From the Governor's medium page.
Gov. Jay Inslee today announced new recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health for resuming in-person instruction in public and private K-12 education for the upcoming 2020–2021 school year. Inslee was joined by Chris Reykdal, state Superintendent of Public Instruction at a press conference.
Similar to the state’s county-by-county phased approach to reopening, the plan allows local health departments and school districts decide if and how they will allow students back in the classroom.
“We know the uncertainty surrounding school reopening is a source of extraordinary anxiety for parents and educators — anxiety not just about whether it’s safe to go back to school in person, but also about the impacts to children if they don’t return to the classroom,” Inslee said.
The plan includes several different considerations for deciding whether or not to return to in-person learning, but no matter the county, when COVID-19 infection rates are high, the state strongly recommends school districts move to mostly online or remote learning.
“While in-person instruction is the goal, the health and safety of our students and staff is paramount,” said Chris Reykdal, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “This new framework provides specific recommendations to local health authorities and school districts on when they could provide in-person instruction, and when they may want to consider remote learning as the safest option.”
“The decision to resume in person learning is complex,” said Dr. Kathy Lofy, state Health Officer. “We want all our students to learn in person. To do this, we need to change our behaviors to reduce the spread of the virus in our communities across the state.”
The framework looks at individual county data and is broken into three categories of disease transmission level, as measured by the incidence of cases per 100,000 residents over a two week period: High risk, moderate risk and low risk.
The majority of counties in Washington currently fall in the high risk and moderate risk categories. For a full list of the counties and their status.
Schools in high risk counties, which see more than 75 cases per 100,000 are strongly encouraged to consider distance learning, with exceptions for in-person learning for small groups of students with the highest need in addition to cancelling in-person extracurricular activities.
Schools in moderate risk counties, with 25–75 cases per 100,000 are strongly encouraged to consider distance learning for middle and high schools, with possible in-person learning options for elementary students.
And in the five counties in the state considered low risk, with a rate of infection less than 25 cases per 100,000 are encouraged to implement a hybrid model of in-person and distance learning for middle school and high school students, and full-time in-person learning for elementary students.
In order to implement in-person learning, schools must be able to implement state recommendations and state health requirements that have already been issued. This includes requiring masks, protecting those at higher risk of complications, social distancing and environmental cleaning.
At all levels of risk, school leaders are expected to reach out to families of students who are most at risk of COVID-19 and those who experience and educational opportunity gap including students with disabilities, English Language Learners, students of color, foster and homeless youth and the youngest learners to determine how best to meet the health and education needs of these students and the community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed inequities in every sector of our society and education has been no exception. One area of concern is ensuring access to high-speed internet for students in rural or undeserved areas. To partly address this, the state will be providing $8.8 million to help low income families obtain internet plans and address other technology needs. The funds will come from the federal CARES Act and will be administered by the Office the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
Yemen: Human right violations against journalists, coming ‘from all quarters’.
Unparalleled rights violations and abuses against journalists are being carried out by all parties to the armed conflict in Yemen, the UN human rights chief said on Thursday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/08/1069652
75 years after the bomb, Hiroshima still chooses ‘reconciliation and hope’.
In a video message delivered to a Peace Memorial Ceremony in Japan on Thursday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has paid tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, which devastated the city in 1945.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/08/1069612
Security Council condemns ‘heinous and cowardly’ terrorist attack in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
Members of the UN Security Council have condemned “in the strongest terms” the terrorist attack at a prison complex in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on Monday, that left at least 29 people – including civilians – dead.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/08/1069622
Lebanon: Support for hospitals top UN priority in the wake of deadly blast.
The United Nations is working closely with the authorities in Lebanon to support ongoing response in the aftermath of the massive deadly explosion that rocked Beirut on Tuesday, destroying large swathes of the capital.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/08/1069552
Independent rights experts call on India to remedy ‘alarming’ situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
UN-appointed independent human rights experts have called for urgent action in India’s Jammu and Kashmir, amid concerns of ongoing abuses against civilians there.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/08/1069602
South Africa: UN health agency sends experts to help battle against COVID-19.
