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What is a COVID-19 vaccine passport, and will I need one?

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What is a COVID-19 vaccine passport, and will I need one?

“Vaccine passports,” or vaccine certificates, are documents that show you were vaccinated against COVID-19 or recently tested negative for the virus. They could help you get into places such as stadiums or even countries that are looking to reopen safely.

The certificates are still being developed, and how and whether they’ll be used could vary widely around the world. Experts say they should be free and available on paper, not just on apps since not everyone has a smartphone.

In the U.S., federal officials say there are no plans to make them broadly mandatory. In some states, Republican governors have issued orders barring businesses or state agencies from asking people to show proof of vaccination.

Objections revolve mostly around privacy and security — how people’s personal information will be stored — and fairness. Critics say the passports will benefit people and countries with more access to vaccines.

Supporters say they could make reopenings faster and easier. Proof of vaccination or a negative test could be a way for businesses and schools to reassure customers, students, and parents that steps are being taken to limit transmission of the virus.

International travel bans by countries could also be eased if people are able to show proof they’re vaccinated. Some countries have long had requirements to prove vaccination against yellow fever.

Still, a challenge is creating certification systems that work across vaccine providers and businesses. More than a dozen initiatives are underway to develop a credential that could be stored on a smartphone or printed on paper, using a QR code.

Source: www.click2houston.com

RRC Gives Coal Mining Reclamation Award To Dos Republicas For Work At Eagle Pass Mine

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A coal mining operation near the Texas-Mexico border was commended for its environmental restoration after shutting down operations. RRC’s commissioners on Tuesday recognized Dos Republicas Resource Co. with the agency’s 2021 Texas Coal Mining Reclamation Award.

Dos Republicas’ 6,348-acre Eagle Pass Mine, which has held a Railroad Commission permit since 2000, ceased mining operations last year and is now working toward full reclamation. The Eagle Pass Mine is about five miles northeast of Eagle Pass in Maverick County near the border with Mexico. Sub-bituminous coal from the Olmos Formation had been harvested from the surface mine, supplying 2-3 million metric tons of coal per year to a Mexican federal electricity commission power plant.

RRC’s award recognizes Dos Republicas’ reclamation of the Dahlstrom pit, which was graded and merged with the surrounding area in 2018 and 2019. Layers of subsoil and topsoil were placed on top and planted with a mix of native grasses, which provide cover and forage for livestock and wildlife and will hold the newly placed topsoil in place while brush species take time to establish.

“Dos Republicas’ efforts at the Dahlstrom pit exemplify environmental stewardship,” said RRC Director of Surface Mining and Reclamation Division Brent Elliott, Ph.D. “It exceeds RRC standards, which are to return lands to a condition as good or better than before mining started.”

The area has been mined for coal since around 1850 and once provided coal to power steamboats that moved up and down the Rio Grande and trains that helped to grow Texas and facilitate trade with Mexico.

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DART and Trinity Metro Rail Lines to Connect at DFW Airport

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the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a payment of $21.5 million to Trinity Metro for reimbursement of project costs incurred by Trinity Metro in the construction of approximately 2-miles of rail and platform facilities linking the Cotton Beltline to the DFWIA Terminal B passenger rail platform. The reimbursement is associated with the facilities to be shared by the DART Silver Line. In addition, DART will provide Trinity Metro $6 million for access rights to Terminal B at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport for the future DART Silver Line project once it begins revenue service in 2023. The Trinity Metro Board of Directors approved the agreement on Monday, April 12.

“The Silver Line helps address strong demand by a growing number of residents and employees in the eastern portion of the region for a convenient and efficient connection to DFW Airport,” said Paul N. Wageman, chairman of the DART Board of Directors. “We are pleased to finalize the agreement with Trinity Metro. It marks another important right of way segment that DART has secured and is critically needed to complete the construction of the Silver Line.”

With revenue service scheduled for 2023, the 26-mile Silver Line project will traverse seven cities between DFW Airport, Grapevine, Coppell, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Richardson, and Plano, and include 10 new stations. The primary purpose of the Silver Line is to provide passenger rail connections and services that will improve mobility, accessibility, and system linkages to major employment, population, and activity centers in the northern part of the DART service area.

When completed, the $1.3 billion Silver Line will connect with the Trinity Metro TEXRail commuter rail line at DFW North station providing access to Downtown Fort Worth and various other Tarrant County locales. The Silver Line will also connect with the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) A-train commuter rail line providing access to various Denton County locations, DART’s Green Line providing access to Dallas Love Field and Downtown Dallas via Downtown Carrollton Station, and DART’s Red and Orange Lines at CityLine/Bush Station, giving riders easy access to Downtown Plano and the eastern side of the DART network.

Source: dart.org

Governor Abbott Appoints Seven to Texas Radiation Advisory Board

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Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Roland Benke, Ph.D., and Lisa Masters, D.D.S. and reappointed Mark Harvey, Ph.D., Sanjay Narayan, Gerald Powell, and Simon Trubek, M.D. to the Texas Radiation Advisory Board for terms set to expire April 16, 2027. Additionally, he appointed Michael Britt for a term set to expire on April 16, 2025. The board advises the state on radiation issues and reviews the rules, policies and programs of state agencies that regulate radiation.

Roland Benke, Ph.D. of Austin is a Director of Renaissance Code Development and President of Tac-Alert. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Health Physics and a Radiological Operations Support Specialist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He advises the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the revision of the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site-Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) through the Science Advisory Board and is a member of the Health Physics Society and American Nuclear Society. Benke received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Nuclear Engineering, a Master of Engineering in Radiological Health, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Lisa Masters, D.D.S. of San Antonio is a periodontist at Masters Dental Group. She is chair of the Anesthesia Advisory Committee of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and a member of the Continuing Education Subcommittee of the American Dental Association. Masters received a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Texas A&M University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Master of Science in Biomedical Science from the UT Health School of Dentistry.

