THE TALE OF TWO TOWN HALLS...Joe Biden gets soft ball questions while Trump gets the shaft.

Here's a few headlines of the events, Thursday. I shared some of these yesterday, but wanted to expand on it today.

Headlines:

Voter Humiliates Biden: What Do You Have To Say Besides 'You Ain't Black'?--WJ 

Six Takeaways From Thursday’s Dueling Trump and Biden Town Halls

After the cacophony of the first presidential debate, it turns out simultaneous events aren’t much of an improvement.---NYT

How the Internet Viewed the Presidential Town Halls

President Trump and Joe Biden answered questions from voters at the same time, on separate networks. The difference between the two events did not escape anyone’s notice.---NYT

Savannah Guthrie Was a Good Pet for Her DNC Masters During Trump Town Hall---PJ MEDIA

Under pointed questioning, Trump doubles down on confrontational style in town hall in Miami

The president offered falsehoods, exaggerated claims and little specificity about his plans for a second term.---WP

Mayra Joli, AKA #NoddingWoman, enrages left by agreeing with Trump during NBC town hall---Washington Times

TOP NEWS STORIES FOR TODAY...

ATTORNEY GENERAL FERGUSON ANNOUNCES ELECTION PROTECTION INITIATIVE.

Press release issued 10/16/20

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/attorney-general-ferguson-announces-election-protection-initiative

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today an initiative in his office to combat election interference in November and guarantee a peaceful transition of power.

Ferguson convened an internal legal team to coordinate the office’s election protection efforts, and to work with state attorneys general across the country. The legal team includes Solicitor General Noah Purcell and attorneys with expertise in election law, constitutional law and civil rights. They are focused on upholding the Constitution, preventing illegal election interference and ensuring every vote is counted in every state.

Ferguson made protecting a fair, secure and safe election a top priority in the wake of the Trump Administration’s unfounded claims that mail-in voting is not secure, and its attempts to undermine the Postal Service’s ability to deliver ballots in a timely manner. Ferguson brought his successful lawsuit blocking interference in the Postal Service on behalf of more than a dozen states, including the battlegrounds of Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin.

“Washingtonians have a stake in the integrity of elections in all 50 states,” Ferguson said. “My legal team is prepared to defend democracy and the longstanding American tradition of a peaceful transition of power.”

President Trump

On Oct. 9, Oct. 12, and Oct. 13, President Trump tweeted about a “rigged election.” These are the latest of dozens of instances in which the president has suggested the November election will be “rigged.” Many Washingtonians have written the Washington State Attorney General’s Office to express fears that the president’s language is an attempt to undermine confidence in the election results and set up a constitutional challenge.

President Trump and Vice President Pence both failed to commit to a peaceful transfer of power when asked direct questions by the moderators of the presidential and vice-presidential debates.

Participating in election-related cases around the country

Ferguson joined several amicus — friend-of-the-court — briefs supporting a fair and secure election in legal challenges around the country, including:

Texas League of United Latin American Citizens v. Hughes — Supporting mail-in voting and challenging recent changes to ballot drop box policies in Texas

Parham v. Watson — Supporting a preliminary injunction to stop restrictions on mail-in voting in Mississippi

Middleton v. Andino — Supporting a preliminary injunction to stop restrictions on mail-in voting in South Carolina

Jones v. DeSantis — Supporting the restoration of voting rights in Florida

Legal challenges to protect the integrity of the election

Ferguson led a coalition of 14 states that filed a lawsuit over the changes to the Postal Service on Aug. 18. The coalition includes battleground states, including Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin. The Postal Service changes, including eliminating or reducing staff overtime, halting outgoing mail processing at distribution centers and removing critical mail sorting equipment, threaten the timely delivery of mail to millions of Americans who rely on the Postal Service for everything from medical prescriptions to ballots.

On Sept. 17, a federal judge in Yakima, Wash., granted Ferguson’s request for a nationwide injunction forcing the U.S. Postal Service to immediately halt its drastic operational changes.

State leaders warn U.S. Senators of pending ACA lawsuit amid Supreme Court nomination.

Press release issued 10/15/20

https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/state-leaders-warn-us-senators-pending-aca-lawsuit-amid-supreme-court-nomination

As the U.S. Senate rushes through the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, the lawsuit deciding the fate of Affordable Care Act (California v. Texas) will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in less than a month — putting the future of the popular law and the health care of millions in serious peril.

If the court overturns the Affordable Care Act, the impacts to Washington state would be widespread and devastating. Despite the state’s efforts to enact many of the ACA protections into Washington state law, overturning the ACA would be financially catastrophic to the state and its residents. It would be especially damaging as Washingtonians continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter to Washington's U.S. Senators, Gov. Jay Inslee, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler and Washington Health Benefit Exchange CEO Pam MacEwan detailed what's at risk in the highly anticipated court case. 

They laid out that if the Affordable Care Act is overturned, Washington state will lose $4.2 billion annually in federal funds and more than 750,000 could lose coverage. 

$3.6 billion cut in annual federal funding to pay for Medicaid expansion coverage as 625,000 newly eligible enrollees would lose health coverage. 

$620 million cut in federal premium subsidies as 140,000 people lose the financial assistance that helps them afford health insurance.

