Former US Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Black Democratic trailblazer, dies at 88

She was 88. A towering Dallas political figure — once a nurse, state legislator and congresswoman — Johnson was the dean of the Texas Congressional delegation before retiring from office in 2022. She proved effective at ...

source https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/31/texas-eddie-bernice-johnson-dies/

City Government Offices Will Be Closed Monday for New Years Day; Trash Collection Schedule is Modified

FREE holiday parking regulations will end on Tuesday, January 2; the 2024 Trash and Recycling Collections Schedule is released. New Years CLOSED. Wilmington government offices will be closed on Monday, January 1, 2024, for New Year's Day.

source https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6737/225

System Pressure Advisory Lifted for Water Customers

Test results of water samples from the area confirm no contamination for customers who lost temporarily lost water service on Thursday. Hillsborough utilities staff completed emergency repairs Thursday afternoon to the 8-inch water main and issued ...

source https://www.hillsboroughnc.gov/news/news/2023/12/29/1711/system-pressure-advisory-lifted-for-water-customers.html

Utilities Crews Repaired Water Main Break on Orange Grove Road

Updated at 4:29 p.m. on Dec. 28, 2023: Updated to note that the water main break has been repaired and affected water lines were flushed. Those who lost water service or experienced low water pressure are advised to boil water for drinking until state ...

source https://www.hillsboroughnc.gov/news/news/2023/12/28/1706/utilities-crews-repaired-water-main-break-on-orange-grove-road.html

Plan for a safe New Year's Eve

According to Colorado State Patrol, Colorado saw a 6% increase in traffic fatalities caused by impaired driving last year. The second leading cause of fatal and injury crashes investigated by State Patrol so far this year is impaired driving.

source https://www.douglas.co.us/plan-for-a-safe-new-years-eve/

A Proclamation on Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States

6. Pursuant to the agreement described in Proclamation 10328, the United States implemented a number of actions, including a tariff-rate quota that restricts the quantity of steel articles imported into the United States from the EU without the application ...

source https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/12/28/a-proclamation-on-adjusting-imports-of-steel-into-the-united-states-5/

2023 adoptions—corporation tax

Adoption of amendments to Business Corporation Franchise Tax Regulations, Franchise Tax on Banking Corporations Regulations, and Franchise Taxes on Insurance Corporations Regulations. This rule implements the comprehensive reform of New York State's ...

source https://www.tax.ny.gov/rulemaker/adoptions/corp/2023.htm

Judicial branch continues restoring case management system in district courts

Access to efiling system expected after first of year. TOPEKA—The Kansas judicial branch phased restoration of the Kansas eCourt case management system in district courts continues, although at a slower pace than had been planned.

source https://www.kscourts.org/Newsroom/News-Releases/News/2023-News-Releases/December-2023/Judicial-branch-continues-restoring-case-managemen

2023 adoptions—corporation tax

Adoption of amendments to Business Corporation Franchise Tax Regulations, Franchise Tax on Banking Corporations Regulations, and Franchise Taxes on Insurance Corporations Regulations. This rule implements the comprehensive reform of New York State's ...

source https://www.tax.ny.gov/rulemaker/adoptions/corp/2023.htm

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Utah

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Utah to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding May 1-27, 2023. Public Assistance federal funding is available to state, ...

source https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20231226/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-major-disaster-declaration-utah

Cantwell Commends Executive Order Curbing Imports of Russian Seafood to Protect WA Markets and Fishermen

Today, President Biden issued an Executive Order to strengthen U.S. sanctions on Russian financial institutions and import bans on certain Russian goods, including Russian seafood. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on ...

source https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2023/12/cantwell-commends-executive-order-curbing-imports-of-russian-seafood-to-protect-wa-markets-and-fishermen

Senate votes to confirm Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh to lead CYBERCOM and NSA/CSS

— The U.S. Senate voted to confirm President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.'s nomination of U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Timothy D. Haugh to the rank of General and to assume the duties as the Commander, U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM), Director, National Security Agency ( ...

source https://www.nsa.gov/Press-Room/Press-Releases-Statements/Press-Release-View/Article/3625189/senate-votes-to-confirm-lt-gen-timothy-haugh-to-lead-cybercom-and-nsacss/

Food safety tips for a microbe-free holiday season

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said festive feasting was great, but it was important to keep your Christmas dinner and leftovers safe in the Queensland heat. “The hot weather can allow bacteria in food ...

source https://www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/doh-media-releases/food-safety-tips-for-a-microbe-free-holiday-season

Governor Hochul Announces 213th Session Graduation From the State Police Basic School

Governor Kathy Hochul today joined Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento in honoring 232 new State Troopers as they graduated from the 213th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy. The ceremony was held at the Empire State ...

source https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-213th-session-graduation-state-police-basic-school

Governor Pritzker Announces Federal Recompete Grant Award Progress for Illinois Communities

Chicago— Governor JB Pritzker today announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) has advanced the city of Decatur as a finalist for a grant to advance employment revitalization. The EDA also announced ...

