US expels 12 Russian diplomats for allegedly 'engaging in espionage'

The 12 "operatives" abused their privileges of U.S. residency, said spokesperson Olivia Dalton. The move to expel the diplomats "has been in the works for several months," Dalton said. Russia's ambassador ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/28/1083603546/u-s-expels-12-russian-diplomats-for-allegedly-engaging-in-espionage

TCU School of Medicine Announces New Home in Fort Worth Medical District

The medical innovation district in Fort Worth is getting a new neighbor – Texas Christian University is expanding its footprint by announcing a new medical campus for the TCU School of Medicine, one of the newest and most innovative medical schools in ...

source https://www.tcu.edu/news/2022/tcu-school-of-medicine-announces-new-home-in-fort-worth-medical-district.php

Women's History Month: Meet Kelley Daniels

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – March is Women's History Month, a time to commemorate and celebrate the vital role of women in American history. We invited women within the #IAMIMSC team to tell us a little about themselves and their views on ...

source https://www.afimsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2948845/womens-history-month-meet-kelley-daniels/

Supreme Court Considers Limiting EPA's Ability to Address Climate Change

WASHINGTON — Members of the Supreme Court's conservative majority on Monday questioned the scope of the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to regulate carbon emissions from power plants, suggesting that the court could deal a sharp blow to the ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/28/us/politics/supreme-court-climate-change.html

Invasive Species Affect Everyone

Zebra Mussels. Feral Hogs. These are just a few of the invasive species disrupting ecosystems across the United States and around the globe. A United Nations report found about 1 million animal and plant species are currently threatened with extinction and ...

source https://nifa.usda.gov/blog/invasive-species-affect-everyone

15 ways to celebrate Women's History Month in Philly

March is National Women's History month – when we pay homage to the many contributions of women across the nation. Whether you're honoring the strides made by women in the past, or celebrating strong women in the present, there are plenty of ways to ...

source https://www.inquirer.com/philly-tips/womens-history-month-2022-events-philadelphia.html

Climate Change Is Harming the Planet Faster Than We Can Adapt, UN Warns

The dangers of climate change are mounting so rapidly that they could soon overwhelm the ability of both nature and humanity to adapt unless greenhouse gas emissions are quickly reduced, according to a major new scientific report released on Monday.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/28/climate/climate-change-ipcc-report.html

1st trial of a US Capitol riot defendant opens Monday in DC

Nearly 14 months after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, the first trial of a defendant charged in connection with the deadly attack opens Monday in federal court. Guy Reffitt, a Texas man who authorities say belongs to the ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/28/1082872714/1st-trial-of-a-u-s-capitol-riot-defendant-opens-monday-in-d-c

Boycotts of Russian products and groups spread, but the effects may be limited

As world governments step up their penalties against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, businesses and consumers are protesting the country with sanctions of their own. A growing range of Russian businesses, organizations and individuals are facing ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/28/1083385057/boycotts-russian-effects

Supreme Court Will Hear Biggest Climate Change Case in a Decade

“They could handcuff the federal government's ability to affordably reduce greenhouse gases from power plants,” said Michael Oppenheimer, a professor of geosciences and international affairs at Princeton University. But the outcome could also have ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/27/climate/supreme-court-will-hear-biggest-climate-change-case-in-a-decade.html

New York City says it will end the school mask mandate and indoor vaccination requirements.

Mayor Eric Adams announced on Sunday that New York City was poised to eliminate school mask mandates and vaccine requirements for restaurants, gyms and movie theaters, by March 7, if case numbers remain low. The rollback of pandemic restrictions, ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/27/nyregion/new-york-mask-mandate-schools.html

Exxon shuts Baton Rouge, Louisiana, gasoline unit -sources

HOUSTON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) shut a gasoline-producing fluidic catalytic cracker (FCC) on Friday for planned work at its 502,500 barrel-per-day Baton Rouge, Louisiana, refinery, sources familiiar with plant operations said.

source https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/exxon-shuts-baton-rouge-louisiana-gasoline-unit-sources-2022-02-26/

Maine Delegation Urges Maine Veterans' Homes Board to Keep Machias and Caribou Homes Open

“We request that the Board meet with the delegation and Governor Mills, along with leadership from relevant state agencies, to discuss all options to maintain the Machias and Caribou homes”. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus ...

source https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/maine-delegation-urges-maine-veterans-homes-board-to-keep-machias-and-caribou-homes-open

Quad-Cities, national cyber security experts warn of possible Russian cyber attacks

Businesses and governments should brace for increasing cyber attacks as the conflict between the United States and Russia over Ukraine is likely to spill over into cyberspace, national and local experts warn. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure ...

source https://qctimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/quad-cities-national-cyber-security-experts-warn-of-possible-russian-cyber-attacks/article_1365abb7-e52f-5cb7-9940-7e2eed215692.html

Governor Mills Statement on Planned Closure of Maine Veterans' Homes in Caribou and Machias

The closures will also significantly reduce the footprint of Veterans' Homes in Maine, leaving no facilities Downeast or north of Bangor and diminishing long-term care options for veterans in rural Maine. The impact of these ...

source https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-statement-planned-closure-maine-veterans-homes-caribou-and-machias-2022-02-25

New CDC Guidelines Suggest 70 Percent of Americans Can Stop Wearing Masks

The recommendations no longer rely only on the number of cases in a community to determine the need for restrictions such as mask wearing. Instead, they direct counties to consider three measures to assess risk of the virus ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/25/health/cdc-mask-guidance.html

CDC says Americans can now go unmasked in many parts of the country

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday it is relaxing its mask guidance for communities where hospitals aren't under high strain. Under the new guidance, nearly 70% of the U.S. population lives in areas considered to be low or ...

source https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/02/25/1082249002/cdc-says-americans-can-now-go-unmasked-in-many-parts-of-the-country

Ukraine's Kuleba discusses with Blinken need to use US reach to ban Russia from SWIFT

Feb 25 (Reuters) - Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken via telephone about the need to use all U.S. influence on some hesitant European countries in order to ban Russia from SWIFT, Kuleba wrote ...

source https://www.reuters.com/business/ukraines-kuleba-discusses-with-blinken-need-use-us-reach-ban-russia-swift-2022-02-25/

City of West Palm Beach Named LEED Gold City

Resilience initiatives undertaken by the city: Ongoing efforts to decrease greenhouse gas emissions through electrification of 18 city fleet vehicles, with a goal to transition all available fleet vehicles away from petroleum. Monitoring, ...

source https://www.wpb.org/Home/Components/News/News/2482/16

Governor Dunleavy's Statement on Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

“We pray for the innocent lives taken and still at risk in Ukraine in this unprovoked war. Russian President Vladimir Putin's authoritarian aggression and barbarous invasion into Ukraine is–in the words of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy–an attempt ...

source https://gov.alaska.gov/newsroom/2022/02/24/governor-dunleavys-statement-on-russias-invasion-of-ukraine/

A Winter Storm Will Dump Snow and Ice From Texas to Maine

A significant winter storm began to batter the Southern Plains up to the Ohio Valley on Thursday night before it was expected to move over the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions on Friday, creating dangerous travel conditions and raising the risk of ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/24/us/storm-snow-new-england-southern-plains-mid-atlantic.html

Ukraine crisis: What does Belarus have to gain, and lose?

