CDC reports a new strain of omicron taking over in the US

About 40% of confirmed U.S. Covid cases are caused by the XBB.1.5 strain, up from 20% a week ago.

source https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/xbb15-subvariant-cdc-reports-new-omicron-strain-taking-rcna63512

Epstein's sex trafficking was aided by JPMorgan, a US Virgin Islands lawsuit says

The government of the U.S. Virgin Islands alleges in a lawsuit filed this week that JPMorgan Chase "turned a blind eye" to evidence that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein used the bank to facilitate sex-trafficking activities on Little St. James, ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/12/30/1146221454/epstein-jpmorgan-virgin-islands-lawsuit

Photos, then and now: Revisiting the Marshall fire's devastation one year later, as communities rebuild

Hart Van Denburg/CPR News On Dec. 28, 2022, from the same vantage point overlooking Superior on 120th Avenue, it's possible to see some of the neighborhoods that burned and are in the midst of rebuilding, including the brown construction site above, ...

source https://www.cpr.org/2022/12/30/photos-then-and-now-marshall-fire-one-year-later/

As part of its drought response, Scottsdale will cease providing hauled water outside the city limits

Maricopa County officials and county residents living in the Rio Verde Foothills area were informed of this eventuality in 2015/16, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. A memo prepared in response to a petition ...

source https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/news/as-part-of-its-drought-response-scottsdale-will-cease-providing-hauled-water-outside-the-city-limits

Governor Hochul Announces More Than $11.6 Million Awarded to Municipalities for Climate Smart Communities Projects

Grants Support New York State's Climate Goals through Greenhouse Gas Reductions, Climate Change Adaptation, and Community Resilience. Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the State Department of Environmental Conservation's Climate Smart ...

source https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-more-116-million-awarded-municipalities-climate-smart-communities

Convicted member of plot to kidnap Michigan governor sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison

Barry Croft Jr. was part of a plan to kidnap the Democratic governor from her summer home in 2020 and practiced detonating explosives in preparation, prosecutors have said. Croft, who was sentenced to 235 months ...

source https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/28/politics/barry-croft-jr-sentenced-whitmer-kidnapping-plot/index.html

Parks and nature 2022: Diversity, equity and inclusion

As a park provider with three boat ramps and multiple parks featuring lakes or rivers, water safety is a priority for Metro. Life jackets are on display and free to borrow at the entrance to Broughton Beach and Blue Lake Regional Park's swim beach.

source https://www.oregonmetro.gov/news/parks-and-nature-2022-diversity-equity-and-inclusion

A judge hands down a nearly 20-year sentence in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer

Prosecutors had sought a life sentence for Barry Croft Jr., 47, who was the fourth and final federal defendant to learn his fate. Judge Robert J. Jonker described him as "the idea guy" behind the plot and called him "a very convincing communicator" for ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/12/28/1145812509/gov-whitmer-plot-sentence-croft

Biden administration renews commitment to free Paul Whelan on fourth anniversary of his detention in Russia

“Today marks four years that Paul Whelan has spent wrongfully detained, away from his family, suffering through an unfathomable ordeal,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. “His detention remains unacceptable, and we continue to press ...

source https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/28/politics/paul-whelan-four-years-in-detention/index.html

A year after the Marshall fire, Boulder communities are taking fire mitigation into the plains

From her hilltop research site, Kathryn Suding, a plant ecologist with the University of Colorado Boulder, can see some of the first areas that burned in the Marshall fire. The setting of the 2021 disaster shocked Boulder County residents and ...

source https://www.cpr.org/2022/12/28/marshall-fire-wildfire-mitigation/

Group announces 260 acres of Pittston land now preserved as 'forever wild'

The land was donated to the Northeast Wilderness Trust, which said the 'Tidal Bends Wilderness Preserve' contains a freshwater tidal zone and a mature forest that appears to have not been logged for many decades. Kennebec Journal Staff Report.

source https://www.centralmaine.com/2022/12/27/group-announces-260-acres-of-pittston-land-now-conserved-as-forever-wild/

This Scientist Fled a Deadly Wildfire, Then Returned to Study How It Happened

In 2021, the devastating Marshall Fire showed wildfire can strike Colorado in almost any place or season. Scientists now hope to glean lessons from it for communities across the West. by Jennifer Oldham for ProPublica Dec. 27, 4:55 a.m. EST.

source https://www.propublica.org/article/colorado-marshall-fire-science-research-prevention

