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Biden Push to Ease Marijuana Restrictions Raises Alarms ...

Strong Jobs Growth Won’t Slow Fed’s Rate Cut Plans ...

Killer Jab? One-Fourth in USA Know Someone Who Died From Covid Vaccine ...

HEADLINES

Marijuana Plants, adapted from .gov image

> Biden Push to Ease Marijuana Restrictions Sparks Tensions; The potential reclassification of cannabis prompts objections from some federal officials who believe the move is half-baked. - WSJ 3.9.24

White House file photo, adapted from image at .gov

> In Battleground States, Trump Is Ahead in Polls but Playing Catch-Up on the Ground; Biden and Democrats have a big cash advantage over Republicans, and have funneled far more money to state parties to build campaign infrastructure. - WSJ 3.9.24

> Biden Push to Ease Marijuana Restrictions Sparks Tensions; The potential reclassification of cannabis prompts objections from some federal officials who believe the move is half-baked. - WSJ 3.9.24

> Biden Backs Effort to Force Sale of TikTok by Chinese Owners; Full House set to vote on bill next week as effort by TikTok to pressure Congress appears to backfire - WSJ 3.8.24

> Catholic group targets swing states to blast Biden on border policies that exploit the ‘poor and vulnerable’ - NY Post 3.7.24


U.S. Capitol Building, adapted from .gov image

> Biden Backs Effort to Force Sale of TikTok by Chinese Owners; Full House set to vote on bill next week as effort by TikTok to pressure Congress appears to backfire - WSJ 3.8.24

> Harvard hires law firm King & Spalding amid U.S. House probe - NY Post 1.23.24

> House Passes Six Spending Bills, Leaving Six Still to Go; The House voted to pass a package of six spending bills to fund a major swath of the federal government and avoid a partial shutdown this weekend. - WSJ 3.6.24

> U.S. House sends $460bn spending bill to Senate, averting partial government shutdown - BBC 3.6.24


Kremlin, Red Square, Saint Basil's At Night

> A Globe-Trotting YouTube Influencer Led Indian Job-Seekers to Russia’s War; Young, aspiring Indians thought they were getting safe office jobs in Russia. They ended up on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war. - WSJ 3.9.24

> UN Rights Chief Slams Russia's 'Repression' Of Dissent Ahead Of Election - RFE/RL 3.4.24

> People Keep Paying Their Respects At Navalny's Grave Despite Police Presence And Arrests - RFE/RL 3.2.24

> In Address To Russians, Putin Warns Of 'Tragic' Consequences If West Sends Troops To Ukraine - RFE/RL 2.29.24


> Hamas Leaders Stick to Hard Line on Gaza Talks; Hamas is sticking to demands for a permanent end to the war, a senior political official in the militant group said, showing that wide gaps with Israel remain as negotiators prepare to resume truce talks. - WSJ 3.9.24


Ukraine Map

In Address To Russians, Putin Warns Of 'Tragic' Consequences If West Sends Troops To Ukraine - RFE/RL 2.29.24

Russia pushes into more Ukrainian towns, Ukraine shoots down more war planes; Ukraine says they shot down 3 Russian warplanes overnight - AP/Fox 2.29.24

Russia Loses 12th Warplane in 12 Days - Newsweek 2.29.24

Russia Warns Of Direct Conflict With NATO If Troops From Alliance Members Fight In Ukraine - RFE/RL 2.28.24

Biden, Republican Johnson hold 'intense' Ukraine talks at White House ...

Macron's Ukraine troop talk shakes up NATO ...

Canada, U.S. agree Ukraine needs money from Russian assets ...

Ukraine says Russia will step up hybrid attacks in spring ...


Gavel and Law Books

> Robert Card: Maine mass shooter's brain showed signs of injury, doctors say - BBC 3.6.24

> The DNA Scandal That Threatens Thousands of Criminal Cases; Colorado investigators say star analyst Yvonne ‘Missy’ Woods altered data. Now people she helped send to prison want their convictions re-examined. - WSJ 3.6.24

> Cruise ship bartender who sexually abused passenger gets slap-on-wrist sentence - NY Post 3.6.24

> 8 teens shot - including one 9 times - while waiting for bus in ambush attack in Philadelphia - NY Post 3.6.24

Lenient NYC judge releases unhinged homeless man who randomly struck woman in head: cops - NY Post 3.2.24

Republican lawmakers demanding Biden administration provide Congress on how Venezuelan national suspected of murdering Georgia nursing student illegally entered U.S. ...


Supreme Court and Blossoming Trees

Will Trump Go To Trial In Jan. 6 Case Before Election? What To Expect After Supreme Court Takes Up Case. - Forbes 2.29.24

U.S. Opens UnitedHealth Antitrust Probe ...

Jury says NRA ex-chief LaPierre liable for mismanagement ...


Beijing Forbidden City Temple in China

White House: Chinese Cars On U.S. Roads Could 'Undermine Our National Security'; Federal agencies will now begin the process to investigate potential risks of cars from Chinese brands like BYD and Geely before they flood the domestic market. = Forbes 2.29.24

Living outside China has become more like living inside China; Communist Party trying to tighten grip on diaspora ...

China Expands State-Secrets Law, Highlighting Risks for Foreign Businesses, including ‘work secrets’ provisions ...


North Korea Map

Shipping Issues Halt Russia's Weapons Resupply from North Korea - Newsweek 2.29.24

North Korea sent Russia millions of munitions in exchange for food: Seoul South Korea says North Korea has sent Russia 6,700 containers carrying more than three million artillery shells since September. - Al Jazeera 2.28.24


Ultrasound of Developing Child in Womb, With Anti-Smoking Message from CDC

> SpaceX worker alleges supervisor offered her $100K to get abortion - NY Post 3.6.24

> So-Called ‘Catholics for Choice’ group sends pro-abortion speaker to Catholic Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana ...