Lukashenko could benefit politically and financially by siding with Putin, but observers warn his friendship could backfire. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko watch joint drills. Russian ...

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/23/what-is-the-role-of-belarus-in-the-ukraine-russia-crisis

Global warming and land use change to drive more extreme wildfires

The report finds there's an elevated risk in the Arctic and other regions previously unaffected by fires. The scientists define extreme fires as extraordinary conflagrations that occur roughly once in a hundred years.

source https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60483431

Made in the Shade: The Promise of Farming with Solar Panels

Jack's Solar Garden in Longmont, Colorado, a 1.2-megawatt, five-acre community solar farm, is the largest agrivoltaic research project in the United States. Werner Slocum/NREL, 64436. President Biden has set a goal of cutting U.S. greenhouse gas ...

source https://www.nrdc.org/stories/made-shade-promise-farming-solar-panels

Finding a High Quality Mask

This is why the Cambridge Public Health Department recommends that residents use high quality masks when masking up indoors. These masks, also known as “high filtration” masks, do a much better job of blocking the virus than cloth or even surgical masks.

source https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/News/2022/02/findingahighqualitymask

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Iowa Disaster Declaration

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Iowa and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, ...

source https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/23/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-iowa-disaster-declaration/

Officer Accused of Recklessly Firing in Breonna Taylor Raid Goes on Trial

Brett Hankison, a former Louisville police detective, is facing three charges of wanton endangerment after the authorities said he fired “blindly” into Ms. Taylor's apartment.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/23/us/breonna-taylor-brett-hankison-trial.html

CDC adds multicultural Asian favorite to its list of highest risk destinations

Before the pandemic, Malaysia was a travel hot spot, renowned for its beaches, cuisine, mix of cultures and the cosmopolitan capital of Kuala Lumpur. Like some other destinations in Asia, ...

source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/cdc-very-high-risk-travel-destinations-february-22/index.html

Jurors to Weigh Fate of Officers Who Restrained George Floyd as He Died

ST. PAUL, Minn. — In the prosecution's telling, three Minneapolis police officers did little more than callously watch as their colleague, Derek Chauvin, slowly killed George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/22/us/george-floyd-jury-verdict.html

Life slowly resumes in Ottawa under heavy police presence

Shops are reopening in centre of Canada's capital after weeks-long occupation by anti-government protesters dispersed. Metal fences stand in front of Canada's parliament. Fencing has been erected in ...

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/22/life-slowly-resumes-ottawa-under-heavy-police-presence

Ottawa police further reduce 'secure area' of downtown

It's part of an effort to restore a sense of normalcy to the downtown core following the three-week long "Freedom Convoy" protest that had filled city streets with heavy trucks and protesters.

source https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-police-further-reduce-secure-area-of-downtown-1.5790597

First Alert Weather Day extended: Flooding concerns for parts of Tri-State

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Parts of the Tri-State will remain in a Flood Watch until 6 a.m. Wednesday as the FOX19 NOW weather team is extending the First Alert Weather Day. Now that the rain has mostly ended, the ground is still very wet, streams and creeks ...

source https://www.fox19.com/2022/02/22/first-alert-weather-day-storms-bring-heavy-rain-flood-watch/

Legislative leaders agree on 7 spending plans on energy efficiency, rural areas and more

In an unusual move, Democratic leaders told Republicans to figure out where to spend the $100 million on rural infrastructure. By: Lynne Terry - February 21, 2022 2:54 pm. Democratic and Republican leaders in the Oregon Legislature are releasing ...

source https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2022/02/21/legislative-leaders-agree-on-7-spending-plans-on-energy-efficiency-rural-areas-and-more/

Marathon Louisiana blaze extinguished after blast

HOUSTON, Feb 21 (Reuters) - A fire at Marathon Petroleum Corp's (MPC.N) 578,000 barrel-per-day (bpd) crude oil refinery in Garyville, Louisiana, was extinguished on Monday afternoon, a company spokesperson said. The fire at the third-largest U.S. ...

source https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/marathon-fights-fire-garyville-louisiana-refinery-company-2022-02-21/

Dorchester County Council member swaps parties

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Republicans have seized total control in Dorchester County. On Monday, the county's last elected Democrat announced she is switching parties. County Councilwoman Harriet Holman says she has been considering the switch ...

source https://www.live5news.com/2022/02/21/dorchester-county-council-member-swaps-parties/

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry “Implementation Plus: Global Climate Action in 2022”

Good afternoon and thank you, Ambassador Cohen, for that generous introduction and for representing our nation and supporting our staff here in Egypt. Thanks also to President Dallal and everyone at AUC. At the outset, we know the world is ...

source https://www.state.gov/special-presidential-envoy-for-climate-john-kerry-implementation-plus-global-climate-action-in-2022/

Focus on climate, Kerry says as international attention turns to Ukraine

CAIRO, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Tackling climate change is a security threat that requires accelerated action even as international attention is focussed on Russia and Ukraine, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said on Monday during a visit to Cairo.

source https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/focus-climate-kerry-says-international-attention-turns-ukraine-2022-02-21/

One person injured in explosion, fire at Marathon oil refinery in Garyville

One person was injured in an early morning fire at the Marathon Petroleum refinery in Garvyille, which has been brought under control, according to a company spokesman. St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre said an explosion occurred at the ...

source https://www.nola.com/news/article_b1fbece2-932e-11ec-8ab9-a779decc9dba.html

IRS Will Allow Taxpayers to Forgo Facial Recognition Amid Blowback

The agency, dealing with controversy over its decision to use facial recognition software, said it would allow taxpayers to authenticate their accounts with a live, virtual interview.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/21/us/politics/irs-facial-recognition.html

After Trucker Protest, Canada Grapples With a Question: Was It a Blip, or Something Bigger?

