SUNDAY EDITION

WH: President Donald J. Trump’s Weekly Address (posted on the White House page 10/ 13/ 17)
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/10/13/president-donald-j-trumps-weekly-address

Transcript:

My fellow Americans,

Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the day America declared its independence. But this month, let us also remember the day our country won its independence. Next Thursday, October 19, marks the 236th anniversary of the day that George Washington’s Continental Army defeated the British at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.
When our young American flag waved that day over the British surrender, it marked more than a victory of American arms. It represented the emergence of Stars and Stripes as a beacon of freedom around the world.
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress resolved that our flag shall consist of 13 alternating red and white stripes, and a blue field of 13 white stars representing the American colonies.
Congress ultimately decided that a star would be added to our flag’s “constellation” on the Fourth of July upon the admission of each new State to the union, but that the flag would always keep its 13 stripes as a tribute to the original colonies that declared and won their Independence together.
In 1942, Congress passed the United States Flag Code, creating official standards for how we treat our beloved flag. From this code, we teach each new American generation to always show our flag the respect it deserves.
America’s men and women in uniform have carried our flag into battle and given their lives to protect it. Our Star Spangled Banner flew above Fort McHenry in the “Dawn’s Early Light.” Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders carried it to victory at the Battle of San Juan Hill. And our heroic Marines raised it over Iwo Jima.
Every day millions of American citizens raise it, salute it, and honor it on the home front. American workers hang Old Glory above factory floors where they proudly stamp their products “Made in the USA” and more and more products are being so stamped because our economy is starting to boom. We are doing really well. Companies are moving back into the United States and far fewer will be moving out. Believe me. And it’s already happened. American schoolchildren put their hands on their hearts as they recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Before watching a football game, you want to see those players be proud of their country. Respect our country. Respect our flag. And respect our national anthem and we think they will. We certainly hope they will.
We honor the flag, we pay tribute to the men and women who have given everything for its defense. We renew the bonds of love and loyalty we owe to our fellow citizens—to every American who looks to the Stars and Stripes and sees woven into its fabric their past, their future, and their place in our great American family.
So this month, as we remember the patriots who fought to win our glorious Independence, let us renew our commitment to love our country, protect our citizens, and ensure that this will ALWAYS BE the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.




FROM THE GOVERNOR'S BLOG PAGE: Inslee joins Washington Tribes for 28th-Annual Centennial Accord
Gathering re-affirms partnership between state government and tribal governments
Posted on 10/ 10/ 17
https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-joins-washington-tribes-for-28th-annual-centennial-accord-91fec3ca217b

Gov. Jay Inslee and chairs and councilmembers from Washington tribes came together today for the 28th-Annual Centennial Accord, a policy and discussion meeting held each year between 25 state agencies and more than two dozen tribal governments.
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community hosted this year’s Centennial Accord at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge in Anacortes. Inslee delivered opening remarks at the gathering.
“It is an honor to attend the annual Centennial Accord this year to re-affirm Washington’s commitment to this sovereign-to-sovereign relationship,” Inslee said. “Our state is grateful for its partnership with tribal governments on the challenges we all face. Washington state has a deep respect for tribal culture and heritage — it is an important part of who we are as a state.”
Today’s discussions, as well as work sessions that took place on Monday, touched on a wide range of topics, including education and early learning, health care, the opioid epidemic, natural resources, broadband services, social services, and the state’s new Department of Children, Youth & Families.
“We are honored to gather for the past 28 years for the Nation’s most progressive government-to-government commitment between a State and federally recognized tribes. We have made a difference,” said Swinomish Chairman Brian Cladoosby, noting the profound impact of the Accord. “We continue to strive to accomplish our shared goals, and the commitment to be unified has resulted in a solid foundation for us all to make balanced decisions that impact all who call this great state home.”
On Monday evening, Inslee also attended a ceremony in the Swinomish Smokehouse with youth from the tribal community.
“Our governments share a commitment to ensuring a healthy and prosperous future for all Washington children,” Inslee said. “Being able to witness the restoration and the preservation of language, songs and culture of the Swinomish Tribe was an incredibly uplifting experience.”



Cantwell Joins Colleagues to File Amicus Brief in Support of Planned Parenthood; Stand Up for Women’s Health & Rights in Texas
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10/ 13/ 17 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined 24 Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in the case of Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas Family Planning and Preventive Health Services, Inc. et al v. Charles Smith et al.
In 2016, Texas revoked Planned Parenthood’s status as a qualified medical provider for Texans on Medicaid. While the move was blocked by a federal judge, the state appealed the injunction and their arguments will soon be heard by the 5th Circuit Court. If the decision is reversed, Texas could be allowed to once again discriminate against Planned Parenthood and its patients, and threaten one of the only affordable providers of family planning, women’s healthcare, and cancer screenings in Texas.
“Congress intended to offer Medicaid patients their choice of medically qualified health care providers—particularly for family planning services,” wrote the senators in their brief. “The statute explicitly prevents a state from interfering with a Medicaid patient’s selection of provider, as long as the provider is ‘qualified to perform the service or services required.’”  
In their amicus brief, the Democrats called on the court to stop Texas leaders from imposing their ideological preferences on patients and interfering with a Medicaid patient’s selection of provider.
“In violation of that unambiguous directive, Texas terminated the Medicaid provider agreements of three Planned Parenthood organizations for reasons unrelated to its medical or professional qualifications. Texas thereby threatened to withhold from low-income patients one of their highest quality family planning options (and sometimes their only such option),” continued the senators. “Its action contravenes Congress’s intent to increase the availability of quality family planning options and provide patients with meaningful choices.”

OUR HEALTH REPORT

FDA clears new robotically-assisted surgical device for adult patients (press release issued 10/ 13/ 17)
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the Senhance System, a new robotically-assisted surgical device (RASD) that can help facilitate minimally invasive surgery.
“Minimally invasive surgery helps reduce pain, scarring and recovery time after surgery,” said Binita Ashar, M.D., director of the Division of Surgical Devices in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “RASD technology is a specialized innovation in minimally invasive surgery designed to enhance the surgeon’s access and visualization within confined operative sites.”
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm580452.htm

FDA PRESS RELEASE: California dietary supplement maker, Custompax prohibited from manufacturing
(press release dated 10/ 13/ 17)
A California dietary supplement manufacturer recently was ordered by a federal court to stop selling its products until the company comes into compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s dietary supplement manufacturing regulations and other requirements listed in a consent decree.
Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California entered a consent decree of permanent injunction between the United States and Custompax Inc. of Freemont, California, and its Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer and owner Cedric Ling.
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm580369.htm

Statement by FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. on Baxter manufacturing recovery in Puerto Rico (press release issued 10/ 13/ 17)
Since Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico, the FDA has been working closely with Baxter and other companies to reduce the risk of shortages of critically important drugs and to minimize impact on any existing shortages. In particular, Baxter and the FDA have closely monitored and identified ways to prevent a significant shortfall of production of Baxter’s sodium chloride 0.9% injection bags from its Puerto Rico facility. Also known as mini bags, this product is used to provide fluids and medicines to patients across the U.S. While these products have been in shortage industry wide since 2014 and other manufacturers exist, the agency and Baxter recognized that further shortage of this product could potentially put U.S healthcare at risk. The FDA has worked closely with Baxter to find solutions to prevent additional shortages.
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm580290.htm

ON THE STATE LEVEL..
DOH: Sexually transmitted disease rates continue to rise in WA
OLYMPIA – Department of Health recently released its 2016 STD data, and rising rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis have prompted health officials to encourage sexually active individuals to get tested and treated.
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/2017NewsReleases/17143STDRates_WA_NewsRelease

State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/2017NewsReleases/17145SuspensionM1745NewsRelease

WORLD AND NATIONAL HEADLINES FROM REUTERS

North Korea not ready to hold talks with South Korea in Russia: agencies
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Politicians from North and South Korea will not hold direct talks in Russia on Monday about Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile program despite attending the same event, Russian news agencies said on Sunday.

Afghan Taliban deny former hostage's claims of murder, rape
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Reuters) - A Taliban spokesman denied on Sunday accusations by a Canadian man that one of his children had been murdered and his wife raped while they were being held captive by militants who kidnapped them in Afghanistan in 2012.