 

Cash

> Are You Too Old to Open a Roth IRA? - Investopedia 11.8.23

> Strong Jobs Growth Won’t Slow the Fed’s Rate Cut Plans; The data were broadly positive for Fed officials looking to see the labor market holding up without creating inflationary pressures. - Barron's 3.8.24

> Nvidia on cusp of overtaking Apple as second-most-valuable company - Reuters 3.8.24

> SpaceX worker alleges supervisor offered her $100K to get abortion - NY Post 3.6.24


House and For Sale Sign, adapted from image at ncua.gov

Squatters take over Georgia man’s home while he was caring for sick wife — and now he can’t evict them: report - NY Post 3.4.24

Mortgage Rates Hit Highest Level Since Mid-December. Why Their Next Move Could Be Down. If rates retreat, more home buyers may step back into the market. - Barron's 2.29.24


File Photo of Solar Energy Panels, Sun, Sky, Flowers, Field, adapted from image at energy.gov

Exclusive: Shell's U.S. solar unit launches asset sale, sources say - Reuters 2.28.24

Record year for wind farms raises hope for EU green energy goals - Reuters 2.27.24

DOE: How does solar energy work? ...


Binary Code Rotating Around Central Light, adapted from ornl.gov image

> Biden Backs Effort to Force Sale of TikTok by Chinese Owners; Full House set to vote on bill next week as effort by TikTok to pressure Congress appears to backfire - WSJ 3.8.24

> Facebook and Instragram Down on Super Tuesday? You're Not Alone Amidst Widespread Outages - SCW 3.5.24

> What It Takes to Be a Successful Social-Media Influencer; Ally and Ricardo Noriega have turned her former part-time hobby into a full-time enterprise. It’s pretty lucrative—and a lot of work. - WSJ 2.29.24

> Meta Staff Found Instagram Tool Enabled Child Exploitation. The Company Pressed Ahead Anyway. Employees offered suggestions to reduce risks of misuse of subscription accounts featuring minors. Meta took another approach and says its programs are well monitored. - WSJ 2.22.24

> Lockbit cybercrime gang faces global takedown with indictments and arrests - Reuters 2.20.24


Oil Wells, adapted from image at usda.gov

Nuclear Debt Passes Investor Test in Canada With Green Deals - Bloomberg 3.1.24

Exclusive: Shell's U.S. solar unit launches asset sale, sources say - Reuters 2.28.24

Record year for wind farms raises hope for EU green energy goals - Reuters 2.27.24

Oil Near 3-Month Highs on Middle East Tensions; Houthi rebels are still disrupting shipping routes through the Red Sea as tensions in the Middle East rise. - Barron's 2.20.24


Covid-19 file image from CDC

U.S. Sees Rise in Covid-19 JN.1 Variant: Should You Be Worried? A new Covid variant is spreading in the U.S. during the holiday season. Here’s what you should know. - WSJ 12.20.23

Cases of COVID variant BA.2.86 have tripled in 2 weeks, says CDC report; WHO is calling it a 'variant of interest,' but says public health risk is low - Fox 11.29.23

Killer Jab? Covid Vaccine Poll: One-Fourth of Americans Know Someone Personally Who Died From Covid Vaccine Side-Effects ....


Medical Symbol

> Robert Card: Maine mass shooter's brain showed signs of injury, doctors say - BBC 3.6.24

FDA Acts on Toxic ‘Forever’ Chemicals in Food Packaging, Including Fast-Food Wrappers. The agency said the major source of dietary exposure to so-called forever chemicals from food packaging is being eliminated. - Barron's 2.29.24

U.S. Opens UnitedHealth Antitrust Probe; Investigators from the Justice Department have been interviewing industry officials who compete with the healthcare giant. - WSJ 2.27.24


Corn Field at Sunset, adapted from image at cdc.gov

Fertilizer Companies Are Betting on Ammonia as a Low-Carbon Fuel; Ammonia, a key ingredient in fertilizer and made in massive amounts globally, is high on the list of potential replacements for fossil fuels. - WSJ 11.28.23


Large Jet Airplane Climbing Against Sunset, adapted from image at gsa.gov

Justice Department Opens Probe in Alaska Airlines Blowout; Federal agents have recently contacted passengers, pilots and attendants in the Boeing 737 MAX blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight. - WSJ 3.9.24

Southwest Airlines settles lawsuit with family of disabled passenger, 25, who died after being thrown onto walkway - NY Post 3.7.24

The Newest Airline Climate Solution? Burying Sawdust; American Airlines is joining the race to remove carbon from the atmosphere, tapping a novel method that is much cheaper than many existing approaches. - WSJ 11.28.23

3 passengers sue Alaska Airlines after off-duty pilot accused of trying to cut engines mid-flight - AP/KOMO 11.2.23

He Left Boeing. Now He’s the Jet Maker’s Most Important Person. Pat Shanahan is taking over Spirit AeroSystems, the supplier whose snafus are slowing production of 737s: 'The advantage I have is that I speak the language of the customer.' - WSJ 11.1.23


Sun and Solar Flare, adapted from NASA image at noaa.gov

VIDEO: 'How Solar Storms Could Fry the World’s Infrastructure' - WSJ Future of Everything 10.17.23

The Next Big Solar Storm Could Fry the Grid; Scientists are using artificial intelligence to better predict what the sun will do and give Earth more warning to protect satellites and electronics - WSJ 10.11.23

Space, Stars file photo, adapted from image at nasa.gov

Atmosphere of the Moon - Space.com 2.28.22

Flag Day - Flying High: The Stars and Stripes in Space - Space.com 6.13.19

Scientists identify molten layer deep within interior of Mars; Seismic waves generated by a meteorite impact on the other side of Mars from where NASA's InSight lander sits have provided new clues about the Red Planet's deep interior - Reuters 10.25.23

Mars Terrain Including Mountain, adapted from nasa.gov image

Scientists identify Mars molten layer deep within planet interior...


