NOAA is ending a contract that enables the Alaska Earthquake Center to provide crucial seismic data used to monitor and warn against potential tsunamis in Alaska. This data, which is fed directly to NOAA’s National Tsunami Center, is essential for issuing timely warnings. The Alaska Earthquake Center was informed in late September that funding was unavailable, leading to the anticipated cessation of data feeds in mid-November. This loss of data poses significant risks, particularly from remote locations like the Aleutian Islands, as the data collection is vital for broader warning systems, as evidenced by the deadly 1946 tsunami that originated near the Aleutians.
Read More
Special education staff decimated after Trump administration shutdown firings: Sources is a very grim reality unfolding. It’s hard to ignore the potential fallout, particularly when considering the impact on the most vulnerable students in our society. It makes you wonder, who exactly is going to be left to manage these essential programs? It feels like the program itself is being dismantled.
It’s concerning that the focus seems to be on cutting resources rather than supporting these children. It’s a disservice to kids with autism and other special needs. They deserve more than just being asked what’s “wrong with them” while resources are actively pulled away.… Continue reading
To support struggling public television stations, thirty paintings by Bob Ross will be auctioned off. The sale will benefit stations facing funding cuts due to reduced federal support, and the proceeds will assist with licensing fees for popular programming. Ross, a beloved figure on public television, dedicated his life to making art accessible, and this auction aims to continue that legacy by supporting the medium that showcased his work. Bonhams will host auctions in multiple cities, with the estimated total value of the paintings ranging from $850,000 to $1.4 million.
Read More
Trump Is Shutting Down the War On Cancer. It’s hard to ignore the pattern. Actions speak louder than words, and the actions of the Trump administration paint a disturbing picture when it comes to cancer research. We’re not talking about subtle shifts in policy; we’re talking about a targeted dismantling of critical infrastructure meant to combat this devastating disease. The scale of the cuts, the personnel changes, and the overall rhetoric create a very clear narrative: Trump is, in effect, shutting down the war on cancer.
The evidence is stark. The administration has slashed hundreds of millions of dollars in cancer-related research grants, claiming these were part of D.E.I.… Continue reading
A month before a fatal shooting, the Trump administration slashed funding from a Homeland Security program designed to prevent mass shootings. This downsizing significantly impacted the DHS’ Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, leading to the termination of grants for local agencies in Minnesota. These grants were crucial for establishing multidisciplinary teams aimed at identifying and managing potential threats. While DHS officials defended the decision, critics argued that the loss of these programs left communities more vulnerable, potentially impacting the ability to prevent the tragic event.
Read More
Michigan food pantry faces closure after 54 years due to lack of funding, and it’s hard to ignore the sting of the situation. The news is that this vital resource for hundreds of community members is facing a stark reality: they need to raise $15,000 in the next three months to stay open. It’s a sobering thought, especially when you consider the long history of service this pantry has provided.
The immediate reaction is disbelief. Can’t someone step in? A federal grant? A generous donation? The community, surely, can rally. Yet, the fact remains, $15,000 is the hurdle. It highlights a concerning trend, where agencies providing essential services are struggling.… Continue reading
NASA says 20% of workforce to depart space agency, and honestly, it’s hard not to feel a bit blindsided. It’s like a gut punch to the dreams of kids who grew up wanting to be astronauts, the scientists who dedicated their lives to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and frankly, to the very idea of American ingenuity. This isn’t just about jobs; it’s about a symbol, a legacy of exploration, and the countless innovations that have come from the agency.
The economic impact of NASA is substantial. We’re talking about billions injected into the economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across all fifty states.… Continue reading
Following the halt of US aid, Zimbabwe is facing a resurgence of malaria, with cases soaring in 2025. Funding cuts impacted essential control programs, including the distribution of mosquito nets and research initiatives, crippling the country’s efforts. The Ministry of Health reported a sharp increase in both cases and deaths, indicating a reversal of prior progress. Experts emphasize the critical need for sustained funding to maintain prevention and treatment efforts, while also noting the potential for the country to mobilize its own resources to combat the disease.
Read More
Federal funding cuts have led to the elimination of LGBTQ+-specific services on the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, resulting in layoffs for crisis workers in New York and New Jersey. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) ceased funding the 988 option, which routed callers to LGBTQ+ affirming counselors, citing a $33 million cost despite over a million people utilizing the service since its 2022 launch. The Trevor Project, a national nonprofit, was given short notice and notified its unionized staff of impending layoffs. This decision comes amid a broader rollback of federal support for LGBTQ+ programs and concerns that it will exacerbate existing strains on New York’s mental health infrastructure, potentially leading to increased suicide rates within the community.
Read More
Following the devastating floods in Texas, scrutiny has arisen regarding the resources available for issuing warnings. The article highlights the passage of the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which included cuts to weather forecasting and research, and the votes of Republican lawmakers in favor of the bill. The bill, signed the same day as the floods, has drawn criticism over its potential impact on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS). While some officials suggested that forecasts underestimated rainfall, the NWS maintains that warnings were issued with sufficient lead time.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood