EVANSVILLE, Ind., June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NASDAQ: ONB)– For the second consecutive year, Old National Bancorp (“Old National”) has been named by Points of Light as one of “The Civic 50” honorees for 2025. This annual designation is reserved for the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation.
A global nonprofit that inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world, Points of Light has recognized the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation every year since 2012. The Civic 50 award is based on employee volunteering, community investment, corporate citizenship and social impact programs.
“Our team members love rolling up their sleeves and making a difference in their communities, as evidenced by the more than 67,000 collective volunteer hours they logged in 2024,” said Jim Ryan, Old National Chairman and CEO. “Old National is honored to again be recognized by Points of Light as an organization that truly puts our values into action.”
Combined, The Civic 50 companies for 2025 have engaged more than 460,000 employees to volunteer more than 6.5 million hours in their communities. That’s double the average for U.S. companies not in The Civic 50.
“In an ever-evolving landscape, companies are looking to ensure that they can meet the needs of their communities, customers, and stakeholders,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO, Points of Light. “Companies like Old National are leading the way in showing how social impact benefits their employee’s well-being, strengthens the communities where they do business, and brings value and meaning to their work. Their efforts provide a model for others looking to bring the benefits of volunteering and social impact to their workforce, and they’re extremely deserving of this recognition.”
The Civic 50 honorees are companies with annual U.S. revenues of at least $1 billion. They are selected based on four dimensions of their corporate citizenship and social impact programs:
Investment of resources and volunteerism
Integration across business functions
Institutionalization through policies and systems
Impact measurement
You can click here for the full list of The Civic 50 honorees. Additionally, for more information and to view Old National’s latest Community Action Report, click here.
ABOUT OLD NATIONAL Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB) is the holding company of Old National Bank. As the fifth largest commercial bank headquartered in the Midwest, Old National proudly serves clients primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. With approximately $70 billion of assets and $37 billion of assets under management (including Bremer Financial Corporation on a pro forma basis as of March 31, 2025), Old National ranks among the top 25 banking companies headquartered in the United States. Tracing our roots to 1834, Old National focuses on building long-term, highly valued partnerships with clients while also strengthening and supporting the communities we serve. In addition to providing extensive services in consumer and commercial banking, Old National offers comprehensive wealth management and capital markets services. For more information and financial data, please visit Investor Relations at oldnational.com. In 2025, Points of Light again named Old National as one of “The Civic 50” — an honor reserved for the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States.
ABOUT POINTS OF LIGHT Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of conditions1 that still affect 1 billion people, mainly vulnerable populations in underserved regions of the world. Nevertheless, they are preventable, treatable and can be eliminated. As of May 2025, 56 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD – demonstrating significant progress towards WHO’s global target of 100 countries reaching elimination by 2030.
This hard-won progress is now at risk. The dismantling of official development assistance (ODA) for global health, and particularly for NTD programmes, threatens to stall or reverse gains and negatively impact lives of vulnerable communities.
Threat to NTD gains
The recent withdrawal of funding by the United States from NTD projects jeopardizes the success of 19 years of investment in the global effort to eliminate NTDs.
Early reports shared with the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that the immediate impact of the funding withdrawal has delayed 47 campaigns in which mass treatment was warranted to free 143 million people from the burden of NTDs. In 2020, WHO Member States set targets for 2030 by endorsing the Road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 through World Health Assembly decision WHA73(33). Missing the planned campaigns and impact surveys in 2025 will postpone the achievement of targets in at least 10 additional countries. The abrupt cuts also halted critical research to validate new treatments, diagnostics and surveillance platforms to ensure these diseases no longer pose a threat globally.
On 10 April 2025, WHO issued a warning on the impact caused by sudden suspensions and reductions in ODA for health, indicating that health service disruptions had been reported by over 70% of its surveyed country offices and that NTD programmes were among the most severely affected. In some settings, the nature and scale of service disruptions are comparable to those observed during the peak periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critical shortages in medicines and health products are leaving one third of responding countries without essential commodities for major health services. At the same time, the suspension of funding has triggered job losses among health and care workers in over half of those countries.
Furthermore, if alternative mechanisms for service delivery are not urgently secured, suspensions and reductions in ODA for health could lead to expiration of over 55 million NTD tablets by the end of 2025, in Africa alone. In response, countries are working to identify local opportunities to sustain treatment activities, including integrated campaigns within broader health initiatives and mobilization of national resources to protect people’s health, prevent medicine wastage and sustain progress.
Incredible past achievements at risk
Over the past two decades, the Government of the United States of America, through USAID, supported the delivery of 3.3 billion treatments to more than 1.7 billion people in 26 countries, clearing infections, stopping transmission and reducing the burden of lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (intestinal worm infections) and trachoma in several areas. This cumulative support of US$ 1.4 billion significantly advanced public health outcomes and enabled 14 countries (Bangladesh, Benin, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mali, Mexico, Nepal, Niger, Togo and Viet Nam) to achieve elimination of at least one NTD.
NTD programmes have continued delivering impressive results despite fierce challenges: in 2023 alone, more than 860 million people received treatment for NTDs through mass drug administration or individual case management; and between January 2023 and May 2025, 17 countries were officially acknowledged by WHO for eliminating one NTD. Today, the halt in drug distribution and the layoff of frontline health workers threaten to reverse this progress – raising serious concerns about the resurgence of NTDs in the most affected regions.
Funding challenges and implications for NTDs
The withdrawal of United States funding to NTD programmes is not an isolated event. The last few years have witnessed a deprioritization of financial investments in support of NTDs, which accelerated during the years of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, in 2021, another key stakeholder, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, ended its flagship NTD initiative, the Ascend programme. Nevertheless, recent pledges such as those made in December 2023 during the Reaching the Last Mile (RLM) Forum had raised hopes of reversing this trend.
Decreased funding places a heavy strain on NTD programmes at a time when they are called to face unprecedented challenges, including the impact of climate change on vector-borne diseases. Notably, WHO declared dengue a grade 3 emergency in 2024, when over 14 million cases and 10 000 deaths were reported in 107 countries. The current global risk of dengue is assessed as high, and the disease remains a global health threat, while lack of resources continues to hamper prevention and control efforts, and the disease has spread to newer areas and countries in recent years.
NTD programmes are recognized among the most cost-effective initiatives in global health, also thanks to effective public-private partnerships. Generous donations from pharmaceutical companies including Bayer AG, Chemo Group, Eisai Co. Ltd, EMS SA Pharma, Gilead Sciences, Inc., GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck KGaA, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Novartis, Pfizer and Sanofi – cumulatively valued at over US$ 12 billion between 2011 and today –make life-changing treatments available to those in need at minimal cost.
Defunding NTD programmes threatens a proven public health success, potentially reversing hard-earned progress, exacerbating the cycle of disease and poverty, leaving vulnerable populations further marginalized and deepening inequality.
Moving forward
During the most recent Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, NTDs were centre-stage, with a number of events held on the margins of the Assembly. Notably, two NTD-related resolutions, on eradication of dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease) and on skin diseases, were unanimously adopted by Member States.
At this critical juncture, it is imperative to build on such renewed consensus and strengthen the global commitment to eliminating NTDs. This requires fostering nationally owned, sustainable programmes complemented by catalytic external support. Together, we must work towards the complete elimination of NTDs and release communities from the heavy burden of suffering these diseases cause.
Notes
Buruli ulcer; Chagas disease; dengue and chikungunya; dracunculiasis; echinococcosis; foodborne trematodiases; human African trypanosomiasis; leishmaniasis; leprosy; lymphatic filariasis; mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis and other deep mycoses; noma; onchocerciasis; rabies; scabies and other ectoparasitoses; schistosomiasis; snakebite envenoming; soil-transmitted helminthiases; taeniasis and cysticercosis; trachoma; yaws.
(June 4, 2025) NEW JERSEY — Yesterday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) joined U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer at the Northeast Carpenters Training Center as part of the Secretary’sAmerica at Work listening tour.
The visit highlighted the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America’s state-of-the-art facility and its hands-on training programs in skilled trades including carpentry, HVAC, and electrical work. Congressman Kean and Secretary Chavez-DeRemer met with New Jersey labor leaders to discuss the critical need for continued federal investment in workforce development, expanded apprenticeship opportunities, and the role of unions in driving economic growth across the state.
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s nationwideAmerica at Worktour is focused on hearing directly from workers, union members, employers, and community leaders to inform and modernize federal labor policy.
“From construction and manufacturing to transportation infrastructure, everything built in New Jersey is built by the hands of dedicated tradesmen and women,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “Today’s visit to the Northeast Carpenters Training Center, alongside Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, was an incredible opportunity to see the next generation of skilled laborers in action. The center’s workforce development programs show how strong partnerships between labor, industry, and educators equip students with the skills, leadership, and safety training they need to succeed on the job and return home safely to their families each night. As we invest in infrastructure, innovation, and nationwide projects, New Jersey will continue to lead the way due to its strong and skilled workforce. I want to thank Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for her continued leadership and for visiting the great Garden State.”
“Today’s visit to the Northeast Carpenters Training Center in Edison showcased the very best of America’s skilled workforce,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “This state-of-the-art facility equips apprentices and journeymen with the skillset they need to excel in today’s dynamic construction industry. These innovative, hands-on training facilities will help fuel our economic comeback and empower workers to thrive under President Trump’s leadership. I want to thank Congressman Kean for hosting me on this tour and for his commitment to investing in our workforce.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)
“We need answers and accountability for the illegal kidnappings, disappearances and intimidation carried out by Noem and the Trump administration. While not surprising, I’m deeply disturbed that Secretary Noem not only takes no responsibility for these illegal kidnappings, she continues to take pride in them.”
Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) reacts to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) response to her inquiry on Mohsen Mahdawi’s arrest and detention. Last Friday, Rep. Balint’s office received the following response from Secretary Noem:
“Thank you for your April 16, 2025, letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“The information requested in your letter is currently the subject of active litigation. Accordingly, DHS declines to comment on such matters.”
In April, in response to Mr. Mahdawi’s arrest, Rep. Balint and 67 other House Democrats demanded the Administration’s alleged reason for his arrest from Secretaries Rubio and Noem and received no response. On April 30th, Mr. Mahdawi was released on bail following a decision from Judge Geoffrey Crawford.
“We need answers and accountability for the illegal kidnappings, disappearances and intimidation carried out by Noem and the Trump administration,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “While not surprising, I’m deeply disturbed that Secretary Noem not only takes no responsibility for these illegal kidnappings, she continues to take pride in them. The fear of being ripped off the streets by masked agents when you show up to work or a citizenship appointment does not make our communities safer. I’m relieved that Mr. Mahdawi has been released and was able to graduate college, but his arrest should terrify us all. Under Trump, ICE and DHS have become a means to carry out political arrests and silence those who disagree with his authoritarian agenda. I’ll continue to demand accountability and justice for everyone in this country, including Mahmoud Khalil and others still being held unjustly.”
Gaza: Minister for the Middle East statement, 4 June 2025
Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer made a statement to the House of Commons on Gaza.
Madam Deputy Speaker,
We are appalled by repeated reports of mass casualty incidents, in which Palestinians have been killed when trying to access aid sites in Gaza.
Desperate civilians who have endured 20 months of war should never face the risk of death or injury to simply feed themselves and their families.
We call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events, and for the perpetrators to be held to account.
It is deeply disturbing that these incidents happened near the new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution sites.
They highlight the utterly desperate need to get aid in.
The Israeli Government says it has opened up aid access with its new system.
But the warnings raised by the United Kingdom, the United Nations, aid partners and the international community about these operations have materialised and the results are agonising.
Israel’s newly introduced measures for aid delivery are inhumane, foster desperation and endanger civilians.