"That a decision could be made in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and our nation’s ongoing efforts to recover only intensifies the harm. More than 90,000 Washingtonians will have a new pre-existing condition this year after having been diagnosed with COVID-19,” the leaders wrote. “This would have massive implications for people who rely on the law's reforms, such as women and older adults. A court decision that makes coverage unaffordable for many would effectively undermine these consumer protections and erode the safety net we have fought to preserve." 

State leaders acknowledge that these are federal decision and urged members of Congress, particularly U.S. Senators, to continue fighting to protect the health and well-being of Washingtonians.”

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:

Condemning Attacks in Mali on Peacekeepers, Civilians, Mission Camp, Secretary-General Urges Authorities to Bring Perpetrators to Justice---UN PRESS RELEASE

Alarmed by Crumbling Disarmament Agreements, First Committee Delegates Raise Urgent Concerns about Maintaining Security, from Online to Outer Space--UN PRESS RELEASE

Welcoming Mass Prisoner Swap in Yemen as ‘Airlift of Hope’, Speakers Urge Government, Houthi Rebels to Negotiate Durable Peace, during Security Council Briefing

Welcoming today’s large‑scale prisoner release in Yemen as “an airlift of hope” for ending the suffering caused by the long conflict in the country, speakers in the Security Council today called on the Government and Houthi rebels to build on that hope to stop the fighting and negotiate a lasting solution to the conflict.--UN PRESS RELEASE

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Yemen---US MISSION TO THE UN.

Explanation of Vote on the Adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution on the Mandate Renewal of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti--UN MISSION TO THE UN.

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Erick Erickson of The Erick Erickson Show on WSB Atlanta--US STATE DEPT.

Bolivia elections, an opportunity to defuse extreme polarization: UN rights chief.

The UN’s top human rights official has called on everyone active in Bolivian politics, to ensure calm on the streets, and refrain from any action that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the general elections, taking place on Sunday. 

NATIONAL NEWS:

First Lady Melania Trump: “My personal experience with COVID-19.”---WH

It was two weeks ago when I received the diagnosis that so many Americans across our country and the world had already received—I tested positive for COVID-19. To make matters worse, my husband, and our nation’s Commander-in-Chief, received the same news.

Agency Plays Key Role in Procuring, Distributing Limited Pandemic Supplies--DOD

Justice Department And Indian Authorities Announce Enforcement Actions Against Technical-Support Fraud Scheme Targeting Seniors---DOJ

When the Extraordinary Becomes the Ordinary, the Ordinary Become Extraordinary--USDA

HUD SECRETARY BEN CARSON DESIGNATES THE BEDFORD HOPE CENTER AS NEW ENVISION CENTER

PITTSBURGH, PA - U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson announced the latest HUD EnVision Center designation, located at the Bedford Hope Center in Pittsburgh, PA.---HUD

DHS, ICE Announce Arrests Of More Than 170 At-Large Aliens In Sanctuary Jurisdictions--DHS

FDA Reissues Emergency Use Authorization for Certain Non-NIOSH-Approved Filtering Face-Piece Respirators Manufactured in China--FDA

BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS:

North Carolina Return Preparer Pleads Guilty in Tax Fraud Scheme

A Rocky Mount, North Carolina, tax return preparer pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina.--DOJ

United States Unseals Superseding Indictment Charging Nationwide Money Laundering Network

The Justice Department today announced the unsealing of a superseding indictment charging six individuals with participating in a conspiracy to launder millions of dollars of drug proceeds on behalf of foreign cartels.  This superseding indictment is the result of a nearly four-year investigation into the relationship between foreign drug trafficking organizations and Asian money laundering networks in the United States, China, and elsewhere.

Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the IRS and to Steal Crash Reports from the Detroit Police Department

A Birmingham, Michigan, resident pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the IRS and to steal from an organization receiving federal funds, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.

Modernizing and Strengthening CRA Regulations: A Conversation with Minority Depository Institutions--THE FED

Secretary Ross Highlights Commerce Actions Supporting Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technologies--US COMMERCE DEPT

How IPOs Would Help A Broad Economic Recovery--US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FTC Halts Scheme that Falsely Claimed to Offer Unlimited Inmate Calling Plans

STATE HEADLINE NEWS

WDFW seeks new advisory committee members to guide investments in Puget Sound recreational fishing.

Statewide COVID-19 vaccine distribution progress update

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) continues to make progress with our COVID-19 vaccine distribution planning efforts. We are working with the federal government and local partners within Washington to plan for the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available.--DOH

 New Puget Sound Energy electric rates effective today Customers see slight rate increase--UTC

Man with burning piece of wood torches police car with officer inside, Seattle cops say--THE OLYMPIAN

What you need to know for your election ballot due on Nov. 3

Use this guide to explore key races and learn more about what's on the ballot for the Nov. 3 general election in King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap counties.---Seattle Times

Washington Supreme Court reverses its 1960 ruling that allowed Seattle cemetery to discriminate against a Black family--Seattle Times

Seattle, Bellevue see significant rent decreases amid pandemic--Seattle PI

IN OTHER HEADLINES:

Trump Administration Denies California Request for Wildfire Disaster Aid---PJ MEDIA

Hunter Biden's Trouble Grows, House GOP Questions FBI

More emails reveal lucrative deals with a Chinese firm for "investment" in the Biden family.--Patriot Post