House Speaker Ryan says 'more to come' for Puerto Rico aid
(Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan said on Friday that the federal government would provide more funding for Puerto Rico’s long-term rebuilding, although he did not say when that funding would be approved.

Five arrested in Georgia, including two law enforcement officers, over 1983 murder
(Reuters) - A decades-old investigation in the U.S. state of Georgia into the murder of a black man in 1983 culminated in the arrest of five white people on Friday, including two law enforcement officers charged with hindering the probe, officials said.





THIS WEEK'S BIBLE STUDY
Gospel Way: The Seed of the Kingdom:
The Existence of Jesus' Church Today
The Bible plainly predicts: "For the time will come when [men] will not endure sound doctrine…" but "they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (2 Timothy 4:3,4). This prophecy has been fulfilled, resulting in many man-made denominations nowhere mentioned in the Bible. Since this is true, we ask whether it is possible for the church to exist today as it did in the New Testament; and if so, how?
https://www.gospelway.com/topics/church/church-existence.php

FROM CONGRESSMAN KILMER's Blog

  My Vote on H.R. 2266, Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017
Posted on 10/ 12/ 17
Just as folks started to assess the damage to their homes in Texas and Florida after hurricanes, natural disasters hit other American communities. Hurricane Maria decimated the entire island of Puerto Rico. Ninety percent of folks there still don’t have power. The worst wildfire in California history continues to burn through Northern California with hundreds still missing. The government of the United States should stand behind those who lost everything.
It’s why I voted with a majority of my colleagues this week to provide additional disaster assistance to those in need. It will provide direct investments to firefighters still responding to the blazes in California. Plus, it will ensure the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund (which helps provide things like shelter, food, and clothing) doesn’t run out of money. It also shores up the national flood insurance program, which badly needed investments. Without it, homeowners and businesses in places like Hoquiam could see the insurance rates they pay on their properties skyrocket.
I’m glad we are continuing to help those who lost everything and provide relief to other areas. The bill now has to be passed by the Senate before going to the President.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/blog

WEEKLY AGRICULTURAL REPORT

NEWS FROM THE USDA:
Perdue Statement on President Trump’s Tax Reform Agenda
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10/ 11/ 17
Washington, D.C., October 11, 2017) - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today expressed strong support for the tax reform agenda championed by President Donald J. Trump, hailing it as a great benefit to American agricultural producers. President Trump highlighted the tax reform proposals in an event in Pennsylvania featuring truckers and representatives of the trucking industry.
Perdue issued the following statement:
“The President’s proposed tax cuts and reforms will boost job creation and growth across all American economic sectors, and agriculture is no different. Some of the benefits are self-evident, such as eliminating the ‘Death Tax’ on family farms or reducing the time and expense involved in merely complying with the onerous tax code. But others help agriculture in less obvious ways, as in easing the burden on truckers. Without the trucking industry, many products of American agriculture would have a much more difficult time getting to market. Anything that helps keep trucks on the road and facilitates commerce is good for the farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers of American agriculture.”
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2017/10/11/perdue-statement-president-trumps-tax-reform-agenda

Kentucky’s Jr. Chef Competition Going Viral in the Southeast!
Child Nutrition Directors are generating buzz by incorporating winning dishes from high school junior chef competitions (JCC) into school menus. And the idea of providing students an opportunity to impact school meals is spreading!
From the east to west coast, students of all ages are learning vital culinary skills in state competitions that last a lifetime. These competitions capture student interests in local agriculture and create an alternative market for producers via the USDA’s Farm to School Program, which helps child nutrition operators incorporate local foods into their school lunch programs.
One state competition has gone viral in the Southeast. Robin Bailey Jr., Southeast Regional Administrator for the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), recently announced at Kentucky’s Farm to School Jr. Chef Competition , that the Kentucky state competition helped prompt Southeast Child Nutrition state agencies to work with FNS’ Southeast Regional Office to develop a regional JCC where winners of Southeast State JCCs will come to compete. As a result, Kentucky will host the winners of eight Southeastern State JCCs on May 9, 2018 for the first annual Southeastern Regional Level Jr. Chef Competition.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/10/12/kentuckys-jr-chef-competition-going-viral-southeast

Five Reasons Why You Should Celebrate Farm to School Month
October is a busy month for both our nation’s farms and our nation’s schools. Farmers are harvesting everything from apples to pumpkins, while schools are celebrating Farm to School Month by raising awareness of the connection with fresh, healthy food and local food producers.

Farm to School connects communities to our nation’s farmers, ranchers and fishers through field trips to farms, taste tests of local and seasonal crops, local food purchasing and hands-on agricultural education. Farm to School also boosts rural economies and improves children’s health. In fact, more than 42,000 schools nationwide reported hosting farm to school programs in the 2015 Farm to School Census.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/10/11/five-reasons-why-you-should-celebrate-farm-school-month

FROM THE UN: The invaluable contribution of rural women to development
The crucial role that women and girls play in ensuring the sustainability of rural households and communities, improving rural livelihoods and overall wellbeing, has been increasingly recognized. Women account for a substantial proportion of the agricultural labour force, including informal work, and perform the bulk of unpaid care and domestic work within families and households in rural areas. They make significant contributions to agricultural production, food security and nutrition, land and natural resource management, and building climate resilience.

Even so, women and girls in rural areas suffer disproportionately from multi-dimensional poverty. While extreme poverty has declined globally, the world’s 1 billion people who continue to live in unacceptable conditions of poverty are heavily concentrated in rural areas. Poverty rates in rural areas across most regions are higher than those in urban areas. Yet smallholder agriculture produces nearly 80 per cent of food in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa and supports the livelihoods of some 2.5 billion people. Women farmers may be as productive and enterprising as their male counterparts, but are less able to access land, credit, agricultural inputs, markets and high-value agrifood chains and obtain lower prices for their crops.

Structural barriers and discriminatory social norms continue to constrain women’s decision-making power and political participation in rural households and communities. Women and girls in rural areas lack equal access to productive resources and assets, public services, such as education and health care, and infrastructure, including water and sanitation, while much of their labour remains invisible and unpaid, even as their workloads become increasingly heavy due to the out-migration of men. Globally, with few exceptions, every gender and development indicator for which data are available reveals that rural women fare worse than rural men and urban women, and that they disproportionately experience poverty, exclusion and the effects of climate change.

The impacts of climate change, including on access to productive and natural resources, amplify existing gender inequalities in rural areas. Climate change affects women’s and men’s assets and well-being differently in terms of agricultural production, food security, health, water and energy resources, climate-induced migration and conflict, and climate-related natural disasters
http://www.un.org/en/events/ruralwomenday/


On the state level...
Washington receives $4.1 million in federal specialty crop grant funds
Press release issued 10/ 11/ 17
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture have announced this year’s recipients of Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds, including $4.1 million for Washington state.

The 2017 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant will fund 20 projects managed by WSDA in partnership with other organizations. Washington ranks second in the nation behind California in production of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops and floriculture.

Awards for individual projects range from $75,000 to $250,000 and will go to agricultural commodity commissions, agricultural associations, non-profit organizations, Washington State University (WSU) and WSDA. WSU is the grant recipient for seven of the projects, while six grants went to the state’s commodity commissions.
This year, the block grant is funding an array of projects, from marketing to food safety to research. Benefitting from these projects are berries, potatoes, apples, wine, broccoli, hops, pome fruit, cider, and asparagus, not to mention the variety of specialty crops that will be broadcast on the Washington Grown TV show. A few of the projects include those that will develop training and education resources for Spanish speakers, improve incubator models for beginning specialty crop producers and research cost-effective technologies for cider apple mechanization.
The USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program was created to support the competitiveness of the specialty crop industry through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. In awarding these funds, WSDA selected projects that will directly benefit specialty crop producers, address critical issues to the industry and contain strong performance measures.
WSDA has received more than $31 million over the past 10 years for projects supported by the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
https://agr.wa.gov/news/2017/NR2017-10-11SpecialtyCropGrants.aspx

LOCAL MEETINGS AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

Clallam County Commission meetings:
Clallam County Work Session also includes a joint meeting with the Port.

