterans without access to housing Sen. Murray: “The men and women who signed up to serve our country deserve our respect, not a door slammed in their face during their time of need”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D40EA437-9BB9-49D7-821D-97D88DF71DA6
Cantwell, Brown, Feinstein Blast CFTC For Failure To Finish Rule To Curb Excessive Speculation In Commodities
Leading Senate Democrats Criticize Agency for Once Again Delaying Long-Overdue Rule to Limit Speculation in Futures Contracts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) criticized the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for failing to complete a long-delayed rule to curb the number of futures contracts a trader can hold on certain commodities, including oil, natural gas, and gold. The CFTC in 2013 revised its proposal to crack down on excessive speculation in a group of 28 commodities, but the agency has yet to issue a final rule. On Dec. 5, CFTC Chairman Timothy Massad punted again, reproposing the rule despite assurances it would be completed this year.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-brown-feinstein-blast-cftc-for-failure-to-finish-rule-to-curb-excessive-speculation-in-commodities
For more state news headlines click here...
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