Israel’s unjustified block on aid into Gaza needs to end. It is inhumane.
Israel must immediately allow the UN and aid partners to safely deliver all types of aid at scale to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity. It must ensure food and other critical supplies can reach people safely where they are across the whole of the Gaza Strip. Civilians, medical and humanitarian workers and facilities must be protected.
We will continue to be steadfast in our support for the UN and other trusted INGOs as the most effective and principled partners for aid delivery.
Our support has meant over 465,000 people have received essential healthcare, 640,000 have received food, and 275,000 people have improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.
Just two weeks ago, my honourable friend, the Minister for Development, announced £4m additional funding to support the British Red Cross, enabling the delivery humanitarian relief in Gaza through their partner the Palestinian Red Crescent. Th was part of our wider £101m support package for this financial year. Aid must be allowed in so this support can continue.
Today, the UN Security Council is expected to consider a resolution for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all the hostages and the lifting of all Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid, and supporting delivery by the UN.
And we will once again use our vote in support of these goals.
Following our leadership in coordinating dozens of countries to address the humanitarian situation, the joint statement from the UK, France and Canada, as well as the actions announced by my Right Honourable Friend the Foreign Secretary on 20 May, we will continue to convene international partners to increase the pressure and take further steps to address the catastrophic situation on the ground.
We will continue to strongly support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. As the Prime Minister has said, a ceasefire is the best way to secure the release of all remaining hostages and achieve a long-term political solution.
This Israeli Government’s decision to expand its military operations in Gaza and severely restrict aid undermine all these goals.
Madam Deputy Speaker,
We repeat our utter condemnation of Hamas, our demand that it releases all the hostages immediately and unconditionally. They can have no role in the future governance of Gaza.
A two-state solution is the only way to bring the long-lasting peace, stability and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve. We welcome France and Saudi Arabia’s leadership in chairing an international conference later this month.
However, Landsat 7’s imagery will remain everlasting. The data collected by the satellite’s sensor from 1999 to 2024 is a key part of Landsat’s 50-plus year record of imaging our planet’s surface and are preserved in the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center archive.
Landsat 7’s active science mission ended in early 2024, with its final images downlinked that May. The satellite’s 25 years of continuous data collection will remain a valuable tool, supporting resource management, scientific discovery and related decision-making for years to come.
Lowering the Orbit
In its final year, the USGS Landsat 7 Flight Operations Team at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the ground station crew at EROS closely monitored Landsat 7 while carefully planning for its “passivation”—moving the satellite from an active to a passive state. Once passivated, Landsat 7 will no longer be able to maneuver or send and receive signals from USGS personnel or any other entity.
Landsat 7 Orbit Lowering Approach
The first step in this process was to lower the satellite’s orbit, which was completed through two sets of controlled burns on April 8 and April 15, 2025. “With sadness, I am informing you that Landsat 7 has performed its last maneuver and depleted all of its useable fuel. For all planning purposes, Landsat 7 has now become a non-maneuverable satellite,” said Joe Blahovec, USGS Chief of the Satellite & Ground Systems Operations Branch at EROS. He is also responsible for the Landsat Flight Operations Team and Mission Operations Center at GSFC.
Landsat 7 had already been flying in a lower orbit since 2022, when it dropped to an altitude of 697 kilometers (433 miles), making room for Landsat 9 to join Landsat 8 at 705 km (438 miles). Due to increased solar activity in recent years, Landsat 7 had dropped another 5 km to an orbit of about 692 km (430 miles). Following the latest maneuvers, Landsat 7 now orbits at 688 km (427.5 miles), farther away from other satellites in low-Earth orbit and reducing the likelihood of collision concerns.
To further reduce the risk of interfering with future missions, Landsat 7 was shifted from an elliptical to a circular orbit. This adjustment helps minimize the chance of collision with Landsat Next—currently planned to launch in the early 2030s. By the time Landsat Next is operating at a similar altitude, Landsat 7’s circular path will limit how long their orbits overlap, making it less likely that future satellites will need to maneuver around it.
Shutting Down the Satellite
From May 27 through June 4, 2025, mission control has been shutting down systems no longer needed for Landsat 7. Steps include bleeding off the battery charge, disconnecting the battery’s charging circuits, disabling the fuel-line heaters, repositioning the solar array to minimize charging, and turning off the instruments that control the satellite’s “attitude,” or orientation in space.
The final systems to go are those responsible for attitude control. The very last command will shut off the S-band, permanently ending communication between the satellite and the ground.
After that, Landsat 7 will remain silent, drifting in orbit for approximately 55 years before reentering Earth’s atmosphere. Although its mission is over, one final safeguard remains. An internal loop command that manages power, ensuring the satellite remains safely dormant. This system prevents the solar array from generating enough charge to reactivate the satellite, even if it accidentally shifts toward the Sun.
An engineering model of the Landsat 7 ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus) sensor
Looking Toward the Future
Landsat 7’s long watch over Earth leaves a legacy that will continue to support science and society for decades to come. Today, Landsat 8 (launched in 2013) and Landsat 9 (launched in 2021) work together to create a complete snapshot of Earth every 8 days. The next generation—Landsat Next—is currently planned to launch in the early 2030s and will offer even greater coverage and detail.
Tim Newman, Program Coordinator for the USGS National Land Imaging Program called Landsat 7 “a transformational bridge between the past and the future of Earth observation.” He added, “Landsat 7 sustained decades of continuity by evolving satellite observations and data products to meet changing priorities and national needs. Its unqualified value to the Nation in science and operational applications helped ensure the future of the long-running Landsat program, inspiring even more capable operational missions like Landsat 8 and 9 and the revolutionary new Landsat Next, now in development. Cheers to all who worked on Landsat 7, and especially the USGS Flight Operations Team for a quarter century of outstanding service to the Nation and the world!”
As the program moves forward, Landsat 7 is remembered fondly by the personnel who spent years commanding the satellite and monitoring its health. They feel a connection to the program’s many accomplishments and future capabilities.
Blahovec reflected: “The Landsat 7 mission stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and ingenuity of the team that has operated and safeguarded it. Their relentless efforts have enabled the satellite to deliver invaluable Earth observation data to the nation and the global community for over 20 years beyond its original design lifespan. While this moment is bittersweet, the team should take great pride in their remarkable efforts and accomplishments throughout the years.”
Duane Dixon, Jr., age 35, of Aberdeen, Maryland, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. Dixon was found guilty by a jury following a trial in January 2025.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By John Nielsen-Gammon, Regents Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Texas A&M University
Hail can be destructive, yet the cost of the damage often isn’t publicly tracked.NOAA/NSSL
On Jan. 5, 2025, at about 2:35 in the afternoon, the first severe hailstorm of the season dropped quarter-size hail in Chatham, Mississippi. According to the federal storm events database, there were no injuries, but it caused $10,000 in property damage.
How do we know the storm caused $10,000 in damage? We don’t.
That estimate is probably a best guess from someone whose primary job is weather forecasting. Yet these guesses, and thousands like them, form the foundation for publicly available tallies of the costs of severe weather.
If the damage estimates from hailstorms are consistently lower in one county than the next, potential property buyers might think it’s because there’s less risk of hailstorms. Instead, it might just be because different people are making the estimates.
We are atmosphericscientists at Texas A&M University who lead the Office of the Texas State Climatologist. Through our involvement in state-level planning for weather-related disasters, we have seen county-scale patterns of storm damage over the past 20 years that just didn’t make sense. So, we decided to dig deeper.
We looked at storm event reports for a mix of seven urban and rural counties in southeast Texas, with populations ranging from 50,000 to 5 million. We included all reported types of extreme weather. We also talked with people from the two National Weather Service offices that cover the area.
Storm damage investigations vary widely
Typically, two specific types of extreme weather receive special attention.
After a tornado, the National Weather Service conducts an on-site damage survey, examining its track and destruction. That survey forms the basis for the official estimate of a tornado’s strength on the enhanced Fujita scale. Weather Service staff are able to make decent damage cost estimates from knowledge of home values in the area.
They also investigate flash flood damage in detail, and loss information is available from the National Flood Insurance Program, the main source of flood insurance for U.S. homes.
Tornadoes in May 2025 destroyed homes in communities in several states, including London, Ky. AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley
Most other losses from extreme weather are privately insured, if they’re insured at all.
Insured loss information is collected by reinsurance companies – the companies that insure the insurance companies – and gets tabulated for major events. Insurance companies use their own detailed information to try to make better decisions on rates than their competitors do, so event-based loss data by county from insurance companies isn’t readily available.
Losing billion-dollar disaster data
There’s one big window into how disaster damage has changed over the years in the U.S.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, compiled information for major disasters, including insured losses by state. Bulk data won’t tell communities or counties about their specific risk, but it enabled NOAA to calculate overall damage estimates, which it released as its billion-dollar disasters list.
From that program, we know that the number and cost of billion-dollar disasters in the United States has increased dramatically in recent years. News articles and even scientific papers often point to climate change as the primary culprit, but a much larger driver has been the increasing number and value of buildings and other types of infrastructure, particularly along hurricane-prone coasts.
Previous estimates can still be retrieved from NOAA’s online data archive, but by shutting down that program, the window into current and future disaster losses and insurance claims is now closed.
Emergency managers at the county level also make local damage estimates, but the resources they have available vary widely. They may estimate damages only when the total might be large enough to trigger a disaster declaration that makes relief funds available from the federal government.
Patching together very rough estimates
Without insurance data or county estimates, the local offices of the National Weather Service are on their own to estimate losses.
There is no standard operating procedure that every office must follow. One office might choose to simply not provide damage estimates for any hailstorms because the staff doesn’t see how it could come up with accurate values. Others may make estimates, but with varying methods.
The result is a patchwork of damage estimates. Accurate values are more likely for rare events that cause extensive damage. Loss estimates from more frequent events that don’t reach a high damage threshold are generally far less reliable.
The number of severe hail reports in southeast Texas listed in the National Centers for Environmental Information’s storm events database is strongly correlated with population. The county with the most reports and greatest detail in those reports is home to Houston. Hailstorms in the three easternmost counties are rarely associated with damage estimates. John Nielsen-Gammon and B.J. Baule
Do you want to look at local damage trends? Forget about it. For most extreme weather events, estimation methods vary over time and are not documented.
Do you want to direct funding to help communities improve resilience to natural disasters where the need is greatest? Forget about it. The places experiencing the largest per capita damages depend not just on actual damages but on the different practices of local National Weather Service offices.
Are you moving to a location that might be vulnerable to extreme weather? Companies are starting to provide localized risk estimates through real estate websites, but the algorithms tend to be proprietary, and there’s no independent validation.
4 steps to improve disaster data
We believe a few fixes could make NOAA’s storm events database and the corresponding values in the larger SHELDUS database, managed by Arizona State University, more reliable. Both databases include county-level disasters and loss estimates for some of those disasters.
First, the National Weather Service could develop standard procedures for local offices for estimating disaster damages.
Second, additional state support could encourage local emergency managers to make concrete damage estimates from individual events and share them with the National Weather Service. The local emergency manager generally knows the extent of damage much better than a forecaster sitting in an office a few counties away.
Third, state or federal governments and insurance companies can agree to make public the aggregate loss information at the county level or other scale that doesn’t jeopardize the privacy of their policyholders. If all companies provide this data, there is no competitive disadvantage for doing so.
Fourth, NOAA could create a small “tiger team” of damage specialists to make well-informed, consistent damage estimates of larger events and train local offices on how to handle the smaller stuff.
With these processes in place, the U.S. wouldn’t need a billion-dollar disasters program anymore. We’d have reliable information on all the disasters.
John Nielsen-Gammon receives funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the State of Texas.