source https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.29441.html

What to know when ice fishing this winter

It's also recommended to bring hand warmers that you can put in your gloves or boots. Ice fishing bibs are another great way to bundle up and stay warm, and they also use material that keeps the angler afloat in case they fall through the ice.

source https://wildlife.utah.gov/news/utah-wildlife-news/1823-what-to-know-when-ice-fishing-this-winter.html

City Hall Holiday Hours

Please note, online banking may be used for utilities and property tax payments but cannot be set up for business license and municipal ticket payments. Payments for utilities, property taxes, business licenses and municipal tickets ...

source https://www.fernie.ca/EN/meta/whats-new/news-archives/2023-archive/city-hall-holiday-hours.html

Anne Arundel County Will Hold “The Longest Night” Homeless Persons' Memorial Service

“This event is an important reminder that we must continue our efforts in providing safe and accessible housing opportunities for all of our residents," said County Executive Steuart Pittman. "We come together on this night ...

source https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/news/anne-arundel-county-will-hold-longest-night-homeless-persons-memorial-service

Senior Liza Goldberg named 2024 Marshall Scholar

Stanford senior Liza Goldberg is among the newest recipients of the Marshall Scholarship, which will support her graduate studies in the United Kingdom. The prestigious fellowship supports up to three years of graduate study in any academic topic at ...

source https://news.stanford.edu/report/2023/12/18/senior-liza-goldberg-named-2024-marshall-scholar/

Under Secretary Elizabeth M. Allen Opens the US-ASEAN Center in Washington, DC

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Liz Allen delivered remarks to highlight the important event. Announced by Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2023 ...

source https://id.usembassy.gov/under-secretary-elizabeth-m-allen-opens-the-u-s-asean-center-in-washington-d-c/

A Proclamation on Wright Brothers Day,

One hundred twenty years ago on the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, two brothers forever changed the course of history. Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved one of the most transformative technological advancements in the history of humankind: ...

source https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/12/15/a-proclamation-on-wright-brothers-day-2023/

Graduates celebrate achievements at fall ceremonies

Virginia Tech held fall commencement ceremonies on Dec. 15. At the University Commencement Ceremony, Virginia Tech President Tim Sands remarked on the number of families and friends in attendance in Cassell Coliseum and declared it the largest crowd to ...

source https://news.vt.edu/articles/2023/12/cm-fall-commencement.html

EPA Releases Annual Report Showing Steady Progress to Protect Communities from PFAS Pollution

The report outlines key accomplishments under the Roadmap over the past year across three fronts– to restrict, remediate, and research PFAS – all centered on achieving fundamental health protections for the American people.

source https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-releases-annual-report-showing-steady-progress-protect-communities-pfas-pollution

Malas Manas Transnational Criminal Organization Leadership Indicted on Charges of Human Smuggling and Drug ...

On Nov. 29, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned an 11-count indictment against Jorge Damian Roman-Figueroa, Luis Eduardo Roman-Flores, Manuel Jose Bernal, Joel Salazar-Ballesteros, and Jesus Armando Gonzalez-Villela, all of Mexico, for conspiracy ...

source https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/malas-manas-transnational-criminal-organization-leadership-indicted-charges-human-smuggling

Assessing the Global Climate in November 2023

November marked the sixth record-warm month in a row. The September–November 2023 global surface temperature ranked as the warmest such period on record, a substantial leap (+0.70°F or +0.39°C) above the previous record from 2015.

source https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/global-climate-202311

Detroit Office of Digital Equity & Inclusion Director, Christine Burkette, named Digital Inclusion Trailblazer

Christine Burkette among 47 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer awardees nationwide; Burkette has created Detroit's first ever interactive digital equity map; Programming she has created provides residents with access to high-speed internet and digital ...

source https://detroitmi.gov/news/detroit-office-digital-equity-inclusion-director-christine-burkette-named-digital-inclusion

National Academy of Inventors names three Purdue faculty as 2023 fellows

Selection as fellow is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to academic inventors. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Three Purdue University faculty members, including two from the College of Engineering and one from the College of Veterinary ...

source https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2023/Q4/national-academy-of-inventors-names-three-purdue-faculty-as-2023-fellows.html

FACT SHEET: Vice President Harris Announces that American Rescue Plan Investments in Home and Community ...

Nationally, over seven million seniors and individuals with disabilities and their families rely on home and community-based services (HCBS) to help meet their long-term care needs in their home or community, rather than in institutions or other isolated ...

source https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/12/11/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-announces-that-american-rescue-plan-investments-in-home-and-community-based-care-services-for-millions-of-seniors-and-americans-with-disabilities-reach-about-37/

Governor Hochul Directs Flags to Half-staff to Honor Fallen Technical Sergeant Christopher P. Rock

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced flags on State buildings will be flown at half-staff on December 12, from sunrise to sunset, in honor of fallen Technical Sergeant Christopher P. Rock. “Technical Sergeant Christopher P. Rock was a valiant servant ...

source https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-directs-flags-half-staff-honor-fallen-technical-sergeant-christopher-p-rock