If the Democrats Win Everything--National Review

Social Media vs. the American Right--National Review

Shy Trump Voters, Pollsters, and the Appeal to Ignorance--American Spectator

Kudlow: 'Almost Impossible' to Execute 'Grand' Stimulus Deal Before Election--News Max

FCC Chairman: First Amendment Doesn’t Give Big Tech ‘Special Immunity’ Over The Free Press--The Federalist

LOCAL MEETINGS & AGENDAS

CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:

County Commission work session for 10/19/20

https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1233

Clallam County Commission meeting for 10/20/20

https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7235

Clallam County Board of Health meeting for 10/20/20

https://clallam.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=clallam_e277d8d50c56334fd32d06add7576f02.pdf&view=1

UPDATED BUDGET MEETING NOTICE

CLALLAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 

https://clallam.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=clallam_f27e6dbdcc1756b2f29631431a5bbf9f.pdf&view=1

City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 10/20/20

https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/8848/10202020-Final-Packet-Amended

 

 

PASD Board Meeting

When: Thu, October 22, 7pm – 9pm

Where: 905 W 9th St, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA, Lincoln Center.

JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:

Jefferson County Commission meeting for 10/ 19/20

https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=8dcb2854-dd65-4bec-99e8-e577b785b085&prefilter=845,5958

PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA for 10/ 19/ 20

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1663

October 22 Meeting of the ICC

Meeting of the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee (ICC) that includes 2 representatives from each the 4 public entities: Jefferson County Commissioners, Port Townsend City Council, Public Utility District #1, and Port of Port Townsend.

https://portofpt.com/event/october-22-meeting-of-the-icc/

🙏He became the ultimate sacrifice 

Weekly Scripture verse: Psalm 19:14 (New King James Version)

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

 

Weekly Bible Study: Troubled Over Immorality

by Connie Adams

http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/TroubledOverImmorality.html

   

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)

 https://www.pacofc.org/

 The Chosen: About the life of Christ

https://studios.vidangel.com/the-chosen

 

The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly publication, published every Saturday by, Peter Ripley, Publisher. Your donation is appreciated.

AS INCOME INCREASING FOR SSA, SSI BENEFICIARIES THIS YEAR.

BIDEN WOULD GIVE SOCIAL SECURITY TO ILLEGAL ALIENS, THUS DEPLETING TO DESTRUCTION.

His track record speaks for it's self.

Social Security Announces 1.3 Percent Benefit Increase for 2021

Press release from the Social Security webpage

https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2020/#10-2020-1

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 1.3 percent in 2021, the Social Security Administration announced today.

The 1.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2021. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2020. (Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits). The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $142,800 from $137,700.

Social Security and SSI beneficiaries are normally notified by mail starting in early December about their new benefit amount. Most people who receive Social Security payments will be able to view their COLA notice online through their personal my Social Security account. People may create or access their my Social Security account online at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Information about Medicare changes for 2021, when announced, will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficiaries receiving Medicare, Social Security will not be able to compute their new benefit amount until after the Medicare premium amounts for 2021 are announced. Final 2021 benefit amounts will be communicated to beneficiaries in December through the mailed COLA notice and my Social Security's Message Center.

Related news story:

Biden's Past Work Against Social Security Comes Back To Haunt Him Even as He Attacks Trump--WJ

TODAY'S TOP STORIES...

AG FERGUSON STATEMENT ON WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT STRIKING DOWN I-976.

Press release issued 10/15/20

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson offered the following statement on the Washington State Supreme Court striking down Initiative 976:

“I’m proud of my legal team, who worked long hours to defend the will of the voters, arguing successfully at the trial court that Initiative 976 was constitutional.

“To be candid, we knew this would be a difficult case. I-976 is the latest in a long list of Eyman tax initiatives struck down by the courts. In fact, Tim Eyman has never written a successful tax initiative that passed legal muster. Every one of his tax initiatives has been thrown out or partially blocked by the courts.

“Tim Eyman will, of course, do what he has done throughout this case — blame everyone but himself. He will again blame my outstanding legal team, even though the Supreme Court allowed interveners to present Eyman’s arguments. He will again blame my office for language in the ballot title that he specifically requested to be included in the title, and that was pulled word-for-word from his initiative. He should look in the mirror and apologize to voters for once again sending them an initiative that failed to survive a legal challenge and deliver on its promises.”

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-statement-washington-supreme-court-striking-down-i-976

AG FERGUSON LAWSUIT HALTS INSURANCE COMPANY’S DECEPTIVE IMITATION OF THE WASHINGTON HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE WEBSITE.

Press release issued 10/15/20

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today secured a court order against Health Insurance Team, a Seattle-based insurance company, for imitating the official state-run health insurance exchange. Ferguson’s complaint, filed today along with the order, asserts that Health Insurance Team’s marketing violated the Consumer Protection Act’s prohibition on deceptive advertising.

The court order, approved by King County Superior Court, legally requires the insurance company to stop its use of domain names and branding that are similar to the state exchange. The company must also pay $50,000 to the Attorney General’s Office, which will be used for future enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act.

