A Proclamation on National Black History Month,

During National Black History Month, we celebrate the legacy of Black Americans whose power to lead, to overcome, and to expand the meaning and practice of American democracy has helped our Nation become a more fair and just society.

source https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/01/31/a-proclamation-on-national-black-history-month-2023/

Duke Human Vaccine Institute Wins Contract to Produce Pan-Coronavirus Vaccine

The Duke Human Vaccine Institute has received a federal contract to manufacture a pan-coronavirus vaccine candidate that can be tested in a phase 1 clinical trial. Awarded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), ...

source https://medschool.duke.edu/news/duke-human-vaccine-institute-wins-contract-produce-pan-coronavirus-vaccine

EPA stops Alaska's Pebble mine with rarely used power

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday morning that it is effectively killing the controversial Pebble mine project in Southwest Alaska. The decision caps a decades-long battle over a region that is not only home to one of the ...

source https://alaskapublic.org/2023/01/31/epa-stops-alaskas-pebble-mine-with-rarely-used-power/

US scientists brace for tighter scrutiny of potentially risky research

An expert group last week recommended broadening rules that require universities and funding agencies to determine whether proposed studies count as dual-use research—work that carries the risk of intentionally or accidentally creating a bioweapon.

source https://www.science.org/content/article/u-s-scientists-brace-tighter-scrutiny-potentially-risky-research

PSD statement on the death of Tyre Nichols

January 30, 2023. Dear Poudre School District community,. Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was on his way home from taking pictures of the sky on Jan. 7 when he was pulled over by police. Five officers, also Black men, brutally beat Mr. Nichols.

source https://psdschools.org/news/PSD-Statement-Tyre-Nichols

Statement by Superintendent Jones on Tyre Nichols and Recent Gun Violence

Posted: January 30, 2023. Summary: Seattle Public Schools condemns the murder of Tyre Nichols and the mass gun violence in California. On the eve of Black History Month and Black Lives Matter at School Week, we have more painful sagas to chronicle.

source https://www.seattleschools.org/news/statement-by-superintendent-jones-on-tyre-nichols-and-recent-gun-violence/

Mayor Bowser Public Calendar for Monday, January 30, 2023

11 am. Launch Applications for the 2023 Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program Location: The Village Café DC 1272 5th Street NE Open Press *Closest Metro Station: NoMa – Gallaudet U New York Avenue* *Closest Bikeshare: 5th & Morse Street NE*

source https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-public-calendar-monday-january-30-2023

Israel clears a hurdle for visa-free US travel — but there are strings attached

But before Israelis can travel to the United States without a visa, the Israeli government must agree to share security data about its citizens and allow Palestinians with U.S. passports to land freely at Israel's airport on their way to the occupied West ...

source https://www.npr.org/2023/01/30/1152515766/israel-us-travel

Wizards tip off Black History Month with Heart Health Night presented by MedStar Health

Fans will also get to watch a video of alums Phil Chenier and Michael Adams' as they paid a visit to patients who recently had heart surgery at MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

source https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/wizards-tip-off-black-history-month-with-heart-health-night-presented-by-medstar-health

Mayor Bowser to Launch Applications for the 2023 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program

Sunday, January 29, 2023. Following Last Year's Wage Increases, District Youth Encouraged to Take Advantage of Available Workforce and Earn-and-Learn Opportunities. (Washington, DC) – On Monday, January 30 at 11 am, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the ...

source https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-launch-applications-2023-mayor-marion-s-barry-summer-youth-employment-program

Alaska Legislature gets first look at carbon plan proposed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy

The two bills, introduced in both House and Senate, could generate millions for the state while fighting climate change. By: James Brooks - January 28, 2023 6:00 am. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy delivers the 2023 State of the State Address on Monday, Jan.

source https://alaskabeacon.com/2023/01/28/alaska-legislature-gets-first-look-at-carbon-plan-proposed-by-gov-mike-dunleavy/

Mentor Police Department Statement

The men and women of the Mentor Police Department are saddened at the death of Tyre Nichols which occurred earlier this month at the hands of five former officers in the Memphis Police Department. We are sickened by the actions of these individuals and ...