William Baule receives funding from NOAA, the State of Texas, & the Austin Community Foundation.
Some Edmonton Oilers fans are pinning their Stanley Cup hopes on captain Connor McDavid.AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell
Déjà vu is a common occurrence in the world of sports, and the Edmonton Oilers are no strangers to repeat matchups. The Canadian team faced off against the New York Islanders in both 1983 and ’84 for hockey’s biggest prize, the Stanley Cup. In this year’s National Hockey League finals, the Oilers will try to avenge their Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers in 2024.
Edmontonians who have been “loyal to the oil,” as fans say, have been waiting for redemption ever since. The Trump administration’s threats toward its northern neighbor has fueled a wave of nationalism, making even more fans eager for a Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup – which has not happened since 1993. With hopes pinned to Edmonton, the finals also brings renewed attention to some of Canada’s biggest exports: hockey and oil.
The Oilers also evoke another aspect of Canadian society that, for some, has almost religious importance: resource extraction. In American and Canadian culture, oil has long been entangled with religion. It’s a national blessing from God, in some people’s eyes, and a means to the “good life” for those who persevere to find it. For many people in communities whose economies center around resource extraction, the possibility of success is valued above its environmental risks.
We are scholars of religion who study sports and how oil shapes society, or petro-cultures. The Edmonton Oilers showcase a worldview in which triumph, luck and rugged work pay off – beliefs at home on the ice or in the oil field. The Stanley Cup Final offers a glimpse into how the oil industry has helped shaped the religious fervor around Canada’s favorite sport.
Edmonton Oilers fan Dale Steil’s boots before the team’s playoff game against the Los Angeles Kings on April 26, 2024. AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez
Boomtown
Edmonton is the capital of Alberta, a province known for its massive oil, gas and oil sands reserves. With five refineries producing an average of 3.8 million barrels a day, oil and gas is Alberta’s biggest industry – and a way of life.
This is especially true in Edmonton, known as the “Oil Capital of Canada.” Here, oil not only structures the local economy, but it also shapes identities, architecture and everyday experiences.
Visit the West Edmonton Mall, for example, and you’ll see a statue of three oil workers drilling, reminding shoppers that petroleum is the bedrock of their commerce. Visit the Canadian Energy Museum to learn how oil and gas have remade the region since the late 1940s, and glimpse items such as engraved hard hats and the “Oil Patch Kid,” a spin on the iconic “Cabbage Patch Kids” toys. Tour the Greater Edmonton area and see how pump jacks dot the horizon. Oil is everywhere, shaping futures, fortunes and possibility.
Set against this backdrop, the Oilers’ name is unsurprising. It is not uncommon, after all, to name teams after local industries. Football’s Pittsburgh Steelers pay homage to the steel mills that once employed much of the team’s fan base. The Tennessee Oilers were originally the Houston Oilers, prompting other Texas teams such as the XFL’s Roughnecks to follow suit. Further north, the name of basketball’s Detroit Pistons references car manufacturing.
Teams with industry-inspired names play double duty, venerating both a place and a trade. Some fans are not only cheering for the home team, but also cheering for themselves – affirming that their industry and their labor matter.
Ales Hemsky of the Edmonton Oilers skates out from under the oil derrick for a game at Rexall Place in 2008 in Edmonton, Alberta. Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images
In a TikTok video from last year’s Stanley Cups playoffs, a man overcome with joy at the Oilers’ victory over the Dallas Stars claps his hands and hops around his living room. The caption reads, “My first-generation immigrant oil rig working Filipino father who has never played a second of hockey in his life … happily cheering for the Oilers advancing in the playoffs. Better Bring that cup home for him oily boys.” He appears to be cheering for the Oilers not because they are a hockey team, but because they are an oil team.
And indeed, the Oilers are an oily team. The Oilers’ Oilfield Network, for example, describes itself as “exclusively promot[ing] companies in the Oil and Gas industry,” allowing leaders to connect “through the power of Oilers hockey.”
The Oilers’ connection with industry is further underscored by their logos. The current one features a simple drop of oil, but past designs featured machinery gears and an oil worker pulling a lever shaped like a hockey stick.
Simply put, “Edmonton is all oil,” Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner shared after defeating the Dallas Stars to win the 2025 Western Conference Final.
After the British North America Act founded Canada in 1867, the new nation searched for a distinctive identity through sport and other cultural forms.
Enter hockey. The winter game evolved in Canada from the Gaelic game of “shinty” and the First Nations’ game of lacrosse and soon became part of the glue holding the nation together.
Ever since, media, politicians, sports groups and major industries have helped fuel fan fervor and promoted hockey as integral to Canada’s rugged frontiersman character.
In 1936, Imperial Oil, one of Canada’s largest petroleum companies, began sponsoring Hockey Night in Canada, a national radio show that reached millions each week. Several years later, Imperial Oil played a major role in bringing the show to television, where the Imperial Oil Choir sang the theme song. Imperial Oil and its gas stations, Esso, also sponsored youth hockey programs across the nation. In 2019, Imperial inked a deal to be the NHL’s “official retail fuel” in Canada.
Striking it rich
Connections between hockey and industry in Alberta’s oil country aren’t just about sponsorships. Central to both cultures is the idea of luck – historically, one of the many things it takes to extract fossil fuels. “Striking it rich” in the oil fields has become entangled with the idea of divine providence, especially among the many Christian laborers.
A Canadian oil worker kisses his wife and daughter goodbye as he sets off to work in northern Alberta in the 1950s. John Chillingworth/Getty Images
Oil represents fortune, and who wouldn’t want to borrow a bit of that for their team? Sports are thrilling because sometimes talent, team chemistry and the home-field advantage still lose to a stroke of good luck. Oil culture pairs the idea of divine favor with an insistence on rough-and-tumble endurance, similar to hockey.
Sometimes if you don’t strike it rich the first time, you have to keep on drilling. The next well may be the one to bring wealth. Oil prospectors know this, but so do sports fans who maintain hope season to season.
Soon fans from around the world will join Edmonton locals in rooting for the Oilers. They’ll throw their hands up in despair if captain Connor McDavid enters the “sin bin” – the penalty box – or dance in celebration to the Oilers’ theme, “La Bamba.” Some of them will be cheering, too, for oil.
This is an updated version of an article originally published on June 19, 2024.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
In his first general audience in Rome, Pope Leo XIV referred to Vincent van Gogh’s painting “Sower at Sunset” and called it a symbol of hope. A brilliant setting sun illuminates a field as a farmer walks toward the right, sowing seeds.
Leo referred to Christ’s Parable of the Sower, a story in the Gospel that speaks to the need to do good works. “Every word of the Gospel is like a seed sown in the soil of our lives,” he said, and highlighted that the soil is not only our heart, “but also the world, the community, the church.”
He noted that “behind the sower, van Gogh painted the grain already ripe,” and Leo called it an image of hope which shows that somehow the seed has borne fruit.
Van Gogh painted “Sower at Sunset” in 1888, when he was living in Arles in southern France. At the time, he was creating art alongside his friend Paul Gauguin and feeling very happy about the future. The painting reflects his optimism.
Van Gogh’s inspiration
In November 1888, van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo, in whom he frequently confided, about “Sower at Sunset.” He described its beautiful colors: “Immense lemon-yellow disc for the sun. Green-yellow sky with pink clouds. The field is violet, the sower and the tree Prussian Blue.”
Van Gogh’s painting was inspired by French artist Jean-Francois Millet’s 1860 painting, “The Sower.” But he transformed Millet’s composition, in which a dark, isolated figure dominates, and deliberately set the sower in the midst of a landscape transformed by the sun.
Other artists, including the Norwegian Emanuel Vigeland, explicitly depicted the Parable of the Sower. Vigeland’s series of stained-glass windows in an Oslo church explains each passage’s meaning. As the sower works, some seeds fall by the wayside and the birds immediately eat them, indicating those who hear the word of God but do not listen.
Norwegian artist Emanuel Vigeland’s ‘Parable of the Sower,’ 1917-19, Lutheran church of Borgestad, near Oslo, Norway. Virginia Raguin
Some seeds fall on stony ground and cannot take root, a symbol of those with little tenacity. Others fall among thorns and are choked. Vigeland juxtaposed a dramatic image of a miser counting piles of money, indicating how the man’s life has become choked by desire for material gain.
The final passage of the parable states that some seeds fell on good ground and yielded a hundredfold. Vigeland’s depiction shows an image of an abundant harvest of grain next to a man seated on the ground and cradling a child in his lap.
What it says about Leo
Van Gogh’s painting corresponds to many of the ideas the new pope expressed in the first days of his papacy. Leo observed: “In the center of the painting is the sun, not the sower, [which reminds us that] it is God who moves history, even if he sometimes seems absent or distant. It is the sun that warms the clods of the earth and ripens the seed.”
The theme of the dignity of labor is also inherent in the image of the sower being deeply engrossed in physical labor, which relates to the pope’s choice of his name. The pope stated that he took on the name Leo XIV “mainly because Pope Leo XIII in his historic encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution.” Leo XIII was referring to the social question of economic injustice in the meager rewards for workers even as owners made great profits from the Industrial Revolution.
The pope saw Van Gogh’s image of the sower, like Vigeland’s, as a message of hope. That message, to him, fits with the theme of hope of The Jubilee Year proclaimed by Leo’s predecessor, Francis. Leo also expressed hope that humans listening to God would embrace service to others.
Virginia Raguin does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
People often imagine childhood as a time when the body functions at its best, but about 25% of children experience chronic pain. I was one of them: Starting in elementary school, migraines incapacitated me for hours at a stretch with excruciating pain that made it impossible to go to school, much less talk to friends or have fun.
Chronic pain in children is not only widespread but also persistent. Many continue to experience symptoms for years on end. For example, one-third of children with abdominal pain experience symptoms that last into adulthood. Children with chronic pain are also more likely to come from families that have less income, have greater health care barriers, report more safety concerns about their environment and experience greater exposure to violence than those without chronic pain.
The most studied and perhaps most effective approach for treating chronic pain in children is cognitive behavioral therapy. This modality involves teaching children how pain works in the brain, and also training them on problem solving, relaxation methods such as deep breathing, challenging negative thoughts about pain, and pacing activities to avoid pain flares. Unlike pain medications, which wear off after a few hours, research suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy can have a lasting effect. Kids can get back to doing things they need and want to do, and they often feel better too over the long term.
To be sure, providing interventions in the form of web-based tools or apps can improve access for children who can’t see a provider. However, we have found that children and their families are more likely to complete the course of treatment with a provider, and that automated self-management tools can complement but not replace care delivered by a provider. In fact, when cognitive behavioral therapy for children’s chronic pain is delivered exclusively through an online tool, only a third of children complete treatment.
How community providers can fill the gap
Despite the proven benefits of psychological therapies for children’s pain, few providers are trained to use them. That’s one of the most common barriers to care.
One potentially untapped resource is school nurses and other specialists who are often the first point of contact for a child with chronic pain, such as social workers and school counselors. Programs already exist to train school providers, including school nurses, in managing children’s mental health, but few of them address chronic pain.
To fill this gap, my colleagues and I have developed a program to train school nurses and other community health experts to teach children cognitive and behavioral strategies to manage their chronic pain. So far, we have trained approximately 100 school providers across Michigan, who report that the training improves pain symptoms and helps keep children in school. We are also expanding the project to address trauma and other mental health symptoms that commonly occur with chronic pain, and to support providers in discouraging substance use to manage pain in these children.
Our work suggests that this approach can empower providers to reach children in rural communities and other settings that lack access to care. By training more boots on the ground, we hope to provide children with the pain management tools they need to grow into healthy and thriving adults.