OTTAWA — A cavalcade of big rigs rumbled into the Canadian capital, blocked major streets, drew thousands of supporters, enraged residents and captured the attention of a shocked nation for three weeks. Now they're gone, leaving Canadians to grapple ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/21/world/americas/canada-protest.html

First Alert Forecast: Sunny Sunday, Unsettled Work Week

A nice warm-up beings this week, but rain and storms will return with it. Today will be sunny and dry with highs climbing back into the low 60s. Clouds build in tonight. Lows fall to the mid 40s overnight. Monday (Presidents' Day) will be warmer with ...

source https://www.wsmv.com/weather/first-alert-forecast-sunny-sunday-unsettled-work-week/article_cf210646-91cf-11ec-9499-d79629fe29a7.html

Ex-Modeling Agent and Epstein Associate Found Dead in a Paris Jail

PARIS — A former French modeling agent who had been charged with the rape of minors and was suspected of scouting young women for the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his Paris jail cell, a spokesman for the Paris prosecutor said ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/19/world/europe/brunel-epstein-prince-andrew-giuffre.html

'The Taliban want revenge': Afghanistan's female judges in exile in Australia

Key actors in the country's fragile justice system, they had jailed high-profile terrorists, drug barons and violent criminals. Overnight, with the withdrawal of foreign forces and the fall of Kabul, they were ...

source https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/feb/20/the-taliban-want-revenge-afghanistans-female-judges-in-exile-in-australia

Your Friday Evening Briefing

1. President Biden said Russia was poised to invade Ukraine “in the coming week, in the coming days.” Speaking from the White House, Biden said that he was convinced that President Vladimir Putin ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/18/briefing/ukraine-daunte-wright-mlb.html

The Cybersecurity Risks of an Escalating Russia-Ukraine Conflict

As warnings of an imminent Russian attack on Ukraine proliferate, news networks and social media have featured clips of Russian armed forces training, exercising, and preparing to fight. Less visible are Russia's formidable cyber forces that would be ...

source https://hbr.org/2022/02/the-cybersecurity-risks-of-an-escalating-russia-ukraine-conflict

The US surgeon general and his family have Covid.

Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, and his family have tested positive for the coronavirus. Dr. Murthy said Friday that he and his wife had mild symptoms. He had muscle aches, chills and a sore throat, he said on Twitter, while his wife had ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/18/world/vivek-murthy-family-covid.html

What crucial EIR certification means for A's future in Oakland

NBC Sports California's Brodie Brazil breaks down the significance of Thursday's vote -- which is all very positive. "Last night was huge for the city of Oakland, and also the A's," Brazil said.

source https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/athletics/athletics-howard-terminal-ballpark-what-crucial-oakland-eir-vote-means

Sunshine and cool weather this weekend!

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A cold front has cleared the area and some sunshine is finally popping out! Dry weather is expected for your Friday evening with temperatures in the 50s. Cooler weather will start to arrive overnight and we'll wake up to the ...

source https://www.live5news.com/2022/02/18/saying-bye-showers-hello-sunny-weekend/

Graduation and Dropout Rates Continue Trend in Right Direction

The overwhelming majority of SPS comprehensive high schools achieved a 2021 four-year graduation rate above 90 percent, and all reached a rate of at least of 86 percent, according to information released today by the Massachusetts Department of ...

source https://www.springfield-ma.gov/cos/news-story?tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=15461&cHash=6605af3beb64d5ec9c435f558f10f8e1

These Philadelphia restaurants still require proof of vaccination

Philadelphia's vaccine mandate for indoor dining ended Feb. 16 after a steep drop in COVID-19 cases and pressure from businesses. A new set of benchmarks was instituted to evaluate safety. Despite the end of the mandate, some restaurants have chosen to ...

source https://www.inquirer.com/philly-tips/philadelphia-restaurants-proof-vaccination.html

Gail Halvorsen, 'Candy Bomber' in Berlin Airlift, Dies at 101

Lt. Gail S. Halvorsen, an Air Force transport pilot, was on the grounds of West Berlin's Tempelhof airfield on a mid-July day in 1948, taking part in a historic confrontation of the early Cold War years, when he spotted some 30 German children in ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/17/us/gail-halvorsen-obituary.html

Feinstein, Menendez, Spanberger, Colleagues Urge IRS to Clear Backlog, Improve Customer Service for Taxpayers ...

Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) joined Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) and a group of their colleagues to urge the IRS to take immediate action to reduce its massive backlog and improve its ...

source https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=2F4987F6-CF76-4EB4-8774-9C313D0F779A

Michigan State Police welcome 50 new troopers at academy graduation

The new troopers will begin working on their field training program at post assignments across the state next week. They include the following Mid-Michigan natives: Austin McNeill of Linden. Nathan Barnes of ...

source https://www.abc12.com/news/state/michigan-state-police-welcome-50-new-troopers-at-academy-graduation/article_445817fe-902e-11ec-b4ae-9f77c461d9c5.html

Mental Health Spotlight: Race, HS, and Barriers to Mental Health Treatment

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a complex auto-inflammatory disease that can lead to severe effects on your body. The chronic skin condition can cause the formation of nodules and abscesses in areas such as the groin, armpits, thighs, buttocks, ...

source https://www.healthline.com/health/hidradenitis-suppurativa/race-hs-and-mental-health

Philadelphia drops its vaccine mandate for indoor dining.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced the policy on Wednesday, citing improving numbers of cases and hospitalizations as the Omicron-driven wave recedes. Other cities and counties have recently relaxed vaccination mandates for indoor ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/16/us/philadelphia-indoor-dining.html

Nearly Half of US Bald Eagles Suffer Lead Poisoning

While the bald eagle population has rebounded from the brink of extinction since the U.S. banned the pesticide DDT in 1972, harmful levels of toxic lead were found in the bones of 46% of bald eagles sampled in 38 states from California to Florida, ...

source https://www.usnews.com/news/news/articles/2022-02-17/nearly-half-of-us-bald-eagles-suffer-lead-poisoning

State by state, here's how well schools are doing at supporting kids' mental health

They also include getting funding from Medicaid for eligible kids, developing partnerships with community mental health professionals, and policies that foster a healthy school climate. States like Colorado, California, ...