source https://cityofmentor.com/mentor-police-department-statement/

Stricter US guidelines for 'gain-of-function' research are on the way — maybe

A sign on the door of a Biosafety Level 4 laboratory at the U.S. Army Medical. Some scientists would like more rigorous oversight of risky pathogen research conducted at high-level biosecurity facilities.

source https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00257-0

Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the New US-EU Artificial Intelligence Collaboration

Today, the United States and the European Union signed an administrative arrangement to bring together experts from across the U.S. and Europe to further research on artificial intelligence (AI), computing, and related privacy protecting technologies, ...

source https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/01/27/statement-by-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivan-on-the-new-u-s-eu-artificial-intelligence-collaboration/

Notice of Public Meeting - BOA

The Burke County Board of Adjustment will hold a Public Meeting at 6:30 PM on February 14, 2023, in the Commissioners Meeting Room/County Services Building located at 110 N. Green St. in Morganton, NC (Door E). At the meeting they will take public ...

source https://www.burkenc.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=957

Roadway Activity Report for parts of East and Middle Tennessee (January 26 - February 1, 2023)

CUMBERLAND COUNTY SR-28 (US-127) bridge construction and paving from north of I-40 (LM 17.8) to near Potato Farm Road (LM 22.7): The contractor continues grading activities throughout the project limits. Temporary lane closures and/or periodic traffic ...

source https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2023/1/26/roadway-activity-report-for-parts-of-east-and-middle-tennessee--january-26---february-1--2023-.html

Pennsylvania Poultry Owners Should Take Steps Now to Protect Flocks Against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Harrisburg, PA – As spring wild bird migration nears, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield remind poultry owners to protect their flocks, ...

source https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Agriculture_details.aspx?newsid=1297

Governor Gianforte Welcomes New Businesses to Montana

HELENA, Mont. – In his State of the State address tonight, Governor Greg Gianforte announced the relocation or expansion of 15 businesses to Montana that project to create 900 new Montana jobs. “As we lead the Montana comeback, we're creating an ...

source https://news.mt.gov/Governors-Office/Governor_Gianforte_Welcomes_New_Businesses_to_Montana

Sanctioning Senior Paraguayan Officials for Corruption

The Department of the Treasury is designating Horacio Manuel Cartes Jara (Cartes), the former President of Paraguay, and Hugo Adalberto Velazquez Moreno (Velazquez), the current Vice President of Paraguay. It is also ...

source https://www.state.gov/sanctioning-senior-paraguayan-officials-for-corruption/

Telehealth expansion 'informed by robust policy': Audit

Auditors have examined a shift described as '10 years of reform in only 10 days,' and issued several recommendations to Government. GP using telehealth Almost all general practices have adopted telehealth ...

source https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/telehealth-expansion-informed-by-robust-policy-aud

New SARE Publication Available to Farmers Seeking Organic Certification

Farmers and ranchers who want to pursue organic certification now have a new publication to help understand USDA National Organic Program requirements and key strategies producers can use to make their three-year transition to organic production a ...

source https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/blogs/new-sare-publication-available-farmers-seeking-organic-certification

January is National Radon Action Month

What is Radon? Radon is a dangerous naturally occurring radioactive gas that you can not see, smell or taste. Health Risk.

source https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/prince-william/radon/

Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll Appoint Kate Walsh as Secretary of Health and Human Services

Boston — Governor Maura T. Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll today announced that they are appointing Kate Walsh, the current Chief Executive Officer of the Boston Medical Center (BMC) health system, as Secretary of the Executive Office of ...

source https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-and-lt-governor-driscoll-appoint-kate-walsh-as-secretary-of-health-and-human-services

US Embassy Nairobi Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program – Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS Nairobi) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our ...

source https://ke.usembassy.gov/public-diplomacy-small-grants-program-annual-program-statement-2/

Nancy Jeanne (Plantz) White

Nancy Jeanne (Plantz) White, aged 90, died peacefully at her home in Ft. Calhoun, NE on January 22, 2023. Nancy, born to Nina (Binns) and Truman Plantz Jr., grew up with siblings Truman III, Nina, Andrew, and Helen in a beautiful home in Rock Island, ...

source https://www.hmdfuneralhome.com/obituaries/nancy-white

Black Corporate Directors Link ESG, Health Equity in BDHEA-Deloitte Health Equity Playbook