A sports reporter went viral for his begrudging weather reports in freezing Iowa

KWWL sports reporter Mark Woodley begrudgingly had to cover the cold weather last week in Waterloo, Iowa. DANIEL ESTRIN, HOST: One winter weather watcher was very cold and very cranky Thursday morning. (SOUNDBITE OF VIDEO).

source https://www.npr.org/2022/12/25/1145471833/a-sports-reporter-went-viral-for-his-begrudging-weather-reports-in-freezing-iowa

Polar bear cub wandering North Slope oil field is captured and sent to Alaska Zoo in Anchorage

Additionally, it was not learning survival skills from its mother; typically, polar bear cubs are nurtured by their mothers for up to 2 and a half years, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

source https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/polar-bear-cub-wandering-north-slope-oil-field-is-captured-and-sent-to-alaska-zoo-in-anchorage/

New Year's Eve Before Dark Offers a Variety of Activities for Families

The City of Albuquerque is offering free admission to the ABQ BioPark Zoo, Aquarium, and Botanic Garden, Albuquerque Museum, and Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum on New Year's Eve. Early closure at the facilities is 3 p.m..

source https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/news/new-years-eve-before-dark-offers-a-variety-of-activities-for-families

EGLE releases 2022 State of the Great Lakes Report

Building a water-driven “blue economy” through Great Lakes education and career pathways. Advancing technology, scientific research, and data sharing around water issues. Restoring and protecting vital ecosystems within and around ...

source https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/mi-environment/2022/12/22/egle-releases-2022-state-of-the-great-lakes-report

DHHL Community Development Program Awards Twenty-Three Grants

(Kapolei, Oʻahu) – The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) has announced the awarding of 23 grants to 14 recipients who will each receive a portion of $8,500,000 of funding as part of the Development Grants Program of DHHL's Native Hawaiian ...

source https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/2022/12/21/dhhl-community-development-program-awards-twenty-three-grants/

To protect lobstermen, spending bill may speed whales' extinction, activists say

Lawmakers from Maine have inserted a provision in a massive government funding bill to buffer lobstermen from new regulations, but environmental groups warn it could push the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales to the brink of extinction.

source https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2022/12/20/right-whales-maine-spending-bill/

Improving Humanitarian Aid Delivery by Expanding Authorizations Across US Sanctions

In September, I announced our intent to ensure that food, medicine, and humanitarian assistance are carved out across United Nations and U.S. sanctions programs. The first step in achieving that goal was the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2664, ...

source https://www.state.gov/improving-humanitarian-aid-delivery-by-expanding-authorizations-across-u-s-sanctions/

Houston, Harris County compromise on I-45 expansion, bringing project closer to reality

Local activists say the I-45 expansion would increase pollution, worsen traffic congestion, and displace hundreds located in underserved communities. After months of legal wrangling and community push-back, an ambitious ...

source https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/infrastructure/2022/12/19/439768/houston-harris-county-compromise-on-i-45-expansion-bringing-project-closer-to-reality/

New Plan Starts the Clock on New York's Commitment to Decarbonize

The Plan reflects the increasing need and opportunities to improve climate resilience, electrify end uses, such as transportation, decarbonize the gas system and create an equitable economy-wide solution to reduce carbon emissions and protect historically ...

source https://www.edf.org/media/new-plan-starts-clock-new-yorks-commitment-decarbonize

GAO Appoints 7 to ONC's Health IT Advisory Committee

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has appointed seven new members to the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee (HITAC), including health information exchange executives, a patient advocate, and two chief medical information ...

source https://www.hcinnovationgroup.com/policy-value-based-care/health-it-leadership/news/21290495/gao-appoints-7-to-oncs-health-it-advisory-committee

'It is the obvious thing.' The White House tries a new tack to combat homelessness

The new plan includes a range of ways to boost the supply of affordable housing, as well as increase the number of emergency shelters and support programs. But its biggest change is a call for the "systematic prevention of homelessness," focusing on those ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/12/19/1142790156/people-homelessness-crisis-housing-prevention-biden

Arctic air will blast much of US just before Christmas, forecasters say

ATLANTA — Forecasters are warning of treacherous holiday travel and life-threatening cold for much of the nation as an arctic air mass blows into the already-frigid southern United States. "We're looking at much-below normal temperatures, ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/12/19/1144061178/arctic-air-will-blast-much-of-u-s-just-before-christmas-forecasters-say

Parties Agree to Pay $150 Million Toward Clean Up of Lower Passaic River in New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. – The Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today a proposed consent decree with 85 potentially responsible parties, requiring them to pay a total of $150 million to support the cleanup work and ...

source https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/parties-agree-pay-150-million-toward-clean-lower-passaic-river-new-jersey