NEWS LINKS

Satellite Dish file photo, adapted from .mil image

Audio/Video

C-SPAN | VOA | BBC | DW | France 24 | NHK Japan | WSJ | Reuters

News Site Links

WSJ | Fox | NY Post | UPI | Reuters | Bloomberg | AP | Scripps News | NewsNation

Financial Times | Economist | Al Jazeera | Yahoo News

Barron's | IBD | MarketWatch | Business Week | Zero Hedge

Washington Examiner | Roll Call | Daily Wire | Daily Caller | Breitbart |Just the News | Human Events | Washington Times

RealClear Investigations | RealClear Politics | RealClear Policy | AEI | Heritage Foundation | The Federalist |

Gallup Poll | Rasmussen Reports

RFE/RL | VOA | BBC | DW | France 24 | NHK Japan | Nikkei

GAO | DOD | DARPA | Time.gov

Defense News | Military Times | Defense One | RAND | Jane's | U.S. Navy War College |

Additional Links:

Gateway Pundit | Conservative Brief | Anthony B. Logan | Turley Talks | Timcast | Tatum Report


FAITH DAILY

Catholic Mass in Chapel

CATHOLIC MASS READINGS: Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 10, 2024 - USCCB

CATHOLIC MASS VIDEO: Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 10, 2024 - Heart of the Nation (Wisconsin)

CATHOLIC MASS VIDEO: Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 10, 2024 - Catholic TV (Boston)

CATHOLIC MASS VIDEO: Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 10, 2024 - Loretto Abbey Chapel (Toronto)

CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS: Saint Michael the Archangel Chaplet


Photo Safari

Sunset, Water, Boat, Jetty copyright Steven C. Welsh


U.S. Map adapted from epa.gov image

> Robert Card: Maine mass shooter's brain showed signs of injury, doctors say - BBC 3.6.24

> The DNA Scandal That Threatens Thousands of Criminal Cases; Colorado investigators say star analyst Yvonne ‘Missy’ Woods altered data. Now people she helped send to prison want their convictions re-examined. - WSJ 3.7.24

> Family of 8-year-old Utah boy who died after he ‘flew’ off a playground slide sues school - NY Post 3.5.24

> Indiana Mom of two who mysteriously died on flight home from Dominican Republic was happy, healthy beforehand: kin - NY Post 3.5.24

> Investors are gobbling up homes in one of California's last 'affordable' regions; Residents are fleeing the coast, but can they escape rising housing costs? - SFGate 3.4.24

> Chicago Freeway Shootings Continue: "1 killed in shooting on Stevenson Expressway" - ABC 7 - 3.4.24

> Squatters take over Georgia man’s home while he was caring for sick wife — and now he can’t evict them: report - NY Post 3.4.24

> "Meet Me in St. Louis:" The Victorian on Kensington Avenue - Hooked On Houses 12.13.09


WEATHER

Sunrise Over Desert

This Winter Was the Warmest on Record for US Lower 48, AccuWeather Says - Bloomberg 3.1.24

[PDF] Winter Weather Safety - National Weather Service

NWS | Weather Channel | Accuweather | UV | NHC | Pollen.com | Zyrtec | AAAI | AirNow | Wildfire Map


Outline of Woman Jogging with Bright Sun in Background

Runners, walkers, cyclists weather, environmental checklist ...


Thermometer, Sun, Sky, adapted from image at weather.gov

Climate assertions about "recorded history," or "hottest on record" potentially misleading, given lack of extensive weather records ...

Death Valley National Park attracts tourists seeking hottest place on Earth; Furnace Creek thermometer popular ...


TRAVEL

Mailbu Beach Sunset, adapted from .gov image

Trip Advisor | AAA Tour Books | AAA Travel Guides | Trip Trivia

Expedia | Travelocity | Priceline.com

> 24 Best Travel Websites to Find Deals and Save You Money - Kiplinger
> Top Ten U.S. Beaches - Dr. Beach
> Most affordable beach towns of 2023 - Realtor.com
> Nebraska: Opening the Sand Hills
> Why Do Some Countries Take Siestas?


Yosemite, adapted from nps.gov image

Lidar data shed new light on hidden geological hazards near the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park - U.S. Geological Survey/ Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 11.27.23


Rainbow, adapted from image at usgs.gov

So-called rainbow "pride" flag insensitive and divisive, anti-religious mockery ...


WRITING, EDITING

Quill Pen, Inkwell, Books, Table, adapted from image at nih.gov

AP Style

> AP STYLE: Primer & Pointers - SCW
> AP Stylebook

Chicago Style

> Chicago Manual of Style

GPO Style

> GPO Style Manual
> [PDF] GPO Style Manual (475 pp)

Copy Editing Resource Links

> AP vs. Chicago: What Style Guide is Right for Your Brand? - BizBuzzContent 7.19.18

Jobs (no endorsement implied)

WSJ | WSJ (remote) | Fox | Newsmax | NY Post | Washington Times | Daily Caller | Daily Wire | RFE/RL | U.S. Sun | Lee Enterprises

Heritage Foundation | Atlantic Council

UpWork | Sage | Community Media Group

> Finding Legitimate Paid Writing Work: A Comprehensive Guide - Bonny Albo 4.15.23



 

TOPICS & ISSUES ...