BDHEA's playbook for ESG action guides organizations committed to quality healthcare and well-being for our communities. CHICAGO, Jan. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A new publication from the Black Directors Health Equity Agenda is a playbook to lead ...

source https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/black-corporate-directors-link-esg-health-equity-in-bdhea-deloitte-health-equity-playbook-301729388.html

Minnesota State Mankato's Economic Contribution Estimated at More than $827 Million

Mankato, Minn. – Minnesota State, the system of 26 state colleges and seven state universities, released today the result of a study that estimates the impact of Minnesota State University, Mankato on the regional economy to be $827.2 million and 5,884 ...

source https://www.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/news-and-events/economic-impact-report-2023/

State awards $30 million in ARPA funding to help companies find and train workers

The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced today the award of $30 million through the ARPA Workforce Training Grant Program. The program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is focused on helping companies address workforce ...

source https://ded.mo.gov/content/state-awards-30-million-arpa-funding-help-companies-find-and-train-workers

Applications Invited to 2023 Grants Program

U.S. Embassy Luxembourg has announced the opening of its 2023 grants program, inviting organizations and individuals to apply for funding of up to €15,000 per project. The U.S. Embassy's annual grants program seeks to promote mutual understanding and ...

source https://lu.usembassy.gov/applications-invited-to-2023-grants-program/

Ben Crump makes the case for justice

The man known as “Black America's attorney general,” Ben Crump, addressed the audience of about 200 at Carolina's 42nd annual MLK Jr. Lecture on Jan. 18 as if they were a jury, urging them to “follow the legal advice of Martin Luther King.”.

source https://www.unc.edu/posts/2023/01/23/ben-crump-makes-the-case-for-justice/

Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Mary Ann Ahern of NBC Chicago WMAQ-TV

ANCHOR TWO: His visit coinciding with the two-year anniversary of President Biden taking office. Our political reporter Marie Ann Ahern, joining us now, sat down with Secretary Blinken for an exclusive interview today.

source https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-with-mary-ann-ahern-of-nbc-chicago-wmaq-tv/

50 years after Roe v. Wade, many abortion providers are changing how they do business

The CHOICES clinic in Memphis, Tenn., opened in 1974 in direct response to the Roe v. Wade decision a year earlier. When the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would take up the Dobbs case, CHOICES president and CEO Jennifer Pepper says it was clear what was ...

source https://www.npr.org/2023/01/22/1150574240/50-years-roe-v-wade-dobbs-abortion-providers-reinvent

Federal requirement for continuous Medicaid enrollment expires March 31, 2023

The Division of Medicaid provides healthcare services for low-income people and families in Idaho. This includes adults and children, pregnant women, people over the age of 65, and people with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements.

source https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/dhw-voice/federal-requirement-continuous-medicaid-enrollment-expires-march-31-2023

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Take Steps to Safeguard Their Private Data

In recognition of Data Privacy Week, the State Office of Information Technology Services has teamed with other state agencies to promote techniques for protecting private data including raising awareness of phishing schemes, using strong passwords, and ...

source https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-urges-new-yorkers-take-steps-safeguard-their-private-data

Want to gather shed antlers from Feb. 1 through April 15? Take the free, mandatory ethics course

Salt Lake City — Collecting shed antlers from many big game species, including deer, elk and moose, is a popular pastime in Utah. But before you head outdoors to collect shed antlers during the next few months, you are required to complete the Utah ...

source https://wildlife.utah.gov/news/utah-wildlife-news/1587-take-the-free-mandatory-shed-antler-ethics-course.html

Local Firefighters Graduate from Massachusetts Firefighting Academy

BRIDGEWATER — State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director Jeffrey P. Winn announced the graduation of 22 firefighters from the MFA's 50-day Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program.

source https://www.mass.gov/news/local-firefighters-graduate-from-massachusetts-firefighting-academy-2

US Department of Labor, ElDorado National reach conciliation agreement to resolve alleged hiring discrimination in ...