Health Insurance Team — a private health insurance broker — imitated the official state-run insurance exchange in order to drive consumers to purchase plans on its own site instead. Health Insurance Team created a website domain name, washingtonhealthplanfinder.org, that was nearly identical to the one used by the official state exchange, wahealthplanfinder.org. This official website is the only place Washingtonians can access tax credits and other federal assistance related to their health plans. Health Insurance Team also registered several other domain names using the phrase “healthplanfinder,” even though the company had no prior history of using the phrase.

“In the midst of an ongoing public health crisis, Washingtonians deserve clear, accurate information about their health care options,” Ferguson said. “If you come across an imitation site posing as the real health care exchange, please contact my office. We will hold companies accountable for mimicking websites that deceive Washingtonians shopping for health care coverage.”

“The Exchange urges Washingtonians to be cautious about fake health care websites that are posing as Washington Healthplanfinder, Washington’s official health insurance marketplace,” said Michael Marchand, Chief Marketing Officer at the Exchange. “To avoid being taken advantage of, we encourage consumers to enroll in health coverage with certified individuals and visit the correct website address at wahealthplanfinder.org.”

On Oct. 23, 2012, the state exchange announced its platform name, Washington Healthplanfinder, along with its logo and tagline. That same day, Health Insurance Team registered 12 domain names that incorporate the phrase “healthplanfinder.” These included the domain names “washingtonhealthplanfinder.org” and “wahealthplanfinders.org.” Before the launch of the state exchange’s platform, the company had no history of using the phrase “healthplanfinder.”

A representative from the Washington Health Benefit Exchange informed the Attorney General’s Office of this conduct, prompting the office’s investigation.

Health Insurance Team continued to use the deceptive domain name until this year. Today’s consent decree requires the company to stop all use of these domain names and prevents the company from continuing to use them, or any other deceptive marketing materials, in the future.

Assistant Attorneys General Will O’Connor and Audrey Udashen are leading the case for the Attorney General’s Office.

Protect yourself from copy-cat websites

To report a website posing as the health benefits exchange, file a complaint with the Washington State Attorney General's Office.

Enrollment for the purchase of health insurance opens this year on Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 15 for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2021. During this time, Washington residents can find, compare and enroll in new health plans through the state’s official health insurance marketplace at wahealthplanfinder.org. On the website, Washingtonians can find out whether they qualify for free or low-cost coverage.

The official marketplace for Washingtonians is the only place individuals can access tax credits and other federal assistance. The insurance plans offered by the Washington Health Benefit Exchange are the only plans to have guaranteed consumer protections and coverage, which plans purchased outside the marketplace may not.

Watch out for sham websites built to mimic the official exchange in order to steal private information, or websites that may look like the official site but contain incomplete or inaccurate information. To avoid scams, follow these tips while shopping for health insurance:

Verify the web address of the exchange: The only official web address for the online marketplace is www.wahealthplanfinder.org. Any other site with a variation on the name or with an address that ends in “.net” or “.com” is not the state’s official marketplace. If you are unsure whether you have found the official website, call Washington Healthplanfinder toll-free at 1-855-WAFINDER.

Don’t pay for free stuff: The official marketplace for the state of Washington is the only place where you can receive tax credits, subsidies or access to free coverage through Medicaid or Washington Apple Health. Washingtonians never have to pay to sign up for free or low-cost health coverage in the marketplace.

Reach out to free, legitimate help: Only individuals who are certified by Washington Healthplanfinder or Medicaid to assist you with the enrollment process should request personal information to complete your application during a scheduled visit. This help is always free. If you don’t know whether someone is certified to assist you, call the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center at 1-855-WAFINDER. Community volunteers trained by Medicaid can be verified by calling 1-800-562-3022 or emailing AskMedicaid@hca.wa.gov.

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-lawsuit-halts-insurance-company-s-deceptive-imitation-washington

TODAY'S HEADLINE NEWS...

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:

Promoting Report on Disability Inclusion Strategy, Deputy Secretary-General Stresses Need to Measure Progress, While Raising Standards, Ambition---UN PRESS RELEASE

New Urban Agenda an ‘Accelerator for Sustainable Development’, Says Executive Director, as Second Committee Takes Up Human Settlements Program--UN PRESS RELEASE

Continued violence strains Colombia peace process, Security Council hears.--UN NEWS CENTER

Enormous challenges remain on the road to lasting peace in Colombia, where despite ongoing attacks and stigmatization, the vast majority of former FARC-EP fighters who laid down their weapons under a 2016 peace agreement with the Government, remain engaged in the reintegration process, the head of the UN mission in the South American country says.

NATIONAL HEADLINE NEWS:

U.S. Department of Education Releases 2017-18 Civil Rights Data Collection.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today released the 2017-18 Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC). This data, which are self-reported by 17,604 public school districts and 97,632 public schools and educational programs, have been collected and published biennially by OCR since 1968. The CRDC is a universal collection of data related to OCR’s civil rights enforcement responsibilities at Pre-K through 12th grade levels, including charter schools, magnet schools or programs, alternative schools, schools serving students with disabilities, and long-term secure juvenile justice facilities.

People, Policy, Performance Readiness Mean U.S. Prepared to Fight.

Can the U.S. fight tonight if called upon? Is the U.S. military ready to fight if a conflict arises? The Defense Secretary says he thinks so.

