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Congressman Riley M. Moore Cosponsors Legislation to Protect Ratepayers from Data Center Costs

Congressman Riley M. Moore Cosponsors Legislation to Protect Ratepayers from Data Center Costs

Congressman Riley M. Moore has announced his cosponsorship of the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Gabe Evans. This bill aims to ensure that data centers, rather than American families and small businesses, bear the full costs associated with the electricity infrastructure upgrades required to meet their substantial energy demands. The legislation proposes an amendment to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), mandating state public utility commissions to consider standards that require large data centers to pay for the incremental generation, transmission, and distribution upgrades necessary for their operations. Congressman Moore emphasized that West Virginia families and American taxpayers should not subsidize the infrastructure costs of these massive facilities, advocating for the costs to be borne by the companies themselves.

Massachusetts Lawmakers Propose New Regulations for Automated License Plate Readers Amid Privacy Concerns

Massachusetts Lawmakers Propose New Regulations for Automated License Plate Readers Amid Privacy Concerns

State Representative Steven Owens of Watertown has introduced a bill aimed at creating new rules for the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in Massachusetts. This move comes amid growing community pushback and concerns over privacy and surveillance, with several municipalities, including Watertown, having already canceled or ended contracts with Flock Safety, a major ALPR provider. Owens' proposal includes requiring police to obtain a court order before sharing ALPR data with outside agencies. Currently, individual law enforcement agencies decide whether to share footage with Flock Safety's database. Critics, including Owens and Northeastern University associate professor Matthew Ross, argue that ALPRs are 'ripe for abuse' and could function as a 'loophole around the Fourth Amendment,' potentially allowing tracking of individuals seeking legal care across state lines.

Nepal flood survivors fear loss of culture and community

Nepal flood survivors fear loss of culture and community

Floods along the Nepal-Tibet border have left many like Tsering Gelbu Lama grappling with loss

Florida set to carry out 14th execution this year in the nation's busiest death chamber

Florida set to carry out 14th execution this year in the nation's busiest death chamber

A Florida man convicted of fatally shooting a 16-year-old girl who rejected his romantic advances and wounding two of her friends is set to be executed

Smyrna Unveils Riverview Landing Redevelopment Project Along Chattahoochee River

Smyrna Unveils Riverview Landing Redevelopment Project Along Chattahoochee River

Smyrna, Georgia, is finalizing its Riverview Landing redevelopment project, transforming a former industrial area along the Chattahoochee River into a mixed-use community. The 82-acre site, previously a landfill and industrial property, now features new homes, restaurants, and park space. The second phase of the development, completed this summer, includes 12 acres of linear park space. Prestwick Companies developed The Eddy apartment community with over 1,200 units, while Meritage Homes constructed 260 single-family residences. The project also incorporates approximately 17,000 square feet of commercial space, housing a brewery, coffee shop, and restaurant. According to Andrea Worthy, Smyrna’s community development director, development along the river is typically restricted by the Metropolitan River Protection Act, but this site was eligible for redevelopment due to its previously disturbed nature. This project is one of several redevelopment initiatives in Smyrna, including a plan for the former First ...

CMS Selects Mathematica and Deloitte for Healthcare Model Improvement Initiative

CMS Selects Mathematica and Deloitte for Healthcare Model Improvement Initiative

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has initiated a new project, the Learning Insights for Action (LIA) initiative, to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of its healthcare payment and service delivery models. CMS has partnered with Mathematica and Deloitte for this four-year endeavor, which aims to leverage data and analytics to identify successful strategies within existing models. The CMS Innovation Center, established by the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, is responsible for developing alternative payment models to reduce costs across Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The LIA project will expand CMS's efforts to identify high-performing participants and disseminate their successful approaches through targeted learning events and industry sharing, ultimately supporting more efficient resource allocation and stronger program performance.