new “surge team” of leading UN health experts is on its way to South Africa to ramp up the COVID-19 response there, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/08/1069582
UN PRESS RELEASES:
Dialogue, Arsenal Reduction Vital to Prevent Return of Unrestrained Strategic Nuclear Competition, Secretary-General Says in Video Message for Hiroshima Peace Ceremony.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/sgsm20199.doc.htm
Secretary-General Appoints Hannan Sulieman of Sudan Deputy Executive Director, United Nations Children’s Fund
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Hannan Sulieman of Sudan as Assistant Secretary-General to serve as the Deputy Executive Director, Management for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/sga1975.doc.htm
Department of Global Communications to Open Online Exhibition Honouring Roma, Sinti, Forgotten Victims of Nazi Genocide, 6 August
The United Nations Department of Global Communications will open the online exhibition “Forgotten Victims: The Nazi Genocide of the Roma and the Sinti” on Thursday, 6 August, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. EST via Microsoft Live Events.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/note6532.doc.htm
From the US Mission to the UN:
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Linkages between Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime (via VTC).
" It is clear that in some cases and some regions, terrorist and organized criminal groups exploit and benefit from weak democratic institutions and law enforcement and take advantage of porous borders and ungoverned or under-governed territories. In some parts of the world, these conditions provide opportunities for terrorists and transnational criminal groups to coexist in the same territory, develop alliances based on common interests, and even collaborate."
Joint Statement on the Continued Russian Occupation of Georgia (via VTC).
" The continuing Russian military presence in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as well as Russia’s recognition of the so-called independence of these regions violates the territorial integrity of Georgia and undermines Georgia’s sovereignty, as well as the Rules Based International Order. "
https://usun.usmission.gov/joint-statement-on-the-continued-russian-occupation-of-georgia-via-vtc/
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Syria (via VTC).
" As the U.S. continues to be the largest single humanitarian donor to this operation – now totaling more than $11.3 billion in humanitarian assistance since the start of the conflict – it is our responsibility to ensure that every dollar given to the UN is effectively used to help as many Syrian civilians as possible."
US STATE DEPT: The United States Sanctions Network Threatening the Security of Libya.
https://www.state.gov/the-united-states-sanctions-network-threatening-the-security-of-libya/
NATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES:
President Trump Signs the Great American Outdoors Act, Preserving and Protecting our National Parks.--WH press release
" Each year, millions of people from all over the world visit and enjoy our national parks. Yet today, more than 5,500 miles of paved roads, 17,000 miles of trails, and 24,000 buildings in our national parks are in need of maintenance improvements."
President Donald J. Trump Is Conserving and Restoring the Majesty of America’s Public Lands.
PRESERVING AMERICA’S LAND: President Donald J. Trump is taking historic action to invest in America’s national parks and public lands.---WH fact sheet
Stratcom Chief: Attack on U.S. Would Be 'A Very Bad Day' for Adversary--DOD
To deter U.S. adversaries in the 21st century, those adversaries must know that any attack on the United States will result in a very bad day for them, the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command said.
Attorney General William P. Barr Remarks at White House Roundtable on Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking, Remarks as Prepared for Delivery--DOJ
HUD AWARDS OVER $74 MILLION IN GRANTS TO SUPPORT AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING FOR EXTREMELY LOW-INCOME PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced the award of over $74 million in grants to 12 state housing finance agencies to support affordable rental housing for extremely low-income persons with disabilities. The awards will support up to five years of rental assistance for approximately 2,400 units of housing in buildings participating in project rental assistance through HUD’s Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_20_118
CDC Expects 2020 Outbreak of Life-Threatening Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Doctors urged to quickly recognize symptoms and to hospitalize patients immediately.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/p0803-acute-flaccid-myelitis-outbreak.html
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes First Tests that Estimate a Patient’s Antibodies from Past SARS-CoV-2 Infection.
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the first two COVID-19 serology tests that display an estimated quantity of antibodies present in the individual’s blood.
HHS Awards Over $101 Million to Combat the Opioid Crisis
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health and Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), awarded over $101 million to combat substance use disorders (SUD) and opioid use disorders (OUD). The awards support 116 organizations in 42 states and the District of Columbia, with many targeting high-risk rural communities.
BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS HEADLINES:
Joint Statement on the U.S.-UK Financial Innovation Partnership Meeting--US Treasury Dept.