Here is the highlights of their work session agenda:
1) 5 Agreement and Resolution with McKinley Paper Company regarding utility franchise payments

2) Review the “How Did We Do” reports comparing each month’s actual performance against the 2017 Annual Budget

3) Discussion of proposed budget reduction to be considered on October 31

(see full agenda)

COUNTY'S REGULAR SESSION ON TUESDAY AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS:

1) EXECUTIVE SESSION - 11:30 a.m.
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has requested an Executive Session with the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, the Director Department of Community Development, the Planning Manager, the Code Enforcement Officer and the Director of Human Resources/Risk Department.

On September 18, 2017 a Land Use Petition Act ("LUPA") Petition (lawsuit) was filed on behalf of the Haymakers, owners of "Midway Metals." It is Clallam County Superior Court Cause #17-2-773-3.  The lawsuit alleges the Hearing Examiner erred when he decided on August 24, 2017 that the Haymakers had abandoned for at least 18 months their legal, non-conforming use, specifically operation of a scrap yard and recycling business, meaning the scrap yard is now an illegal use at that location.  In summary, the LUPA Petition alleges the Hearing Examiner did not base his decision on substantial evidence and did not apply the proper rule of law.  Depending on when the Haymakers are deemed to have received notice of the Hearing Examiner’s decision the Petition may have been filed too late. Pleadings arguing the Petition is time-barred would have to be filed in Court this week.

RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) expressly authorizes a governing body to convene an executive session because actual litigation against Clallam County has been filed and is pending.  Discussing such matters in executive session is appropriate because public knowledge of the discussion would reveal the County’s legal strategies and likely result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to agency.

The Board may recess into Executive Session to consider employment or dismissal of personnel, to review the performance of a public employee, to consult with legal counsel, to consider the position to be taken in collective bargaining, to consider acquisition or sale of real estate, or other matters per RCW 42.30.110
The Board may recess into Executive Session to consider employment or dismissal of personnel, to review the performance of a public employee, to consult with legal counsel, to consider the position to be taken in collective bargaining, to consider acquisition or sale of real estate, or other matters per RCW 42.30.110

2) Resolution calling for a hearing to be held at 10:00 a.m., October 31, for consideration of the following Debatable Emergencies:
Superior Court – Indigent Defense – Requesting additional funds to support Adult Felony indigent Defense and Expert Services/$200,000
Human Resources – Transition of training from retired Payroll Administrator to new Payroll Administrator/$30,000
Human Resources – Risk Management – Mandated BOCC approved transfer and assignment of Public Records functions to the HR-Risk Management/$95,000
Parks and Facilities
* Unforeseen expenditures required to eliminate health and safety hazards at County Facilities and parks/$18,600
* Additional costs – Janitorial Service required for HHS upper floor of Third Street Building, Courthouse utilities for cooling requirements, and landscape service required to maintain grounds/$63,250
BOCC – Operations – Funds needed to set up a new work space – computer, file cabinet, phone, desk, chair, etc./$2,624
NonDepartmental
* Washington State Association of Counties 4th Quarter 2016 assessment was billed in January 2017 which was not included in the 2017 budget/$2,675
* Funding needed to cover additional BOCC projects not included in the 2017 Budget – Spirit Vision Films and WSAC Coastal Caucus Assessment/$5,500
Indigent Defense – Additional funds to meet our contractual agreement with the Clallam Public Defender and translator/interpreter services/$25,968

3) Notice that the following Supplemental Appropriations will be adopted by Resolution on
October 31:
Parks & Facilities
* 2017 has brought near-record numbers of campers to Salt Creek and Dungeness Recreation Areas.  This increases park related revenues, but also increases the costs of related supplies and services/$46,000
* Payments received to cover repairs needed after three separate incidents of damage in County parks/$6,211
Sheriff – Operations
* Reimbursement from the Washington Counties Risk Pool for the annual Lexipol Policy Manual Update subscription fee paid in November 2016 and to be paid November 2017/$11,040
* Reimbursement from FY15 and FY16 Operation Stonegarden Grants for patrol overtime and benefits/$23,549
Sheriff – Jail
* Reimbursement from the Washington Risk Pool for the annual Lexipol Custody Policy Manual Update subscription fee paid in July 2017/$2,280
* Budget change to receipt reimbursement funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology for Chain Gang work to clean up roadway litter and illegal dump sites/$22,090
Sheriff – Sobriety Fund – Change to receipt funding from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to enhance the Washington State 24/7 Sobriety Program currently deployed in the jail/$11,150
(See full agenda)

CITY OF PORT ANGELES AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS:

1) PUBLIC HEARING ON 2018 REVENUE SOURCES
Summary: State law (RCW 84.55.120) requires that the City hold a public hearing to gain public input on revenue sources for the next fiscal year (2018) budget. The presentation to Council
include all revenue sources, including property tax, for the City’s General Fund, as well as providing information regarding revenue sources for all other funds within the 2018 City Manager
Recommended Budget. The 2018 City Manager Recommended Budget will be presented to Council at a Workshop on October 24th. Copies of the budget are available for examination at the Library, the City Clerk’s office, and on the City’s website.

2) Proposed Adjustments to Transfer Station 2018 Rates
Summary: A COSA (Cost of Service Analysis) was recently completed for the Solid Waste
Utility. Over the past few years, the overall waste volumes at the regional Transfer Station have increased above expectations of the prior COSA. Higher waste volumes present the
opportunity of spreading operating costs over a larger number of units, while still maintaining the necessary reserves for capital and debt service requirements. As a result,
City staff recommends reducing the Transfer Station rates in 2018 to reflect this lower cost per unit. The rate reduction option chosen by the City Council on October 3rd was the 5% increase in biosolids rates with the remainder reflected in a reduction to the remaining rates.

3) Resolution Declaring City’s Intent to Hold Public Hearing on the Proposed Assumption of the Port Angeles Transportation Benefit District
 Summary: In April 2017, the City established the Port Angeles Transportation Benefit District
(PATBD), a separate entity. After a TBD is formed, state law authorizes the City to assume it, which eliminates the separate entity. Cities assume TBDs because doing so creates a more efficient administration procedure, eliminates duplicative administrative costs and efforts, and provides more open reporting and accountability for all taxes collected and spent. To begin this process, the City Council must adopt an ordinance or resolution stating its intention to conduct a public hearing concerning the assumption of such rights.
(see full agenda for details)

PORT COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT:
Lease Policies
The Port Commission last adopted an updated lease policy on 9/9/14. Over the past several months Port staff has worked with legal counsel to update and broaden the policy. The new proposed policy adds additional guidance such as:
• Leases shall be written, at fair market value, with the intended use clearly stated,
and executed leases shall generally be consistent with similar leases while
following the Port’s policies, practices, and guidelines.
• Short holdovers are acceptable during negotiations of a renewing lease.
• One month rent should be collected in advance as a security deposit.
• Proof of insurance shall accompany all leases.
• Any use of Port property shall require evidence of appropriate insurance.
(See full agenda)



OTHER LOCAL AND REGIONAL MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT:
AGREEMENT NO. 08-1214C, Amendment No. 2 re: Request to Change the Project Sponsor from Jefferson County to Jefferson Land Trust for Brown Dairy Agricultural Conservation Easement, RCO #08-1214; No Dollar Amount; Jefferson County Public Health; Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
(see full agenda)

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
Ordinance 3184 Related to Business Licensing and Taxation; Amending Business Licensing and Regulations, Adding Exemptions to Filing and Paying Business and Occupation Taxes, and Amending Chapters 5.04A, 5.04B, and 5.08 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code
Action: Move to approve first reading of Ordinance 3184 Related to Business Licensing and Taxation; Amending Business Licensing and Regulations, Adding Exemptions to Filing and Paying Business and Occupation Taxes, and Amending Chapters 5.04A, 5.04B, and 5.08 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code.
(see full agenda)

WORLD AND NATIONAL HEADLINES FROM REUTERS

Islamic State faces imminent Raqqa defeat, Syrian YPG says
AIN ISSA, Syria/BEIRUT (Reuters) - Islamic State is on the verge of defeat in Raqqa, once its de facto Syrian capital, and the city may finally be cleared of the jihadists on Saturday or Sunday, the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia told Reuters.

Gunmen attack Kenyan school, killing six children: officials
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Seven people, six of them children, were killed in northern Kenya on Saturday when unknown assailants attacked a school, officials said.

Trump strikes blow at Iran nuclear deal in major U.S. policy shift
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump struck a blow against the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement on Friday in defiance of other world powers, choosing not to certify that Tehran is complying with the deal and warning he might ultimately terminate it.