Natoshia R. Cunningham receives grant funding from the US Department of Defense, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance-Arthritis Foundation. She was previously funded by the National Institutes of Health, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Michigan.
Whether you’re streaming a show, paying bills online or sending an email, each of these actions relies on computer programs that run behind the scenes. The process of writing computer programs is known as coding. Until recently, most computer code was written, at least originally, by human beings. But with the advent of generative artificial intelligence, that has begun to change.
Now, just as you can ask ChatGPT to spin up a recipe for a favorite dish or write a sonnet in the style of Lord Byron, you can now ask generative AI tools to write computer code for you. Andrej Karpathy, an OpenAI co-founder who previously led AI efforts at Tesla, recently termed this “vibe coding.”
For complete beginners or nontechnical dreamers, writing code based on vibes – feelings rather than explicitly defined information – could feel like a superpower. You don’t need to master programming languages or complex data structures. A simple natural language prompt will do the trick.
How it works
Vibe coding leans on standard patterns of technical language, which AI systems use to piece together original code from their training data. Any beginner can use an AI assistant such as GitHub Copilot or Cursor Chat, put in a few prompts, and let the system get to work. Here’s an example:
“Create a lively and interactive visual experience that reacts to music, user interaction or real-time data. Your animation should include smooth transitions and colorful and lively visuals with an engaging flow in the experience. The animation should feel organic and responsive to the music, user interaction or live data and facilitate an experience that is immersive and captivating. Complete this project using JavaScript or React, and allow for easy customization to set the mood for other experiences.”
But AI tools do this without any real grasp of specific rules, edge cases or security requirements for the software in question. This is a far cry from the processes behind developing production-grade software, which must balance trade-offs between product requirements, speed, scalability, sustainability and security. Skilled engineers write and review the code, run tests and establish safety barriers before going live.
But while the lack of a structured process saves time and lowers the skills required to code, there are trade-offs. With vibe coding, most of these stress-testing practices go out the window, leaving systems vulnerable to malicious attacks and leaks of personal data.
And there’s no easy fix: If you don’t understand every – or any – line of code that your AI agent writes, you can’t repair the code when it breaks. Or worse, as some experts have pointed out, you won’t notice when it’s silently failing.
The AI itself is not equipped to carry out this analysis either. It recognizes what “working” code usually looks like, but it cannot necessarily diagnose or fix deeper problems that the code might cause or exacerbate.
IBM computer scientist Martin Keen explains the difference between AI programming and traditional programming.
Why it matters
Vibe coding could be just a flash-in-the-pan phenomenon that will fizzle before long, but it may also find deeper applications with seasoned programmers. The practice could help skilled software engineers and developers more quickly turn an idea into a viable prototype. It could also enable novice programmers or even amateur coders to experience the power of AI, perhaps motivating them to pursue the discipline more deeply.
Vibe coding also may signal a shift that could make natural language a more viable tool for developing some computer programs. If so, it would echo early website editing systems known as WYSIWYG editors that promised designers “what you see is what you get,” or “drag-and-drop” website builders that made it easy for anyone with basic computer skills to launch a blog.
For now, I don’t believe that vibe coding will replace experienced software engineers, developers or computer scientists. The discipline and the art are much more nuanced than what AI can handle, and the risks of passing off “vibe code” as legitimate software are too great.
But as AI models improve and become more adept at incorporating context and accounting for risk, practices like vibe coding might cause the boundary between AI and human programmer to blur further.
Chetan Jaiswal does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Your brain breaks apart fleeting streams of acoustic information into parallel channels – linguistic, emotional and musical – and acts as a biological multicore processor. Although scientists have recognized this division of cognitive labor for over 160 years, the mechanisms underpinning it remain poorly understood.
Researchers know that distinct subgroups of neurons must be tuned to different frequencies and timing of sound. In recent decades, studies onanimal models, especially in rodents, have confirmed that splitting sound processing across the brain is not uniquely human, opening the door to more closely dissecting how this occurs.
Yet a central puzzle persists: What makes near-identical regions in opposite hemispheres of the brain process different types of information?
Answering that question promises broader insight into how experience sculpts neural circuits during critical periods of early development, and why that process is disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Timing is everything
Sensory processing of sounds begins in the cochlea, a part of the inner ear where sound frequencies are converted into electricity and forwarded to the auditory cortex of the brain. Researchers believe that the division of labor across brain hemispheres required to recognize sound patterns begins in this region.
For more than a decade, my work as a neuroscientist has focused on the auditory cortex. My lab has shown that mice process sound differently in the left and right hemispheres of their brains, and we have worked to tease apart the underlying circuitry.
For example, we’ve found the left side of the brain has more focused, specialized connections that may help detect key features of speech, such as distinguishing one word from another. Meanwhile, the right side is more broadly connected, suited for processing melodies and the intonation of speech.
We tracked how neural circuits in the left and right auditory cortex develop from early life to adulthood. To do this, we recorded electrical signals in mouse brains to observe how the auditory cortex matures and to see how sound experiences shape its structure.
Surprisingly, we found that the right hemisphere consistently outpaced the left in development, showing more rapid growth and refinement. This suggests there are critical windows of development – brief periods when the brain is especially adaptive and sensitive to environmental sound – specific to each hemisphere that occur at different times.
To test the consequences of this asynchrony, we exposed young mice to specific tones during these sensitive periods. In adulthood, we found that where sound is processed in their brains was permanently skewed. Animals that heard tones during the right hemisphere’s earlier critical window had an overrepresentation of those frequencies mapped in the right auditory cortex.
Adding yet another layer of complexity, we found that these critical windows vary by sex. The right hemisphere critical window opens earlier in female mice, and the left hemisphere window opens just days later. In contrast, male mice had a very sensitive right hemisphere critical window, but no detectable window on the left. This points to the elusive role sex may play in brain plasticity.
Our findings provide a new way to understand how different hemispheres of the brain process sound and why this might vary for different people. They also provide evidence that parallel areas of the brain are not interchangeable: the brain can encode the same sound in radically different ways, depending on when it occurs and which hemisphere is primed to receive it.
Speech and neurodevelopment
The division of labor between brain hemispheres is a hallmark of many human cognitive functions, especially language. This is often disrupted in neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.
Reduced language information encoding in the left hemisphere is a strong indication of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia. And a shift from left- to right-hemisphere language processing is characteristic of autism, where language development is often impaired.
Strikingly, the right hemisphere of people with autism seems to respond earlier to sound than the left hemisphere, echoing the accelerated right-side maturation we saw in our study on mice. Our findings suggest that this early dominance of the right hemisphere in encoding sound information might amplify its control of auditory processing, deepening the imbalance between hemispheres.
These insights deepen our understanding of how language-related areas in the brain typically develop and can help scientists design earlier and more targeted treatments to support early speech, especially for children with neurodevelopmental language disorders.
Everyday human behavior is guided and shaped by the search for rewards. This includes eating tasty meals, drinking something refreshing, sexual activity and nurturing children. Many of these behaviors are needed for survival. But in some instances, this search for rewards can pose a significant threat to survival.
People rely on memories of rewards to function and survive. Associated with positive experiences, these memories provide context for evaluating present and future choices. For example, if foods high in sugar are associated with a positive experience, this can reinforce the behavior of eating the food that provided the reward. Similarly, a flavorful meal at a specific restaurant increases the likelihood you’ll become a returning costumer.
A deeper understanding of how reward memories work and interact with each other is critical to informing the choices you make and to treating disorders where seeking rewards has become problematic. Eliminating all reward seeking would negatively affect behaviors essential for survival, such as eating and reproducing. But if you can specifically target reward memories linked to different drugs, this could help reduce their abuse.
I am a behavioral neuroscientist studying addiction, and my team is interested in how reward memories are formed and processed in the brain. We study how memories linked to natural rewards such as food, water and sex differ from those linked with rewards from drugs such as fentanyl and cocaine.
Understanding the differences between these types of rewards and how memories of different drugs interact may lead to more effective treatments for addiction.
What is memory?
To study reward memories, it is important to understand the neurobiology of memory, or how the brain remembers things.
In 1904, evolutionary zoologist Richard Semon introduced the term engram to describe the physical representation of a memory – also called its trace – that forms in the brain after an experience. Later, psychologist Donald Hebb hypothesized that interconnected brain cells that are active at the same time during an experience form a physical ensemble that make up a memory.
In the past decade, neuroscientists have developed new tools that support the idea that neuronal ensembles, or small populations of brain cells that are activated at the same time, are likely the physical representation of memory. How new memories recruit neurons into ensembles is not fully understood, but the plasticity of neurons – their ability to change their connections with each other – seems to play a major role.
Memories are physically stored in your brain.
Research on neuronal ensembles has transformed how scientists understand learning and memory. Researchers can now createartificial memories, activate positive memories to counteract negative feelings, and alter how memories are linked. All these experiments on altering memory have been conducted on animal models, since the technology required to apply these techniques to humans is not yet available.
To create artificial memories, for instance, researchers can mark a neuronal ensemble associated with a specific environment A in genetically modified mice. They can then activate those neurons when exposing the mice to a foot shock in a different environment B. Later, the mice showed increased freezing behavior in environment A, though they never received a shock in that space. By activating the memory of environment A during the foot shock, mice created a false memory that the foot shock was associated with that space.
Treating substance use disorders
Neuronal ensembles hold untapped promise for the study and treatment of substance use disorders and other reward-related disorders. These include those involving a deficit in their ability to experience reward, such as gambling disorder, eating disorders and depression.
Natural rewards – food, water, sex and nurturing – induce pleasurable feelings that reinforce the behavior that elicits that reward. This is known as positive reinforcement, a strategy often used in everyday life; think training a dog with treats, or using sticker charts for potty training.
Research has linked positive and negative experiences with neuronal ensembles: exploratory and socialbehaviors, fear, and feeding. In substance use disorders, a drug can induce both pleasant and unpleasant feelings. For example, cocaine induces an intense rush or high, but the crash induced by the drug wearing off causes irritability and lethargy. These feelings reinforce drug use at the expense of essential behaviors that ensure survival, such as eating, sleeping or maintaining social networks and relationships.
Similarly to how any memory is stored in the brain as a neuronal ensemble, drug memories are carried in specific neuronal ensembles and activated during drug-related behaviors.
Fundamental questions remain about how neuronal ensembles encode drug-related memories. Because the processing centers for drug rewards and natural rewards mostly overlap in the brain, it is challenging to develop treatments that target only drug reward seeking. Emerging treatments for addiction, such as certain types of brain stimulation, are not specific enough to differentiate between drug or natural reward pathways.
Discovering how particular drugs of abuse affect genes, cells and neuronal circuits can help researchers develop new treatments for substance use disorders without altering the natural reward-seeking behaviors essential for survival.
The reward of drug use can be hard to disentangle from the rewards of eating, drinking and other activities necessary for survivial. Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Moment via Getty Images
For example, about 72% of people suffering from substance use disorders report usingmultiple substances, frequently together. To better understand how polysubstance use affects the brain, my team tags neurons active during drug-related behaviors in genetically modified mice. This allows us to map and compare the neurons carrying reward-related memories for one drug with the neurons associated with another drug. In this way, we can study how the brain represents and stores memories when mice are exposed to cocaine and fentanyl – two substances people in the U.S. are increasingly taking together – and how different brain regions communicate this information with each other.
To dissect exactly how drugs of abuse hijack the brain’s natural reward system, my team is comparing how seeking different types of rewards changes the neurons carrying reward memories. For example, we have previously shown that the network of cells carrying the memory of seeking cocaine are mostly distinct from those linked to seeking sugar.
Based on this work, we are currently using fruit fly models to analyze the genetic activity of the neuronal ensemble linked to seeking cocaine. This will allow us to better identify which genes could be potential targets to reduce the activity of that neuronal ensemble and treat substance use disorder.