FDA Warns that Using a Type of Pain and Fever Medication in Second Half of Pregnancy Could Lead to Complications

BUSINESS & FINANCE HEADLINE NEWS:

CEO of Multibillion-dollar Software Company Indicted for Decades-long Tax Evasion and Wire Fraud Schemes

Allegedly Used Secret Swiss and Bermudian Bank Accounts in Scheme to Conceal Approximately Two Billion Dollars of Capital Gains Income--DOJ

Two Individuals And Two Companies Sentenced In Scheme To Fraudulently Sell Popular Dietary Supplements

A federal court in Texas sentenced two former dietary supplement company executives to prison and ordered two companies to pay a combined $10.7 million in criminal forfeiture for their roles in fraudulently selling popular workout supplements, the Justice Department announced today.--DOJ

FTC Acts to Shut Down Unlawful Debt Collection Operation.

Atlanta-based company allegedly posed as police, made threats to consumers about non-existent debt.

STATE NEWS HEADLINES:

State provides funding to help thousands more people in Washington state access behavioral health care closer to home.

Pilchuck River watershed needs cool pools and more shade.

Ecology seeks comments on plan to lower temperatures; Online community meeting set for Oct. 29.

Twelve Quilomene bighorn sheep test negative for lethal bacteria.

ELLENSBURG – This week’s tests showed no signs of the bacteria that causes pneumonia among members of the Quilomene bighorn sheep herd according to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) biologists.

IN OTHER NEWS HEADLINES...

Uh Oh: Biden Was GASSED an Hour Into His Town Hall--PJ MEDIA

Biden Muddles Through Gentle, Hunter-Free Town Hall

Biden's softball town hall did not instill confidence.---The Federalist

Trump: 'Yes' to Peaceful Transition, but Wants 'Honest' Election, 'to Win'---NEWS MAX

Trump, Biden fire shots from afar in dueling town halls--Washington Times

Savannah Guthrie scolds Trump: 'You're the president. You're not like someone's crazy uncle'--Washington Times

Trump fights to defend record in frequently testy town hall

The president was put on the defensive about the coronavirus early during a town hall — one that at times felt like a debate with moderator Savannah Guthrie — facing questions about both the federal response to the pandemic and his own positive test.--Washington Examiner

Joe Biden Implies Young Children Should Be Able To Change Their Gender If They Want--Daily Wire

Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors Signs Overall Deal With Warner Bros. Television Group--Seattle PI

Decision delayed on West Seattle Bridge; new replacement option on table--My Northwest

Massive Amazon-like distribution facility planned in Spokane Valley--SPOKESMAN REVIEW

FACEBOOK, TWITTER COVER UP STORY ABOUT HUNTER BIDEN BY CENSORSHIP.

Editorial note: If this was about Trump, these platforms would go out of their way to make sure there's no censorship! Yet, because it's Biden in the hot seat, they censor stories.  

Smoking-gun email reveals how Hunter Biden introduced Ukrainian businessman to VP dad.---NY POST

" Hunter Biden introduced his father, then-Vice President Joe Biden, to a top executive at a Ukrainian energy firm less than a year before the elder Biden pressured government officials in Ukraine into firing a prosecutor who was investigating the company, according to emails obtained by The Post."

Related stories:

Twitter, Facebook censor Post over Hunter Biden exposé--NY POST

Both Twitter and Facebook took extraordinary censorship measures against The Post on Wednesday over its exposés about Hunter Biden’s emails — with Twitter baselessly charging that “hacked materials” were used.

WH press secretary locked out of Twitter for sharing Post’s Hunter Biden story--NY POST

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Wednesday was locked out of her personal Twitter account for sharing The Post’s bombshell cover story on Hunter Biden’s alleged hard drive and an email linking Joe Biden to his son’s job at a Ukrainian energy company.

Facebook Exec ADMITS Throttling NYP Story About Biden Burisma Corruption, While Twitter Blocks Access--PJ Media

Facebook Slows Spread of NY Post Biden Story to Fact-Check--News MAX

Facebook Inc. said it will reduce distribution of a story from the New York Post about Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, seeking to slow the pace of its spread before the social network’s fact-checkers have a chance to evaluate its authenticity.

‘Use your influence’: Hunter Biden report undercuts father, upends campaign---Washington Times

Twitter blocks New York Post Hunter Biden story, citing it as 'potentially harmful'--Washington Examiner

Bombshell Email Shows Hunter Biden Introduced Joe Biden to Burisma Exec Before Controversial Firing---WJ

UN-AMERICAN: GOP Lawmaker Demands Investigation, Accuse Big Tech of Election Interference--Todd Starnes

 

Today's top story...

Cantwell Announces $10.6 Million Federal Grant for Northwest Seaport Alliance

Grant will support infrastructure improvements at Port of Seattle’s Terminal 5.

Press release issued 10/13/20

https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-announces-106-million-federal-grant-for-northwest-seaport-alliance

EDMONDS, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced the Northwest Seaport Alliance will receive $10,687,333 from the United States Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) for infrastructure modernization and access improvements at the Port of Seattle’s Terminal 5. Cantwell wrote a letter of support for the grant and co-authored the legislation that reauthorized the grant program in 2019.

Terminal 5 is one of the largest marine terminals on the West Coast and provides rail connections via Union Pacific and BNSF as far inland as the Ohio River Valley. Yet Terminal 5 has been mostly dormant since 2014, when ocean carriers abandoned the terminal due to its inability to serve larger container vessels that are now standard in the global shipping industry. The funding from the PIDP program will help fund modernizations that will allow international container operations to resume and improve the efficiency, safety, and resiliency of terminal operations.

