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Virginia Democratic Delegation Opposes Trump Administration's Proposal to Rescind Roadless Rule

Virginia Democratic Delegation Opposes Trump Administration's Proposal to Rescind Roadless Rule

Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan led six members of the Virginia delegation, including U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Don Beyer (VA-08), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. The letter expresses strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s proposal to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, commonly known as the “Roadless Rule.” This rule, implemented in 2001, has protected 45 million acres of forest lands nationwide, with nearly 394,000 acres in Virginia. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Forest Service filed a proposal in August to repeal the rule, which the lawmakers argue could have severe impacts on water quality, biodiversity, and economic development in these regions. The proposal would strip protections from approximately 84% of Virginia’s roadless areas, potentially opening them to road constr...

Asheville Citizen-Times

What to know about measles in NC with Pennsylvania outbreak announced

What to know about measles in NC with Pennsylvania outbreak announced

With 25 new positive cases, almost 800 total measles cases have been confirmed in Pennsylvania this year. Here's what to know about the virus in NC.

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Expand Federal Maternal Health Programs and Research

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Expand Federal Maternal Health Programs and Research

Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have introduced a bipartisan bill, the Mothers and Newborns Success Act, aimed at reducing maternal and infant deaths in the U.S. The legislation seeks to increase federal funding for maternal care, research, and programs, particularly targeting women in rural and underserved communities. Senator Kaine highlighted that the U.S. maternal mortality rate is significantly higher than other peer nations, with Black women in 2024 experiencing a mortality rate more than three times that of white women. The bill proposes to consolidate efforts across the CDC, NIH, and Health Resources and Services Administration, providing grants to states for developing maternal health programs, funding research into the causes of maternal deaths, and improving data collection. This initiative stems from Senator Kaine's experience as Virginia's governor, where a targeted approach to infant mortality in specific jurisdictions proved effective.

Congressman Cline Urges FCC Review of Verizon's Copper Landline Discontinuation in Virginia

Congressman Cline Urges FCC Review of Verizon's Copper Landline Discontinuation in Virginia

Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) has sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, requesting a review of Verizon's plan to discontinue copper-based landline services across a significant portion of Virginia. Cline's concern stems from the potential impact on public safety and basic connectivity, particularly in the mountainous regions of Virginia's Sixth District. He highlighted that many areas within his district lack cellular service, and alternative communication options are not yet widely available. The Congressman emphasized that extended weather-related outages are common in these areas, making reliable landline service crucial for residents to access emergency services and stay connected with loved ones. Cline stated that he shares the concerns of his constituents who have reached out to his office regarding this decision.

California Lawmakers Approve Bill for Non-Ultraprocessed Food Certification Amidst Industry Debate

California Lawmakers Approve Bill for Non-Ultraprocessed Food Certification Amidst Industry Debate

California lawmakers have unanimously approved Assembly Bill (AB) 2244, which aims to establish a government-backed certification for non-ultraprocessed foods. This bill broadly defines ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as those containing one or more ingredients that provide a 'specific technical effect,' such as stabilizers and thickeners, while excluding natural seasonings, flavorings, and non-nutritive sweeteners. If signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, the bill will create a voluntary 'Non-Ultraprocessed Certified' label for qualifying food products. This development comes as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is also working on a federal definition for UPFs, and a recent meta-analysis of over 8 million people linked higher UPF consumption to various chronic health risks, including cardiovascular events, cancer, digestive diseases, obesity, and all-cause mortality. The meta-analysis, published in Family Medicine and Community Health, utilized the NOVA classification system, which d...

Rep. Rosa DeLauro Introduces Legislation for Mandatory Infant Formula Botulism Testing Amid Outbreaks

Rep. Rosa DeLauro Introduces Legislation for Mandatory Infant Formula Botulism Testing Amid Outbreaks

Representative Rosa DeLauro has introduced legislation aimed at enhancing infant formula safety following two botulism outbreaks that led to dozens of infant hospitalizations. The proposed bill mandates that formula manufacturers test for the toxin causing botulism and implement stringent monitoring requirements in their production facilities. It also requires manufacturers to inform Congress if any pathogen is detected. DeLauro expressed frustration with the current system, which relies on voluntary procedures and recommended guidelines, stating that mandatory federal laws are necessary to protect infants. This legislative push comes as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) faces criticism for its handling of the outbreaks, including conducting a safety study that excluded botulism-causing bacteria while publicly declaring the infant formula supply safe. Food safety attorney Bill Marler, representing affected families, has also been advocating for new oversight legislation and congressional hearings...