Dunleavy offers $7.3 billion Alaska budget, opening negotiations with wary legislators

Gov. Mike Dunleavy introduced a first-draft $7.3 billion state budget on Wednesday, meeting a legally required deadline but acknowledging that the document is likely to change significantly as the administration negotiates with lawmakers in the ...

source https://alaskapublic.org/2022/12/15/dunleavy-offers-7-3-billion-alaska-budget-opening-negotiations-with-wary-legislators/

Limitless Vistas Inc to receive $500000 to Fund Environmental Job Training Programs

The grants through the EPA's Brownfields Jobs Training Program will recruit, train, and place workers for community revitalization and cleanup projects at brownfield sites. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, total funding for the program has ...

source https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/limitless-vistas-inc-receive-500000-fund-environmental-job-training-programs

Furthering the United States' Effort to Hold Russia to Account for its War Against Ukraine

VLADIMIR OLEGOVICH POTANIN (Potanin), one of the wealthiest oligarchs in Russia, formerly served as a Deputy Prime Minister for the Russian Federation, and has direct ties to Vladimir Putin. Potanin is being designated pursuant ...

source https://www.state.gov/furthering-the-united-states-effort-to-hold-russia-to-account-for-its-war-against-ukraine/

Fall 2022 Commencement to Include First Graduate Division Ceremony

Downtown Merced will be covered in a sea of blue and gold over two days as hundreds of UC Merced Bobcats take part in fall commencement. Also, for the first time, graduate students will have their own ceremony to celebrate their achievements.

source https://news.ucmerced.edu/news/2022/fall-2022-commencement-include-first-graduate-division-ceremony

Governor Mills Urges Maine People to Sign Up by December 15 for Affordable Health Insurance Through CoverME.gov

In 2023, Maine people can take advantage of additional federal financial assistance, made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act, that makes insurance more affordable than ever. Residents can also get free help choosing the best plan to meet their ...

source https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-urges-maine-people-sign-december-15-affordable-health-insurance-through

UTSA celebrates student-athlete graduates

SAN ANTONIO — The UTSA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics celebrated 25 student-athlete graduates in a ceremony this week. "We are so proud of our student-athletes for achieving this significant milestone in their academic careers," UTSA Vice ...

source https://goutsa.com/news/2022/12/14/athletics-utsa-celebrates-student-athlete-graduates

Speed Cameras Target School Zone Safety

On December 6, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to launch a pilot program that will have 10 speed monitoring devices (speed cameras) installed throughout the county. These cameras will be in nine school zones and one construction zone.

source https://www.fcps.edu/news/speed-cameras-target-school-zone-safety

2023 Innovation Industry Days open for registration

The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is partnering with AFWERX to bring industry, academia and government stakeholders together for the event taking place Jan. 24-26 at the Henry B. González Convention Center.

source https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3244681/2023-innovation-industry-days-open-for-registration/

Maine Housing director says emergency funding 'definitely necessary' for heating assistance

The director of Maine Housing is reiterating his support for an energy assistance bill that stalled in the Legislature last week, saying the issue is not whether his agency has money to help low-income families but how much oil or kerosene that money ...

source https://www.mainepublic.org/politics/2022-12-12/maine-housing-director-says-emergency-funding-definitely-necessary-for-heating-assistance

Marquette University engineering professor elected fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Election to NAI Fellow status is the highest professional distinction accorded solely to academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality ...

source https://www.marquette.edu/news-center/2022/engineering-professor-elected-fellow-of-the-national-academy-of-inventors.php

President Ballard, Elder Stevenson look to the future of the Church of Jesus Christ in Mexico

'I do not have words to tell you how much the Lord loves you,' President M. Russell Ballard, 94, tells members in Mexico City. By Sarah Jane Weaver 12 Dec 2022, 10:01 AM PST. President M. Russell Ballard waves to an overflow attendee after a meeting in ...

source https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2022/12/12/23505328/president-ballard-elder-stevenson-future-of-mexico

Missouri receives nearly $3 million in federal grants through the NTIA for broadband expansion

DED submitted applications for the Digital Equity and BEAD grant programs earlier this year and received notice of approval this week. As the entity designated to administer NTIA grant funds, the Office of Broadband Development will use the nearly $3 ...

source https://ded.mo.gov/content/missouri-receives-nearly-3-million-federal-grants-through-ntia-broadband-expansion

Board of education to meet Monday, Dec. 12

The Fayetteville-Manlius School District Board of Education plans to meet 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, in the Eagle Hill Middle School Auditorium. Individuals who wish to attend the meeting and/or to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting ...