“Federal contractors and subcontractors must ensure their employment policies and practices provide equal employment opportunity to all jobseekers regardless of race,” explained Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Regional Director Jane Suhr in ...

source https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ofccp/ofccp20230120

Outstanding Advocate for First-Year Students Award nominations are open

The award will recognize one individual who has made a signficant impact on the lives of first-year students. All USC Columbia faculty, staff and students are eligible, and the recipient will receive a plaque ...

source https://www.sc.edu/uofsc/announcements/posts/2023/01/outstanding_advocate_for_first_year_students_award_nominations.php

Post-Storm Cleanup Continues with Public's Help

The recent series of atmospheric rivers that slammed San José and the greater Bay Area left our streets battered and messy. Rain and wind toppled trees, punctured our pavement, and deposited debris. Requests for service involving fallen trees increased ...

source https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4805/4699?backlist=%2F

The State Department launches a new way for ordinary Americans to resettle refugees

With refugee resettlement organizations stretched thin, the State Department is trying to make it easier for everyday Americans to sponsor refugees from abroad and help them resettle in the U.S.. The private sponsorship program announced today, ...

source https://www.npr.org/2023/01/19/1143604311/state-department-refugee-resettlement-pilot-program

Graduate School Spring Picnic and Forum

Tired of being snowed in? In need of some good vibes? Graduate Students are hosting a Spring Picnic, and you're invited! The Graduate Student Leadership Council (GSLC) is excited to announce the inaugural Spring Picnic and forum!

source https://www.montana.edu/calendar/events/44678

New Jersey Tax Preparer and Arizona Man Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud and Identity Theft

NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey tax preparer and an Arizona man were charged for their roles in conspiracies to commit wire fraud and defraud the IRS, and for aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

source https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/new-jersey-tax-preparer-and-arizona-man-charged-conspiracy-defraud-and-identity-theft

TJHSST Team Awarded Flight Opportunity in NASA's TechRise Challenge

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) was among the 60 winning teams chosen by NASA for the second TechRise Student Challenge, a nationwide contest designed to engage students in technology, science, and space exploration.

source https://www.fcps.edu/news/tjhsst-team-awarded-flight-opportunity-nasas-techrise-challenge

Former Dodge County DA Kurt Klomberg on prosecutor stresses

Former Dodge County District Attorney Kurt Klomberg discusses job strains and workload demands for prosecutors that contribute to staffing shortages in an interview prior to resigning Jan. 12, 2023. By Nathan Denzin | Here & Now. January 18, 2023.

source https://pbswisconsin.org/news-item/former-dodge-county-da-kurt-klomberg-on-prosecutor-stresses/

Celebrate Black History Month at the Carver Museum

The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center is a historic landmark dedicated to preserving Black history, culture, and aesthetic expression. Located in East Austin, the Museum served as Austin's first branch library and the first ...

source https://www.austintexas.gov/news/celebrate-black-history-month-carver-museum

Growers brace to give up some Colorado River water

Within this grid of greenery, near the desert town of Brawley, Mark McBroom grows 6,000 acres of hay crops, like alfalfa, and fruit orchards, all irrigated by water imported from the Colorado River.

source https://calmatters.org/environment/2023/01/colorado-river-water/

Members of the Cambridge Fire Academy recruit training program Class 2022-01 graduated on January 13th

Cambridge Fire Academy - Recruit Graduation Day. On Friday, January 13th, 22 recruit firefighters graduated in a nice ceremony at Boston College's Ellsworth Hall in Brookline. Family, friends, firefighters, as well as the fire department command staff ...

source https://www.cambridgema.gov/news/detail?path=%2Fsitecore%2Fcontent%2Fhome%2Fcfd%2FNews%2F2023%2F01%2Fcambridgefireacademyrecruitclass202201graduation

One year since Houthi attacks on UAE: Foreign Secretary's statement

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: A year ago today the Houthis inflicted a deadly attack on the UAE, killing 3 innocent civilians. The UK's commitment to standing with our Emirati friends in the face ...

source https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-statement-one-year-since-houthi-attacks-on-uae

US Launches Php 1 Billion E-Commerce Project to Support Digitalization of Filipino SMEs

Manila, January 17, 2023—On January 11, the United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), launched a five-year, one billion peso ($18 million) partnership with the Philippine government to help small and ...

source https://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-launches-php-1-billion-e-commerce-project-to-support-digitalization-of-filipino-smes/

Vaccination opportunities: week of January 16, 2023

In addition, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is offering the influenza vaccine throughout the district by appointment only. To book an appointment, please call 705.522.9200 (toll-free: 1.866.522.9200), Monday to Friday, during normal business hours, from ...