Russia probe special counsel interviews ex-Trump chief of staff Priebus
(Reuters) - President Donald Trump’s former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus was interviewed on Friday by the special counsel investigating whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia during the 2016 U.S. election.

Daily Bible Verse: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2 NKJV

 Free bible studies (WBS)

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)

http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/

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

http://www.pacofc.org/index.php

Sen. Murray Statement on President Trump’s Latest, Worst Step to Create Trumpcare by Sabotage

Press release issued 10/ 12/ 17
The only way to get results for patients and families on health care is to work across the aisle and find common ground—and we’re doing exactly that in the Senate”

(Washington, D.C.) –  Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, today issued the following statement on President Trump’s executive order intended to undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and cause further confusion in our health care markets.
“The policies President Trump is announcing today are the latest and worst in his yearlong effort to create Trumpcare by sabotage. They will force patients across the country to pay more for their care, lose quality coverage options, and find themselves with surprise medical bills when they can least afford it.
“As we’ve seen again and again this year, the only way to get results for patients and families on health care is to work across the aisle and find common ground—and we’re doing exactly that in the Senate to try to stabilize the market and protect people from some of the damage President Trump’s health care sabotage has caused.
“The President has made a lot of promises to families about their health care, and if he truly wants to keep them, he’ll stop trying to create Trumpcare by sabotage, accept that repeal is off the table, and support Congress in getting our work done for patients and families.”
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=DA510F40-02AB-4975-998D-C2527B0227AA

OUR PARKS AND FOREST

US DEPT. OF INTERIOR:
Interior Welcomes Six New Hires to the Department
WASHINGTON – This week, the Department of the Interior announced the addition of six appointees to join the Department. These individuals will fill key positions throughout the Department, including in the Bureau of Land Management, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs.
"We are building out a team of qualified, experienced leaders to move the administration's agenda forward,” said Secretary Zinke. “As we continue to bring in the best our country has to offer, I'm confident we can continue to deliver results for the American people."
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-welcomes-six-new-hires-department

Bureau of Land Management third quarter oil and gas lease sales hit combined $170.7 million
PRESS RELEASE DATED 10/ 6/ 17
WASHINGTON – In keeping with the Administration’s goals of promoting America’s energy dominance, seven Bureau of Land Management state offices generated $170.7 million in bonus bids during their quarterly oil and gas lease sales. Among these sales, rights to a total of 218 parcels, covering 134,834.71 acres were sold.

"Oil and gas lease sales on federal land directly support domestic energy production and President Trump’s energy dominance goals for America," said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. "These sales provide critical revenue and job growth in rural America. We will continue to work to cut the red tape and improve processes to ensure regulations serve their intended purpose."
“These successful lease sales reflect our sound energy policy, which draws from the vast, untapped energy reserves right here in America,” said acting BLM Director Michael D. Nedd.
BLM New Mexico had the largest sale of the quarter, generating approximately $130.9 million in bonus bids on Sept. 7. Wyoming held the second-largest sale of the quarter on Sept. 21, generating $38.7 million in bonus bids.
BLM Colorado’s sale, held on Sept. 7, totaled $602,088 in bonus bids. In BLM Montana/Dakotas, bonus bids totaled $305,802 in a sale held Sept. 12. Sales that same day in Nevada and Utah brought in $33,120 and $8,204, respectively. In Eastern States, bonus bids totaled $201,018 in lease sales held on Sept. 21.
The Sept. 7 sale in New Mexico is also the largest federal onshore sale so far this year, followed by an earlier sale in Wyoming, in February, which generated nearly $129 million in bonus bids.
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/bureau-land-management-third-quarter-oil-and-gas-lease-sales-hit-combined-1707-million

ON THE STATE LEVEL

Most popular hunting seasons of the year open Oct. 14
OLYMPIA – Some of Washington's most popular hunting seasons will get underway Oct. 14, when modern firearm deer hunters and waterfowl hunters take to the field.
The harsh winter of 2016-17 appears to have taken a toll on some elk and deer populations—especially in parts of eastern Washington, said Jerry Nelson, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) deer and elk section manager.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/oct0317a/

DNR Issues Default Notice to Cooke Aquaculture for Rich Passage Net Pens
Company has 60 days to fix flaws found in net pens
Flaws found in the structure of Cooke Aquaculture's Atlantic salmon net pens in Rich Passage have prompted the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue a letter of default today, Monday Oct. 9.
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/dnr-issues-default-notice-cooke-aquaculture-rich-passage-net-pens

OUR ENVIRONMENT

News from the EPA
Administrator Pruitt Addresses National Tribal Operations Committee
Press release issued 10/ 11/ 17
WASHINGTON  – Today, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt addressed the National Tribal Operations Committee (NTOC) where he spoke on the pressing issues facing environmental leaders in Indian country and how best the Agency and tribal leaders can collaborate on their shared goals and challenges.
“EPA is committed to working and partnering with tribal governments to address our shared environmental concerns and challenges,” said Administrator Pruitt. “I understand the important role that tribal governments play in environmental management, and the unique government-to-government relationship that tribes have with the federal government. The process that we engage in as co-regulators is very important. I believe that regulations ought to make sense, and part of that is engaging directly with tribal governments --taking comments and consulting with tribal governments, so that we are making informed decisions.”
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/administrator-pruitt-addresses-national-tribal-operations-committee

EPA Awards Tetra Tech Inc. $85 Million Contract to Assess Navajo Abandoned Uranium Mines ( press release issued 10/ 11/ 17)
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Tetra Tech Inc. the Navajo Area Abandoned Uranium Mines Response, Assessment, and Evaluation Services contract worth $85 million.
Tetra Tech will initially assess uranium contamination at 30 abandoned uranium mines in and around the Navajo Nation. The company will also partner with Navajo Technical University (NTU) and local businesses to train Navajo members in professional positions related to assessment and cleanup work. In addition, Tetra Tech has committed to procure services and supplies, whenever possible, from Navajo-owned businesses, helping boost the local economy and create jobs. Under the contract, Tetra Tech will regularly report the assessment, training and purchasing results to the agency, the Navajo Nation and the public.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-awards-tetra-tech-inc-85-million-contract-assess-navajo-abandoned-uranium-mines-0

ON THE STATE LEVEL...
DOE: Electronics recycler fined $67,500 for violating dangerous waste laws
(Press release issued 10/ 12/ 17)
Total Reclaim illegally stored e-waste in trailers on Harbor Island
SEATTLE – The Washington Department of Ecology has fined Seattle-based electronics recycler Total Reclaim, Inc. $67,500 for illegally storing hundreds of thousands of pounds of flat screen TVs and monitors. Washington law requires e-waste to be either recycled or disposed of as dangerous waste in a timely manner.
This is the second recent dangerous waste penalty for Total Reclaim. In 2016, Ecology fined the company $444,000 after an independent investigation found the company was shipping e-waste to Hong Kong.
An Ecology inspection in February of this year found that, for more than a year, Total Reclaim stored thousands of flat screen TVs and monitors containing mercury in dozens of semi-trailers parked on Harbor Island. Washington’s electronics recycling policies and dangerous waste laws prohibit what is known as “speculative accumulation,” because it can lead to waste being abandoned, environmental contamination, or force taxpayers to pay for a cleanup.
“After receiving a very large penalty about a year ago, Total Reclaim knew it needed to fully comply with Washington’s recycling policies and dangerous waste regulations,” said Darin Rice, manager of Ecology’s Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction program. “Electronic waste contains toxic chemicals – it’s not good enough to simply store it for months or years. It needs to be properly and safely recycled in a timely manner.”
Since Ecology’s inspection, Total Reclaim has shipped flat screens stored longer than 180 days to a facility in South Carolina for recycling.
Total Reclaim has 30 days to pay the penalty or file an appeal with the Washington State Pollution Control Hearings Board.
Washington residents can recycle TVs, monitors, computers and other electronics for free at participating E-Cycle Washington locations. For questions about where other items can be recycled, call or visit 1-800-RECYCLE.
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2017/077.html

WORLD & NATIONAL HEADLINES FROM REUTERS...

Trump expected to make U.S. move against Iran nuclear deal -officials
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump is likely to take a major step against the international nuclear deal with Iran on Friday, laying out a more aggressive approach to Iranian activities in the Middle East that risks upsetting U.S. relations with European allies.