AGRICULTURE, FARMING

Wheat Field adapted from image at usda.gov

Harvest Update: Overall Soybean Progress Nears Halfway Point; Harvest progress on soybeans nearly doubled from last week and corn progress is ahead of the five-year average. - AgWeb 10.10.23

Is A Recession Imminent? Here Are The Red Flags Ag Economists Are Now Watching; While ag economists continue to be at odds when it comes to the likelihood of a recession in the U.S., some doubt the country's biggest importers will be able to avoid a recession over the next 18 months. - AgWeb 10.4.23

Harvest Update: Corn and Soybean Progress Jumps Ahead - AgWeb 10.2.23

Farmer Gains Supreme Court’s Ear, Landmark Property Rights Hearing Awaits - AgWeb 10.2.23

The Government Didn't Shut Down, And That's Good News For The Farm Bill - AgWeb 10.2.23

New Profit Calculator Reveals How Much Soybean Cyst Nematode Costs You By Field - AgWeb 9.28.23

Sea of Red as Funds Sell Commodity Wide on Looming Government Shutdown ; Markets end in a sea of red and with lower weekly closes as funds sell on the looming government shutdown. That seemed to trump all other news including USDA's reports. DuWayne Bosse, Bolt Marketing, has more. - AgWeb 9.29.23

Intensifying Threat of a Government Shutdown is Now Another Blow to Grain Prices; As Congress drew closer to a government shutdown, the news pressured commodity prices. The drop in commodity prices happened despite what some viewed as a fairly bullish September Grains Stocks report for corn. - AgWeb 9.29.23

Agriculture spending bill fails to pass House due to GOP defections - Washington Examiner 9.28.23

ADM, Syngenta Collaborate to Develop Low-Carbon Oilseeds for Growing Biofuels Demand; This collaboration aims to meet the surging demand for low-carbon biofuels, which are increasingly powering various modes of transportation, including trucks, buses, and airplanes. - AgWeb 9.29.23

Largest Ag Tech Deal Ever: AGCO Acquires 85% of Trimble for $2 Billion - AgWeb 9.28.23

The One Factor That Could Make Or Break the Farm Economy Over the Next 12 Months - AgWeb 9.27.23

India allots rice export quotas to Bhutan, Singapore, and Mauritius - Reuters 8.30.23

What Was Once a Weed Could Fuel Jet Engines; Scientists are developing nonfood plants like crosscress to take the place of corn and soybeans as sources for biofuel = WSJ 8.9.23

[PDF] Winter Cover Crops for Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Life Cycle Analysis and Key Issues - Energy.gov

Agriculture Links

> AgWeb

> Farm Progress

> USDA

 

 


NATIONAL SECURITY, MILITARY

Pentagon Aerial View adapted from defense.gov image

...

National Security Links:

> DOD
> CENTCOM news
> EUCOM news

> Defense News
> Military Times
> Defense One
> Stars and Stripes
> Jane's

CHILDREN, CHILD PROTECTION

Cartoon Rendition of Laughing Children on Grassy Hilltop, adapted from image at nih.gov

Jeffrey Epstein victim's mom demands answers after overdose death - NY Post 10.16.23

Ohio social worker admitted having sex with 13-year-old boy she counseled: report - NY Post 10.8.23

More than 1,000 kids reported missing in Ohio this year in ‘extraordinary surge’ - NY Post 9.26.23

KANSAS: 14-year-old Kansas runaway shoots herself in front of deputy trying to convince her to return home - NY Post 9.22.22

OHIO: Video shows Columbus, Ohio, police repeatedly threatening to charge 11-year-old victim with child sexual abuse offense for being manipulated by predator into sending images of herself - AP/ Fox 10 9.21.23

Indiana Mother files lawsuit against school, claiming daughter was sexually assaulted and harassed - Fox 59 10.2.23

More than 1,000 kids reported missing in Ohio this year in ‘extraordinary surge’ - NY Post 9.26.23

Diocese of Cleveland bans so-called "LGBT" flags, pronouns, social or surgical "transitions" in its schools - LifeSite 9.18.23

[March 2023:] Parents speak out after their 15-year-old disappeared from a Mavericks game with sex traffickers - CBS Texas 3.27.23

Judge blocks California child internet privacy law - Washington Examiner 9.18.23

School Is a Hostile Environment for Boys; Teaching methods are better suited for girls, who’ve gotten better grades for a century. - WSJ 9.14.23

Boy photographed playing in dust pile dies moments later: 'Tragic'; Arthur Emanuel Bitencourt died minutes after playing in powdered limestone piled next to a road in Brazil - Fox 8.9.23

Massachusetts bans Catholic couple from fostering children due to beliefs on gender, sexuality, lawsuit claims; MA requires foster parents to respect 'a child's sexual orientation or gender identity' - Fox 8.8.23

19 arrested in FBI probe of Australian pedophile ring that left agents dead - NY Post 8.8.23

VIDEO: Hungry 8-Year-Old West Virginia Girl Escapes Second-Floor Window Barefoot, Asks Strangers for Food; Parents Arrest, Children Rescued - NY Post/WOWK - SCW Newswatch 7.24.23

Laws Giving Childhood Sex-Abuse Victims More Time to Sue Face Uncertainty; Many states have opened new windows in which adults may file legal claims of past abuse, but challenges and delays leave some in limbo. - WSJ 7.8.23

Companies selling cannabis Delta-8 edibles get cease and desist letters on child-luring packaging - UPI 7.5.23

First trans state rep in NH charged with child pornography - Washington Examiner 6.25.23

Jeffrey Epstein was asked to help craft Virgin Islands sex offender law by first lady - Fox Business 6.16.23

FTC orders Microsoft to pay $20M for collecting children's personal information - UPI 6.6.23

'Family-friendly' Pride parade in West Hollywood had men depicting graphic BDSM sexual act; West Hollywood advertised the parade as a 'colorful and entertaining event for the whole family' - Fox 6.5.23

Children & Child Protection Links

> The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
> The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Tip Line

ALLERGIES

Pollen Grain, adapted from image at nasa.gov

Air Purifier Buying Guide - Consumer Reports 11.2.21

Allergies Links

...