Psychedelics and addiction
Drug-related intrusive thoughts and fixed behavioral patterns – meaning actions that are repeatedly taken regardless of negative consequences – are common symptoms of substance abuse that lead to the formation of harmful neural pathways in the brain. Psychedelics may be able to help reformthese pathways by triggering an overall “system reboot” of the brain.
Several clinical trials point to the potential of psychedelics to treat tobacco, alcohol and opioid use disorders, with early results showing increased abstinence and reduced drug cravings.
My lab is currently examining how psilocin – the active metabolite of the psychedelic psilocybin – affects the drug-related memories of mice. Our research focuses on two questions. First, can psilocin alter drug seeking and intake in fentanyl addiction? And second, what type of memory does psilocin create in the brain, and could it alter prior cocaine memories?
Reward memories both help people survive and lead to substance use disorders. Delving into the intricate mechanisms of how the brain remembers rewards at the cellular and genetic levels can help researchers and doctors better treat addiction without altering the reward pathways needed for survival.
Ana Clara Bobadilla receives funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
U.S. production of renewable diesel and biodiesel fell sharply in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25) because of uncertainty related to federal biofuel tax credits and negative profit margins. We forecast production of both fuels to increase as the year progresses but biodiesel production to remain less than in 2024.
Renewable diesel and biodiesel are biomass-based diesel fuels that can replace petroleum-based distillate and be used to comply with renewable volume obligations in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Renewable diesel can be used in diesel engines in any concentration because it is chemically equivalent to petroleum-based distillate fuel, and biodiesel is typically blended with petroleum distillate at concentrations of 20% or less for vehicle consumption because of some chemical differences.
In January 2025, U.S. production of biodiesel fell to 60,000 barrels per day (b/d), the least since January 2015, and about 40% less than in January 2024. U.S. biodiesel producers only partially ramped up production in February and March, bringing the quarterly production to about 70,000 b/d, a decrease of more than 30% from 1Q24.
U.S. renewable diesel production averaged about 170,000 b/d in 1Q25, down 12% from 1Q24. The decrease in renewable diesel production was not as large on a percentage basis as the decrease in biodiesel production, mostly because renewable diesel production increased at a greater rate than biodiesel production in 2024. Reduced output at renewable diesel plants was partially offset by the nearly 20% increase in renewable diesel production capacity since 1Q24. However, compared with 4Q24, when renewable diesel production capacity was comparable to current levels, 1Q25 production was down almost 25%.
Poor profitability in 1Q25 contributed to production declines. Diamond Green Diesel, Phillips 66, and Marathon all reported operating losses from renewable diesel in the quarter. In addition, trade press has suggested negative margins for biodiesel.
Another reason U.S. production of biomass-based diesels declined in 1Q25 was uncertainty about federal biofuel tax credits. Before 2025, producers and importers of biomass-based diesel received a $1 per gallon (gal) blender’s tax credit (BTC) for each gallon blended with petroleum diesel. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the BTC was slated to be replaced with the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit in 2025. This new credit would change the flat $1/gal tax credit to a value based on the carbon intensity of the feedstocks used. However, delays in releasing final guidance for the tax credit has left biofuel producers unsure about their profitability, causing some producers to idle operations.
We forecast production of renewable diesel and biodiesel to increase as the year progresses to meet existing RFS mandates. In our May Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast 2025 annual renewable diesel production to increase about 5% from 2024 because of increased capacity. We forecast 2025 annual biodiesel production to be 15% lower than in 2024 because of low production early in the year and an assumption that some biodiesel plants with less favorable economics may close.
Chicago, IL., June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Systems® and Applied Client Network today announced that entrepreneur, best-selling author of 101 books, and Emmy Award-winner Martha Stewart will be the featured keynote speaker at Applied Net 2025. The lifestyle expert founded Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, the first multi-channel company, which today reaches more than 100 million devoted fans on a monthly basis through her magazines, television shows, books, and products for the home. Martha will share her incredible journey of building a media empire from the ground up.
“The insurance industry is built on entrepreneurial professionals who have turned their passion for helping people and communities safeguard and protect what matters most into a career, much like Martha Stewart has done with her passions for all things style and elegance,” said Brian Langerman, chief executive officer, Applied Client Network. “This year’s keynote will inspire our guests from across the insurance industry to continue turning their passion into new ways to serve their clients and build their businesses.”
“Martha Stewart is one of the most successful and iconic business leaders of our time, with so many experiences to share that will inspire and motivate our Applied Net guests to dream big and turn their passions into great experiences for their teams and their clients,” said Taylor Rhodes, chief executive officer, Applied Systems. “Personally, I can’t wait for the Applied Net community to be inspired by her wisdom, wit and the many successes she’s accomplished in the business world and beyond.”
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The Applied products and logos are trademarks of Applied Systems, Inc., registered in the U.S.
About Applied Systems Applied Systems is the leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Recognized as a pioneer in insurance automation and the innovation leader, Applied is the world’s largest provider of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. By automating the insurance lifecycle, Applied’s people and products enable millions of people around the world to safeguard and protect what matters most.
For the second consecutive term, Flywire joins other leading organizations to help shape the future of security standards and protocols
David King, Flywire’s CTO, and Barbara Cousins, Flywire’s CIO & CISO, leverage their extensive security and payment experience to represent Flywire on the prestigious Board
BOSTON, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flywire Corporation (NASDAQ: FLYW) (Flywire), a global payments enablement and software company, today announced that it has been named to the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) 2025-2027 Board of Advisors. Flywire’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), David King, and Chief Information Officer / Chief Information Security Officer (CIO / CISO), Barbara Cousins, will represent Flywire on the PCI SSC Board of Advisors and provide their expertise to help shape the future of payment security.
Flywire’s second consecutive appointment to the PCI SSC Board of Advisors builds on the Company’s longstanding relationship with the PCI SSC. Flywire’s CTO David King has regularly been Flywire’s representative as a Participation Organization on the PCI SSC. Additionally, King was part of the original team in 2003-2004 that helped to draft the initial version of PCI DSS 1.0. King will now bring his technical insights, expertise, perspectives and ideas to help shape the development of forthcoming security standards and programs.
“We are incredibly proud to join the PCI SSC Board of Advisors and continue the important work designed to create more secure, compliant payment solutions across industries,” said David King, Flywire CTO. “It is a very dynamic landscape for payments security, and we are excited to apply our unique expertise working in highly regulated industries to help solve the most pressing payments challenges of our time.”
The appointment also validates Flywire’s commitment to maintaining the security and integrity of the payments it delivers across the industries it serves. Flywire prioritizes robust security and compliance, demonstrating this commitment through rigorous internal controls and adherence to the highest industry standards. Flywire is PCI DSS Level 1 certified, the most stringent level for credit card data security, and undergoes annual SOC II Type II audits, attesting to their strong information management processes. Beyond these foundational certifications, Flywire proactively manages global regulatory requirements, maintaining comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering (AML) / Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) programs and complying with various data protection laws like GDPR, CCPA, PIPEDA, HIPAA and FERPA.
Flywire’s security capabilities are a key differentiator for many of the company’s global clients. For Nordic Visitor, one of the largest tour operators in Scandinavia, Flywire’s robust security and compliance features were paramount in its decision to select Flywire to be its international payments provider:
“Flywire’s solutions are much more modernized and capable of handling new technology. Security was a main driver for choosing Flywire, along with the cost savings,” said Magnús Freyr Erlingsson, Chief Operating Officer at TravelConnect, which oversees operations of Nordic Visitor.
“At Flywire, being a leader in security and compliance isn’t just about meeting regulatory checkboxes; it’s about building and preserving the fundamental trust our clients and their customers place in us,” says Barbara Cousins, CISO of Flywire. “We have always maintained proactive and superior security protocols to protect sensitive data and ensure seamless, secure transactions. We are thrilled to help apply our knowledge and expertise to help contribute to a more secure and reliable financial future for everyone.”
“The Board of Advisors provides industry expertise and perspectives that influence and shape the development of PCI security standards and programs,” said PCI SSC Executive Director Gina Gobeyn. “We look forward to working with Flywire in our efforts to help organizations secure payment data globally.”
About the PCI Security Standards Council
The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) leads a global, cross-industry effort to increase payment security by providing industry-driven, flexible and effective data security standards and programs that help businesses detect, mitigate and prevent cyberattacks and breaches. Connect with PCI SSC on LinkedIn. Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @PCISSC. Subscribe to the PCI Perspectives Blog. Listen to the Coffee with the Council podcast.
About Flywire
Flywire is a global payments enablement and software company. We combine our proprietary global payments network, next-gen payments platform and vertical-specific software to deliver the most important and complex payments for our clients and their customers.
Flywire leverages its vertical-specific software and payments technology to deeply embed within the existing A/R workflows for its clients across the education, healthcare and travel vertical markets, as well as in key B2B industries. Flywire also integrates with leading ERP systems, such as NetSuite, so organizations can optimize the payment experience for their customers while eliminating operational challenges.
Flywire supports more than 4,600 clients with diverse payment methods in more than 140 currencies across more than 240 countries and territories around the world. The company is headquartered in Boston, MA, USA with global offices. For more information, visit www.flywire.com. Follow Flywire on X, LinkedIn and Facebook.
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WESTLAKE, Texas, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Goosehead Insurance, Inc., (NASDAQ: GSHD), a rapidly growing, independent personal lines insurance agency, today launched the Veteran Initiative Program (VIP), designed to support and recruit military veterans on their path to become business owners. The program empowers veterans to apply their unique skills from active duty through professional development, mentorship and real-world learning to build thriving Goosehead franchises and achieve lasting financial independence.
According to the International Franchise Association, 14% of franchisees are veterans and they are more likely to hire other veteran employees with similar backgrounds and work ethic. Goosehead Insurance’s VIP provides driven, former service members with a unique pathway to entrepreneurship in the growing and resilient insurance industry. Through the program, the company equips veterans, regardless of prior insurance experience, with the comprehensive support and training needed to operate a successful franchise:
Comprehensive Business Training and Ongoing Support: Mirroring the structured coaching and leadership veterans experienced during their service, ensuring they are set up for long-term success.
Access to Industry-Leading Technology: Simplifying sales and marketing efforts by identifying target markets and streamlining the process of matching clients with the best insurance products.
A Dedicated Veteran Development Team: Providing specialized guidance and mentorship throughout their journey as franchise owners.
Geographic Flexibility: Allowing veterans to establish their franchises in locations that suit their personal and professional goals, with opportunities available in up to 39 states.
A 20% Discount on the Initial Franchise Fee: Demonstrating Goosehead Insurance’s commitment to making franchise ownership more accessible to veterans.
“After 23 years in the military, I’ve seen that veterans bring a unique mindset and valuable skills honed in high pressure situations, such as leadership, discipline, grit and a strong work ethic – all critical to building a successful business,” said Ben Walker, Sr. Manager of the Veteran Initiative Program at Goosehead Insurance. “We have 40+ operating veteran-owned franchises nationwide, and the Veteran Initiative Program demonstrates Goosehead’s growing commitment to giving even more veterans a seat at the table.”
“The Veteran Initiative Program showcases our commitment to real-world learning, professional development and fostering success across our franchise network. We are excited to bring more veterans into our proven franchise model and give them a competitive edge toward financial independence,” added Walker.
The program was inspired by the success of veteran franchisees like Tim McMullin, whose agency in Pennsylvania recently achieved a $10 million book of business.
“At Goosehead Insurance, I’ve been able to achieve remarkable results by leaning into my strengths and channeling skillsets acquired during my military service,” said McMullin. “Now, as a successful franchise owner, I can also help others along their journey – something I’m both eager to do and proud to say I can, thanks to Goosehead.”