Rep. Diana Harshbarger Champions Federal Grants for Tusculum University's Talent Search Program

Rep. Diana Harshbarger Champions Federal Grants for Tusculum University's Talent Search Program

Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, a Republican representing Tennessee’s First Congressional District, has actively supported the allocation of federal grants from the U.S. Department of Education to Tusculum University’s Talent Search program. This program, which is celebrating its 50th year, is part of the federal TRIO programs and aims to assist first-generation, income-eligible middle and high school students in preparing for college. Tusculum University currently holds two federal grants for Talent Search, with the first received in 1976 and the second in 2002. The program recently secured continued support with a $640,000 allocation for the upcoming year. Congresswoman Harshbarger's district encompasses the counties served by the program, including Carter, Cocke, Greene, and Unicoi counties. She emphasized that her office heard directly from constituents concerned about the program's funding, leading her to advocate for its continuation.

Liberty University Public Health Team Conducts Health Assessments in Guatemala and El Salvador

Liberty University Public Health Team Conducts Health Assessments in Guatemala and El Salvador

Two public health professors and two graduate students from Liberty University recently participated in a mission trip to Jutiapa, Guatemala, and Santa Ana, El Salvador. This trip, the seventh led by Drs. Oswald Attin and Gineska Castillo, focused on conducting community health assessments, preventive health screenings, and educational presentations in underserved communities. The team, which included 32 members, collaborated with local church partners and the nonprofit Manos Unidas. They held health clinics to screen for common conditions like hypertension, anemia, and diabetes, and provided education on nutrition and hygiene. Local healthcare workers also received training to ensure follow-up care for patients after the team's departure. Graduate students Grace Boundy and Haley Gebhard completed their practicum requirements during the trip, with Gebhard focusing on maternal and child health, particularly the issue of child stunting in Guatemala.

Panamanian President Mulino Urges Reconsideration of Restricted Port Information Policy

Panamanian President Mulino Urges Reconsideration of Restricted Port Information Policy

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has publicly requested the Autoridad Marítima de Panamá (AMP) to reconsider a resolution that restricts access to certain administrative information for a period of 10 years. The restricted information includes documents related to port concessions, licenses for auxiliary maritime services, and administrative investigations into infractions. President Mulino expressed his lack of understanding regarding the AMP's decision to classify this information as confidential or restricted, urging a respectful reconsideration of the measure. This decision by the AMP's board of directors was formalized through Resolution J.D. No. 012-2026, published on August 28, and stipulates that these documents will remain restricted until 2036, unless the reasons for their confidentiality cease to exist. Access is limited to accredited parties within administrative processes and competent authorities, with warnings against improper disclosure.

Researchers catch sharks off NY's Hamptons, attach trackers to toothy predators

Researchers catch sharks off NY's Hamptons, attach trackers to toothy predators

Researchers are catching a wide range of sharks off the New York’s Hamptons and outfitting them with small trackers as they seek to understand more about one of the world’s few confirmed great white shark nurseries

Texas Sues Fort Worth Councilman's Ministry for Nearly $788K in Disallowed Food Program Expenses

Texas Sues Fort Worth Councilman's Ministry for Nearly $788K in Disallowed Food Program Expenses

The State of Texas is seeking approximately $788,000 from Purpose Driven Ministries, a nonprofit led by Fort Worth City Councilmember Chris Nettles. The lawsuit, filed by the Office of the Attorney General on behalf of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), alleges that the ministry claimed disallowed expenses under a federal child nutrition program. An administrative review by the TDA upheld the determination that $787,872.77 in expenses were disallowed, and the ministry's appeal was denied, making the TDA's decision final. The TDA subsequently referred the debt to the Attorney General's Office for collection after the ministry allegedly failed to repay the demanded amount. Councilmember Nettles signed as the director of Purpose Driven Ministries in October 2018, and the ministry was responsible for complying with state and federal requirements for its food programs, including the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Nettles' campaign website and official city council biography state he has owned and op...