REAL ESTATE

House and For Sale Sign, adapted from image at ncua.gov

Handyman-turned-squatter hunter outlines ‘nightmare scenario’ when illegal aliens catch on to housing laws and squatting - NY Post 2.24.24

Handyman-turned-squatter hunter says Atlanta squatter crisis ‘terrorist act’ that calls for National Guard; 1200 houses involved; Squatting crisis 'going to get worse' if laws don't change, handyman says - Fox 2.14.24

Real Estate Site Links:

> Realtor.com
> Zillow.com

> Mortgage Bankers Association

Real Estate Resource Links:

> Home Affordability Calculator - 53.com

> Home affordability calculator - Better.com

> 11 Best Mortgage Lenders for 2021 First-Time Home Buyers - Nerd Wallet

> Best Mortgage Lenders For First-Time Homebuyers May 2021 - Forbes

> Financing Basics for First-Time Homebuyers - Investopedia

> Largest Urbanized Areas With Selected Cities and Metro Areas - U.S. Census Bureau 7.15.23

7 Things Your Home Inspector Wishes You Knew - Realtor 10.13.23

> Ultimate Guide to Moving - Realtor 10.13.23

> How to Invest in Real Estate: 5 Ways to Get Started: Real estate investments can add diversification to your portfolio - and getting into the market can be as easy as buying a mutual fund. - NerdWallet 3.12.21

> PESTS: How to Get Rid of Brown Recluse Spiders - LawnStarter 1.4.21

> HOUSE BLESSING: Blessing for Your Home - Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Beaverton, OR

> HOUSE BLESSING: The Prayer for the Blessing of Homes at Theophany - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Real Estate Jobs

> Zillow Jobs

USPS, POSTAL WOES

U.S. Mail Truck

FedEx responds to reports of missing body it lost during shipment - Washington Examiner 7.15.22

U.S. Postal Service rate increases takes effect Sunday - NY Post 7.11.22

U.S. Postal Service Announces New Prices for 2022; Two Cents Increase for Forever Stamp - USPS 4.2.22

U.S. Postal Service rate increases takes effect Sunday First-Class Mail prices will be hiked by 6.5% - Fox 7.10.22

U.S. Postal Service rate increases takes effect Sunday - NY Post 7.11.22

Lawsuit says USPS didn't do proper environmental review for vehicle purchase plan - UPI 4.28.22

More than 150,000 ballots processed but undelivered before Election Day: report; That number is expected to grow in the coming days as more data is released - Fox

When Obama postmaster closed facilities during 2012 election, Democrats sang different tune; Republicans say Democrats 'have this conspiracy theory' in 2020 that they didn't support during the 2012 postal cutbacks, creating a double standard. - Just the News

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy Defends [USPS] Changes Before Senate Committee: Postal Service can handle surge in mail-in ballots, official says, ‘in some cases ahead of first-class mail’ - WSJ

SCW NEWSWATCH: "28 Million Mail-In Ballots Went Missing in Last Four Elections" - RealClear Politics 4.24.20

SCW NEWSWATCH: "Postal slowdown, mailbox removal before November election sparks mounting concerns; Inspector General is investigating concerns about USPS service changes" - Fox 8.15.20

AVIATION

Large Jet Airplane Climbing Against Sunset, adapted from image at gsa.gov

Southwest Airlines settles lawsuit with family of disabled passenger, 25, who died after being thrown onto walkway - NY Post 3.7.24

The Newest Airline Climate Solution? Burying Sawdust; American Airlines is joining the race to remove carbon from the atmosphere, tapping a novel method that is much cheaper than many existing approaches. - WSJ 11.28.23

VIDEO: SpaceX’s Second Starship Test Flies Longer, Achieves Separation, Then Ends With Another Explosion After Loss of Contact - WSJ/SCW 11.18.23

3 passengers sue Alaska Airlines after off-duty pilot accused of trying to cut engines mid-flight - AP/KOMO 11.2.23

A flying car that anyone can use will soon go on sale; No pilot’s licence will be necessary to fly the Helix - Economist 10.10.23

Kansas man federally charged after laser pointer aimed at aircraft - WIBW 10.4.23

Tarmac Delays - US DOT

American Airlines hit with largest penalty ever for tarmac delays - UPI 8.28.23

'Technical issues' cause delays at British airports - UPI 8.28.23

FAA says nearly 5K pilots lied about medical issues that would keep them from flying - NY Post 8.27.23

[PDF] Winter Cover Crops for Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Life Cycle Analysis and Key Issues - Energy.gov

Energy-saving airlift prototype to be built by JetZero for Air Force - Air Force Times 8.16.23

Teen airline passenger changes seat after 'plus-sized' travelers crowd her, gets grief for 'fatphobia' - Fox 7.5.23

Thailand woman has leg amputated at Bangkok airport after it became trapped under moving walkway - Fox 6.29.23

Aviation Links:

FAA
Aviation Week & Space Technology

ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE, WILDLIFE, PETS

Bald Eagle in Flight

The Newest Airline Climate Solution? Burying Sawdust; American Airlines is joining the race to remove carbon from the atmosphere, tapping a novel method that is much cheaper than many existing approaches. - WSJ 11.28.23

U.S. EPA opens $2 bln in grants to environmental justice communities - Reuters 11.21.23

FLORIDA: Florida woman found in alligator’s jaws was arrested for trespassing two months ago - NY Post 9.24.23

