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Columbia Residents and Scientists Urge Maryland Department of the Environment to Deny W.R. Grace Recycling Lab Permit

Columbia Residents and Scientists Urge Maryland Department of the Environment to Deny W.R. Grace Recycling Lab Permit

Community members and scientists in Columbia, Maryland, are urging the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to deny W.R. Grace's air quality operating permit for its plastic recycling research project. The Stop Grace Coalition, a local community group, and several scientists have expressed significant concerns about potential health and environmental risks associated with the facility's operations. Residents living near the plant have reported issues with air pollution, alleging that the facility burns plastics. Dr. Marsha Wills Karp, chair of the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, emphasized the well-documented negative health impacts of living near plastic processing facilities. Dr. Ana Maria Rule, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins, also highlighted residents' complaints about loud overnight noises disturbing their sleep, linking noise exposure to various health risks. W.R. Grace, however, denies burning plastics or causing...
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Iowa Residents Report Negative Environmental Impacts from Industrial Animal Operations

Iowa Residents Report Negative Environmental Impacts from Industrial Animal Operations

A recent survey conducted in Iowa revealed that a majority of its residents have experienced negative environmental impacts stemming from industrial animal operations, commonly known as factory farms. Iowa is a significant hub for such operations, housing nearly 25 million hogs, which translates to over seven hogs for every Iowan. The number of large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in the state has seen a more than fivefold increase since 1990. These large CAFOs are defined as facilities housing 1,000 or more animal units, such as 1,000 cattle, 714 dairy cows, 2,500 hogs, or 100,000 laying hens. The survey indicates a growing concern among the populace regarding the environmental consequences of this agricultural model. Furthermore, Iowa currently holds the second-highest cancer rate in the United States, and it is one of only three states where these rates are on the rise.
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U.S. Research Funding Cuts Impact South African Science and Research System

U.S. Research Funding Cuts Impact South African Science and Research System

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande announced that the withdrawal of United States research funding has cost South Africa’s science and research system approximately R2.5 billion. This significant reduction in funding has placed 1,930 research posts and 108 student degrees at risk, according to estimates from the South African Medical Research Council. Affected institutions include prominent universities such as the University of Cape Town, Wits University, and the University of Pretoria, as well as CAPRISA. A notable casualty of these cuts was an HIV vaccine trial, which lost a newly awarded five-year grant valued at $45 million. The U.S. government's decision to withdraw funding impacted various health research and clinical trial programs, particularly those focused on HIV and tuberculosis. Minister Nzimande noted that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has indicated that some funding might be reinstated if it is determined not to fall under the definition of foreign aid.
ReutersReuters
Israeli officials say diverted flydubai incident may be attempted 'terror attack'

Israeli officials say diverted flydubai incident may be attempted 'terror attack'

By Alexander Cornwell and Rami Amichay JERUSALEM, Sept 30 (Reuters) - The Israeli government believes an incident on a flight from the United Arab Emirates to Israel, which diverted to Saudi Arabia after transmitting emergency signals on Wednesday, may have been an attempted "terror attack" by one
ReutersReuters
Joy mixed with fear as US forces quit Iraq leaving potential security vacuum

Joy mixed with fear as US forces quit Iraq leaving potential security vacuum

By Ahmed Rasheed and Muayad Hameed BAGHDAD, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Iraqis celebrated the departure of US forces after more than two decades of war on Wednesday, though many were worried that a security vacuum could increase the power of Iran-backed militia or provide an opening for the return of
Palm Springs Desert SunPalm Springs Desert Sun
Why is gas so expensive? How do prices look in California?

Why is gas so expensive? How do prices look in California?

Gas prices have soared across the country, especially California. Why have they gotten so expensive?
AP NewsAP News
Asian benchmarks mostly rise despite ongoing worries about the Iran war

Asian benchmarks mostly rise despite ongoing worries about the Iran war

Asian shares are trading higher, boosted by optimism about artificial intelligence and computer chips despite ongoing worries about the war in Iran
VarietyVariety
Producer-Led The Creatives Enters Jointly Owned Holding Structure as Anton Studios Joins as Partner and Minority Investor (EXCLUSIVE)

Producer-Led The Creatives Enters Jointly Owned Holding Structure as Anton Studios Joins as Partner and Minority Investor (EXCLUSIVE)

Fast-growing European studio Anton Studios is taking a minority position as a partner and investor in The Creatives. The group, first founded as a long-term strategic partnership in 2021, is moving into a solidified company, with a jointly owned holding structure. The new model will see The Creatives become the first European-rooted producer-owned group of […]
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Scientists Call for Maryland Department of the Environment to Address W.R. Grace Plastic Pilot Project Impacts

Scientists Call for Maryland Department of the Environment to Address W.R. Grace Plastic Pilot Project Impacts

A group of scientists is urging the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to address alleged negative environmental impacts stemming from W.R. Grace's plastic pilot plan in Howard County, Maryland. These scientists, including professors from prominent universities and a former National Institutes of Health official, are scheduled to hold a press conference at Carroll Park in Baltimore City to highlight their concerns. They previously sent a letter to the MDE outlining requirements for consideration before granting a new permit to W.R. Grace, whose recycling plant is seeking a permit extension. The requirements include limiting plant noise, accounting for additional harmful chemicals, and implementing safeguards against potential incidents. This action follows over a year of complaints from Howard County residents regarding harmful chemical releases from the plant, claims that W.R. Grace and the MDE have consistently denied, with the MDE stating no adverse impact to public health or the environment i...
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Washington D.C. Rat Rangers Educate Public on Non-Toxic Rodent Control Amid Rising Infestations

Washington D.C. Rat Rangers Educate Public on Non-Toxic Rodent Control Amid Rising Infestations

In Washington D.C., a group known as the 'Rat Rangers' is actively working to educate residents on effective, non-toxic methods for preventing rat infestations. This initiative comes after a 2024 City Wildlife study revealed a significant number of D.C. wildlife suffering from blood-clotting issues due to rodenticides. Head Rat Rangers Holly Gerberich, an anthrozoologist, and Gerard Brown lead public 'rat walks' to demonstrate how human behavior contributes to rat populations. They emphasize that rats are drawn to environments where food waste and garbage are readily available. Despite the use of poisons, traps, and even birth control, rat numbers in the city are increasing, with a healthy pair of brown rats capable of producing up to 15,000 descendants in a single year. The Rat Rangers advocate for improved sanitation practices, such as proper garbage disposal and securing outdoor bins, to make urban environments less welcoming to rodents. This approach aims to address the root cause of infestations rathe...
Arizona RepublicArizona Republic
Environment is a bigger issue for Latinos than non-Latinos, data says

Environment is a bigger issue for Latinos than non-Latinos, data says

The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce published new data that shows environmental conditions are a major issue Latinos care about.
FactloreFactlore
Why scientists are paying more attention to urban trees

Why scientists are paying more attention to urban trees

Beyond shade and beauty, scientists are uncovering the critical roles urban trees play in public health, climate resilience, and even social equity.