“According to NWSA, the project will double the terminal’s capacity for refrigerated agricultural exports to more than 170,000 containers per year, and repairs to on-dock class 1 rail tracks will restore full capacity to the terminal’s intermodal yard,” Cantwell wrote in her letter of support for the project. “Terminal 5 will also be able to simultaneously serve 18,000-TEU ships, some of the world’s largest container vessels. These new capabilities will enable the NWSA to reduce shipping costs and speed time to market for U.S. agricultural producers and manufacturers.”

“NWSA projects these improvements will add 6,600 new direct jobs to the over 20,000 jobs already directly supported by cargo activity at the two seaports,” Cantwell wrote. “Exporters from Washington state and surrounding states including Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Iowa depend on the Northwest Seaport Alliance as their fastest and most cost-effective option for shipping price-sensitive agricultural products. Expanding capacity at NWSA will increase access to international markets for U.S. farmers, manufacturers, and consumers.”

Port of Seattle Commission President and NWSA Co-Chair Peter Steinbrueck said: “We are grateful to Senator Cantwell for leading the effort in the Senate to reauthorize the PIDP so that ports will have access to the federal support that is needed to modernize US ports. This is another example of her leadership on freight issues and how it benefits all of us in Washington State, especially as we look to economic recovery during the COVID health crisis.”

Port of Tacoma Commission President and NWSA Co-Chair John McCarthy said: “The Northwest Seaport Alliance thanks Senator Cantwell for her support of this award, which will help to make Terminal 5 a reality. When complete, Terminal 5 will offer tremendous advantages to U.S. agricultural producers and manufacturers seeking access to global markets.”

Senator Cantwell coauthored the 2019 legislation that reauthorized MARAD and the PIDP grant program.

TODAY'S HEADLINE NEWS...

WORLD NEWS:

Corruption represents ‘ultimate betrayal’ of public trust: Guterres

Corruption is not only a crime but immoral and the “ultimate betrayal” of public trust, the UN Secretary-General has said, calling on everyone to work together and stamp out the global scourge, in all its forms. 

Rape is wrong but death penalty, castration, not the answer: UN rights chief.

While perpetrators of rape and other forms of sexual violence must be held accountable, capital punishment and torture are not the answer, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Thursday. 

Myanmar: ‘Shocking’ killing of children allegedly used as human shields.

UN agencies in Myanmar have expressed ‘sadness’ and ‘shock’ over the killing of two boys, allegedly used as human shields by security forces in the country’s northern Rakhine province, earlier this month. 

NATIONAL HEADLINES:

Twenty-Four Defendants, Including Alleged Aryan Circle Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Racketeering, Firearms, and Drug Charges in Multiple States

Five indictments in three different states were unsealed today indicting a total of twenty-four defendants, including alleged Aryan Circle (AC) gang members and associates, on charges of racketeering conspiracy, violent crimes in aid of racketeering, drug conspiracy, and unlawful firearms trafficking. --DOJ

FBI Warns of Potential Charity Fraud Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic

Many Americans want to help during the COVID-19 pandemic by contributing to charities, but the FBI is warning that scammers also want to help—they want to help themselves to your money.--FBI

HHS Awards Nearly $500 million to Support Primary Health Care Workforce Nationwide

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced nearly $500 million in awards to support, recruit and retain qualified health professionals and students through its National Health Service Corps (NHSC), Nurse Corps and other workforce development loan repayment and scholarship programs.

BUSINESS & FINANCE HEADLINE NEWS:

A Push for Unemployment Tax Relief--US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Remarks by Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross at the Scaling Pandemic Resilience through Innovation and Technology (SPRINT) Challenge Announcement in St. Petersburg, Florida---US COMMERCE DEPT.

Remarks at the Hoover Institution

Vice Chair for Supervision Randal K. Quarles

At the Hoover Institution, Stanford, California, via webcast.--THE FED

STATE NEWS HEADLINES:

Proposal to apply biosolids at five Lewis County sites now open to public review--DOE

September 2020 Monthly Employment Report

OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy added 2,400 jobs in September and the state’s preliminary seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate for September decreased from 8.4 percent (adjusted) to 7.8 percent according to the Employment Security Department (ESD).

A Message to Washington Homeowners: When Mortgage Payment Forbearances End - Understand Your Options

Make sure you understand the length of the payment forbearance, whether you are eligible for an extension of the forbearance if you need it, and your lenders’ expectations of how you are going to make up the payments.--DFI

OTHER HEADLINE NEWS...