5 Georgetown Students, Alumni Named Marshall Scholars in Record-Breaking Year

The three students and two alumni are among 51 recipients of the fellowship this year, which selects outstanding American scholars to pursue their graduate education at any university in the United Kingdom. This year marks the first time Georgetown has ...

source https://www.georgetown.edu/news/5-georgetown-students-alumni-named-marshall-scholars/

Attorney General Josh Stein Urges US Supreme Court to Clarify that States can Regulate Social Media Platforms

For Immediate Release: Friday, December 8, 2023. Contact: Nazneen Ahmed 919-716-0060. (RALEIGH) Attorney General Josh Stein today filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to clarify that states have the authority to regulate ...

source https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-josh-stein-urges-u-s-supreme-court-to-clarify-that-states-can-regulate-social-media-platforms/

Attorney General James Urges US Supreme Court to Ensure States Can Regulate Social Media Platforms

The amicus brief was submitted in two cases currently before the Court, Moody v. NetChoice and NetChoice v. Paxton, which are challenges to laws passed in Florida and Texas. The amicus brief focuses on states' important interests in regulating social media ...

source https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2023/attorney-general-james-urges-us-supreme-court-ensure-states-can-regulate-social

Assessing the US Climate in November 2023

Map of the United States 2023 Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters, with 25. November 2023 was the 19th-warmest November on record for the nation, and precipitation ranked 12th driest in the historical ...

source https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/national-climate-202311

AG Campbell Urges The ATF To Expand Background Checks And Reduce Illegal Gun Trafficking

BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, along with New York Attorney General Letitia James, has led a multistate coalition of 21 attorneys general in support of a proposed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) ...

source https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-campbell-urges-the-atf-to-expand-background-checks-and-reduce-illegal-gun-trafficking

Attorney General Knudsen leads opposition to Biden's latest attack on gun rights

HELENA – Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen led a coalition of 26 attorneys general in opposition to the Biden administration's shocking and unconstitutional attack on American's right to keep and bear arms that could criminalize law-abiding ...

source https://dojmt.gov/attorney-general-knudsen-leads-opposition-to-bidens-latest-attack-on-gun-rights/

Ted Cruz pushes for car manufacturers to keep AM radio, a tool for emergency communication and conservative talk

Cruz on Tuesday requested a unanimous consent decision on his AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The legislation was blocked by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, who said the mandate on private companies would be an overstep of congressional power.

source https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/07/ted-cruz-am-radio-senate/

Baylor Named a Best College for Future Leaders by TIME

Baylor University has been named to TIME Magazine's inaugural list of the 100 Best Colleges for Future Leaders, a new ranking that measures universities that excel in nurturing some of the nation's most highly influential leaders.

source https://news.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2023/baylor-named-best-college-future-leaders-time

EPA reaches settlement with RJ Torching for alleged Clean Air Act violations at facility in Flint

Torching, a scrap metal recycler that uses high-powered torches to cut large metal objects such as automotive manufacturing machines, violated visible emissions limitations, illegally conducted open burning and failed to properly operate air pollution ...

source https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/press-releases/2023/12/06/epa-reaches-settlement

Angler snags tagged trout – you won't believe what happened next!

There's nothing more exciting than feeling a tug at the end of your line and reeling in a monster trout in West Virginia — except for maybe reeling in a tagged monster trout. That's what happened to Dylan Young during a recent fishing trip to Anthony ...

source https://wvdnr.gov/angler-snags-tagged-trout-you-wont-believe-what-happened-next/

State abandons effort to take back Fairfield Lake State Park land

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will stop pursuing eminent domain to take over the former park property south of Dallas. A private developer plans to turn it into a luxury subdivision. by Pooja Salhotra. Dec. 5, 2023 1 hour ago.

source https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/05/texas-fairfield-lake-state-park-eminent-domain-developer/

Governor Newsom & the Reproductive Freedom Alliance Urge Federal Government to Require Health Plan Coverage ...

SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom called on U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to take additional steps to ensure that all forms of contraception are affordable and accessible. “Accessibility and affordability are essential ...

source https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/12/04/rfa-joint-otc-letter-to-hhs/

Governor Hochul Announces Substantial Completion of $84.2 Million Infrastructure Improvement Project on the ...

Project Included Pavement Reconstruction, Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Numerous Safety Upgrades Include Wider Shoulders, New Guiderails, New Signage and Striping. View the entire press release here. Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the ...

source https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2023/john-w-mannion/governor-hochul-announces-substantial-completion-842

Long winter's nap: Which animals hibernate?

Hibernation is a behavioral adaptation that allows animals to survive low temperatures and periods of time without food. When an animal hibernates, they decrease their body temperature, metabolic rate, heart rate, and respiratory rate.

source https://www.mass.gov/news/long-winters-nap-which-animals-hibernate

News release: Caution paramount as ice season gets underway

The ice season got off to a quick start in parts of Minnesota in recent days, with ice forming on some water bodies and numerous reports of ice anglers already testing their luck. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to stay ...

source https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2023/12/01/caution-paramount-ice-season-gets-underway