About Goosehead Insurance, Inc. Goosehead (NASDAQ: GSHD) is a rapidly growing and innovative independent personal lines insurance agency that distributes its products and services through corporate and franchise locations throughout the United States. Goosehead was founded on the premise that the consumer should be at the center of our universe and that everything we do should be directed at providing extraordinary value by offering broad product choice and a world-class service experience. Goosehead represents over 200 insurance companies that underwrite personal and commercial lines. For more information, please visit goosehead.com or goosehead.com/become-a-franchisee.
Contacts Mission North for Goosehead Insurance Email: goosehead@missionnorth.com; PR@goosehead.com
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U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 06/04/2025 08:45 AM EDT
06/04/2025 08:27 AM EDT
NEW YORK — The Coast Guard is scheduled to enforce an exclusion zone established under a temporary special local regulation in New York Harbor from Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 8, in support of Sail Grand Prix 2025. Click the link to read the full release.
NEW YORK, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stacks (STX), the leading Bitcoin Layer-2 (L2), which is dedicated to unlocking and scaling Bitcoin’s full potential, will be represented at the upcoming Blockchain and Digital Assets Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com on June 5th, 2025. Kyle Ellicott, Executive Director at the Stacks Asia Foundation, is scheduled to present live at the event. Stacks enables both retail and institutional users and investors to seamlessly participate in the Bitcoin economy.
Event Details
This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
Date: June 5, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM ET Link: REGISTER HERE
Kyle Ellicott will be available for 1×1 meetings with investors on June 5th & 10th. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.
Recent Stacks Highlights
sBTC, the programmable Bitcoin asset built on Stacks, has seen three successful cap raises, each filling rapidly. The latest 5,000 BTC subscription cap was filled within hours after opening. An sBTC incentive program also allows investors to earn yield on their Bitcoin, which has drawn significant and increasing interest from investors and institutions.
Stacks is now recognized as the top Bitcoin Layer 2 according to bitcoinlayers.org, leading the sector in programmability and DeFi adoption.
Stacks’ TVL has surged recently, surpassing $113 million, with TVL tripling since the launch of key DeFi protocols, reflecting accelerated ecosystem growth and user engagement.
A new Stacks roadmap was released in May 2025, outlining upcoming technical upgrades, strategic developments, and a focused push toward $1B+ TVL.
Major new partnerships and integrations have been established with industry leaders such as BitGo, Asymmetric, Hex Trust, Bitfinex, and others.
About Stacks Stacks is the leading Bitcoin Layer 2 (L2) and the top L2 by developer traction, user activity, and market capitalization. Stacks is unlocking over $1 trillion in passive Bitcoin capital and making BTC a fully programmable, productive asset. Stacks enables smart contracts and decentralized applications to leverage Bitcoin as a secure, programmable foundation. With the Nakamoto upgrade activated in October 2024, Stacks achieved near-instant transactions, while retaining the security and irreversibility of Bitcoin L1. The launch of sBTC in December 2024 opened the door for developers and users to use native BTC in smart contracts, DeFi, and other Bitcoin-secured applications, including paying gas fees with BTC. The Stacks (STX) token was the first to undergo an SEC-qualified sale in the United States, and the project fully decentralized before the mainnet launch in 2021.
About Virtual Investor Conferences® Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
CONTACTS:
Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – Lee Jae-myung, the candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is the new President of the Republic of South Korea. His term will last five years. In the 21st presidential elections held on June 3, Lee received 49.42% of the votes cast, while his rival, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, received 41.15%. Voter turnout was the highest in 28 years, with 79.4% of eligible voters, and more than 35.2 million people went to the polls. In his first address to the nation, Lee Jae-myung promised to lead the country out of the crisis it has been going through following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who had illegally imposed martial law. The 61-year-old lawyer and human rights defender described the election as “judgment day” on the martial law imposed by Yoon and the People Power Party’s inability to prevent it. “The first task is to resolutely defeat the insurgency and ensure that there will never be another military coup against the people using guns and swords,” Lee said. This morning, June 4, Lee was officially confirmed as president by the National Election Commission, assuming presidential powers and command of the armed forces. The new political direction faces several economic and social challenges: In a highly polarized society, the largely export-based economy is exposed to unpredictable protectionist measures by the United States, which is both a major trading partner and the country’s most important security ally. Lee said he wants to increase investment in innovation and technology to boost economic growth, while also strengthening support for middle- and low-income families and combating inequality and corruption. In the area of foreign policy, the president, in presenting the main policy goals for his five-year term, announced his willingness to resume suspended talks with North Korea and to strengthen a trilateral partnership with the United States and Japan. In light of this new political phase, the Catholic Church in Korea has expressed its hopes. In a congratulatory message, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea recalled that “our people saw the roots of the Constitution shaken in the context of martial law and deeply felt the importance of the proper exercise of state power during the process of arresting and removing the president.” The message, signed by the chairman of the bishops’ conference, Bishop Matthias Iong-hoon Ri, further states: “At this time, we need reliable leadership who will uphold principles and walk the path of justice and true peace even amidst conflict and clashes.” The bishops ask that the new president lead the country “so that it becomes a place where all citizens… can enjoy dignity and respect, in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.” In particular, the Bishops’ Conference requests: “Please examine the situation so that the South and the North can be reconciled, so that peace can be established on the Korean peninsula, and so that we can respond to the global situation with united forces.” Finally, it expresses the hope that “the Lord may grant wisdom and courage” so that “all the people of our country can become one and enjoy true happiness.” In an official statement, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick, Archbishop of Seoul and Apostolic Administrator of Pyongyang, emphasizes: “President Lee Jae-myung, elected by the will of the people, will now stand by all, not just one side, and I believe that he will unite scattered hearts and demonstrate worthy leadership for all the people. Especially in these days when political conflicts and social tensions are increasing, I sincerely hope that the President will, above all, set an example of moderation and listening.” “I also hope,” the Archbishop continued, “that he will demonstrate a deep sense of responsibility and a strong spirit of solidarity” and that the President will be “a leader who builds bridges, not walls” and “goes beyond partisan interests to restore social trust and the common good.”Father Paul Seong Ki-heon of the Catholic University of Korea added: “Peace is a fundamental value not only for the Catholic Church, but for all humanity. We must think and act proactively for peace. I believe there is a genuine desire for peace in the hearts of our people, and I think the government must certainly commit itself to peace, especially in inter-Korean relations.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 4/6/2025)
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Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The U.S. administration has pressed its trading partners via letters to submit their best offers by Wednesday, the White House confirmed Tuesday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 3, 2025. The U.S. administration has pressed its trading partners via letters to submit their best offers by Wednesday, the White House confirmed Tuesday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the letters sent from the United States Trade Representative were “just to give them a friendly reminder that the deadline is coming up.” (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the letters sent from the United States Trade Representative were “just to give them a friendly reminder that the deadline is coming up.”
Leavitt added that the Trump administration officials are still in talks with trade partners to strike deals during the 90-day pause.
Local media revealed that the letters asked trade partners to list their best proposals by Wednesday in several key areas, including tariff and quota offers for the purchase of U.S. industrial and agricultural products as well as plans to remedy any non-tariff barriers.
The 90-day negotiation window from April 9 to July 8 was established after market volatility forced the White House to pause its “Liberation Day” tariffs imposed on April 2.
The White House did not disclose which economies received the letters.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Jadon Sancho has confirmed he will not join Chelsea permanently when his loan from Manchester United ends in June.
The 25-year-old English winger spent the season at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea held an option to make the move permanent for 25 million pounds (34 million U.S. dollars). The agreement included a clause requiring Chelsea to pay Manchester United five million pounds in compensation if they declined to exercise the option.
Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho (Front) celebrates after scoring during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool in Manchester, Britain, on Aug. 22, 2022. (Xinhua)
Although Sancho scored a standout goal in the UEFA Conference League final, where Chelsea defeated Real Betis 4-1, his overall campaign was underwhelming. He registered three goals in 31 league appearances, prompting Chelsea to forgo the permanent signing and accept the compensation clause.
Sancho confirmed the decision on social media with a message reading “grateful for the experience. Big love to everyone at Chelsea who made me feel at home – teammates, staff and the fans.”
“Wishing the club all the best moving forward. Truly grateful, Thank you Blues.”
While Sancho is eligible to play for Chelsea in the opening weeks of the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States in mid-June, he will not be included in the squad and will return to Old Trafford.
Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim does not plan to include Sancho in next season’s plans, and the club will now pursue either a transfer or another loan. However, Sancho’s high wages are expected to complicate any future deal.
BALTIMORE – An investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Maryland; along with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, led to the sentencing of Douglas Anthony Eze, 55, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, for visa fraud.
Eze was sentenced May 21, to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
“Visa fraud isn’t just a paperwork violation; it’s a deliberate abuse of our immigration system and a direct threat to national security and public trust,” said Michael McCarthy, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Maryland. “It undermines the rule of law, facilitates human trafficking and labor exploitation, and disadvantages those who play by the rules to live, work, or study in the United States. When individuals or criminal networks manipulate visa programs for profit or deception, they erode the integrity of our borders, damage America’s global standing, and place additional strain on limited enforcement resources. Combating visa fraud is about more than holding bad actors accountable—it’s about upholding the fairness, safety, and opportunity at the core of the American Dream.”
According to the guilty plea, Eze, who owns Largo Financial Services, illegally entered Canada in 1991 using a fraudulent passport. After Canada issued a deportation order in 1995, Eze fled. In 1997, he resurfaced in the United States, using the name and other identifying information of a Canadian citizen.
Eze, who knew the victim, also took the citizen’s Canadian birth certificate to apply for a green card within the United States. He eventually became a U.S. citizen under the stolen Canadian identity and then changed his last name to Eze.
As a citizen under fraudulent pretenses, Eze adopted and sponsored two children for permanent residence in the United States, falsely declaring the stolen Canadian identity as his own in immigration documents for the children. Eze continued using the victim’s identity to apply for a U.S. passport, driver’s license, and membership in the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network. The victim never gave Eze permission to use his identifying information.
ICE HSI Baltimore, Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy, along with Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Washington District announced the sentence.
Members of the public with information about criminal activity in your community are encouraged to contact the Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or complete the online tip form.
Learn more about HSI Baltimore’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X at @HSIBaltimore.
After majoring in political science and human rights, and then completing a fast-track master’s in public policy, UConn alum Sudiksha Mallick ’23 (CLAS) ’24 MPP – who has long been interested in education policy – knew that she wanted to work in state government.
“But I wasn’t sure exactly where,” she says, “and I was really looking for some sort of mentorship.”
Eniola Fasola ’20 MA ’24 Ph.D. earned her master’s in economics and her doctorate in agricultural and resource economics from UConn and knew that she ultimately wanted to use her analytical acumen to do work that would have impact.
“There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing your skills contribute to projects that can improve lives,” she says.
With a background in city planning and an interest in public finance, Kevin Fitzgerald ’18 (CLAS) ’21 MPA knew that he wanted to contribute to policy changes in a way that allowed him to leverage both of those interests.
“I was drawn to the opportunity to work on state projects,” he says. “I’d previously been in a few town halls, and had worked adjacent to the Department of Economic and Community Development, but really was drawn to the opportunity to contribute to new policy changes through DECD.”
Kevin Fitzgerald ’18 (CLAS) ’21 MPA (Contributed Photo)
Katarina Rodriguez ’16 (CLAS) ’21 MPA, who majored in human development and family sciences at UConn, is interested in data storytelling and the ways that it can be used to support public policies that affect individuals and communities.