source https://www.fmschools.org/board-of-education-to-meet-monday-dec-12/

United States and Croatia Sign the Treaty for the Avoidance of Double Taxation in Washington

A long-term and shared goal for the two countries, this treaty, subject to advice and consent to ratification by the U.S. Senate and by the Croatian Parliament, will help both Americans and Croatians avoid double taxation.

source https://www.state.gov/united-states-and-croatia-sign-the-treaty-for-the-avoidance-of-double-taxation-in-washington/

United States and Croatia Sign the Treaty for the Avoidance of Double Taxation in Washington

A long-term and shared goal for the two countries, this treaty, subject to advice and consent to ratification by the U.S. Senate and by the Croatian Parliament, will help both Americans and Croatians avoid double taxation.

source https://www.state.gov/united-states-and-croatia-sign-the-treaty-for-the-avoidance-of-double-taxation-in-washington/

DEC Forest Rangers - Week in Review

Recent Statewide Forest Ranger Actions ... New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer ...

source https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/126709.html

Nearly 1157 students to graduate at Wright State's fall commencement ceremonies

They join more than 117,000 alumni who are making a difference throughout Raider Country, all over Ohio, across the nation and around the world. Wright State will hold two fall commencement ceremonies: Graduate ceremony ...

source https://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2022/12/05/nearly-1157-students-to-graduate-at-wright-states-fall-commencement-ceremonies/

News Release - Public Meeting Notice for Dec. 5-16, 2022

The following public meetings are scheduled for Dec. 5-16, 2022: · Board of Examiners of Stationary Engineers and Refrigeration Operators (SE-RO) · 6 p.m. · City Hall · 30 Church Street · Rochester Preservation Board · 6 p.m. · City Council Chambers, Rm. 302-A.

source https://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=21474851055

News Release - Public Meeting Notice for Dec. 5-16, 2022

The following public meetings are scheduled for Dec. 5-16, 2022: · Board of Examiners of Stationary Engineers and Refrigeration Operators (SE-RO) · 6 p.m. · City Hall · 30 Church Street · Rochester Preservation Board · 6 p.m. · City Council Chambers, Rm. 302-A.

source https://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=21474851055

News release: Give the gift of the outdoors this holiday season

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has a variety of budget-friendly holiday gift options for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, abilities and interests. These gifts include subscriptions to the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, gift cards, ...

source https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2022/12/02/give-gift-outdoors-holiday-season

Celebs and dignitaries meet at the White House for Biden's state dinner

Orchestrated in part by the first lady, President Biden hosted French President Emmanuel Macron and several hundred other guests at the White House Thursday evening for his first state dinner as commander in chief. State dinners honoring foreign ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/12/02/1140173344/biden-macron-state-dinner-white-house

Lifelong educator and Virginia Tech professor to deliver 2022 fall commencement address

Virginia Tech Professor Edward Weisband will deliver the keynote address at Virginia Tech's fall 2022 University Commencement ceremony on Friday, Dec. 16. Weisband is the Edward S. Diggs Endowed Chair in the Department of Political Science in the ...

source https://vtx.vt.edu/articles/2022/12/cm-fall-2022-commencement-speaker.html

State Sales Tax Revenue Totaled Record $3.96 Billion in November

"With persistently elevated inflation continuing to drive prices — and consequently revenues — higher, November sales tax collections were once again led by growth in non-retail sectors, with mining sector receipts showing the largest percentage increase ...

source https://comptroller.texas.gov/about/media-center/news/20221201-state-sales-tax-revenue-totaled-record-396-billion-in-november-1669920882646

Campus visits set for Dean of Libraries & Information Resources finalists

The dean is responsible for providing vision and leadership for UND libraries to advance the mission of the University, increase and support research opportunities and provide for student success – all meeting the strategic goals of the University and ...

source https://blogs.und.edu/und-today/2022/12/campus-visits-set-for-dean-of-libraries-and-information-resources-finalists/

Eight Individuals Charged in Alleged $30 Million Unemployment Benefits Scheme

Charges were unsealed today against eight individuals for conspiring to defraud the Georgia Department of Labor of tens of millions of dollars in federal funds intended for unemployment benefits. Seven defendants have been indicted and one defendant ...

source https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/eight-individuals-charged-alleged-30-million-unemployment-benefits-scheme

3 tribes dealing with the toll of climate change get $75 million to relocate

Three Tribal communities in Alaska and Washington that have been severely impacted by the effects of climate change on their homes are getting $75 million from the Biden administration to help relocate to higher ground. The Quinault Indian Nation, ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/12/01/1139949450/tribes-climate-change-relocation-department-of-interior