source https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/02/16/1080863226/state-by-state-heres-how-well-schools-are-doing-at-supporting-kids-mental-health

Governor Newsom Announces $116.3 Million for New Homeless Housing

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced more than $116 million in funding for seven Homekey projects across the state. The seven new projects will provide 387 housing units for people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

source https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/02/16/governor-newsom-announces-116-3-million-for-new-homeless-housing/

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Updating our aging infrastructure is an important priority here in New Jersey's 11th District and I was proud to vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which makes a number of important investments in the district. County and municipal governments ...

source https://sherrill.house.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-investments-and-jobs-act-0

DeVry University misled students. Now, the federal government is erasing their debt

Nearly 16,000 federal student loan borrowers who were misled by for-profit colleges will have $415 million in debts erased, according to the U.S. Department of Education. These borrowers – who attended DeVry University, ITT Technical Institute and ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/16/1081107925/education-department-devry-university-borrower-defense-student-loan-relief

Biden rejects Trump's attempt to shield White House visitor logs, including for day of January 6 attack

"The Obama administration followed the same practice. The majority of the entries over which the former President has asserted executive privilege would be publicly released under current policy," Remus wrote.

source https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/16/politics/donald-trump-joe-biden-january-6-white-house-visitor-logs/index.html

Senator Collins Urges USTR to Hold China Accountable on Lobster Purchases

In 2018, China imposed a 25% retaliatory tariff on U.S. lobster. Before the tariff, China was the second-largest importer of U.S. lobster, purchasing $128 million worth in 2017. During the first month under the new tariffs, however, live lobster exports to ...

source https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-urges-ustr-to-hold-china-accountable-on-lobster-purchases

Lawsuit Alleges Harvard Mishandled Harassment Complaints

Hundreds of students joined a campus demonstration Monday afternoon in support of three graduate students who recently filed suit against the University, claiming Harvard downplayed or ignored their sexual-harassment complaints against John Comaroff, ...

source https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2022/02/lawsuit-alleges-harvard-mishandled-harassment-complaints-against-john-comaroff

2022 fishing license season and new sportfishing regulations

As spring draws closer, Michigan anglers are encouraged to purchase a 2022 fishing license when they go on sale Tuesday, March 1. The new license season begins April 1, and the 2022 fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2023.

source https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-86469-577440--,00.html

Senate Confirms Califf as FDA Chief in Tight Vote

The Senate on Tuesday narrowly confirmed Dr. Robert Califf as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, a key federal agency that has been without a permanent chief for more than a yearlong stretch of the coronavirus pandemic.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/15/health/fda-califf-senate-vote.html

US Temporarily Bans Avocados From Mexico, Citing Threat

The move is a blow to the western state of Michoacan in Mexico, which exports roughly $3 billion worth of the fruit annually.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/15/business/us-mexico-avocado-ban.html

Ocean water along US coasts will rise about one foot by 2050, scientists warn

Oceans have already risen about one foot in the last century, as climate change melts glaciers and ice caps around the world. But the pace is accelerating, scientists warn, and the next 30 years will see the same amount of sea level rise as the previous ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/15/1080798833/ocean-water-along-u-s-coasts-will-rise-about-one-foot-by-2050-scientists-warn

2022 fishing license season and new sportfishing regulations

As spring draws closer, Michigan anglers are encouraged to purchase a 2022 fishing license when they go on sale Tuesday, March 1. The new license season begins April 1, and the 2022 fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2023.

source https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-86469-577440--,00.html

Federal government invokes Emergencies Act for first time ever in response to protests, blockades

Act grants cabinet ability to take 'special temporary measures that may not be appropriate in normal times'. Catharine Tunney · CBC News · Posted: Feb 14, 2022 7:54 AM ET | Last Updated: February 14. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listens to a ...

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-premiers-cabinet-1.6350734

China promised Trump a better deal for America; it didn't actually deliver

The trade war is now almost four years old. In 2018, President Trump fired the first shots by imposing tariffs on various Chinese products. China retaliated, imposing tariffs on American products. The war kept escalating — with each side making their ...

source https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2022/02/15/1079761270/china-promised-trump-a-better-deal-for-america-it-didnt-actually-deliver

2022 fishing license season and new sportfishing regulations

As spring draws closer, Michigan anglers are encouraged to purchase a 2022 fishing license when they go on sale Tuesday, March 1. The new license season begins April 1, and the 2022 fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2023.

source https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-86469-577440--,00.html

West Megadrought Worsens to Driest in at Least 1200 Years

The American West's megadrought deepened so much last year that it is now the driest in at least 1,200 years and is a worst-case climate change scenario playing out live, a new study finds.

source https://www.usnews.com/news/news/articles/2022-02-14/west-megadrought-hits-worst-case-scenario-driest-since-800

1MDB scandal: bribery and bigamy loom large in ex-Goldman Sachs banker's trial

Roger Ng, Goldman's former head of investment banking in Malaysia, is charged with conspiring to launder money and violating anti-bribery law in his dealings with Malaysia's 1MDB sovereign wealth fund. The ...

source https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/14/1mdb-goldman-sachs-roger-ng-corruption-trial

A bank freezes about $1.1 million in funds for Canadian border protests

TD Bank has frozen about $1.1 million that was intended to back disruptive protests against Canada's COVID-19 vaccine mandates, according to multiple Canadian news outlets. The money was reportedly being held in two personal accounts.

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/14/1080632899/bank-freezes-funds-canadian-border-protest

Pastor Resigns After Incorrectly Performing Thousands of Baptisms

The Rev. Andres Arango was leading a baptism at St. Gregory Catholic Church in Phoenix last year when some people in the pews heard a slight variation in the religious ritual. “We baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/14/us/catholic-priest-baptisms-phoenix.html

How Bad Is the Western Drought? Worst in 12 Centuries, Study Finds

ALBUQUERQUE — The megadrought in the American Southwest has become so severe that it's now the driest two decades in the region in at least 1,200 years, scientists said Monday, and climate change is largely responsible. The drought, which began in 2000 ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/14/climate/western-drought-megadrought.html

Corruption trial opens for ex-Goldman banker in 1MDB scandal

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal jury in Brooklyn will hear opening statements Monday in the corruption trial of a former Goldman Sachs executive charged in the multibillion-dollar ransacking of a Malaysian state investment fund.