source https://www.phsd.ca/vaccination-opportunities-week-of-january-16-2023/

Applications open for airport and library board appointments

Individuals looking to lend their knowledge to the Niagara District Airport Commission, or the St. Catharines Public Library Board (SCPL), are encouraged to apply for positions. The City is looking for three individuals who will represent the ...

source https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/news/applications-open-for-airport-and-library-board-appointments.aspx

Mary Crandall Hales Dies

Mary Crandall Hales passed away incident to age on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at her home in North Salt Lake. She was 90. She joins her dear husband of 64 years in death, Elder Robert D. Hales (1932-2017), Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of ...

source https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/mary-crandall-hales-obituary

A Year After a Fiery Voting Rights Speech, Biden Delivers a More Muted Address

ATLANTA — When he came to the capital of the South to honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. last year, President Biden delivered a call to nonviolent arms for voting rights, equating opponents to segregationists and vowing to rewrite Senate rules ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/15/us/politics/biden-mlk-voting-rights.html

Opinion: Why the TikTok ban needs university exemptions

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp recently banned state employees from using the social media application TikTok on state-owned devices. Kemp joined Greg Abbott and a handful of other governors who have issued similar mandates and the action is in keeping ...

source https://www.statesman.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2023/01/15/opinion-why-the-tiktok-ban-needs-university-exemptions/69790058007/

Auburn Banned TikTok, and Students Can't Stop Talking About It

Destini Ambus, a senior at Auburn University in Alabama, was so surprised last month about a new ban of TikTok on state-owned devices and internet networks that she read the news alert about it aloud to her friends. “We were like, 'Oh, that's weird, ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/15/business/auburn-tiktok-ban-students.html

Emergency Medical Services and the Highway 92 Closure

With a section of Highway 92 closed to public traffic, Coastside residents may be wondering if the response to 9-1-1 medical calls is affected. In preparation for the winter storm, San Mateo County Health's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division ...

source https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/emergency-medical-services-and-highway-92-closure

99 Announcements and Changes in the Church Since President Nelson Became Prophet 5 Years Ago

President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Wendy, wave to conference-goers as the Saturday morning session of general conference concludes in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 2, 2022.2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Download Photo.

source https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/99-announcements-changes-in-the-church-since-president-nelson-became-prophet-5-years-ago

College Announces Fall 2022 Honor Roll

RALEIGH, N.C. (January 13, 2023) – Dr. Scott Ralls, president of Wake Tech Community College, is proud to announce 1,808 students made the President's List or Dean's List for the Fall 2022 semester. The 741 students who earned a place on the ...

source https://www.waketech.edu/post/wt-news-story/14617

Detroit home values increased an average of 20% in 2022; Individual tax increases capped at 5%

Based on home sales data from the past two years, neighborhoods across the city saw an average value increase of 20% over last year. That rise in value will be reflected in an annual notice of property assessment changes for 2023 that will begin arriving ...

source https://detroitmi.gov/news/detroit-home-values-increased-average-20-2022-individual-tax-increases-capped-5

Trump's Company Gets Maximum Punishment for Evading Taxes

Former president Donald J. Trump's family real estate business was ordered on Friday to pay a $1.6 million criminal penalty for its conviction on felony tax fraud and other charges, a stinging rebuke and the maximum possible punishment.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/13/nyregion/trump-organization-tax-fraud.html

US Department of Labor awards $9.1M to New York to promote equitable access to state's unemployment insurance ...

WASHINGTON – To help identify and address barriers workers face regarding access to state unemployment insurance benefits, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $9.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to the New York State ...

source https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20230112-0

Ten questions about radon, a cancer-causing gas found in one of four homes in Michigan

encourage citizens to take action to reduce exposure once elevated radon levels are found. Behind smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and considered a leading environmental cause of cancer deaths in the ...

source https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/mi-environment/2023/01/11/ten-questions-about-radon-a-cancer-causing-gas-found-in-one-of-four-homes-in-michigan

Suspect in New Year's Eve Attack on Police Is Charged With Federal Crimes

Federal prosecutors filed charges on Tuesday against a 19-year-old Maine man whom the authorities have portrayed as carrying out a “jihad-inspired” terrorist attack on three New York City police officers near Times Square on New Year's Eve.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/nyregion/trevor-bickford-federal-terror-charges.html