“Data storytelling is essentially using data, whether it’s quantitative or qualitative, to broadcast a narrative to an audience that is supported by hard numbers or the accounts of actual constituents,” she explains.
Tazmaya Reid ’17 (CLAS) ’25 MBA has spent the years since she earned her undergraduate degree in political science and human rights working in the nonprofit sector on addressing health and educational disparities across the state.
“In my work at a nonprofit, I supported individuals facing the same challenges, no matter where they lived,” she says, and she was interested in finding ways to work on those issues on a broader scale.
With a background in communication, Carrie Titolo ’24 MPA was not new to the workforce – she’d already spent 15 years working in the nonprofit sector. But where she lacked experience after completing her Master of Public Administration at UConn was in government.
“As someone with no prior experience in state government, it sounded like the perfect opportunity to learn the landscape without the immediate pressure of committing to a permanent role,” she says.
That perfect opportunity for Titolo – and for each of these very different UConn alumni – is the Governor’s Fellowship Program, a unique public-private partnership that’s helping to cultivate cohorts of public service-minded professionals into the next generation of policymaking leaders in Connecticut.
Bright Minds
Launched in 2020, the Governor’s Fellowship Program – a joint effort supported by the Office of the Governor; the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, or DAS; the Yale University Tobin Center for Economic Policy; and Social Impact Partners for Connecticut – recruits early-to-mid-career candidates twice per year for fellowship placements within state government agencies, with the goal of providing emerging leaders with an opportunity to be involved and make a positive impact on the state by offering innovative ideas and fresh perspectives.
“Fellows are selected and placed at state agencies based on skills and experience,” says Melissa Conway ’16 (CLAS), the chief administrative officer at DAS who coordinates the program. “The process is competitive, and as awareness of the program increases, so does the number of applicants. In recent recruitment cycles, we have received anywhere from 40 to 85 applications.”
After a scoring, evaluation, and interview process that considers professional experience, analytical skills, subject-matter expertise, and communication skills, among other factors, qualified fellows are matched with agency requests that best suit both the candidate’s skills and the agency’s priorities.
Eniola Fasola ’20 MA ’24 Ph.D. (Contributed Photo)
“The state chooses the projects and sets the policy priorities,” says David Wilkinson, the executive director of the Tobin Center at Yale who helped to establish the fellowship program, “and we help bring bright minds from universities in the state to help deliver on agency objectives.”
Fellowships are for one year, and are available to all applicants, not just those from UConn.
But UConn has been well-represented in the program’s cohorts, and recent fellows from UConn have been placed in agencies spanning the scope of state government, including the Departments of Transportation, Economic and Community Development, Aging and Disability Services, and Social Services.
And the work that they’re doing has both depth and reach. Previous governor’s fellows have written major legislation to remove lead from homes in Connecticut’s most vulnerable communities.
They developed plans for allocating billions in federal pandemic relief dollars.
They founded and chaired the Governor’s Afghan Evacuee Taskforce, an interagency-public-private-nonprofit working group focused on coordinated approaches to providing safe haven and resources for resettled evacuees in Connecticut.
And they created and managed the Connecticut Communities Challenge, a competitive grant program to spur investment in high-quality, transit-oriented development.
In addition to their individual projects, fellows in the program are given in-person and virtual group check-ins throughout the year as well as trainings, a speaker series, networking opportunities, and Fellows Days at the State Capitol in Hartford, where they have the opportunity to visit the Governor’s Office, tour the capitol, and meet the governor’s chief of staff.
“Fellows have a unique opportunity to work directly with and learn from leaders in government,” says Conway. “While the work can be challenging at times, it is always meaningful, and the connections that fellows make through the program are lifelong.”
Invited to the Table
For Rodriguez, who is serving her fellowship in the Department of Aging and Disability Services, a lot of her time right now is spent using data from various programs and bureaus within the agency to produce results-based accountability “report cards.”
“I’m answering three very basic questions: How much did we do, how well did we do it, and is anyone better off?” she says. “For example, how much did we do? You can answer that in terms of how much money was spent on a program, how many people were served, how many classes people attended of a specific program – how much work we did, how many service hours or how many caseload hours we provided.”
But in the midst of the 2025 legislative session, Rodriguez has also been called upon to supply data that can help inform proposed bills before the General Assembly that can affect the agency’s constituents and staff.
Katarina Rodriguez ’16 (CLAS) ’21 MPA (Contributed Photo
“I love being invited to the table when there’s something pressing happening at the state level,” says Rodriguez, who was among the fellows able to attend the governor’s State of the State address this year.
“We were up on the balcony, and we got to look down and see all the representatives,” she says. “And we were in a room where a lot of changes will be happening during a very crucial time in American politics.”
The legislative session has also played an important part in Mallick’s fellowship experience thus far. Working out of the Office of the Governor, and reporting to the governor’s senior advisor, she’s gotten a crash course in legislative processes while also working on strategic initiatives surrounding youth family policy.
“Being able to really implement the policies that we’re developing, and to actually be a part of their development, is really, really cool,” Mallick says. “But because I’m in the Capitol building every single day, I’ve been able to join the legislative team a little bit as well – really being able to understand the process better and being a part of bill tracking and coverage and all of that.”
Mallick continues, “I’ve never worked in a place like this. There’s always something happening. Just being able to be in that space and seeing everything that’s going on is a huge learning opportunity every day.”
For their fellowships, Fasola and Fitzgerald – both placed in the Department of Economic and Community Development – are working with the Institute of Data and Economic Analysis, or IDEA, on projects involving concentrated poverty in Connecticut, strengthening the bioscience industry, developing a recession response playbook, mitigating the economic impact of federal tariffs, streamlining efforts to clean up contaminated industrial properties, studying the state’s remote working needs, and exploring opportunities to address Connecticut’s need for housing.
“IDEA is a cross-agency effort focused on developing data-driven policy solutions, exploring opportunities to enhance the agency’s initiatives,” explains Fitzgerald. “It’s a little bit of comparing what other states are rolling out and seeing if we can implement that in Connecticut, testing how effective our initiatives are, and gathering data on the results from current initiatives and looking at opportunities to improve them.”
They’ve taken part in the agency’s work around this year’s legislative session as well.
“One of my goals before joining the program was to better understand how to analyze and interpret legislative proposals,” Fasola says. “This fellowship has helped me make substantial progress in that area. I have had the chance to review and assess the economic implications of legislative bills, which has deepened my understanding of the policymaking process.”
Within the Department of Social Services, Reid has served as a project manager and worked in the Opportunity Center initiative, which is aimed at streamlining access to services across multiple agencies.
“The experience was exciting and kept me on my toes,” Reid says. “I loved the opportunity to collaborate on a multi-agency initiative, which was both engaging and meaningful. I’ve always been passionate about integrating business practices with human services. This experience reaffirmed that path for me and opened my eyes to the wide range of roles and opportunities available in government.”
At the Department of Transportation, or DOT, Titolo reported to the agency’s deputy chief of staff, and she worked on a variety of workforce development programs, partnerships, and initiatives – especially those aimed addressing the agency’s need for engineers and highway and construction professionals.
Carrie Titolo ’24 MPA (Contributed Photo)
“Eric [Scoville, the deputy chief of staff] always made room for me to have a seat at the table and allowed me to take ownership of projects and run with my ideas,” Titolo says. “I loved working with people all across the agency in different roles, and building relationships with our education, nonprofit, and sister agency partners. I was able to apply my skills and talents in a new context, which was both interesting and challenging.”
Since completing her fellowship earlier this year, Titolo has been hired full-time by the DOT. She’s currently serving as a special advisor to the commissioner for strategic partnerships and projects.
And it’s that kind of success that’s part of the fellowship’s overall purpose, according to Wilkinson from the Tobin Center.
“To see some of UConn’s brightest graduates working in state government, serving the people of Connecticut, is a major win for the Governor’s Fellowship,” he says, “and just what we hoped to achieve when we established the program.”
Well-Positioned
The inclusion of so many UConn alumni in the fellowship program, particularly alumni from the UConn School of Public Policy, wasn’t something planned, according to Ryan Baldassario ’16 MA ’22 Cert., the school’s director of engagement.
“It naturally sort of occurred,” Baldassario says. “But I think that’s a testament to our alumni who are active in the public sector. They pursue career opportunities, whether we put it in front of them or not.”
Public Policy alum Fitzgerald learned about the fellowship program shortly after it launched.
Fasola, who studied in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, found it through the Tobin Center on LinkedIn.
School of Business student Reid learned about the program from a community partner and close friend.
“It felt like a sign, an opportunity to contribute from the top down,” she says.
But for Titolo, Mallick, and Rodriguez, the School of Public Policy actually did put the opportunity in front of them – they all decided to apply after the school shared information about the fellowship through its alumni listerv.
“We do have different tools to get career opportunities out to our alumni and to some of our current students,” Baldassario says. “We have an active listserv where we send out opportunities on a weekly basis, if not more frequently. We do encourage students and alumni to come to events – we have networking workshops other alumni events and we have an alumni council where these type of opportunities are shared out as well. We also have a private LinkedIn group that is dedicated to our alumni.”
UConn’s MPA program, Baldassario explains, is also the only Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, or NASPAA, accredited Master of Public Administration program in the state, something that helps to position UConn’s students well once they graduate. UConn is also pursuing formal accreditation for its MPP program this year.
“There’s other really quality programs at other institutions, but we do take that extra step to go to accreditation to make sure that we’re upholding those standards,” he says.
“Our students get really good training in their classes,” says Angela Eikenberry, a professor and director at the School of Public Policy, “ and the classes they take, and what we offer – and why we offer it – is driven by a process that we have where we continually try to stay on top of what our students need to be successful.”
That includes identifying needs within state government in Connecticut, and adjusting programs and training for students to help the state meet those needs, notes Eikenberry.
Opportunities like the Governor’s Fellowship Program, notes Baldassario, benefit both the state and UConn graduates.
“These opportunities are essentially allowing students to get more specific full-time experience in the public sector, and then it enables them to have a better idea of where they want to go after that,” Baldassario says. “Do they want to stay in that type of service? Do they want to stay in that type of public-sector work, or do they want to go somewhere different? Do they want to leave state service and go into the nonprofit space? And what skills transfer between those opportunities?”
Passionate and Driven
One of the Governor’s Fellowship Program’s greatest successes, according to Conway from DAS, has been the cultivation of leaders who are passionate about public service.
“After completing their fellowship, many fellows have supported the public sector, either in positions in state government, nonprofits, or organizations that work closely with government,” she says. “In addition, the program has fostered strong networks among the fellows and state professionals by creating a collaborative environment that supports ongoing learning and professional development.”
The six UConn fellows are now a part of that network, and when asked if they’d recommend the Governor’s Fellowship Program to another UConn alum, all six were emphatic with their endorsement.
“I would definitely recommend this program, and would advise anyone interested to pursue it,” says Titolo. “It is not always easy to enter state service without prior experience, and this program provides a truly valuable on ramp – pardon the transportation pun – for qualified candidates looking to make a positive impact on local communities and learn more about how state government works.”
For some, the opportunity to take charge of a project with the support of experienced and encouraging mentorship has proven to be one of the most invaluable parts of their experience.
“You really get to take the initiative and say, ‘This is a project that I’m going to take charge of and lead in my time here,’ and then have the mentorship of people who have been in that field for a long time, and who have had a lot of success in that field,” says Mallick.
“I’ve really appreciated the mentorship I’ve received from colleagues within DECD, like my chief of staff,” says Fitzgerald. “I really appreciate his guidance and introduction to state government, and his willingness to assign projects that are really tailored toward my interests.”
Tazmaya Reid ’17 (CLAS) ’25 MBA (Contributed photo)
But the fellows have also seen growth and changes in themselves through their fellowship experience.