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/14/1080544626/corruption-trial-opens-for-ex-goldman-banker-in-1mdb-scandal

Canada Opens Blockaded Bridge, but in Ottawa, Truckers Won't Budge

Amid progress at a border bridge, Ottawa remained frozen by an antigovernment protest. There were signs of a slight thaw, with truckers said to be weighing pulling out of part of the capital.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/13/world/americas/canada-trucker-protest.html

Men Win Ivy League Title, Women Finish Second at Round Robin Championships

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The Columbia Fencing program completed day two of the 2022 Ivy League Round Robin Fencing Championships as the Lions' men's squad claimed the Ivy League title outright with an undefeated 4-0 record, while the women's team finished in ...

source https://gocolumbialions.com/news/2022/2/13/fencing-men-win-ivy-league-title-women-finish-second-at-round-robin-championships.aspx

Unpaid and Potentially Stateless, Afghan Diplomats Seek Permission to Remain in US

American banks have suspended government accounts to prevent the Taliban from gaining access to funds, suspending the salaries of many workers.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/13/us/politics/afghan-embassy-diplomats-taliban.html

Biden's Decision on Frozen Funds Stokes Anger Among Afghans

KABUL, Afghanistan — Many Afghans said they were outraged by the Biden administration's decision to divert billions in frozen assets from the Afghan central bank to American families of 9/11 victims, as Afghanistan hurtles deeper into economic ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/13/world/asia/afghanistan-funds-biden.html

In Ottawa Protests, a Pressing Question: Where Were the Police?

Throughout the day, the Canadian police sought to clear many of the trucks blocking the Ambassador Bridge, a vital crossing in Windsor, Ontario, connecting the United States and Canada. But there were still a few holdouts, and traffic remained blocked for ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/12/world/americas/canada-truck-protests-police.html

Biden unfreezes Afghan funds for in-country relief and 9/11 legal fight

(CNN) President Joe Biden signed an executive order Friday allowing $7 billion in frozen assets from Afghanistan's central bank to eventually be distributed inside the country and to potentially fund litigation brought by families of victims of the ...

source https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/11/politics/executive-order-afghanistan-9-11-humanitarian-aid/index.html

Teachers Tackle Black History Month, Under New Restrictions

In states where laws now limit classroom discussions about race and discrimination, many teachers are watching what they say, and are more anxious about their jobs.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/12/us/black-history-month-schools-teachers.html

Colorado schools soon can treat COVID like a routine disease, health officials say

“As COVID-19 case rates, percent positivity, and hospitalization rates continue to decrease and stabilize, it is appropriate for schools to choose a more typical routine disease control model,” State Epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy said in a press release.

source https://co.chalkbeat.org/2022/2/11/22929883/covid-endemic-colorado-schools-guidance-routine-disease

Family of 6 displaced after apartment fire in Burton

BURTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Burton Fire District is crediting an apartment's sprinkler system for extinguishing a fire Friday night. Firefighters say they responded to a reported grease fire at Magnolia Park Apartments on Laurel Bay Road just before 8:30 ...

source https://www.live5news.com/2022/02/12/family-6-displaced-burton-apartment-fire/

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Video Call with Bjoern ...

They discussed their concerns about Russia's continued build-up of military forces around Ukraine, as well as preparations to impose massive consequences and severe economic costs on Russia should it choose military escalation. They coordinated the details ...

source https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/11/statement-by-nsc-spokesperson-emily-horne-on-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivans-video-call-with-bjoern-seibert-head-of-cabinet-of-the-president-of-the-european-commission/

Alleged 'boogaloo' member pleads guilty to killing federal guard during 2020 protests

Steven Carrillo, 33, changed his plea to guilty to a federal murder charge in the killing of David Patrick Underwood and to the attempted murder of Underwood's colleague after federal prosecutors last month agreed not to seek the death penalty.

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/11/1080311940/alleged-boogaloo-member-pleads-guilty-to-killing-federal-guard-during-2020-prote

Stefanik Statement on Joe Biden's Crisis in Ukraine

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today released the below statement following the news that the Biden Administration is giving American citizens 48 hours to evacuate Ukraine: “Joe Biden's weakness on the world stage has emboldened our ...

source https://stefanik.house.gov/2022/2/stefanik-statement-on-joe-biden-s-crisis-in-ukraine

Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest hits record January high

SAO PAULO, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Brazil recorded the most deforestation ever in the Amazon rainforest for the month of January, according to government data on Friday, as destruction continues to worsen despite the government's recent pledges to bring it ...

source https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/deforestation-brazils-amazon-rainforest-hits-record-january-high-2022-02-11/

Oil soars 3% to 7-yr highs on Ukraine jitters, tight supplies

Feb 11 (Reuters) - Oil prices ended 3% higher on Friday at fresh seven-year highs as escalating fears of an invasion of Ukraine by Russia, a top energy producer, added to concerns over tight global crude supplies. Russia has massed enough troops near ...

source https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/oil-prices-slip-hot-us-inflation-concerns-2022-02-11/

Watch these robotic fish swim to the beat of human heart cells

Scientists have built a school of robotic fish powered by human heart cells. The fish, which swim on their own, show how lab-grown heart tissue can be designed to maintain a rhythmic beat indefinitely, a team reports in the journal Science.

source https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/02/10/1079859144/watch-these-robotic-fish-swim-to-the-beat-of-human-heart-cells

SC reports nearly 3000 new COVID cases, 119 deaths

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 2,976 new COVID-19 cases Thursday. DHEC's data, which is reported on a 48-hour delay, covered test results received on Tuesday, and listed 1,647 confirmed ...

source https://www.live5news.com/2022/02/10/sc-reports-nearly-3000-new-covid-cases-119-deaths/

Is Student Loan Forgiveness Taxable In 2022? It's Complicated.