WASHINGTON – U.S. and UK participants in the U.S.-UK Financial Innovation Partnership (FIP) met virtually on August 5, 2020, to exchange views on topics of mutual interest as part of their ongoing partnership.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1084
Texas Entrepreneur Charged with Spending COVID Relief Funds on Improper Expenses Including Lamborghini and Strip Club
A Houston, Texas man has been taken into custody on allegations he fraudulently obtained more than $1.6 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas. ---DOJ
The Future of Retail Payments in the United States.--THE FED.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/brainard20200806a.htm
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND BANK OF AMERICA SIGN AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTING COMPANY WIDE PROGRAM TO ENHANCE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR NURSING MOTHERS
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) today announced the signing of an agreement with Bank of America N.A. that implements systemic changes enhancing the employer’s working environment by taking defined steps to accommodate the reasonable break time for nursing mothers’ requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This agreement affords working mothers the support they need in the workplace when balancing professional and personal responsibilities.---US Labor Dept.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20200806
Bringing Technology to Specialty Crops
Posted by Greg Astill, Markets and Trade Economics Division, Economic Research Service and Suzanne Thornsbury, Senior Advisor for Agricultural Economics and Rural Communities, Office of the Chief Scientist in Research and Science
Aug 06, 2020---USDA Blog
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2020/08/06/bringing-technology-specialty-crops
U.S. Copyright Office Celebrates 150 Years of Fostering American Creativity and Innovation---US Chamber of Commerce.
FTC Acts Against Online Sellers That Falsely Promised Fast Delivery of Facemasks and Other Personal Protective Equipment.
FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:
Kilmer to Host Virtual Student Town Hall with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and Astronaut Michael Barratt
Native NASA Astronaut and NASA Administrator to Join Rep. Kilmer and Students from Washington’s Sixth Congressional District to Talk STEM Education and the Next NASA Missions to the Moon.
Cantwell Slams Pebble Project, Applauds President’s Son for Coming Out Against Proposal.
After Months of Delay on COVID Relief, Senator Murray Asks Republicans: “Why Are You Determined to Make Things Harder” for Struggling Students, Families and Workers?
STATE HEADLINE NEWS:
Washington, Colorado, Nevada and Oregon announce coordination on telehealth.
Building on a previous announcement regarding COVID re-opening, Gov. Jay Inslee joined Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown to announce that their states will be working together on telehealth issues.
GOV. INSLEE, AG FERGUSON ANNOUNCE UPDATE ON CHALLENGES TO GOVERNOR’S EMERGENCY POWERS.
“We will continue to defend the Governor’s ability to manage this crisis and keep Washingtonians safe,” Ferguson said.
AG FERGUSON: ALLEGED MAIL-IN VOTING FRAUD THE PRESIDENT IS PEDDLING DOESN’T EXIST.
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson responded today to statements last week from the president and members of his administration that call into question the integrity of vote-by-mail elections. Claiming in a Thursday tweet that a vote-by-mail election would be “the most INACCURATE & FRAUDULENT Election in history,” the president also added “Delay the Election until people can properly, securely and safely vote???”
$100 million rental assistance headed to Washington communities.
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce is distributing approximately $100 million in state Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding through its existing network of homeless services grantees and organizations serving homeless youth to operate a new rent assistance program launched Aug. 1. The program will focus on preventing evictions by paying up to three months of past due, current and future rent to landlords for eligible participants.
Saying no to drugs... and spills
From meth labs to marijuana grows, Ecology’s spill response team handles more than just oil--DOE
https://ecology.wa.gov/Blog/Posts/August-2020/Saying-no-to-drugs-and-spills
Initial unemployment insurance claims for week of July 26 – August 1, 2020.
OLYMPIA – During the week of July 26 through August 1, there were 24,985 initial regular unemployment claims (down 13.4% from the prior week) and 656,556 total claims for all unemployment benefit categories (down 3.1% from the prior week) filed by Washingtonians, according to the Employment Security Department (ESD).
https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/initial-unemployment-insurance-claims-for-week-of-july-26-august-1-2020
Commission weighs service reductions as a result of the state’s COVID-impacted funding projections.
OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission spent their July 31-Aug. 1 meeting considering upcoming legislative issues – service cuts, legislative priorities, and new funding requests – for the upcoming 2021 session.
EDITORIALS & LOCAL MEETINGS:
End the madness, Vote Culp for Governor!
By Peter Ripley.