Office of Orphan Wells to Help Administer $4.7 billion in Orphan Well Closure Funding

Properly plugging these inactive wells– which have no solvent owner of record – is critical to reduce methane emissions, toxic air pollution and groundwater contamination. It also creates jobs in oil and gas communities. We look ...

source https://www.edf.org/media/office-orphan-wells-help-administer-47-billion-orphan-well-closure-funding

FEMA Individual Assistance and SBA Application Deadlines are Jan. 12

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Jan. 10, 2022) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration deadlines to apply for individual assistance and loans are Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. Apply for FEMA disaster assistance:.

source https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/news/fema-individual-assistance-and-sba-application-deadlines-are-jan-12.stml

Youngkin's parole board chair calls for 'over-the-top' transparency

A former Southwest Virginia judge appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to lead the Virginia Parole Board released a detailed report this month calling for a major overhaul of a state body he said has suffered from a lack of resources and too much secrecy.

source https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/01/09/youngkins-parole-board-chair-calls-for-over-the-top-transparency/

US Supreme Court tells Texas to reconsider executing man convicted with faulty DNA evidence

Areli Escobar was sentenced to death in 2011 for an Austin murder, but even prosecutors now agree his conviction relied heavily on faulty DNA testing by the discredited Travis County crime lab. by Roxanna Asgarian Jan. 9, 2023 7 hours ago. Copy link.

source https://www.texastribune.org/2023/01/09/areli-escobar-texas-execution-death-row-supreme-court/

Funding Available for Delaware Communities Seeking to Improve Tree Canopy

DOVER, Del. (January 9, 2023) – Delaware's Urban and Community Forestry Program is still accepting applications for up to $5,000 in matching grants for tree planting and management projects on public land and community open space.

source https://news.delaware.gov/2023/01/09/funding-available-for-delaware-communities-seeking-to-improve-tree-canopy/

After 6-Year-Old Is Accused in School Shooting, Many Questions and a Murky Legal Path

— The scene was heartbreakingly familiar. Inside Richneck Elementary School, children and teachers hunkered down in fear. At a family reunification center nearby, desperate parents waited for answers. Some were so panicked that they struggled to breathe.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/07/us/virginia-shooting-richneck-elementary.html

After Election Problems in Houston, Republicans Seek to Overturn Results

By Friday, more than a dozen losing Republican candidates had filed suits to contest the results of their races. Election Day in Harris County, Texas' largest county, saw a range of problems at polling ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/06/us/texas-harris-county-elections.html

Alaska's population steady amid COVID, departures

Alaska's population remained stable from 2021 into last year, as state officials say higher death rates from the COVID-19 pandemic and Alaskans leaving the state negated natural population increases. Population estimates released Thursday by the state ...

source https://alaskapublic.org/2023/01/06/alaskas-population-steady-amid-covid-departures/

With rhetorical nods to Maine's past and future, Gov. Mills outlines 2nd term plans

Gov. Janet Mills speaks at her inauguration ceremony, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, at the Civic Center in Augusta, Maine. In a thematic sense, Democratic ...

source https://www.mainepublic.org/politics/2023-01-06/with-rhetorical-nods-to-maines-past-and-future-gov-mills-outlines-2nd-term-plans

HUD Awards $24.7M to Help PHAs Provide Housing for People With Disabilities

The funding, provided through HUD's Section 811 Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher Program, can house up to 2,210 families. To help PHAs address rental market conditions that are creating challenges with Mainstream leasing, HUD awarded both ...

source https://www.usich.gov/news/hud-awards-24.7m-to-help-phas-provide-housing-for-people-with-disabilities

New Federal Laws Expand Protections for Pregnant and Nursing Employees

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide “reasonable accommodations” for pregnant employees and prohibits employment practices that discriminate against qualified employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth, ...

source https://www.vorys.com/publication-new-federal-laws-expand-protections-for-pregnant-and-nursing-employees

China's Thousand Talents Plan to entice researchers home boosted their output

In 2008, China began enticing expatriate scientists and foreign researchers to relocate to China through its Thousand Talents Plan, which aims to make the nation a global leader in science and technology. Despite its prestige, ...

source https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00012-5

2 charged with conspiracy to damage energy facilities in Washington substation attacks

