Washington — A bill that could lead to a ban of TikTok in the U.S. sailed through the House with rapid speed on Wednesday, but is facing headwinds in the slower-moving Senate, where previous efforts to restrict the popular app have stalled.

The House on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed the bill, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, in a vote of 352 to 65. The legislation would require TikTok's parent company, the Beijing-based ByteDance, to sell TikTok within six months to maintain access to U.S. web-hosting services and app stores.

The bipartisan legislation quickly gained momentum in the House, unanimously advancing out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee last week. But the bill has also faced a flood of backlash from TikTok's American users, as well as criticism from lawmakers who say it runs afoul of the First Amendment.

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Have Your Voice Heard On This Issue: Contact Your Senator Regarding TikTok

[image] ft nisqually

Registration is open for Fort Nisqually Living History Museum’s newest program, Nisqually House, an immersive experience where private groups get to briefly live onsite to experience 1850’s living. The weekend stays are ideal for fans of history and those who want to try their hand at traditional homesteading activities.

Currently there are six Friday-Sunday weekends between June and August open for reservation. Participants will be provided with period-appropriate clothing and tented shelter, and invited to engage in the multitude of activities integral to daily life in the 1850’s which may include:

• Tending to the Fort’s flock of chickens

• Harvesting fresh produce from the heritage garden

• Preparing meals over a fire

• Chores like hauling water with a yoke and hand-washing laundry

“We’ve curated these stays to provide immersive and educational experiences,” said Sarah Hoenig, the museum’s educational coordinator. “Our guests will receive a firsthand look at the challenges and joys of a bygone era and build lasting memories with friends and family.”

During the museum’s normal operating hours, group activities will be guided by one or more of the fort’s many knowledgeable historical interpreters. A staff member will also be available on-site at all times for safety and assistance.

Each available weekend is limited to a single a group of at least three people and no more than six, with a minimum age of 8 years old. Younger children may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Prices start at $202 per person for Fort Nisqually members and $225 for non-members, with a 50 percent deposit to reserve your weekend.

With only six weekends available, spots will fill quickly. Registration closes May 28. Find available dates now at FortNisqually.org.

Source: The Dispatch News

[image] Shelters

Some changes are coming to the city of Tacoma’s temporary homeless sheltering network, namely the shelter locations themselves going through transitions as planned from when they were established.

At its March 5 study session, the Tacoma City Council heard an update on this and ongoing implementation of Tacoma Municipal Code 8.19. Passed in October 2022, this ordinance restricts camping or storing belongings within 10 blocks of temporary and emergency shelter locations and within 200 feet of protected waterways.

Javon Carlisle, Principal Community Resources Analyst with Neighborhood and Community Services, told the council that since the beginning of the code implementation, the city has performed 229 encampment removals, 196 of which have been within no camping zones. Since the ordinance went into effect, as of the end of last month the city has removed more than 1.7 million pounds of garbage and debris from encampments, not counting removals of vehicles and RVs. To date, the largest encampment removals so far have been at Cleveland Way with 182,000 pounds removed and at Levy Road with just over 186,000 pounds removed.

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Source: Tacoma Weekly

[image] Audobon

In a historic vote, the members of the Tahoma Audubon Society have voted to change the name to Tahoma Bird Alliance. The votes tallied were 87% in favor of the name change. We are thrilled to have had such a high voter turnout and such an overwhelming affirmation for Tahoma Bird Alliance. We will be changing our branding over the next few months.

Stuart Earley, Executive Director of Tahoma Bird Alliance, says “The old name no longer reflected our values, and created barriers to parts of our community. We want to have a welcoming, inclusive, accessible and inspirational organization that brings all of our communities together to help protect birds and nature.”

We are proud to be joining a growing number of chapters changing to the Bird Alliance name including Vashon Island, Golden Gate, Southern Wisconsin, Chicago, Detroit, Portland (now Bird Alliance of Oregon) and others.

What’s Next?