Allies press Catalan leader to declare full independence, ignore Madrid deadlines
MADRID (Reuters) - Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont came under pressure from one of his key allies on Friday to declare full independence and ignore a threat of direct rule from the Spanish government.

Republican U.S. senator from Maine who stood up to Trump to reveal plans
(Reuters) - U.S. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a moderate Republican who helped block her party’s efforts to repeal Obamacare this year, plans to reveal on Friday whether she will keep her focus on Washington or make a run for governor next year.

U.S. House approves disaster funds as Trump criticizes Puerto Rico
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A new package of U.S. disaster assistance sailed through the House of Representatives on Thursday, despite President Donald Trump expressing impatience with having to devote federal resources for hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico’s recovery.

Daily Bible Verse: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

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http://www.pacofc.org/index.php

FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC

Cantwell, Murray, WA House Dems to Trump Admin: “Listen to Our Fishermen” and Save Bristol Bay, WA Fishing Jobs
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10/ 11/ 17 (link source)
Decision flies in the face of science and basic reason, made with no public input or hearings for Washington state fishermen or business groups

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Denny Heck (WA-10), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and 36 of their Senate and House colleagues sent a forceful letter to President Trump urging him listen to Washington fisherman and businesses before removing the science-based environmental rules that protect Alaska’s Bristol Bay and the livelihoods of thousands of Washington state fishermen who fish in the watershed.
Removing the existing clean water protections allows for the construction of Pebble Mine, an open-pit copper and gold mine that could have a depth equivalent to as much as two and a half Trump Towers. The mine would be an unmitigated catastrophe for the Bristol Bay watershed and the 40-60 million salmon who return to it every year. A three-year Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study in 2014 found that the proposed mine would, even in the course of normal, safe mine operations, destroy 24 to 94 miles of salmon-producing waterways and pristine environment.
The University of Alaska Institute of Social and Economic Research found that the Bristol Bay fishery supports more than 14,000 jobs and adds $674 million of economic activity to the states of Washington, Oregon, and California. The region also supports a prolific outdoor recreation industry; anglers from around the world take roughly 37,000 fishing trips annually to Bristol Bay, generating $60 million in economic activity.

“The EPA’s plan to reverse clean water safeguards is egregious and inconsistent with science, and frankly, inconsistent with basic logic,” wrote the members of Congress. “The Pebble Mine directly threatens our maritime economy and thousands of American jobs that rely on this world class fishery. We ask you to listen to America’s fishermen and businesses and reverse EPA’s decision to undo strong protections and clean water safeguards in Bristol Bay.”
The members of Congress note the process that established the current clean water safeguards were the result of rigorous scientific analysis and peer review, over one million public comments, and eight public hearings.
In stark contrast, the Trump Administration’s recent decision to roll back the protections has no scientific basis and has been carefully removed from the public eye. There has been no input from stakeholders such as the fishing and tourism industries. Only two public hearings have been noticed, neither of which is scheduled for Washington, Oregon or California where many Bristol Bay fishermen and sports fishermen reside.
In their letter, the members of Congress also called for public hearings, a 90-day extension of the public comment period, and other transparency measures to ensure the public is allowed to make their voices heard. Restrictions on mining have the support of 90% of local Bristol Bay residents.
Senator Cantwell successfully led the fight to save Bristol Bay when Pebble Mine was first proposed. In 2011, she urged the EPA to use authority under the Clean Water Act to block large scale development in Bristol Bay. She continued the drumbeat through 2014, when she rallied supporters at Fisherman’s Terminal in Seattle to urge President Obama and the EPA to continue to prevent mining in the area.

Cantwell, Murray 25 Colleagues Urge National Institutes of Health to Renew Funding for Firearm Violence Research
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10/ 11/ 17 (link source) 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) joined 25 of their Senate colleagues in urging the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to renew a recently-lapsed funding opportunity for firearm violence research.

Following the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, President Obama directed the Department of Health and Human Services to research the causes of gun violence and how it can be prevented, resulting in the creation of a new funding opportunity to support research at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institute of Mental Health, among other parts of NIH. From 2014 to 2017, NIH provided $18 million to 22 projects to study violence prevention, including gun violence, which the American Medical Association has described as a "‘public health crisis' requiring a comprehensive public health response and solution."
In a letter to NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins, the senators cited NIH leadership and researchers who noted the importance of this funding in furthering the agency's mission to promote and improve health outcomes, and in understanding "how science can save lives."  Despite calls from numerous public health experts to renew the program, the funding opportunity closed on January 8, 2017, and NIH has yet to release a timeline for its decision on renewal of the funding.
"With 93 Americans dying per day from gun-related fatalities, it is critical that NIH dedicate a portion of its resources to the public health consequences of gun violence," wrote the senators. "We strongly urge you to renew the gun violence research program as soon as possible."
Gun violence, a leading cause of death in the United States, has historically been underfunded and understudied, due in part to the Dickey Amendment, which has effectively banned federal funding for research on the issue at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services. In their letter, the senators noted that while the amendment does bar research promoting gun control, it does not prohibit objective, scientific inquiries into prevention.

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT REPORT

WH: Remarks by President Trump in Meeting with Dr. Henry Kissinger
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10/ 10/ 17 (link source)
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Henry Kissinger has been a friend of mine. I've liked him, I've respected him. But we've been friends for a long time, long before my emergence in the world of politics, which has not been too long.
But we have been really in, I guess you'd say, the New York scene a little bit -- but we got to know each other very well. He's a man I have great, great respect for. He's also somebody -- usually I say, "Have you ever been in the Oval Office?" And with Henry Kissinger, I didn't bother asking that question because he has been in this office many, many times.
But it's an honor to have Dr. Kissinger with us, a man of immense talent, and experience, and knowledge. And I'm going to talk to him for a while, and we're going to learn a lot. But I can say from a world standpoint and with many of the countries that Henry and I would talk about before the election -- because I would talk with Henry before the election -- we've made a lot of progress with many of them. We have some outstanding, and we'll handle that as we have to handle it.
But we've made a lot of progress in the Middle East with ISIS and so many other things. It's a much calmer place. But, Henry, I say often, I inherited a mess, but we're fixing it.
So you may want to say something. And thank you for being here, Henry. Thank you very much.
DR. KISSINGER: Mr. President, I didn't expect this opportunity. It's always a great honor to be in this office, and I'm here at a moment when the opportunity to build a constructive, peaceful world order is very great.
And the President is leaving on a trip to Asia, which I think will make a big contribution to progress and peace and prosperity.

Justice Department Settles with Montgomery County, Maryland, After School Program to Ensure Compliance with the ADA
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10/ 10/ 17 (link source)
The Justice Department announced today that it reached an agreement with Bar-T Year Round Programs for Kids (Bar-T), located in Montgomery County, Maryland, to remedy alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Title III of the ADA prohibits public accommodations, including child care centers, from discriminating against individuals with disabilities and those associated with them.  Bar-T is the largest provider of before and after school programs in Montgomery County, operating at approximately 30 Montgomery County public school locations.  

The department investigated whether Bar-T discriminated against a student with a disability, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and her parents when it expelled the student on the basis of behaviors associated with ASD, without properly considering whether Bar-T staff could implement reasonable modifications to permit the student to remain enrolled.  The settlement agreement requires Bar-T to adopt a nondiscrimination policy; designate staff at each operating location to address ADA issues; implement a process for parents or guardians of children with disabilities to request reasonable modifications and for Bar-T to conduct an individualized assessment of each request; provide ADA training to staff; and report on compliance with the agreement.  Bar-T will also pay $13,500 in compensatory damages to the student and her parents.

 “Through this agreement, Bar-T is taking important steps to make sure that all children in its programs, including children with disabilities, will be given the opportunity to have a positive and successful experience in a supportive after school environment,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division.

 “Children with disabilities deserve equal opportunities to attend after school programs.  The policies Bar-T has agreed to implement will ensure that its programs provide an inclusive environment for all students,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning.
 To read the settlement agreement or for more information on the ADA, visit www.ada.gov.  For more information about the ADA, including how to file a complaint, call the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or access the ADA website at www.ada.gov.