Howard County Police Conduct Weekend Traffic Initiative, Resulting in 145 Stops and Four DUI Arrests

Howard County Police Conduct Weekend Traffic Initiative, Resulting in 145 Stops and Four DUI Arrests

The Howard County Police Department recently conducted a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) initiative, focusing on the Route 40 corridor. This weekend operation, which received assistance from the patrol division, led to a total of 145 traffic stops. As a result of these stops, officers issued 75 citations, 156 warnings, and 23 safety equipment repair orders. Additionally, six motor vehicle violations were recorded, and four individuals were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). The police department emphasized that ensuring safety on county roads is a top priority. This initiative highlights ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to address traffic safety concerns and enforce regulations within Howard County, Maryland. The department encourages residents with traffic-related concerns to report them online.

Idaho Continues Eradication Efforts as Quagga Mussels Detected in Snake River, Numbers Down

Idaho Continues Eradication Efforts as Quagga Mussels Detected in Snake River, Numbers Down

Idaho state officials are pressing forward with efforts to fully eradicate quagga mussels after detecting the invasive species again in the Snake River near Twin Falls earlier this month. Despite the continued presence, the number of quagga mussels detected this year is down by 77% compared to last year, with eight larvae (veligers) and seven adult mussels found as of August 14. This marks the fourth consecutive year of detection in this area. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and Governor Brad Little emphasize that not treating the infestation is not an option due to the severe economic, agricultural, and recreational impacts mussels can cause by clogging pipes. The state's treatment plan, set to begin soon and end by September 13, involves two steps of copper-based chemicals, Earthtec QZ and Natrix, applied to the Twin Falls and Shoshone Falls pools. New this year, officials will focus on smaller, targeted water pools and fissures where adult mussels survived previous treatments, utilizing...

USDA Expedites Reorganization with Buyouts Amid Union Challenges

USDA Expedites Reorganization with Buyouts Amid Union Challenges

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accelerating its reorganization efforts, utilizing buyout authorities to reduce its workforce and advancing relocation notices for regional hubs. This includes offering early-exit opportunities at agencies like the Forest Service and the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). However, these changes have been met with challenges from federal employee unions, which allege that the USDA is violating bargaining agreements by treating bargaining-unit and non-bargaining-unit employees differently and improperly revoking telework agreements. An arbitrator recently ruled that USDA improperly revoked telework agreements without individualized assessments, marking the 12th such union win this year. Despite union pushback, the USDA is proceeding with physical moves, including negotiating new leases and establishing hubs in various cities.

Closing Lewiston Law Firm Misappropriates Nearly $850,000 in Client Funds

Closing Lewiston Law Firm Misappropriates Nearly $850,000 in Client Funds

A law firm in Lewiston, the Law Offices of Dionne and Couturier, is under scrutiny after nearly $850,000 in client funds were reportedly misappropriated. The issue came to light following the death of the firm's owner, Paul Dionne, which necessitated the appointment of a receiver to close the practice. During the wind-down process, concerns about misappropriated funds by Mr. Dionne were identified. One affected client, Ron Newell, and his wife Vicki, are still awaiting a nearly $50,000 check from an estate they were managing, two years after the death of Vicki's sister, Karin Russo. The Newells had spent almost $10,000 on bills and cleaning Russo's trailer before selling it, hoping to recoup funds for Russo's granddaughter. The Executive Director of the Board of Overseers of the Bar in Maine, Aria Eee, confirmed the identification of these concerns.

Federal Wildlife Officer David Taylor Dies Assisting Oklahoma Wildfire Evacuations

Federal Wildlife Officer David Taylor Dies Assisting Oklahoma Wildfire Evacuations

Federal wildlife officer David Taylor, 38, of Scio, Oregon, is believed to have died while assisting in the evacuation efforts during the Railroad South Fire in Comanche County, Oklahoma. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Taylor was going door-to-door helping residents evacuate in Indiahoma, a town southwest of Oklahoma City, when he made his last contact with dispatch. The fire has burned over 500 acres and was 20% contained as of Monday morning. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until Friday to honor Taylor's service. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik praised Taylor's courage and selflessness, noting his commitment to protecting others under dangerous circumstances. Taylor had a distinguished military career, serving on active duty with the U.S. Navy and continuing in the Navy Reserve, reaching the rank of senior chief petty officer. He completed five deployments, including one to Iraq and four to Djibouti, Africa, and served at mu...