The motive was burglary, according to charging documents unsealed Tuesday by the U.S. District Court in Tacoma. Published Jan. 5, 2023. Robert Walton's headshot · Robert Walton Senior Reporter. Tacoma Power surveillance images show a white male with a ...

source https://www.utilitydive.com/news/washington-substation-attack-outage-arrest-tacoma-power-puget-sound/639697/

FBI says two men attacked Washington's electric grid in order to commit a robbery

Two men have been charged with federal crimes for attacking substations in Washington State, an act of sabotage that left thousands without power on Christmas Day. Federal agents say one of the men confessed to knocking out the power in order to commit ...

source https://www.npr.org/2023/01/04/1146889176/washington-electricity-power-grid-sabotage-attacks-blackout-outage

Secretary Antony J. Blinken At Launch of the US Strategy on Global Women's Economic Security

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Well, first of all, good morning, everyone, and welcome to the State Department. A Happy New Year to everyone. This is actually the first event that I' ...

source https://it.usembassy.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-launch-of-the-u-s-strategy-on-global-womens-economic-security/

Influenza vaccination reveals sex dimorphic imprints of prior mild COVID-19

Acute viral infections can have durable functional impacts on the immune system long after recovery, but how they affect homeostatic immune states and responses to future perturbations remain poorly understood^1–4. Here we use systems immunology ...

source https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05670-5

Colorado ex-funeral directors jailed for selling body parts

An ex-funeral home owner and her mother have been sentenced in Colorado after selling body parts without any consent. Megan Hess, 46, and Shirly Koch, 69, dissected some 560 corpses between 2010 and 2018, selling parts to medical training companies ...

source https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64159612

Latex gloves are no longer allowed in Illinois food service, next is health care in 2024

The Illinois General Assembly passed the Latex Glove Ban Act this year, which Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law in June. The goal of the new law is to protect workers and customers who may be allergic to latex.

source https://news.stlpublicradio.org/economy-business/2023-01-03/latex-gloves-are-no-longer-allowed-in-illinois-food-service-next-is-health-care-in-2024

New Omicron Subvariant Surging in US

Jan. 3, 2023 -- A new subvariant of Omicron is responsible for a surge in domestic COVID-19 cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Called XBB, it accounted for 3.6% of total cases in the United States during the last week ...

source https://www.webmd.com/covid/news/20230103/new-omicron-subvariant-surging-in-u-s

Social Media Use Is Linked to Brain Changes in Teens, Research Finds

A new study by neuroscientists at the University of North Carolina tries something new, conducting successive brain scans of middle schoolers between the ages of 12 and 15, a period of especially rapid brain development. The ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/03/health/social-media-brain-adolescents.html

13 bison were killed in a road accident near Yellowstone National Park

Thirteen bison were killed near Yellowstone National Park after being struck by a semi-truck, police said Saturday. The accident happened last Wednesday at mile marker four on U.S. Highway 191, between West Yellowstone, Montana, and Highway 287.

source https://www.npr.org/2023/01/02/1146543806/bison-killed-yellowstone-national-park

A Colorado library will reopen after traces of meth were found in the building

The main library received increased reports of people smoking methamphetamine over a span of four weeks, and closed Dec. 20 to allow for environmental testing, in accordance with a county ordinance. The test results showed ...

source https://www.npr.org/2023/01/02/1146540989/meth-library-boulder-colorado-closed

Oregon's paid leave program now in effect

In January 2023, workers and businesses will start contributing to Paid Leave Oregon. The program will later fund up to 12 weeks of paid time off for workers recovering from serious illness or bonding with a new child.

source https://www.opb.org/article/2023/01/01/oregons-paid-leave-program-now-in-effect/

Eric Adams Said He Wanted to 'Get Stuff Done.' Did He?

In his first year as mayor, he focused his attention on fighting crime. But critics say he is not moving quickly enough to address New York City's other urgent challenges.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/01/nyregion/eric-adams-mayor.html

Roberts calls for judicial security in year-end report while avoiding mention of ethics reform or abortion draft leak

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts is seen prior to President Joe Biden giving his State of the Union address on March 1, 2022. Julia Nikhinson/Pool/Getty Images.

source https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/31/politics/john-roberts-year-end-report-supreme-court/index.html