In other words, the amount of the cancelled debt could be treated as if the borrower “earned” that sum in income during the prior tax year, resulting in additional income taxes. For large forgiven balances, this can potentially result in a hefty tax bill.

source https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamminsky/2022/02/10/is-student-loan-forgiveness-taxable-in-2022-its-complicated/

San Diego County Teachers Receive Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Two local educators have been honored at the national level for their dedication to supporting students in math and science. Khamphet Pease, a math teacher at Wilson Middle School in San Diego Unified School District, and Marlys Williamson, ...

source https://www.sdcoe.net/about-sdcoe/news/post/~board/news/post/san-diego-county-teachers-receive-presidential-awards-for-excellence-in-mathematics-and-science-teaching

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY: SB 2508 – Environmental Resources

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis released a statement of administration policy regarding Senate Bill (SB) 2508, Environmental Resources: I have been a champion for Everglades restoration and oppose any measure that derails progress on ...

source https://www.flgov.com/2022/02/10/statement-of-administration-policy-sb-2508-environmental-resources/

Stock Trading Ban for Lawmakers Gains Momentum on Capitol Hill

A bipartisan push is growing to bar members of Congress from trading individual stocks, an effort pushed by vulnerable lawmakers eager to take on perceived corruption in Washington.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/09/us/politics/pelosi-stock-trading-congress.html

Texas OKs $3.4 bln in bonds to spread natgas costs from February 2021 freeze

Feb 9 (Reuters) - The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), which regulates the state's oil and natural gas industries, approved a financing order worth roughly $3.4 billion to prevent spikes in gas bills for over 4.2 million homes and businesses from last ...

source https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/texas-oks-34-bln-bonds-spread-natgas-costs-february-2021-freeze-2022-02-09/

The Biden administration remains cautious about easing masking and other Covid safety measures.

The White House has been meeting with outside health experts to plan a pandemic exit strategy and a transition to a “new normal,” but the behind-the-scenes effort is crashing into a very public reality: a string of blue-state governors have gotten ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/09/us/politics/biden-administration-masks-covid.html

US envoy Kerry presses Mexico over its power bill, touts clean energy

MEXICO CITY, Feb 9 (Reuters) - U.S. climate envoy John Kerry on Wednesday said the United States wants to work with Mexico to promote renewable energy, following up on Washington's concerns that planned changes to Mexico's power sector will hamper ...

source https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/kerry-urges-cooperation-with-mexico-clean-energy-power-bill-rankles-2022-02-09/

Gov. Wolf: Build on Historic School Investments with Life-changing Improvements for Students

Governor Tom Wolf visited teachers and education stakeholders in Erie today to outline his plan to build on his administration's record investments in students over the past seven years with a $1.9 billion increase in education from pre-k through ...

source https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/gov-wolf-build-on-historic-school-investments-with-life-changing-improvements-for-students/

Farmers 'pleased' PEI potatoes heading to Puerto Rico once again

On Nov. 21, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency suspended the export of fresh P.E.I. potatoes to the United States and its territory of Puerto Rico following the discovery of potato wart in two Island fields. Wart is ...

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-potatoes-pueto-rico-wart-1.6344616

With Mask Restrictions Set to Lift, a Haze of Uncertainty Lingers

But the move to loosen these politically charged restrictions has divided scientists and public health experts. Some cheered the change. “I think it's entirely appropriate that we start lifting school mask mandates now,” said ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/08/health/covid-mask-restrictions.html

House Passes Short-Term Spending Bill, Punting Again on a Deal

WASHINGTON — The House on Tuesday approved legislation to keep the government funded through mid-March, temporarily averting a shutdown as lawmakers struggle to reach a longer-term agreement on spending for federal agencies and departments for the ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/08/us/politics/house-short-term-spending-bill.html

PEI can resume exporting potatoes to Puerto Rico Wednesday

Canada's agriculture minister says work being 'expedited' to get spuds into mainland U.S.. Shane Ross · CBC News · Posted: Feb 08, 2022 4:38 PM AT | Last Updated: 1 hour ago. On Nov. 21, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency suspended the fresh potato ...

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-potatoes-export-puerto-rico-1.6344030

A judge ordered the US to pay $230 million to victims of a Texas church massacre

The man who killed 26 people and wounded 22 others at the church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, should have been barred from legally owning firearms because of an earlier domestic violence conviction. But the U.S. Air Force failed to enter his name into the ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/07/1079013006/a-judge-ordered-the-u-s-to-pay-230-million-to-victims-of-a-texas-church-massacre

Boeing deliveries remain low as 787 problems weigh

Feb 8 (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N) said on Tuesday it delivered 32 aircraft in January as its sidelined 787 Dreamliner program continued to weigh on the planemaker's ability to capitalize on a recovery in air travel. The company handed over 27 737 MAX ...

source https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/boeing-deliveries-slip-three-month-low-dreamliner-problems-weigh-2022-02-08/

Threat Assessment Grim on Weapons of Mass Destruction

There are good reasons to be nervous about threats from weapons of mass destruction arising not only from rogue states but also from great powers such as China. That increase in Beijing's nuclear numbers and capabilities raises the specter of parity or ...

source https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/threat-assessment-grim-weapons-mass-destruction

American Agricultural Exports Shattered Records in 2021

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2022 – The American agricultural industry posted its highest annual export levels ever recorded in 2021, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced today. The final 2021 trade data published by the Department of Commerce this ...

source https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2022/02/08/american-agricultural-exports-shattered-records-2021

Oil settles down off 7-yr highs; US-Iran talks eyed

Feb 7 (Reuters) - Oil prices settled lower on Monday on faint signs of progress in nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, which could lead to the removal of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil sales. Last week, crude prices rallied for the seventh ...

source https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-falls-after-signs-progress-us-iran-nuclear-talks-2022-02-07/

The Republican Strategy on a Supreme Court Nominee

More from our inbox: Poisonous Gerrymandering; Why Masks in School Make Sense; In Defense of Meat; Hard Truths About Gambling.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/07/opinion/letters/republicans-supreme-court-nominee.html

Visions of the Internet in 2035

Asked to 'imagine a better world online,' experts hope for a ubiquitous – even immersive – digital environment that promotes fact-based knowledge, offers better defense of individuals' rights, empowers diverse voices and provides tools for technology ...

source https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/02/07/visions-of-the-internet-in-2035/

Biden task force releases report recommending strengthened labor unions

A Biden administration task force on organized labor on Monday issued a set of recommendations that could make it easier for federal workers and contractors to unionize. The report submitted to President Joe Biden included 70 distinct policy proposals, ...

source https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/biden-task-force-releases-report-recommending-strengthened-labor-unions

NJ Governor to End School Mask Mandate in Move to 'Normalcy'

Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey, a Democrat who has imposed some of the nation's most stringent pandemic-related mandates, will no longer require students and school employees to wear masks, signaling a deliberate shift toward treating the ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/07/nyregion/nj-school-mask-mandate-murphy.html

US, Japan set to announce steel import quota deal-source

WASHINGTON, Feb 7 (Reuters) - The United States and Japan on Monday are set to announce a deal to grant Japanese steelmakers relief from Trump-era U.S. tariffs for a limited amount of steel imports, a source familiar with the plans said.

source https://www.reuters.com/business/us-japan-set-announce-steel-import-quota-deal-source-2022-02-07/

The United States and Japan will announce a deal to roll back Trump administration steel tariffs.