FBI TEN MOST WANTED: MURDER VICTIMS D’Iberville, Harrison County, Mississippi October of 2011
Law enforcement authorities are seeking information in connection with a triple murder in Mississippi. On October 5, 2011, the victims were found stabbed to death in their home in D'Iberville, Mississippi. The victims were Rong Chen, a 40-year-old Asian male; Mei Rong Li, a 40-year-old Asian female (Rong Chen's wife); and Mei Jin Li, a 53-year-old Asian female (Mei Rong Li's sister).
https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/murder-victims-1

FEMA Approves More Than $140 Million in Assistance to Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10/ 11/ 17 (link source)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved more than $44 million for assistance to individuals and more than $96 million for emergency work in response to hurricanes Irma and Maria.

FEMA continues to take registrations from residents of Puerto Rico who incurred damages to their homes and personal property as a result of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Individuals and households in Puerto Rico can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585.  FEMA teams are also on the ground meeting face-to-face with disaster survivors and helping with registrations.

FEMA awarded the Puerto Rico Electric and Power Authority (PREPA) $54.6 million for emergency work.

PREPA is an autonomous agency of the Government of Puerto Rico that produces and distributes electricity to more than 1.5 million customers and is a not-for-profit public corporation. During the incident period that began on September 17, strong winds, storms, floods, debris and fallen trees associated with Hurricane Maria caused severe damages and the collapse of the electrical power system throughout Puerto Rico.

 Hurricane Relief Update–Secretary DeVos Visits Impacted Florida Schools, Department Maintains Close Contact with Affected Area Officials
US DEPT. of Education press release issued 10/ 11/ 17
Washington — As states and territories recover and rebuild from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate, the U.S. Department of Education continues to provide assistance to the impacted students, schools and institutions. On Friday Oct. 6, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos visited two impacted schools in southern Florida—Everglades City School in Everglades City and Pinecrest Elementary in Immokalee—to speak with students and hear directly from teachers and administrators about their communities' recovery efforts and needs.

"Witnessing the destruction brought by these hurricanes is heart-breaking, but it is even more heartening to see the resilience shown by those seeking to rebuild," said Secretary DeVos. "As these communities continue to return to normality, I am committed to reducing bureaucratic red-tape so that those affected can get the relief they need expeditiously."

On Sept. 22, the Department of Education released new non-regulatory guidance to help Department grantees and program participants remove barriers to restoring teaching and learning environments and to expediting the recovery process for all those impacted by the recent hurricanes.

The following are further updates on the Department's relief actions:

The Department has provided all guidance and relief information in Spanish online.
The Department continues to maintain active and ongoing communications with state and local elementary and secondary school system officials, charter school associations and private schools in the impacted states and territories.
The office of Federal Student Aid has established and maintains communication with all 965 affected institutions of higher education.
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/hurricane-relief-update-secretary-devos-visits-impacted-florida-schools-department-maintains-close-contact-affected-area-officials

WORLD AND NATIONAL HEADLINES FROM REUTERS

How a homemade tool helped North Korea's missile program
SEOUL, (Reuters) - In 2009, a pop video from North Korea celebrated a new national hero - one that outside experts would later realize was at the heart of the secretive state’s banned nuclear and missile programs.

Erdogan says U.S. sacrificing strategic ally Turkey
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused the United States on Thursday of mistreating a strategic ally, in a blistering speech which appeared to rule out swift resolution to a dispute between two NATO members jointly fighting Islamic State.

Trump signs order to weaken Obamacare, boost bare-bones insurance
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to weaken the Obamacare law and make it easier for Americans to buy bare-bones health insurance plans, but the action faces possible legal challenges.

Democrats rising? Early statehouse wins test new faces
(Reuters) - Democrats desperate to rebuild after losing the White House last year have scored a string of election victories for statehouse seats, testing a new generation of candidates and activists eager to resist President Donald Trump’s conservative agenda.

Daily Bible Verse: [ Shun Evil Counsel ] My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.

Proverbs 1:8-9 NKJV

 Free bible studies (WBS)

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WORLD NEWS SPOTLIGHT REPORT

UN PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10/ 9/ 17
We Have Tools, Commitment to End Global Hunger, Secretary-General Tells Food Security Committee
Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the Committee on World Food Security, in Rome today:
I send warm greetings to everyone at the forty-fourth session of the Committee on World Food Security.  Food security, and this Committee, have a key role to play in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and especially Sustainable Development Goal 2, Zero Hunger.
Despite steady progress in recent years, hunger is on the rise.  The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that there are some 815 million chronically undernourished people in the world.
Protracted crises, conflict, and extreme weather events linked to climate change are taking an appalling toll on the poorest people in the world.  Many have no choice but to abandon their homes and their land.
The theme of World Food Day 2017 is “Change the future of migration.  Invest in food security and rural development”.  Such investments create stronger and more resilient communities so that people can prosper and thrive without having to move.  We face a great challenge.  But, we have the tools and the commitment to end global hunger.
I thank you for your commitment and wish you all the best for your meeting.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18738.doc.htm

Targeted Poverty Strategies Only Way to Reach Those Farthest Behind, Secretary-General Tells Development Forum
UN PRESS RELEASE DATED 10/ 9/ 17
Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum, in Beijing today:
I am pleased to send greetings to participants in the 2017 Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum.
This year marks the twenty-fifth International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.  During this quarter-century, the number of people living in extreme poverty has halved and living conditions have improved all over the world.  But, the fight against poverty is not over.  Globalization and technological progress have increased inequalities and left millions of people behind.  Reducing and eradicating poverty is the key to improving lives and realizing the potential of hundreds of millions of people.
The theme of this year’s Forum, “Targeted Poverty Alleviation and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda”, is timely.  Targeted poverty reduction strategies are the only way to reach those farthest behind and achieve the ambitious targets set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, and its experiences can provide valuable lessons to other developing countries.  I am confident that China’s continued efforts to address its remaining challenges, and its model of inclusive development, will continue to reduce the numbers of those living in poverty and help address the serious disparities between rich and poor, rural and urban, the coast and the interior.
We are at a critical juncture for implementation of the 2030 Agenda.  With the right tools and partnerships, we can make sure that no child is born into poverty, and that everyone has a chance to thrive in a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable world.  I urge China’s continued leadership in this effort.
I thank you for coming together for this important meeting and look forward to our continued collaboration.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18736.doc.htm


FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER:
UN agencies launch cholera immunization campaign for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh
10 October 2017 – In a race to prevent a cholera outbreak among the more than half a million Rohingya refugee arrivals over the past six weeks in Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh, United Nations agencies launched on Tuesday a massive immunization campaign.

Disaster risk outpaces resilience in Asia-Pacific, warns UN regional commission
10 October 2017 – Disaster risk is outpacing resilience in Asia-Pacific and putting people in this most disaster-prone region at risk of being pushed back into poverty, the latest report from a United Nations regional commission has revealed.

Rural areas have potential to feed and employ 'younger, more crowded planet' – UN report
9 October 2017 – Long seen as poverty traps, rural areas are in fact key to economic growth in developing countries when pegged to food production, according to a new United Nations agriculture agency report released Monday.

Global unemployment passes 200 million in 2017, UN labour agency reports
9 October 2017 – More than 200 million people are out of work around the world – an increase of 3.4 million since last year, the United Nations labour agency said Monday, calling for policies that can recharge “sluggish” growth of small and medium-sized businesses.

US MISSION TO THE UN: Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on UN Peacekeeping Operations: Strategic Force Generation
PRESS RELEASE DATED 10/ 5/ 17
The United States is pleased to have played a central role in refocusing the UN and Member States on the importance of force generation at the leaders’ summit in 2015. In recognition of the critical importance of multinational peace operations and the challenges they face, the international community has rallied behind the series of ministerial conferences to raise awareness about capacity shortfalls in peacekeeping and expand the pool of available resources to address these shortfalls.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8005

Explanation of Vote Following the Adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2382 on Colombia (press release issued 10/ 5/ 17)
" After 52 years of armed struggle, the United States welcomes the historic ceasefire between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army. We congratulate the parties on their commitment to pursuing the sustained and lasting peace that the people of Colombia deserve. We want to recognize the role of the Catholic Church and Ecuador in particular for the special role it has played and continues to play in brokering a longer-term peace.