Arizona Republic

What is kratom and could the products kill you? What to know

What is kratom and could the products kill you? What to know

Arizona kratom-related deaths have happened in Maricopa and Pima counties in recent years. In most cases, other drugs were present, too.

Star Meat Delivery Inc. Recalls Over 167,000 Pounds of Uninspected Meat Products Nationwide

Star Meat Delivery Inc. Recalls Over 167,000 Pounds of Uninspected Meat Products Nationwide

Star Meat Delivery Inc. has issued a Class I recall for approximately 167,639 pounds of raw beef, pork, and goat products distributed nationwide. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall because the products were produced without federal inspection and bear a false USDA mark of inspection, 'EST. 1363'. A Class I recall signifies a health hazard where there is a reasonable probability that consuming the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The recalled products were distributed in bulk under the A&D Foods label to restaurants and retail locations across the country, packaged in vacuum-sealed bags within cardboard boxes. The issue was identified during FSIS surveillance activities. Consumers, retailers, and restaurants are advised not to consume, sell, or serve these products and should return them or dispose of them immediately.

Bipartisan Senate Leaders Introduce Bill to Bolster Telecom Cybersecurity Following Salt Typhoon Campaign

Bipartisan Senate Leaders Introduce Bill to Bolster Telecom Cybersecurity Following Salt Typhoon Campaign

Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) have introduced the Telecommunications Cybersecurity and Resilience Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing cybersecurity standards within the U.S. telecommunications sector. This legislative effort comes nearly two years after the Salt Typhoon campaign, a significant espionage operation attributed to a Chinese hacking group, was made public. The Salt Typhoon intrusion, described as the worst telecom hack in U.S. history, targeted major telecom carriers and siphoned data from presidential campaigns and candidates. The proposed bill seeks to improve telecom security through voluntary measures developed collaboratively by government and industry stakeholders. It mandates the creation of a telecom cybersecurity working group within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. This group will include carriers, suppliers, experts, and relevant government agencies, tasked with developing industry-wide best practices within 18 months of the bill...

Record U.S. Heat Highlights Worker Safety Concerns

Record U.S. Heat Highlights Worker Safety Concerns

The United States experienced its hottest summer on record, with extreme heat waves impacting large regions and creating hazardous conditions. Heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., claiming approximately 1,300 lives annually. Workers are particularly vulnerable due to prolonged exposure, physical exertion, and protective equipment requirements. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed a Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Rule to address these risks. This rule would mandate Heat Illness Prevention Plans (HIPP) for employers, including measures like water breaks and shaded rest areas when the heat index exceeds 80°F (26.7°C). However, the rule's future is uncertain, with potential delays and opposition in Congress. Meanwhile, states like California, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as cities like Phoenix and New York City, are implementing their own heat safety measures.

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam Advocates for National Strategy on AI Data Center Growth

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam Advocates for National Strategy on AI Data Center Growth

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, a Virginia Democrat, is advocating for a national strategy to manage the rapid expansion of AI data centers across the United States. Representing a district with a significant concentration of data centers, Subramanyam has become a leading voice for implementing new limits on their growth, both in Northern Virginia and nationwide. He has criticized utility companies and data center overreach, endorsed local data center moratoriums, and called for data centers to bear more of their infrastructure costs. Last week, he unveiled a 'National Data Center Plan' designed to change how data centers are sited, how their impacts are measured, and who pays for their energy infrastructure. This stance marks an evolution from his earlier policy record, where he supported legislation expanding data center tax exemptions and promoting cloud computing investments in Virginia.

Senators Reintroduce Health Infrastructure Security Act to Mandate Healthcare Cybersecurity Standards

Senators Reintroduce Health Infrastructure Security Act to Mandate Healthcare Cybersecurity Standards

Senators Mark Warner and Ron Wyden have reintroduced the Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act, a legislative proposal aimed at establishing and enforcing minimum cybersecurity standards across the American healthcare system. This bill targets healthcare providers, health plans, clearinghouses, and business associates, requiring them to undertake several critical security measures. These include conducting security risk analyses, developing comprehensive incident response plans for cyber incidents, natural disasters, and technology failures, performing stress tests to evaluate their ability to restore essential functions, and undergoing independent security audits. The legislation also proposes significant financial investment, with $800 million in upfront payments over two years designated for 2,000 rural and urban safety-net hospitals. This funding is intended to help these hospitals adopt essential cybersecurity standards to address high-risk vulnerabilities in their data infrastructure ...