Unflappable: Amy Coney Barrett Sees Through Kamala Harris' Trap, Won't Take the Bait..PJ MEDIA

ACB Hearings Day Three: Smooth Sailing

Her unquestionable competence and pure likability are too big a hurdle for Democrats.--Patriot Post

Amy Coney Barrett Live Updates: ‘We Have the Votes.’ Republicans Block Democratic Move to Delay Confirmation

Over Democratic objections, Republicans set an Oct. 22 Senate Judiciary Committee vote to advance the nomination.---NYT

Giuliani to Newsmax TV: Biden Family 'Taking Money Illegally' for Years---NEWS MAX

Twitter Censors Again: Blocks Second New York Post Story On Hunter Biden Seeking Cash From Chinese Firm--The Federalist

Judiciary Committee sets vote on Barrett's Supreme Court nomination for next week--THE HILL

Ross: Holding out on COVID relief bill isn’t helping those in need--MY NORTHWEST

How the Washington governor’s race is shaping up with three weeks to go--The Olympian

Washington Supreme Court strikes down I-976 to reduce car-tab taxes---Seattle Times

Clallam aims to extend Social Distancing Center into spring--PDN

THERE'S VOTER TAMPERING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE POLITICAL FENCE...

Here's a few examples:

How to Secure Your Vote and Minimize the Impact of Zombie Voters--PJ MEDIA

Long Lines at Georgia Polling Place Prompt Hysterical Accusations of GOP ‘Voter Suppression’--National Review

Man Caught on Video Stealing Mail, Voting Ballots From California Mailboxes--Daily Signal

California Republican Party Admits It Placed Misleading Ballot Boxes Around State

Government officials say the receptacles are illegal and could lead to voter fraud, but the party says it will continue the practice.--NYT

Court Revives Texas Mail-In Ballot Safety Measure Targeted by Dems--WJ

Editorial: Voter beware. Fake ballot boxes are just the start of this election’s dirty tricks--LA TIMES/EDITORIAL

Hundreds of Thousands of Mailed Ballots Could Be Rejected--NEWS MAX

Editorial comment: These kinds of problems can happen if you have an all mail in ballot system. It is better to vote personally if you can. Mail in ballots should be for those who can't vote personally. 

Personally, I don't mail in my ballot, I put it in directly in the drop box, which is located in the County Auditor's office. That way I know my vote will be counted. This week we will get our ballots in the mail, vote early if you can.

Related press release from the Sec. of Washington State.

General Election ballots mailed to Washington voters this week

https://www.sos.wa.gov/office/news-releases.aspx#/news/1422

OLYMPIA – Registered voters in Washington state will soon receive their ballots for the General Election, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Ballots must be sent to registered voters no later than Friday, Oct. 16.

Voters have until 8 p.m. Nov. 3 to place their marked ballots in one of over 500 drop boxes statewide. Drop-box locations can be found at VoteWA.gov, Washington’s online voter portal.

People who choose to return their ballots by U.S. mail can use the provided postage-paid envelope. The U.S. Postal Service recommends that ballots should be returned by mail at least one week before Election Day. Registered voters can track their ballots at VoteWA.gov.

Any registered voter who does not receive a ballot within a week should log in to VoteWA.gov or contact a county elections office to request a replacement. Voters can also check their ballot status at VoteWA.gov.

“The General Election is here – time for Washingtonians to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard,” said Lori Augino, elections director, Office of the Secretary of State. “We encourage the more than 4.7 million registered voters in Washington to start checking their mailboxes and get ready to mark their ballots. For people who want to vote but haven’t registered, there’s still time to sign up and take part in the General Election.”

People who want to register to vote, or update their registration, can go online at VoteWA.gov, or print and mail a registration form (available in 23 languages) at the Secretary of State’s Elections page. The deadline for county elections offices to receive registrations online or by mail, however, is Monday, Oct. 26. After Oct. 26, people can visit a county elections office and register in person.

More election information, including important dates and deadlines, an online voter guide, and elections data and statistics, is available at sos.wa.gov.

TODAY'S TOP STORY...

Senator Murray highlighted how Judge Barrett and Senate Republicans dodged questions about Judge Barrett’s extreme views on reproductive health, vital rights and protections, and more 

Press release issued 10/13/20

https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7BE5CE5E-8E5B-4B73-B6A6-45D397064581

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, highlighted Trump Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett and Senate Republicans’ refusal to answer for her partisan judicial record during Judge Barrett’s first day of questioning by members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. On Twitter, Senator Murray livestreamed her reaction to the day’s events and Judge Barrett’s responses. In her remarks, Senator Murray expressed her alarm at Judge Barrett’s refusal to commit to uphold the precedent set by Roe v. Wade, or confirm that she would recuse herself—if confirmed—from any cases regarding the outcome of the election. Senator Murray also shared her deep concern about Judge Barrett’s remarks regarding systemic racism and sexual orientation, and the efforts throughout the hearing by Judge Barrett and Senate Republicans to obfuscate Judge Barrett’s troublesome record.  

“But what was perhaps most striking was how Judge Barrett—and Senate Republicans—have tried to distance themselves from her record, and what they know the consequences of appointing her to the Supreme Court would mean for the future of health care, safe and legal abortion, and more,” Senator Murray said. “Just because Judge Barrett refuses to answer questions doesn’t mean her record isn’t clear—that’s precisely why she was nominated, and why now Senate Republicans are dancing around the litmus tests they created.”

In response to Judge Barrett’s persistent dodging of questions about her previous statements opposing legal rulings that uphold vital health care protections—including her past remarks challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act and the historic precedent in Roe v. Wade—Senator Murray also lifted up stories collected from Washingtonians laying out their concerns about how Judge Barrett would undermine affordable health care, protections for pre-existing health conditions, and access to safe, legal abortion if appointed to the nation’s highest court.