This organization has been making a difference in local bird habitat and conservation efforts for over 50 years and we are excited to be continuing that important work. We have just begun a multi-year program to increase tree canopy and bird habitat in the greater Tacoma area called 10,000 Trees for Tacoma. We have a new bird and nature walk program for people of all physical and developmental abilities called Birdability®, and we are in the process of developing a new education program for elementary aged school children. We are continuing our partnerships with the local library systems and have new offerings coming soon!

Stay tuned for new branding and new opportunities to get involved at www.tahomabirdalliance.org

Source: TheSubTimes

[image] bridge

By Lionel Donovan

TACOMA, Wash. — A pandemic and a fire almost proved too much for Gig Harbor Strength and Fitness, but the gym managed to survive.

"We had to rebuild literally from the ashes, so to speak,” says the gym’s owner, Coach Dimitri Mlknyk. “And we're still here." But that recovery wasn't easy, especially with a toll booth right outside.

"It's just a barrier, I think, for business," Melnyk remarked.

Now, the state says the toll booths will be in operation a little longer.

The state sold bonds worth $681 million to build the bridge’s eastbound lanes, which were completed in 2007. The Washington State Transportation Commission says there's more than $586 million left to pay those bonds back. The WSTC predicts that it will be paid off by 2030's fiscal year, but that won't be the end of paying to cross the Tacoma Narrows.

"$57.6 million in sales tax was deferred to after those bond payments,” says financial analyst Aaron Halbert. “We'll tackle those deferred tax sales payments in fiscal year 2031."

Halbert also says another two years are needed to pay back a loan from the state, meaning the bridge won’t be fully paid off until 2033.

Now, Melnyk and other nearby businesses will have to find the strength to endure as clients decide whether they can withstand the tolls' weight.

"I think that's hindering dozens of businesses, not just us, in the long run, because people won't come over here," he says. “People are always watching how much money goes out the door every month, and a gym membership, if you use it on average three times a week, you’re looking at twelve tolls a month, that’s $72. So it’s not like it’s a cheap thing. Plus, on top of the gas and membership, I mean, it’s turned into a $200 investment, almost.”

Source: King 5

TACOMA, Wash. — The City of Tacoma has contracted with Keen Independent, an equity research firm, to embark on the process for a 2024 Economic Disparity Study designed to gather data about marketplace conditions and address any disparities there may be with City contracting.

As a first step in the 2024 Economic Disparity Study, Keen Independent Research has partnered with Customer Research International (CRI), a small and disadvantaged business enterprise, to conduct community outreach identifying businesses available for contracts with the City. Business owners, community groups, business organizations and local advocates – regardless of ethnicity – are encouraged to participate.

Throughout the 2024 Economic Disparity Study, a thorough review of the City’s procurement process and contracts awarded – including those contracts awarded to small, disadvantaged, minority, and women owned businesses – as well as an in-depth analysis of the City’s Equity in Contracting (EIC) Program and Local Employment and Apprenticeship Training Program (LEAP) will be conducted.

When complete, the 2024 Economic Disparity Study will offer recommendations on policy and program direction in support of the City’s ongoing efforts to achieve equity in contracting and foster thriving minority- and women-owned businesses.

Once Equity in Contracting Program staff members have reviewed the results of the 2024 Economic Disparity Study, and presented those results along with their recommendations on implementation to the City Manager, Mayor and the City Council, that information will be made available on the City’s website, as well as the City’s social media channels and other official platforms.

Business owners and other interested individuals can provide input throughout the 2024 Economic Disparity Study process on the study’s website, by emailing tacomawadisparity2024@keenindependent.com or calling (602) 704-0125.

Community members with questions about the 2024 Economic Disparity Study process may email City of Tacoma Equity in Contracting and Workforce Programs Manager Kacee Woods at kwoods@cityoftacoma.org.

Source: The Suburban Times

[image] 6thave

Mark your calendars! Art on the Ave 2024 will be Sunday, July 21 from 12-7 PM! Vendors (artists, businesses, food trucks/vendors, and community organizations) can apply now for a booth:

https://www.on6thave.org/art-on-the-ave