KENTUCKY: Man dies after swarm of bees attacks him on porch of his own home; The victim was moving an old bag of potting soil when the bees were disturbed. - ABC 9.21.23

Vermont black bear population hits five-year high, recent data shows - NBC 5 9.21.23

Discover the Most Dangerous (Deadliest!) Animals in West Virginia - AZ Animals 5.23.23

Staying Safe in Bear Country: Bear Spray & Firearms - NPS

Microscopic parasite found in Baltimore-area drinking water, officials say; Baltimore-area residents urged to boil water, drink from bottles - Fox 9.28.23

Rabid bats found in Utah, prompting warning from health officials; Two individuals recommended to receive rabies prevention medication - Fox 9.5.23

Using ‘recycled plastic’ in construction materials may not be a great idea after all; It's unclear whether this solution helps the environment - or that infrastructure infused with used plastic is structurally sound. - Grist 8.10.23

Climate Assertions About "Recorded History," or "Hottest on Record" Potentially Misleading, Lacking Extensive Weather Records - SCW 8.8.23

Nebraska study finds billions of nanoplastics released when microwaving containers - Nebraska Today 7.21.23

Wildfire Map - AirNow

Environment, Wildlife, Pets Resource Links:

> Causes of Climate Change - NASA
> Ten Signs of a Warming World - NOAA
> U.S. Geological Survey

Dog Litter 101: What It Is and How to Use It - BeChewy

IMMIGRATION, ILLEGAL ALIENS

U.S.-Mexican Border With Cars Waiting, with Mexico Sign Posted Above Lanes

> Catholic group targets swing states to blast Biden on border policies that exploit the ‘poor and vulnerable’ - NY Post 3.7.24

GOP lawmakers demand detailed info from Biden admin on how Laken Riley’s alleged killer entered the U.S.; Republican lawmakers are demanding that the Biden administration provide Congress on how the Venezuelan national suspected of murdering Georgia nursing student Laken Riley illegally entered the U.S. - NY Post 2.27.24

Arizona border crossing closes in response to surge of thousands of illegal immigrants - Washington Examiner 12.4.23

ICE admits record 5.7 million migrants in US - Biden wants to provide 'medical services, housing' to all; The plan is for private companies to take over ICE's monitoring of migrants through ankle monitors, phone apps and in-person check ins - NY Post 10.12.23

MEXICO: Mexican freight company stops sending trains to US border as 'unprecedented' number of migrants hitch rides - NY Post 9.20.23

MEXICO: Photos: U.S.-Mexico border is world's deadliest land migration route - Reuters 9.19.23

Hundreds of migrants live inside Chicago O'Hare International Airport as city grapples with how to house them; Illegal aliens are staying inside a shuttle bus center - Fox 10.2.23

Chicago mayor faces pushback from local leaders for plan to house migrants in tents: ‘Help your people first'; Migrant influx reportedly costing Chicago about $30 million per month - Fox 9.12.23

Biden admin mass releasing migrants directly onto; Arizona streets as border crisis rages; Tucson, Arizona has seen surge of individual adult migrants from Africa - Fox 9.14.23

Dem-run NYC to gut police shifts, slash OT pay, as police understaffed by thousands and crime soars - yet migrants enjoy lavish hotel stay with a pool - Fox 9.11.23

Immigration Backlashes Spread Around the World; The collapse of the Netherlands’ government is the latest sign of discord as immigration surges to record levels, fueling populism - WSJ 7.8.23

BORDER: Migrants exploit loophole in border app to enter US without asylum appointments - NY Post 6.7.23

Adams floats idea of New Yorkers housing migrants in ‘private residences’ - NY Post 6.4.23

Chicago City Council to spend $51M of budget surplus on Texas immigrants - Washington Examiner 5.31.23

Nearly half of hotel rooms in New York City today are filled with newly arrived border crossers and illegal aliens, living rent-free at the expense of local taxpayers, Mayor Eric Adams (D) says. - Breitbart 5.18.23

Afghan national on FBI terror list nabbed trying to cross border with migrants - NY Post 5.14.23

500 migrants sneak across Texas border in just two hours: video - NY Post 9.16.22

Illegal immigration blamed in Uvalde school shooting: report - NY Post 7.18.22

Man arrested in rape of Ohio 10-year-old cited by Biden is illegal alien, ICE source says - Fox 7.13.22

Thousands of migrants join new caravan through Mexico, call for Title 42 repeal - NY Post 6.7.22

Judge blocks Biden administration from lifting public health order used to quickly expel migrants; The administration was set to end Title 42, a pandemic-era rule aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, on Monday. A lengthy legal battle is likely. - Texas Tribune 5.20.22

ILLEGALS: Biden angrily defends DOJ plans for $450K migrant separation payouts - NY Post 11.6.21

BIDEN PAYOFFS TO ILLEGAL ALIENS? "Reported Biden plan to pay illegal immigrants $450K could surpass payments to some 9/11, military families; Payments of $450K per person are reportedly being considered by the Biden admin" - Fox 10.30.21

Biden playing a deadly game using secret flights to move migrants - NY Post 10.18.21

Facebook Settles With U.S. Government Over Improperly Reserving Jobs for Immigrants - WSJ 10.19.21

Border Patrol arrests at highest level in 35 years: report - NY Post 10.20.21

Why Biden won't tell: Prez won't reveal where record number of illegal immigrants are going; The New York Post confirmed this week what the Biden administration is quietly ushering in near-record numbers of illegal immigrants, even as it claims to be enforcing the border. - NY Post 10.19.21

Biden playing a deadly game using secret flights to move migrants - NY Post 10.18.21