And, while your at it, give Congressman Kilmer his walking papers, vote Dr. Elizabeth Kreiselmaier for Congress!
https://cleanupthehouse.com/meet-elizabeth/
Related news story, from the Seattle Times: Gov. Jay Inslee leads primary election results in race for Washington state governor, Loren Culp leads Republicans.
Quote: " Culp, in a phone interview from his “Insubordinate Victory” election-night rally in Leavenworth, said many voters, including Democrats, are fed up with Inslee’s executive orders restricting businesses and requiring mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“They are ready for individual freedom and liberty being returned to this state, where citizens have the choice on what they want to do in their personal lives and business, and not have it dictated to them,” he said."
Editorial Comment: Inslee, has used the covid-19 pandemic as a tool to control people, like mask wearing as a symbol of obedience to Inslee's will. He locked down Washington state, he closed churches, and allowed rioters to have their way in Washington's major cities. He seems not to care about the US Constitution, and the bill of rights, which he made an oath to protect! He manage to cripple our economy, perhaps terminally! He appears to want to keep us chained to these covid restrictions indefinitely based on his latest comments he made in July 28th "Gov. Jay Inslee today released an additional guidance document following last week's announcement of guidance updates in Washington's Safe Start phased reopening plan following the extension of the proclamation.
The memo outlines the updates to gatherings, live entertainment, restaurants and taverns, entertainment and recreational centers, card rooms, movie theaters, and weddings and funerals and builds upon guidance released last week.
Inslee today also extended the pause indefinitely on counties moving ahead in the Safe Start Washington plan.
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-releases-updated-reopening-guidance
Editorial note: Does this sound like a man who abused his emergency powers?
Give Inslee his walking papers, vote Culp for Governor. We want our rights protected, not set aside due to a virus! Not once, did Inslee condemned the actions of the rioters committing violence, and the wanting destruction of both public, and private property. Is it a wonder why many businesses leaving our major cities, like Seattle, they are ruled by local leaders who don't care.
As for Kilmer, he too didn't show any support of law enforcement, and made no comment condemning the riots in Seattle!
But, in the local mainstream media his opponent, Dr. Elizabeth Kreiselmaier, has gotten next to nothing on news coverage, so you can assume Kilmer is their prefered choice for Congress!
I think she'll be a good replacement of Kilmer in Congress.
More Editorials:
I'm Boycotting Professional Sports Leagues That Endorse Black Lives Matter, And You Should, Too--PJ Media
Time for Trump to Smoke Joe out of His Basement.
Patriot Post
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/72586-time-for-trump-to-smoke-joe-out-of-his-basement-2020-08-07
Stimulus: The Next Moves?
Secretary Mnuchin is saying that the various parties involved are looking to come to an agreement by the end of this week, with a goal to pass the bill early next week---National Review
90 Days for Biden to Ruin the Country? ‘C’mon, Man!’
What will Biden do for the country, besides getting confused and asking us all if we’re junkies?--American Spectator
https://spectator.org/90-days-for-biden-to-ruin-the-country-cmon-man/
Joe Biden’s Capitulation To The Crazy Left Is Alienating Democrats Like Me
Unlike Biden, Trump is delivering a clear and appealing message: Send kids back to school, support police officers, and get people back to work now.--The Federalist
Biden's Game Plan: Take No Risks & Run Out the Clock
When Vice President Calvin Coolidge ascended to the presidency on the death of Warren Harding in 1923, a wag remarked that Silent Cal's career had exhibited unmistakable signs of celestial intervention.---CNSNEWS
Portland Mayor to Rioters: Stop Murdering! You’re Helping Trump!--Rush Limbuagh show
LOCAL MEETING AGENDAS:
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:
Clallam County Work session for 8/10/20
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1223
Clallam County Commission business meeting for 8/11/20
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7225
Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 8/11/20
https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112020-437
CITY OF SEQUIM COUNCIL MEETING FOR 8/10/20
https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2292
City of Forks Council meeting for 8/10/20
https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Agenda-20200810.pdf
PUD BOARD MEETING FOR 8/10/20
https://clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/8-10-20-WEB-Packet.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 8/10/20
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA. For 8/10/20
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1934
Port of Port Townsend Commission Meeting 08.12.2020
Wednesday, August 12, 2020 from 1:00 PM to approximately 2:30 PM.
https://portofpt.com/event/regular-business-meeting-2020-03-11-2020-05-13-2020-08-12/