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration has reached a deal to partially lift tariffs that the Trump administration imposed on Japanese steel, according to people familiar with the matter, scaling back levies that were opposed by the Japanese government ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/07/business/the-united-states-and-japan-will-announce-a-deal-to-roll-back-trump-administration-steel-tariffs.html

Ottawa declares a state of emergency over truckers' growing anti-government protests

They faced little pushback from law enforcement until this weekend, when officials in the Canadian capital ramped up their response by ticketing protesters, confiscating their fuel and declaring a state of emergency. Mayor Jim Watson told ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/07/1078861392/ottawa-protest-state-of-emergency

US and SA must together oppose Russian aggression in Ukraine

The world is watching Russia's pattern of unprovoked aggression toward Ukraine. Russia's actions are a threat not only to Ukraine but also to principles that go to the heart of peace and security in Africa and around the world: that one country cannot ...

source https://za.usembassy.gov/us-and-sa-must-oppose-russian-aggression-in-ukraine/

Ottawa Mayor Declares State of Emergency Amid Antigovernment Protests

One day after the police chief in Canada's capital said his city was under “siege” by thousands of truckers and other protesters angry over government policies, the mayor on Sunday declared a state of emergency and called for outside help.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/06/world/americas/canada-trucker-protest-ottawa.html

Seaman Dies After 'Hell Week' of SEAL Training, Navy Says

One Navy SEAL candidate died and another was hospitalized after completing several days of excruciating training known as “Hell Week” in Coronado, Calif., Navy officials said on Saturday. Both candidates, who were assigned to the Naval Special Warfare ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/06/us/navy-seal-death.html

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Ottawa on Sunday, Feb. 6

City declares state of emergency over COVID-19 protests. Police chief says it's not clear when protests will end. Peter Sloly says he needs 'an additional surge of resources' to handle demonstrations.

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/covid19-ottawa-coronavirus-symptoms-information-february-6-2022-1.6341209

Ottawa police begin increased enforcement, choking off protesters' fuel supplies, issuing tickets

Ford said on Sunday that his government was supporting Ottawa in whatever way it could. His office told CBC News the city had not asked the province to request military aid from the federal government. In a ...

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/convoy-protest-ottawa-sunday-impasse-1.6341548

Travis Reinking sentenced to life in prison without parole

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — After an emotional response to a jury finding Travis Reinking guilty on all counts related to the 2018 Antioch Waffle House shooting, Reinking has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

source https://whnt.com/news/tennessee-news/travis-reinking-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-without-parole/

Snowy Sunday on tap; big warm up next week

We had breezy conditions today in the Coulee Region, with temperatures in the 20s. DMA - xo.png. Mostly cloudy skies in the morning decreased in coverage by the afternoon. Expect partly cloudy skies tonight with temperatures dropping into the teens.

source https://www.wxow.com/weather/snowy-sunday-on-tap-big-warm-up-next-week/article_b3f46680-86d3-11ec-a026-bfc67b6e385b.html

North Carolina's Supreme Court strikes down redistricting maps that gave GOP an edge

RALEIGH, N.C. — A divided North Carolina Supreme Court struck down the state's new maps for congressional and General Assembly seats Friday, declaring that state courts had authority to throw out lines engineered to secure a long-term Republican ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/05/1078481564/north-carolina-redistricting

Truck Protest Against Pandemic Measures Spreads Across Canada

OTTAWA — Thousands of protesters across Canada took to the streets on Saturday for the second weekend in a row, snarling traffic, disrupting business and residential neighborhoods and leading the police to compare the demonstrations to a “siege” on the ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/05/world/canada/truck-convoy-protests.html

North Carolina Court Says GOP Political Maps Violate State Constitution

The State Supreme Court said maps of the state's 14 House districts and state legislative districts violated guarantees of free elections, speech and assembly.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/04/us/north-carolina-redistricting-gerrymander-unconstitutional.html

A judge lets seven Virginia school districts keep their mask policies in place.

A judge in Virginia on Friday handed down a temporary ruling that seven school districts could keep their mask mandates in place — a setback to Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who had signed an executive order making masks optional in public schools.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/05/world/judge-lets-seven-virginia-school-districts-keep-their-mask-policies-in-place.html

Hate Crimes Trial to Proceed After Arbery Killers Withdraw Guilty Pleas

ATLANTA — Travis and Gregory McMichael, two of the three men convicted in state court of murdering Ahmaud Arbery, have withdrawn guilty pleas in their federal hate crimes case, clearing the way for a trial that will once again revisit the afternoon two ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/04/us/hate-crimes-trial-ahmaud-arbery.html

Jayapal Passes Amendment to Measure Diversity in Investment

Amendment passes as part of the larger America COMPETES Act of 2022, which makes massive investments in American manufacturing and strengthening the supply chain. WASHINGTON — United States Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) today passed an ...

source https://jayapal.house.gov/2022/02/04/jayapal-passes-amendment-to-measure-diversity-in-investment/

In Ohio's Senate race, Democrat Ryan hopes to beat the odds with a pitch to workers

Union halls are like a second home to Ohio Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan, so it's fitting he began a long recent day of campaigning chatting with carpenter apprentices at a union training facility outside Columbus. "Where you working?" Ryan asked one of the ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/04/1077697902/in-ohios-senate-race-democrat-ryan-hopes-to-beat-the-odds-with-a-pitch-to-worker

Technical Discussion: Freezing rain, sleet, and some snow expected to create icy roads this afternoon.