Why Biden won't tell: Prez won't reveal where record number of illegal immigrants are going; The New York Post confirmed this week what the Biden administration is quietly ushering in near-record numbers of illegal immigrants, even as it claims to be enforcing the border. - NY Post 10.19.21

Leaked Border Patrol docs show mass release of illegal immigrants into U.S. - Fox 10.13.21

Leaked Border Patrol docs show mass release of illegal immigrants into U.S. - Fox 10.13.21

Border Patrol agent fatally shoots man suspected of human smuggling in Texas; Suspect had struck agent with his vehicle while trying to escape the scene - Fox

Supreme Court allows border wall construction during challenges - UPI

RACE, RIOTS, PROTESTS

File Photo of Rioting in Baltimore, adapted from USAF photo at defense.gov

PHILADELPHIA POLICE: Eddie Irizarry: All charges dismissed against Philadelphia officer in fatal traffic stop shooting - Fox 29 9.27.23

PHILADELPHIA: Philadelphia officials respond after judge's decision prompts mass looting: 'Looking to destroy our city' Dozens of looters targeted an Apple store, a Foot Locker and a Lululemon store, among others - Fox 9.27.23

University of Minnesota ‘evaluating’ program that bans white students after discrimination complaint - NY Post 5.22.23

Judge cuts $137M awarded to Tesla employee in discrimination suit to $15M - UPI 4.15.22

Critical race theory-related ideas found in mandatory programs at 23 of top 25 U.S. medical schools: report - Fox 2.21.22

Man who tried to burn Minnesota school during BLM riots gets probation - NY Post 2.5.22

Kyle Rittenhouse ACQUITTED after jury deliberates for 26 hours in tense trial - Fox 1l.19.21

When Will the Kyle Rittenhouse Verdict Be Announced? The jury is currently deliberating on the case in Kenosha, Wis., to decide what happens to the teenager who killed two men - WSJ 11.17.21

RITTENHOUSE: Kyle Rittenhouse spokesperson slams Biden for casting defendant as a White supremacist - Fox 11.11.21

Sacheen Littlefeather, who rejected Marlon Brando’s Oscar in 1973, says she was blacklisted by Hollywood; The actor didn’t accept his 1973 Academy Award for best actor for his performance in 'The Godfather' - Fox 4.26.21

Two L.A. County deputies critically wounded in 'ambush' - UPI

LA County Sheriffs Video of Assassination Attempt (twitter "thread")

Trump calls for swift justice in shooting of ambushed deputies as manhunt intensifies in LA; Authorities have offered a $100,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction - Fox

Joe Biden Racist to Choose Kamala Harris As Running Mate - SCW

SCW NEWSWATCH: "This is why Jacob Blake had a warrant out for his arrest" - New York Post 8.28.20

Biden condemns ‘needless violence’ in Kenosha, Trump sends in feds to restore ‘law and order’ - Fox

Less than 3 minutes passed between when Kenosha police arrived and when Jacob Blake was shot, according to dispatch audio - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Jacob Blake Shooting: What Happened in Kenosha, Wisconsin? Injured target of police shooting is now stable but still in the intensive care unit - WSJ

Syracuse University professor disciplined for calling coronavirus 'Wuhan flu,' 'Chinese Communist Party Virus'- Fox

NBA playoff boycott over Blake shooting 'a way to again try to demand a little more action,' coach says - Fox

SCW NEWSWATCH: "When Authority Vanishes: Chicago’s leaders have surrendered to vandals" - John O. McGinnis/ City Journal 8.13.20

Protesters arrested in Chicago, Seattle as civil unrest over police brutality continues - New York Post

VIDEO: [Riots, Protests, Government Response:] Senate Hearing on "The Right of the People Peaceably to Assemble: Protecting Speech by Stopping Anarchist Violence," Saturday, Aug. 4, 2020

Georgetown Student Petition: Create a ‘Sanctuary Space’ Campus by Banning Cops - Breitbart 7.19.20

DHS removes acting chief of intelligence and analysis after protest response - UPI



 

INTERNATIONAL

EU, EUROPE, OSCE

EU Map, adapted from image at cia.gov

Macron's Ukraine troop talk shakes up NATO allies - Reuters 2.27.24

BALTICS

Baltics Map

Baltics Resource Links

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NORTH KOREA

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SOUTH KOREA

South Korea Map, adapted from image at cia.gov

Korean firm offer incentives for workers to have more children - UPI 6.12.23

South Korea Resources:

> South Korea - CIA World Factbook

MAURITIUS

Mauritius Aerial Photo adapted from image at state.gov

India allots rice export quotas to Bhutan, Singapore, and Mauritius - Reuters 8.30.23


USA PLACES ... Highlights

PHILADELPHIA & PENNSYLVANIA

Independence Hall File Photo adapted from nps.gov image

> 8 teens shot - including one 9 times - while waiting for bus in ambush attack in Philadelphia - NY Post 3.6.24

The U.S.’s oldest photo was taken in Pennsylvania - Penn Live 11.1.23

PENNSYLVANIA, POLICE: Pennsylvania state trooper charged with using job to apprehend, forcibly commit ex-girlfriend - Fox 29/ AP 9.26.23

PHILADELPHIA: Philadelphia officials respond after judge's decision prompts mass looting: 'Looking to destroy our city' Dozens of looters targeted an Apple store, a Foot Locker and a Lululemon store, among others - Fox 9.27.23

PHILADELPHIA POLICE: Eddie Irizarry: All charges dismissed against Philadelphia officer in fatal traffic stop shooting - Fox 29 9.27.23

Blue city drug haven - home to the infamous Kensington - passes bill to ban supervised drug sites; Philadelphia city leaders pass bill prohibiting supervised drug consumption sites - Fox 9.15.23