“Judge Barrett is all but guaranteed to be the deciding vote to push the Supreme Court to a 6-3 conservative majority and overturn the Affordable Care Act—which would eliminate pre-existing conditions protections and send health care expenses skyrocketing,” Senator Murray added after sharing stories from two Washington state constituents who are frightened by the impact Judge Barrett’s appointment to the Supreme Court would have on the future of affordable health care and other vital rights.

Senator Murray has been vocal in her strong opposition to Judge Barrett’s nomination and Senate Republicans’ rushed, brazen process to try and fill Justice Ginsburg’s Supreme Court seat in the middle of an election; recently, she reiterated her call for Senate Republicans to refocus on working with Democrats to pass much-needed federal pandemic relief that will help struggling families, students, small business, Tribes, and more weather the on-going public health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 virus. In addition to fighting hard against Judge Barrett’s nomination, Senator Murray has continued to encourage people in Washington state and across the country to raising their voices against Judge Barrett’s extreme record, in order to push Senate Republicans to honor the will of the American people and allow the next president to replace Justice Ginsburg.

TODAY'S HEADLINE NEWS...

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:

General Assembly Holds Tribute Honoring Amir of Kuwait, Also Elects 15 Member States to Human Rights Council, Adopts Fifth Committee Resolution

The General Assembly today elected 15 States to the Human Rights Council, the United Nations body responsible for promoting and protecting all human rights around the globe.  It also paid tribute to the late Amir of Kuwait, with speakers remembering him as a champion of peace, diplomacy and humanitarian action.--UN PRESS RELEASE

Secretary-General Unveils $2.99 Billion Budget Proposal to Fifth Committee for 2021, Stressing United Nations Functioning Effectively amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Delegates in the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today reacted to the Secretary-General’s proposed programme budget of $2.99 billion for 2021, a net reduction of 2.8 per cent over 2020.--UN PRESS RELEASE

Thousands displaced by fighting in southern Afghanistan.

Thousands of people have been displaced and critical health services interrupted, after fighting erupted last weekend between security forces and Taliban fighters in the southern Afghan province of Helmand, the UN humanitarian office has reported.---UN NEWS CENTER

NATIONAL HEADLINES:

Executive Order on Establishing the One Trillion Trees Interagency Council---WH

Section 1. Purpose. As I declared in Executive Order 13855 of December 21, 2018 (Promoting Active Management of America’s Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Lands To Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk), it is the policy of the United States to promote healthy and resilient forests, rangelands, and other Federal lands by actively managing them through partnerships with States, tribes, communities, non‑profit organizations, and the private sector.

Department of Justice Forecasts an Increase in Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) Protection Activities and Criminal Enforcement Actions

The Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced the protection activities undertaken by the FBI to counter the threat posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) at certain National Special Security Events (NSSEs), Special Events Assessment Rating (SEAR) events, and select mass gatherings throughout the country over the past fiscal year.  DOJ and the FBI are publicizing protection activities in an effort to deter careless and criminal UAS operators in light of an anticipated increase in enforcement activity in response to the misuse of UAS. --DOJ

EPA deletes 27 sites from Superfund National Priorities List in FY 2020, including eight in Region 5 States of Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin

CHICAGO (October 14, 2020) – Last week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Kurt Thiede was joined by Mayor Mike Wellner, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and Wisconsin State Rep. James Edming at an event in Medford, Wis. to announce the delisting of the Scrap Processing Superfund Site from the National Priorities List (NPL). The Medford site is one of 27 nationwide – and among eight in EPA Region 5 -that were deleted -in whole or in part- from the NPL in the past fiscal year.

BUSINESS & FINANCE HEADLINES:

America’s Farmers: Resilient Throughout the COVID Pandemic.

The disruptive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S. agricultural system have been broad and varied. And they follow several years of trying production and market conditions for U.S. farmers. In 2017 and 2018, several hurricanes pummeled U.S. farms; 2019 brought historically poor planting conditions and retaliatory tariffs cut potential for our agricultural exports compared to 2017.---USDA

Federal Reserve requests public comment on technical, clarifying updates regarding the Federal Open Market Committee’s Rules Regarding Availability of Information, which describe its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) procedures.--THE FED

Online seminars from 2020 IRS Nationwide Tax Forums now available.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced 18 new seminars from the 2020 Nationwide Tax Forums are now available on IRS Nationwide Tax Forums Online(link is external). The cost is $29 per seminar.

OTHER HEADLINE NEWS...

New film featuring WA medical professionals blasts Trump’s response to COVID-19 pandemic--Tacoma News Tribune

‘Straight to gunshots’: NYT breaks down killing of activist Michael Reinoehl near Lacey---The Olympian

King County moves forward with sales tax, scaled-down plan for homeless housing after several cities balk---Seattle Times

Washington Attorney General Ferguson and Burgerville reach settlement in cybersecurity breach--The Columbian 

Oregon’s unemployment rate keeps falling, but women are far more likely to be out of work--The Oregonian

Five counties move off Phase 1 as Spokane records 8,000 COVID-19 cases--The Spokesman Review

Should Washington state change its name?--MY NORTHWEST

George Washington owned slaves. Is that enough of a reason to change the name of our state? That’s the question posed by a Pacific Northwest Magazine writer, and answered by our hosts. I don’t want to spoil too much, but they all came up with similar answers with disparate reasons.