Freezing temperatures and subsequent icy roads may not occur until noon. Litchfield County, surrounding towns, and the far northeast corner will have a swifter shift to a wintry mix. Areas in northern Connecticut remain the most at risk for black ice and ...

source https://www.wfsb.com/weather/technical_discussion/technical-discussion-freezing-rain-sleet-and-some-snow-expected-to-create-icy-roads-this-afternoon/article_53d29258-b603-11e8-8728-130ab5423b29.html

Michael Avenatti Is Found Guilty of Stealing From Stormy Daniels

They were once united in an effort to topple Donald J. Trump. But even then, a jury found, Mr. Avenatti was stealing from his famous client.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/04/nyregion/michael-avenatti-stormy-daniels-verdict.html

Statement from President Biden on House Passage of the America COMPETES Act

The House took a critical vote today for stronger supply chains and lower prices, for more manufacturing – and good manufacturing jobs – right here in America, and for outcompeting China and the rest of the world in the 21st century.

source https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/02/04/statement-from-president-biden-on-house-passage-of-the-america-competes-act/

FDA Sodium Reduction Efforts Underscored in USDA's Transitional Nutrition Standards for School Meals

Statement From: Janet Woodcock, M.D.. Acting Commissioner of Food and Drugs - Food and Drug Administration Susan T. Mayne, Ph.D. Director - Center for Food ...

source https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-sodium-reduction-efforts-underscored-usdas-transitional-nutrition-standards-school-meals

The America Rescue Plan Act

Beyond Sufficiency is the APS federal funding plan, aligned to our strategic pillars, to provide high quality academic experiences and equity driven instruction so that each student can move into the future as healthy and contributing citizens in our ...

source https://www.aps.edu/community/america-rescue-plan-funding

Snow Clearing Service Standards

A winter street. It has been plowed but there is a light layer of snow. Halifax Transit routes & collector roads (Priority 1). When clearing begins: ...

source https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/winter-operations/snow-clearing-service-standards

10 of the Worst Ice Storms in US History

An early-season winter storm struck many states from Dec. 4-5, 2002. Locations from Oklahoma to southern Missouri, southern Illinois, Kentucky, northern Tennessee, northeastern Georgia and the Carolinas were impacted by freezing rain, sleet and snow. North ...

source https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2022-02-03-united-states-worst-ice-storms

Havana Syndrome may be caused by 'directed energy'

Beginning in Havana, Cuba in 2016, US intelligence officers and diplomats began complaining of an array of unusual symptoms. At first, the claims were largely dismissed within government. But in ...

source https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60237839

Chicago Officer Who Killed Laquan McDonald Leaves Prison Early

Jason Van Dyke served three years of a nearly seven-year sentence. He was convicted of second-degree murder in the teenager's death, which put a spotlight on police misconduct.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/03/us/chicago-police-van-dyke-laquan-mcdonald.html

A winter storm packing snow and freezing rain knocks out power and disrupts flights

Heavy snow was expected from the southern Rockies to northern New England, while forecasters said heavy ice buildup was likely from Texas to Pennsylvania. "We have a lot of real estate covered by winter weather impacts ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/03/1077848384/winter-storm-packing-snow-and-freezing-rain-is-moving-across-the-u-s

More than 4600 flights have been canceled nationwide.

The winter storm sweeping across much of the United States led to thousands of flight cancellations and delays on Thursday, with many more likely throughout the day. As of early afternoon Eastern time, 4,762 flights scheduled to arrive at or depart ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/03/us/winter-storm-flight-cancellations.html

The officer who killed Laquan McDonald is free after three years. Activists are angry

Former Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke is a free man. Van Dyke served less than half of his nearly seven-year prison term for the 2014 fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald. Van Dyke is white. McDonald, 17, was black. It is a case that roiled the ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/03/1077574977/jason-van-dyke-chicago-police-released-laquan-mcdonald

Students encouraged to explore education and career pathways during Career and Technical Education Month

February 1, 2022. Contact: Elyse Walter, 517-449-9731. LANSING, Mich.-With more than 530,000 Michigan jobs in the professional trades by 2028, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and Michigan ...

source https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-76741-576702--,00.html

Students encouraged to explore education and career pathways during Career and Technical Education Month

February 1, 2022. Contact: Elyse Walter, 517-449-9731. LANSING, Mich.-With more than 530,000 Michigan jobs in the professional trades by 2028, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and Michigan ...

source https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-76741-576702--,00.html

Students encouraged to explore education and career pathways during Career and Technical Education Month

February 1, 2022. Contact: Elyse Walter, 517-449-9731. LANSING, Mich.-With more than 530,000 Michigan jobs in the professional trades by 2028, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and Michigan ...

source https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-76741-576702--,00.html

Students encouraged to explore education and career pathways during Career and Technical Education Month

February 1, 2022. Contact: Elyse Walter, 517-449-9731. LANSING, Mich.-With more than 530,000 Michigan jobs in the professional trades by 2028, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and Michigan ...

source https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-76741-576702--,00.html

Native American tribes reach a tentative opioid settlement with J&J and distributors

The drug manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and the opioid distributors AmerisourceBergen, McKesson and Cardinal Health will pay Native American tribes $590 million under the terms of a proposed settlement filed Tuesday. The number of deaths from opioid ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/01/1077348290/native-american-opioid-settlement-johnson-and-johnson

Tillis Pushes for Answers on Biden's Border Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and more than 100 of his colleagues recently sent a letter to the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a comprehensive review of the decisions by the ...

source https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2022/2/tillis-pushes-for-answers-on-biden-s-border-crisis

Applications open for American Rescue Plan Act Grants

The County of San Luis Obispo is accepting applications to allocate up to $5.5 million in grants to help the community respond to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The funding for both opportunities comes from the ...

source https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Administrative-Office/Featured-News/2022/Applications-open-for-American-Rescue-Plan-Act-Gra.aspx

Students encouraged to explore education and career pathways during Career and Technical Education Month

February 1, 2022. Contact: Elyse Walter, 517-449-9731. LANSING, Mich.-With more than 530,000 Michigan jobs in the professional trades by 2028, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and Michigan ...

source https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-76741-576702--,00.html

Students encouraged to explore education and career pathways during Career and Technical Education Month

February 1, 2022. Contact: Elyse Walter, 517-449-9731. LANSING, Mich.-With more than 530,000 Michigan jobs in the professional trades by 2028, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and Michigan ...

source https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-76741-576702--,00.html

DHEC 'strongly encouraging' school testing protocol to prevent quarantine

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control will send hundreds of thousands of rapid tests to school district across the state this week that implement a “Test to Stay” program. DHEC says it is “strongly ...

source https://www.live5news.com/2022/02/01/dhec-strongly-encouraging-school-testing-protocol-prevent-quarantine/

Two male penguins welcome hatchling as New York zoo's 1st same-sex foster parents

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, N.Y., has at times used foster parents to incubate penguin eggs — but those couples have always been made up of one male and one female. Last year, after testing their fostering capabilities, zoo staff decided to ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/02/01/1077300105/gay-penguins-rosamond-gifford-zoo