Through this resolution, we join other members of the Council in supporting the work of the UN Verification Mission in monitoring this ceasefire, which will help build confidence between the parties and prevent a return to armed conflict. We commend the Mission for drawing on its existing staff, logistics, and resources to take on this temporary, additional task while carrying out its mandate to verify the political, economic, and social reintegration of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia FARC."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8004


US STATE DEPT. BLOG Post: The Foreign Policy Advisor Program: Leveraging Diplomacy to Provide for a Smarter Defense (posted 10/ 10/ 17)
"In a world with increasingly complex political and security challenges, bridging the gap between diplomacy and defense is of vital importance to U.S. foreign policy. Global issues are increasingly interconnected and cross-cutting, with both political and military aspects, making it more important than ever to have an agile, adaptable approach to foreign policy that can quickly adjust to changing circumstances."
https://blogs.state.gov/stories/2017/10/10/en/foreign-policy-advisor-program-leveraging-diplomacy-provide-smarter-defense

US DEFENSE DEPT: U.S. Military Adapting in Complex Environment, Mattis Says
WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2017 — The U.S. military is adapting to remain the most lethal joint force on the planet and to respond to evolving global security challenges, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said here today.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1337625/us-military-adapting-in-complex-environment-mattis-says/


WORLD AND NATIONAL HEADLINES FROM REUTERS

U.S. flies bombers over Korea as Trump discusses options
SEOUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military flew two strategic bombers over the Korean peninsula in a show of force late on Tuesday, as President Donald Trump met top defense officials to discuss how to respond to any threat from North Korea.

U.S. warship sails near islands Beijing claims in South China Sea - U.S. officials
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Tuesday, three U.S. officials told Reuters, prompting anger in Beijing, even as President Donald Trump’s administration seeks Chinese cooperation in reining in North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.

Trump sought dramatic increase in U.S. nuclear arsenal: NBC
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump wanted to dramatically increase the country’s nuclear arsenal, he said in a meeting with his national security advisers in July, NBC News reported on Wednesday, citing three officials who were present in the room.

Key U.S. lawmakers back enforcing, not ditching, Iran pact
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs committee said on Wednesday the international nuclear deal with Iran should be strictly enforced, but did not call for an end to the agreement, saying Washington should work with allies.


Daily Bible Verse: [ A Calm Resolve to Wait for the Salvation of God ] [ To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. ] Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation.
Psalm 62:1 NKJV

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AG FERGUSON SUES TO BLOCK TRUMP RULES ERODING CONTRACEPTION ACCESS

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10/ 9/ 17 (link source)

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed a lawsuit in federal court to block the Trump Administration’s new rules undermining women’s access to contraception.

The new rules would allow any company to deny coverage for contraceptive services to its female employees based on religious grounds. Additionally, certain types of organizations would also be able to deny this coverage on moral grounds.

If allowed to go forward, President Trump’s rules could have a significant impact on the more than 1.5 million Washington workers and their dependents who receive insurance through their employer’s self-funded plan. One study by the Center for American Progress found that contraception costs can generally exceed $1,000 a year without insurance coverage.

Some Washington women who currently use contraception may be denied no-cost coverage and be forced to turn to state-funded programs to receive the care they need. State-funded reproductive health services helped more than 90,000 patients in 2016 alone. More than three-quarters of those patients were women who used contraception, saving the state an estimated $160 million in maternal and birth-related costs, according to a report from the Washington State Department of Health.

“President Trump’s contraception rules are unfair, unlawful, and unconstitutional,” said Ferguson. “I refuse to let President Trump disregard our laws and our constitution in an effort to deny women access to contraception.”

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, alleges that the new rules violate the U.S. Constitution, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Civil Rights Act and the Administrative Procedure Act.

BACK TO SCHOOL 2017

2018-19 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Opened Oct. 1
US EDUCATION DEPT. PRESS RELEASE dated 10/ 3/ 17
The financial aid filing season officially began at 1 a.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 1 with the launch of the 2018‒19 FAFSA® at fafsa.gov. Nearly 238,000 online applications were submitted the first day, representing an eight percent increase compared to one year ago.

Most students and parents are eligible to use the IRS DRT to electronically transfer their 2016 tax return information. The tool returned Oct. 1 for the 2018‒19 FAFSA with extra security and privacy protections to safeguard sensitive taxpayer data.

Each year, more than 20 million FAFSAs are submitted, resulting in more than $120 billion in federal grants, loans and work-study funds to help pay for college or career school.

“Our vision at the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is that every eligible student in the nation completes the FAFSA,” said Dr. A. Wayne Johnson, chief operating officer of ED’s office of Federal Student Aid. “Filling out the FAFSA is free, and Federal Student Aid provides a wealth of resources to assist students and parents every step of the way.”

Students who plan to submit the FAFSA online should create an FSA ID as soon as possible at StudentAid.gov/fsaid. If a student is considered dependent for FAFSA purposes, one of the student’s parents also needs to create an FSA ID in order to sign the FAFSA online. Each person must create his or her own FSA ID to avoid issues and delays with the financial aid process.

Once the FAFSA is processed, the school will use the FAFSA information to calculate the amounts and types of financial aid the student may qualify for, and the school will send the student a financial aid offer. Financial aid offers come from schools, not the U.S. Department of Education, and each school has its own schedule for awarding financial aid. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to take advantage of any early state and school financial aid deadlines.
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/2018-19-free-application-federal-student-aid-fafsa%C2%AE-opened-oct-1

Student Artists and Writers Spark a Celebration of Creativity; 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Winners Exhibits Open at ED
On Sept. 15, 2017, for the 14th year, the U.S. Department of Education opened the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards exhibit of works by students from across the country, with a special exhibit this year of winners from Harris County (Houston), Texas. Presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers and founded in 1923, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the longest-running and most prestigious award program for teenagers in the U.S. This year, 330,000 pieces of art and writing were submitted, and only 2,700 students were selected as national winners. Of those national winners, the Department has the honor of exhibiting 66 for the entire year, along with an additional 30 artists from Harris County, Texas, through Oct. 31, 2017.
https://blog.ed.gov/2017/10/student-artists-writers-spark-celebration-creativity-2017-scholastic-art-writing-awards-winners-exhibits-open-ed/

Understanding Teachers Make “All the Difference” for a High School Student with Dyslexia
A teacher can make the difference between a good day and a bad one.
Actually, they can make or break a child’s entire school year by understanding what accommodations in a 504 Plan or an individualized education program (IEP) can do to help a person like me who works every day to overcome the impact of dyslexia, dysgraphia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
https://blog.ed.gov/2017/10/understanding-teachers-make-difference-high-school-student-dyslexia/

Michigan Students to Speak with NASA Astronauts on Space Station
Students at St. Mary Cathedral School in Gaylord, Michigan, will speak with NASA astronauts living, working and doing research aboard the International Space Station at 11 a.m. EDT Friday, Oct. 6. The 20-minute, Earth-to-space call will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/michigan-students-to-speak-with-nasa-astronauts-on-space-station

WORLD AND NATIONAL HEADLINES FROM REUTERS

Iran hardliners, pragmatists show unity in response to Trump
LONDON (Reuters) - A tough line from President Donald Trump has been met by a show of unity from both sides of Iran’s political divide, uniting hardliners who cast the United States as an implacable enemy with pragmatists who seek rapprochement with the West.

North Korean missiles will be able to reach U.S. after modernization: Ifax cites Russian lawmaker
MOSCOW (Reuters) - North Korea’s leadership has told Russian lawmakers that it possesses a ballistic missile with a range of 3,000 kilometers (1864.11 miles) that will be able to reach U.S. territory after modernization, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday.

Trump says dispute with Corker will not affect tax reform
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he did not think his Twitter dispute with Republican Senator Bob Corker would affect his administration’s effort to pass tax reform.

Trump plays tax card in fight over NFL anthem protests
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the National Football League should not be given tax breaks, stepping up his criticism of the world’s top-grossing sports league over silent player protests at games against racial injustice.

Daily Bible Verse: Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.