Convicted killer Danelo Cavalcante captured in Pennsylvania nearly 2 weeks after prison escape, with help of border control; State police announce capture of Danelo Cavalcante in Pennsylvania - Fox 9.13.23

Pennsylvania fugitive Danelo Cavalcante captured, ending two-week manhunt - Reuters 9.13.23

Manhunt for Escaped Convict Continues for 12th Day as Police Defend Efforts; Pennsylvania police said they think convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante is still in Chester County. - WSJ 9.11.23

Escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante seen driving stolen van, visiting former colleague's house, police say - CBS 9.10.23

New sightings of escaped killer emerge as his mother joins search: Police; "He is desperate," a police official said of Danelo Cavalcante. - ABC 9.5.23

Authorities get 'aggressive' in massive effort to remove squatters from their city - Fox 8.8.23

Squatters turn Pennsylvania homes into drug dens, set indoor campfire to cook canned ravioli; A Pennsylvania fire chief says one home has been a 'prime spot' for illegal activity - Fox 8.6.23

Pennsylvania Links

> Philadelphia Museum of Art


USA PLACES ... Northeast / New England

NEW HAMPSHIRE

New Hampshire Mountains, Fall Foliage, Water, adapted from image at census.gov

...

New Hampshire Links

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USA PLACES ... Mid-Atlantic

PHILADELPHIA & PENNSYLVANIA

Independence Hall File Photo adapted from nps.gov image

Blue city drug haven - home to the infamous Kensington - passes bill to ban supervised drug sites; Philadelphia city leaders pass bill prohibiting supervised drug consumption sites - Fox 9.15.23

Blue city drug haven - home to the infamous Kensington - passes bill to ban supervised drug sites; Philadelphia city leaders pass bill prohibiting supervised drug consumption sites - Fox 9.15.23

Convicted killer Danelo Cavalcante captured in Pennsylvania nearly 2 weeks after prison escape, with help of border control; State police announce capture of Danelo Cavalcante in Pennsylvania - Fox 9.13.23

Pennsylvania fugitive Danelo Cavalcante captured, ending two-week manhunt - Reuters 9.13.23

Manhunt for Escaped Convict Continues for 12th Day as Police Defend Efforts; Pennsylvania police said they think convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante is still in Chester County. - WSJ 9.11.23

Escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante seen driving stolen van, visiting former colleague's house, police say - CBS 9.10.23

New sightings of escaped killer emerge as his mother joins search: Police; "He is desperate," a police official said of Danelo Cavalcante. - ABC 9.5.23

Authorities get 'aggressive' in massive effort to remove squatters from their city - Fox 8.8.23

Squatters turn Pennsylvania homes into drug dens, set indoor campfire to cook canned ravioli; A Pennsylvania fire chief says one home has been a 'prime spot' for illegal activity - Fox 8.6.23

Pennsylvania Links

> Philadelphia Museum of Art

DELAWARE

Dover Green file photo, adapted from nps.gov image

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Delaware Links

> Delaware Seashore State Park Camping


USA PLACES ... SOUTH

NORTH CAROLINA

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Environs adapted from nps.gov

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MISSISSIPPI

Mississippi State Capitol and Jackson at Twilight

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USA PLACES ... MIDWEST

CHICAGO & ILLINOIS

Chicago Skyline

Hundreds of affordable homes remain vacant amid Chicago housing crisis: Illinois Answers Project - ABC7 12.9.23

Chicago family carjacked at gunpoint in their own driveway - CBS 2 11.10.23

Alderman warns of ‘string of carjackings’ at Lincoln Park gas station - CWB Chicago 12.3.23

Swastika Flooring

Swastikas In Chicago Suburban Mayoral Campaign Headquarters; Former Valparaiso, Indiana, Mayor Jon Costas Running Again, From Swastika-Bearing Older Building in Historic Town Center - SCW 11.5.23

VIDEO: Chicago traffic: Icy conditions lead to several crashes on area expressways - ABC 7 Chicago - SCW Newswatch 11.1.23

Hundreds of migrants live inside Chicago O'Hare International Airport as city grapples with how to house them; Illegal aliens are staying inside a shuttle bus center - Fox 10.2.23

Chicago mayor proposes city-owned grocery stores as Walmart, Whole Foods exits leave ‘food deserts’ - NY Post 9.19.23

Chicago mayor faces pushback from local leaders for plan to house migrants in tents: ‘Help your people first'; Migrant influx reportedly costing Chicago about $30 million per month - Fox 9.12.23

Chicago man charged in road rage shooting on Eisenhower Expressway - Fox 32 8.27.23

Willowbrook man charged in Burr Ridge road rage shooting in Chicago suburb 8.26.23

Woman threatened with golf club while being robbed in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood - WGN 8.30.23

Chaos erupts on Chicago's Bishop Ford Freeway with shootout, crash - CBS 2 8.30.23

Chicago man charged in road rage shooting on Eisenhower Expressway - Fox 32 8.27.23

Chicago residents relocating to Cape Coral, Florida, more than any other, study shows - Fox 32 8.10.23

Chicago residents outraged over molestation in public beach bathroom: 'Worse than jail washrooms'; Chicago residents questioned why the city did not have cameras in the area - Fox 7.10.23

Chicago Links

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USA PLACES ... Plains States

WYOMING

Wyoming Landscape, adapted from image at blm.gov

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NORTH DAKOTA

North Dakota Badlands, adapted from image at shareamerica.gov

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SOUTH DAKOTA

Mount Rushmore, adapted from image at nps.gov

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IDAHO

Boise, Idaho, Skyline and Natural Surroundings

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USA PLACES ... West

OREGON

Oregon, Portland, Mount Hood, adapted from usgs.gov image

Police warn that Oregon torture suspect is using dating apps - Washington Examiner 1.29.23