“This experience has definitely increased my confidence, and I’m able to now see the impact of the work that I’m doing directly on Connecticut citizens,” says Rodriguez.
And they’ve found camaraderie amongst themselves as a cohort of like-minded professionals looking to play a role in the policies that impact Connecticut.
“One of the most valuable components of the program for me has been the Fellows Day,” says Fasola. “This event has been a great platform to connect with other fellows, gain insights into their projects, learn from fellowship alumni and engage with program coordinators. The event offers a sense of community, provides mentorship and has shown me how the coordinators are invested in the work we do across various executive agencies and in our professional development.”
“We’ve formed a really close cohort, and I think that being able to learn alongside them has been really valuable,” says Fitzgerald.
“We’re surrounded by other people in the cohort who also are very passionate and driven – who really have this drive for public service, you can tell that they’re all really good people who want to give back,” says Mallick. “Having these people to bounce ideas off of, and this built-in support system – which I don’t think always comes with a job or employment – I think is one of the benefits.”
“One of the most valuable parts was being part of a cohort of fellows, learning from one another, exploring different facets of government, and building lasting connections,” says Reid, who also noted that the format of the fellowship program, and the dedication of the support team, made all the difference.
“Their commitment to our growth and success truly stood out and made the experience even more impactful,” Reid says. “I am forever grateful and honored to have the opportunity to be a fellow.”
The next Governor’s Fellowship Program cohort will launch in late summer 2025; recruitment will reopen in fall 2025 for fellowships starting in January 2026.
More information about theGovernor’s Fellowship Program– including details on qualifications and application materials – is available online from the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services atportal.ct.gov/das.
UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) welcomed fellow researchers and poultry industry representatives from across the US and the world to the Storrs campus to continue their interdependent work on the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Poultry Project.
In 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) awarded Kumar Venkitanarayanan, CAHNR senior associate dean of research and graduate education and professor of animal science,a $10 million grant in 2020 to lead the initiative.
The group of attendees came from around the world to join the meeting of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Poultry Project (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
“This group has made considerable progress on each component of our project – bird health, human health, and the environmental impact of the poultry industry,” says Venkitanarayanan. “This has been a collective effort, and being able to meet to continue discussing and sharing ideas keeps our work moving forward.”
At the two-day meeting, held at the Innovation Partnership Building, the multi-institutional group and its project teams discussed theiron-going effortsto enhance broiler sustainability without antibiotics and ensure safe approaches to improve chicken, human, and environmental health. The meeting comes as the grant enters its final year and the group begins assessing the scope and breadth of the innovations and impacts made over the last five years.
Indu Upadhyaya, associate extension food safety education speaks at a meeting of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Poultry Project (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)Lively discussion at a meeting of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Poultry Project (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
The group has made a number of technological advancements to lower heat stress, improve bird welfare, generate energy from poultry litter, and reduce disease, including aUConn-patented probiotic spray methodthat improves the hatchability and the health of chicks.
Additionally, the project has also developed classes and outreach programs to train producers and the next generation of poultry farmers, includinga class right here at UConn.
Their efforts to ensure the long-term viability, safety, and public trust in antibiotic-restricted poultry farming took a global perspective at the meeting. International speakers discussed poultry production practices around the world, including Mexico, Southeastern Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa.
The meeting also featured an industry panel Q&A and a poster session.
“We approach our work from a One Health perspective, acknowledging the connection between the health of people, animals, and our environment,” says Venkitanarayanan. “This work is critically important for our society and CAHNR is a unique leader in this type of interdisciplinary research.”
Other institutions involved in this project are Appalachian State University, University of Arkansas, University of Georgia, Auburn University, Kansas State University, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, North Carolina State University, Pennsylvania State University, Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi.
This research is supported by USDA NIFA award number 2020-69012-31823.
This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Ensuring a Vibrant and Sustainable Agricultural Industry and Food Supply.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is using sovereignty sentiments in Alberta as a kind of implied threat to get a better deal for the province.
In a letter to Mark Carney in the run-up to the recent first ministers conference in Saskatoon, Smith told the prime minister that failure to build additional pipelines for Alberta oil would “send an unwelcome signal to Albertans concerned about Ottawa’s commitment to national unity.”
Accordingly, it’s worth asking: what would happen if Alberta did vote to leave?
Two historical touch points are the 1995 sovereignty referendum in Québec and the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom in 2016. In different ways, both examples drive home one inevitable point: in the event of a vote to pursue sovereignty, the future of Alberta would have to be negotiated one painful and uncertain step at a time.
International lawlessness
Sovereignty is an assertion of independent governmental authority, notably including a monopoly over the legitimate use of force over a defined people and territory. Unlike provinces in a country like Canada, sovereign countries co-operate with each other if — and only if — it’s in their interests to do so.
Some proponents of separatism have argued that an independent Alberta could rely on international law to secure continued access to tidewater through Canada. The idea seems to form the basis of Smith’s assertions that one nation cannot “landlock” another under international law. But that’s not the case.
What’s more, international law — even if it does apply in theory — doesn’t always hold in practice. That’s because between countries, formal anarchy prevails: no one has the responsibility to enforce international law on their own. If one country breaks international law, it’s up to other countries to respond. If that doesn’t happen, then it just doesn’t happen.
Simply put, if Alberta were to leave Canada, it would lose all enforceable rights and protections offered by the Canadian Constitution and enforced by the institutions and courts. In their place, Alberta would get exactly — and only — what it can bargain for.
The Québec example
The Québec independence saga has in many ways clarified and refined the path to potential secession for provinces in Canada, and hints at what can happen in the aftermath of a sovereignty referendum.
In the wake of the near miss that was the 1995 referendum — when those wanting to remain in Canada defeated those who voted to separate with the narrowest of margins — Jean Chretien’s Liberal government took rapid steps to respond.
Another course of action, known as Plan B, defined the path to secession.
The federal government asked the Supreme Court of Canada for a clarification on the legality of sovereignty. It then passed the Clarity Act, which enshrined into law Ottawa’s understanding of the court’s answer. The reference and act both made clear that any secession attempt could be triggered only by a “clear majority” on a “clear question.”
The act also illuminated the stakes of secession. The preamble of the legislation, for instance, spells out that provincial sovereignty would mean the end of guaranteed Canadian citizenship for departing provincial residents.
The act also lays out some of the points to be negotiated in the event of secession, “including the division of assets and liabilities, any changes to the borders of the province, the rights, interests and territorial claims of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada, and the protection of minority rights.”
Simply put, everything would be on the table if Albertans opted to separate.
You Brexit, you bought it
Brexit provides an example of just how painful that process can be. After voting to leave the European Union, the U.K. found itself bogged down in a difficult negotiation process that continues to this day.
The U.K. is dealing with these challenges even though it was already a sovereign state. Alberta is not. Everything between a sovereign Alberta and its neighbours would be subject to difficult negotiations, both in the initial days of an independent Albertan state and any subsequent discussions.
Alberta would have little leverage
Once independent, Alberta would be a landlocked, oil-exporting nation.
It would be negotiating with Canada — and the United States, its neighbour to the south — over every aspect of its new relationship.
Its borders with other provinces and territories would need be negotiated, as would the status of marginalized populations and Indigenous Peoples within Alberta. The status of lands subject to treaty — in other words, most of the province — would have to be negotiated.
After all, if Canada is divisible, so is Alberta. A new republic has no automatic claims to territory with respect to Indigenous Peoples and treaty lands.
Once borders were settled, Alberta would have little leverage and would need a lot of help as a country of about 4.5 million negotiating with neighbours of 35 million in Canada and 350 million in the U.S. Who would be its allies?
Nothing would be guaranteed, not Alberta’s admission to the United Nations, the establishment of an Albertan currency and exchange rates, national and continental defence, the management of shared borders and citizenship rules or the terms of cross-border trade and investment.
Access to Canadian ports would be at Canada’s discretion, negotiated on terms Canada considered in its interests. Alberta could no more force a pipeline through Canada than through the United States.
Puerto Rico North?
Of course, a republic of Alberta would be free to pursue deeper relations with the American republic to its south. The U.S president, however, has already made clear what would be the likely terms for free trade: accession.
Here, too, there would be no guarantees. Alberta could just as easily become an American territory, with limited representation, as it could a 51st state. “Puerto Rico North” is as possible as “Alaska South.”
Gone too would be any claims to share collective goods. Alberta’s neighbours would have no incentive, for instance, to help with the inevitable post-oil clean-up, estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars.
Simply put, if Alberta were to vote to leave Canada, it would truly be on its own.
Stewart Prest does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Written by Sharon Wilson Purdy, Planetary Geologist at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Earth planning date: Friday, May 30, 2025 When you are scheduled to participate in Science Operations for the rover’s weekend plan, you know it’s going to be a busy morning! Assembling the activities for Friday through Sunday (Sols 4556 through 4558) was no exception. I participated on this shift as the “keeper of the plan” for the geology and mineralogy theme group where I worked with members of the science and instrument teams to compile a set of observations for the rover to complete over the weekend. The rover continues to drive over a surface of shallow, sometimes sand-filled depressions that are separated by raised ridges — informally known as the “boxwork structures.” On this Friday, we were tasked with assessing the ground in our immediate vicinity to determine if the low-lying bedrock in the hollows was suitable for drilling. With a focus on packing the plan with remote sensing activities to understand the bedrock around us, we used the ChemCam laser to analyze the chemistry of two bedrock targets, “La Tuna Canyon” and “Cooper Canyon,” that were also documented by Mastcam. ChemCam and Mastcam also teamed up to image an interesting dark ridge nearby named “Encinal Canyon.” Mastcam created stereo mosaics to document the nature of the candidate drill sites that were near the rover, in addition to the “Blue Sky Preserve” stereo mosaic that beautifully captured the nature of the boxwork structures in front of us. The environmental theme group included some of their favorite activities in the plan to monitor the clouds, wind, and the atmosphere. Curiosity has successfully completed numerous long drives (about 20+ meters, or 66 feet and beyond) in the past several weeks but this weekend the rover got a bit of a reprieve — the rover will drive approximately 7 meters (about 23 feet) to get situated in front of a possible drill site. I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing what unfolds on Monday! .
Headline: FEMA and SBA Resources Available at Locally Run Survivor Support Locations
FEMA and SBA Resources Available at Locally Run Survivor Support Locations
LOS ANGELES – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Small Business Administration (SBA) have transitioned in person resources for wildfire survivors to county and city run facilities
Survivors may access assistance at the following locations:One Stop Rebuilding Center – LA City 1828 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025 Monday-Friday: 9 a
m
– 5 p
m
Closed weekends
Altadena Community Center – LA County730 E
Altadena Dr
Altadena, CA 91001Monday-Friday: 9 a
m
– 5 p
m
Closed weekends
If you applied for FEMA assistance, it is important to stay in touch with FEMA to track and update your application should you receive an insurance settlement and as your situation changes
FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs and help you with resources for your recovery needs
Rental Assistance is available for eligible individuals and families who were displaced by the wildfires
If you were displaced and need assistance covering housing costs, you should contact FEMA to determine your eligibility for this program
SBA’s Customer Service Representatives are also available at the new locations to answer questions, help applicants complete their disaster loan application, accept documents, and provide updates on application status
Additional Resources:California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES)Resources offered by State agencies are available online and at some existing field offices
Survivors can find a complete list of recovery related services on the CA
gov/LAfires Recovery Services Finder page, including how to contact each agency and their office locations
U
S
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)For help answering questions regarding debris removal, please call: 213-308-8305
The call center is available daily from 6 a
m
to 6:30 p
m
For more information, you can also visit the USACE Los Angeles County Wildfire Debris Removal Mission