Katie S. Sanders Chronicles Peter J. Ortiz, WWII Marine Spy, in 'Ortiz’s War'

Katie S. Sanders Chronicles Peter J. Ortiz, WWII Marine Spy, in 'Ortiz’s War'

Katie S. Sanders has authored 'Ortiz’s War: The Allies' Secret Weapon Against the Nazis in France,' a book detailing the extraordinary life and wartime exploits of Peter J. Ortiz. Ortiz, a highly decorated member of America's first spy agency, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), and a Marine, had a diverse background that included stints as a merchant seaman, lion tamer, and Hollywood stuntman. His unique skills, including fluency in French and other languages, led him to undertake top-secret missions in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. He armed and trained the Maquis, sabotaged Nazi infrastructure, and aided downed Allied airmen, often operating deep behind enemy lines and evading the Gestapo.

Ohio Farmers Battle State Preemption Over Anduril Weapons Factory, Highlighting Local Control Challenges

Ohio Farmers Battle State Preemption Over Anduril Weapons Factory, Highlighting Local Control Challenges

Ohio farmers Ross Larue and Paul Loar are engaged in a struggle against the construction of an Anduril weapons factory in Madison Township, Pickaway County. The farmers attempted to use local referendums to challenge zoning changes that would facilitate the factory's development on agricultural land. However, their efforts were thwarted by state-level preemption, where an amendment was inserted into a state budget bill that exempted 'megaprojects' like the Anduril plant from local referendums. Emails obtained through a public records request revealed that this amendment was directly crafted by an Anduril lobbyist. This situation exemplifies a broader issue of state preemption undermining local control, where state lawmakers pass legislation to override local laws, despite Ohio's 'home rule' constitutional provision that grants municipalities the right to pass local laws for health, safety, and welfare.

South Dakota Department of Social Services Seeks Ban on Soda Purchases with Food Assistance Amid Court Ruling Uncertainty

South Dakota Department of Social Services Seeks Ban on Soda Purchases with Food Assistance Amid Court Ruling Uncertainty

The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) has submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prohibit the use of government food assistance for purchasing soft drinks. This action follows a law passed by the South Dakota Legislature and approved by the governor earlier this year, mandating the DSS to seek such a waiver by August 31. The new law defines a 'soft drink' as a nonalcoholic beverage containing natural or artificial sweeteners, with exemptions for milk, milk substitutes, and some juices. Approximately 72,000 people, or 36,500 households, in South Dakota currently receive food assistance benefits. The DSS stated that the ban would commence six months after federal approval, but did not address a recent June court decision that vacated similar bans in five other states, causing some states like North Dakota and South Carolina to delay their own restrictions.

Aurora Electoral Board to Decide on Mayoral and Aldermanic Recall Referendum Questions

Aurora Electoral Board to Decide on Mayoral and Aldermanic Recall Referendum Questions

The Aurora electoral board is scheduled to meet on September 1 to determine whether two referendum questions, aimed at allowing for the recall of a sitting mayor and at-large aldermen, will appear on the November ballot. The board, composed of Ald. Juany Garza, 2nd Ward; Ald. Mike Saville, 6th Ward; and Aurora City Clerk Jennifer Stallings, will hear arguments for and against the inclusion of these questions. Mayor John Laesch recused himself due to his opposition to the referendums. Objections to the petitions, filed by Helen Francis Ratzlow, claim a large number of invalid signatures, failing to meet the minimum requirement. Petitioners submitted approximately 1,000 pages of signatures by the August 3 deadline. The objections also challenge the language of the questions and the authority of local municipalities to establish such recall procedures. The board faces a tight deadline, with early voting beginning on September 24, and the potential referendum involves records from all four counties that touch ...