Proverbs 19:20-21 NKJV

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http://www.pacofc.org/index.php

WA COMMERCE DEPT: State Startup Center for Entrepreneurial Success ramps up under Inland Northwest Partners leadership

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10/ 3/ 17

Washington state’s small business assistance programs in Asotin and Whitman counties help rural entrepreneurs realize startup dreams, attract $20K contribution from Avista
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Startup Washington 365 program is increasing efforts to support entrepreneurs in Asotin and Whitman counties through a new relationship with Inland Northwest Partners (INP). The non-profit based in Liberty Lake, WA is currently recruiting a full-time program manager to lead and build services offered through the Startup Washington Center for Entrepreneurial Success to new businesses in these rural communities.
Education, access to experts in fields such as law and accounting, and a host of mentorship and networking opportunities are available through www.startupasotin.com and www.startupwhitman.com.
 “We are excited to build out services that focus on connecting entrepreneurs with resources to further their development, champion entrepreneurship and promote the Startup Washington 365 program throughout the region,” said Sharon Williams, executive director, Inland Northwest Partners/Inland Northwest Economic Alliance.

The Washington state legislature approved $250,000 to fund Commerce’s Startup Washington 365 rural economic development programs through the 2017-19 biennium. Spokane-based investor-owned utility Avista contributed an additional $20,000 to support the new work led by Inland Northwest Partners.

“The contract with Inland Northwest Partners enables us to enhance the Startup Washington 365 program in Southeastern Washington, continuing our focus on helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses,” said Steve Trabun, regional business development manager with Avista. The company was instrumental in establishing and growing Greater Spokane Incorporated’s Startup Spokane program and remains one of its central investors.
“This strategic economic development initiative contributes to Avista’s commitment to create economically healthy and vibrant rural communities,” Trabun said.
“Public-private collaboration is core to the goals and success of Startup Washington 365,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender. “Nurturing the talent, innovation and drive of home-grown entrepreneurs by connecting them with mentors and professional services spurs economic growth and jobs, strengthening rural communities throughout Washington state.”
Since inception in 2015, Startup Washington 365 has helped nearly 200 entrepreneurs who have succeeded in establishing 51 new ventures.
5-0 Guide Services is one of those early success stories in Asotin County. Owner Greg Egbert established a fishing guide service in Scenic Hells Canyon, offering salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and bass expeditions year-round in North America’s deepest river gorge.

MONDAY'S BUSINESS AND FINANCE REPORT

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Delivery in Progress: Pro-Growth Tax Reform
The American people are patiently waiting. Waiting for Congress to deliver on pro-growth tax reform.

Slow Confirmations Are Thwarting Progress
Nine months into the Trump administration, an unusually high number of senior positions remain vacant. As of September 28, only 170 of President Trump’s nominees for key federal appointments had been approved, compared with 342 at this point in the Obama administration and 370 in the George W. Bush administration. This is leaving holes in our nation’s leadership that hamper operations and, in some cases, could stall economic growth.

Why is this happening? It’s true that the Trump administration has had a slow start to the nomination process, but this isn’t the full story. In fact, the president has already nominated approximately 280 individuals who are languishing in procedural limbo. Some in the Senate are forcing nominees to go through a time-consuming process designed to slow down confirmations. Rather than confirming noncontroversial nominees by voice vote—as the Senate has done in prior administrations—the Senate minority is forcing some confirmations to go through what is called the cloture process, which takes longer to complete. By one estimate, at the current pace it will take 11 years to confirm all the president’s nominees.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/slow-confirmations-are-thwarting-progress

US DEPT. OF LABOR: STATEMENT BY U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR ACOSTA ON THE SEPTEMBER JOBS REPORT
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement on the September 2017 Employment Situation report:

“Even as parts of our nation recover from multiple devastating hurricanes, September’s jobs report reflects the resilience of the American economy.

“The bottom line is this: 154.35 million Americans are employed compared to 153.44 million the previous month, an increase of 906,000.  The number of paychecks earned for the week of September 10th through 16th declined by 33,000, largely reflecting Irma’s devastating landfall on September 10th.  The difference in these two numbers is that more Americans are employed, yet many missed a paycheck in September.  These Americans are counted as employed for purposes of the employment survey but not for purposes of the jobs (payroll) survey.  Thus, while more individuals are employed—which is why the unemployment rate decreased—33,000 fewer individuals received a paycheck for the survey period.
“The unemployment rate declined to 4.2 percent, the lowest since February 2001.  This is the first month that the unemployment rate for women, presently at 3.9 percent, has been below 4 percent since June 2007.  The labor force participation rate increased 0.2 percentage point to 63.1 percent.  In short, more Americans are working both as a percent of our population and as an overall number.
“As parts of our nation recover from the recent hurricanes, the Department of Labor is working closely with states and territories to help them assess workforce needs so that Americans can return to work or find a new job.  Getting dislocated workers back on their feet is a top priority.
“I would like to thank the men and women of the Bureau of Labor Statistics for their outstanding work conducting these surveys under difficult circumstances.”
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/opa/opa20171006

IRS: Tax Filing Extension Expires Oct. 16 for Millions of Taxpayers; Check Eligibility for Overlooked Tax Benefits
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers who have a filing extension through Oct. 16 to check their returns for often-overlooked tax benefits. When they are ready to file, the IRS recommends they file their return electronically using IRS e-file or the Free File system. Both are still available for taxpayers who still need to file their return.
Although Oct. 16 is the last day for most people to file, some individuals -- such as members of the military serving in a combat zone -- are allowed more time to file. Typically, they have until 180 days after they leave the combat zone to both file their return and pay any taxes due.
In addition, taxpayers who have a valid extension and are in or affected by a federally declared disaster area may be allowed more time to file. Currently, taxpayers in parts of Michigan, West Virginia and those impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria qualify for this relief. See the disaster relief page on IRS.gov for details.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-filing-extension-expires-oct-16-for-millions-of-taxpayers-check-eligibility-for-overlooked-tax-benefits

Federal Reserve Board announces public comment period has been extended through November 30, 2017, on two related proposals; enhance effectiveness of boards of directors at banks and new rating system for large firms.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/orders20171005a.htm

Federal Reserve Board announces approval of application by Columbia Banking System, Inc.
The Federal Reserve Board on Friday announced its approval of the application under section 3 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 by Columbia Banking System, Inc., Tacoma, Washington, to acquire Pacific Continental Corporation ("Pacific") and thereby indirectly acquire Pacific's subsidiary bank, Pacific Continental Bank, both of Eugene, Oregon.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/orders20171006a.htm

Statement From U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on the Release of President Trump’s Immigration Priorities
President Trump's tighter border controls have already reduced greatly the influx of illegal aliens, but he needs legislation to finish the task. I support his request to secure our borders, swiftly return illegal entrants, stop visa fraud and overstays, sanctuary cities, asylum abuse and chain immigration, as well as exploitative employment of illegal aliens. This will take money for more ICE officers, more federal prosecutors and more physical barriers. That will be money well spent!
https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/10/statement-us-secretary-commerce-wilbur-ross-release-president-trumps

Treasury Releases Second Report On The Administration’s Core Principles Of Financial Regulation
WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury released a report detailing how to streamline and reform the U.S. regulatory system for the capital markets. Treasury’s evaluation of current capital market regulations found that there are significant reforms that can be undertaken to promote growth and vibrant financial markets while maintaining strong investor protections. The report issued today was in response to Executive Order 13772 issued by President Trump on February 3rd, which  calls on Treasury to identify laws and regulations that are inconsistent with a set of Core Principles of financial regulation.
https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0173.aspx

WORLD AND NATIONAL HEADLINES FROM REUTERS

Turkey urges U.S. to review visa suspension as lira, stocks tumble
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey urged the United States on Monday to review its suspension of visa services after the arrest of a U.S. consulate employee sharply escalated tensions between the two NATO allies and drove Turkey’s currency and stocks lower.

Merkel deems migrant deal good for coalition talks but Greens skeptical
BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday an agreement within her conservative bloc on limiting migrants would help forge a new government coalition, but one of the key partners, the Greens, said it would not become policy.

Trump's popularity is slipping in rural America: poll
(Reuters) - Outside the Morgan County fair in McConnelsville, in a rural swath of Ohio that fervently backed U.S. President Donald Trump in last year’s election, ticket seller John Wilson quietly counts off a handful of disappointments with the man he helped elect.

EPA chief to sign rule on Clean Power Plan exit on Tuesday
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Monday he would sign a proposed rule on Tuesday to begin withdrawing from the Clean Power Plan, former President Barack Obama’s centerpiece regulation to fight climate change.

Daily Bible Verse: You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.

Deuteronomy 13:4 NKJV

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