Mark Harvey, Ph.D. of Houston is an associate professor of physics at Texas Southern University. He is a member of the Health Physics Society, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, the National Society of Black Physicists, and the American Physical Society. He also serves as a technical reviewer for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and is a former volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Virginia. He mentors students on research involving computational modeling and measurement of stray radiation in both radiotherapy and applied research laboratory facilities.  He has held postdoctoral research positions at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (Upton, NY) in experimental high-energy nuclear physics and also at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) in medical physics. He has given numerous research presentations at national and international conferences and been awarded federally funded grants from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health. Harvey received a Bachelor of Science in physics from Virginia State University and a Master of Science in physics and a Doctor of Philosophy in nuclear physics from Hampton University.

Sanjay Narayan of Dallas is a practicing attorney and litigator. He is a member of the Texas State Bar, New York State Bar, The Federalist Society, and the South Asian Lawyers Association. Additionally, he is a member of the Duke University Alumni Association and the University of Pennsylvania Law School Alumni Association and is a Pro Bono contributor to the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program. Narayan received a Bachelor of Science in economics and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Duke University, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and a Certificate of Study in business economics and public policy from the Wharton School of Business. He is also a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) well versed in data privacy issues.

Gerald Powell of Bay City is President and Chief Executive Officer of the STP Nuclear Operating Company. He is a member of the American Nuclear Society and has served as chairman of the Nuclear Power Institute Advisory Council, Matagorda County United Way Board of Directors, Bay City Independent School District Board of Trustees, and the Bay City Country Club Board of Directors. He also volunteers for the Texas A&M Nuclear Engineering Advisory Council, EPRI Chemistry and Health Physics Committee, and the EPRI Nuclear Power Council. Powell received a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University.

Simon Trubek, M.D. is the Chief of the Molecular Radiology Section at ARA Diagnostic Imaging. He is a member of the American Board of Radiology and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. Trubek received a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from The University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine.

Michael Britt of New Braunfels is the owner of Britt Claims and Consulting Services and has spent over 20 years in the insurance industry. He serves as a board member of the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation. Additionally, he is a member of the New Braunfels Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Canyon Lake Lions Club.

Source: gov.texas.gov

Abril es el Mes Nacional de la Aceptación del Autismo

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Según la Sociedad Americana del Autismo (Autism Society of America) (en inglés), la incidencia de este trastorno del desarrollo es la que más rápido crece en los Estados Unidos. A uno de cada 54 niños se le diagnostica un trastorno del espectro autista, lo que supone un total de más de 5 millones de jóvenes y adultos afectados.

Grace Kong, residente del condado de Fort Bend, explicó que su hijo, Bryan, tenía problemas de comportamiento en casa y en la escuela y ella estaba buscando apoyo para ayudarle a salir adelante.

A través del Programa de Autismo Infantil (CAP) de HHS, Kong fue remitida a los servicios de análisis conductual aplicado (ABA), y Bryan ha estado recibiendo tratamiento desde que tenía unos 11 años.

Kong dijo que los analistas conductuales que tratan a Bryan, que ahora tiene 15 años, la acompañaron a una reunión con los funcionarios de la escuela para elaborar un programa educativo individualizado que integrara las estrategias que utilizan para su hijo.

Desde 2013, el CAP ha proporcionado más de 600,000 horas de servicios de ABA en Texas a niños de entre 3 y 15 años diagnosticados con un trastorno del espectro autista. Estos servicios se prestan a través de contratos con agencias y organizaciones comunitarias locales. Los servicios se pueden prestar en el hogar, en una clínica o en entornos familiares de la comunidad.

El método ABA utiliza principios conductuales para evaluar y enseñar comportamientos socialmente útiles y nuevas habilidades, y al mismo tiempo motiva al niño a tener comportamientos deseables mediante un refuerzo positivo. ABA es el tratamiento basado en la evidencia más recomendado para el autismo, y los servicios se planean con cada familia en función de las necesidades del niño.

Para poder recibir servicios de ABA, el niño debe ser diagnosticado por un médico o psicólogo autorizado que tenga formación y experiencia en el tratamiento de trastornos del neurodesarrollo.

Para encontrar el proveedor del CAP más cercano, utilice el localizador de clínicas de la Oficina de Atención Primaria y Especializada (en inglés), llame al 512-776-3040 de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. hora del centro, de lunes a viernes, o envíe un correo electrónico a Debbie Bridge, coordinadora de políticas del CAP.

 

Source: hhs.texas.gov

Shell presents Energy Transition Strategy publication to shareholders for advisory vote

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“As we transform our business, it is more important than ever for shareholders to understand and support our approach,” says Royal Dutch Shell Chief Executive Officer, Ben van Beurden, in his introduction to the publication. “We are asking our shareholders to vote for an energy transition strategy that is designed to bring our energy products, our services, and our investments in line with the goal of the Paris Agreement and the global drive to combat climate change.”

This publication sets out the company’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, in step with society’s progress towards the goal of the Paris Agreement on climate change. It also describes Shell’s short- and medium-term climate targets, customer-focused decarbonization strategy, capital allocation, and approach to climate-related policy and advocacy.

The decision to seek an advisory vote was announced in February as part of Shell’s Powering Progress strategy, which aims to accelerate the transition of the company’s business to net-zero emissions, in step with society. It follows continuing engagement with shareholders, including with Climate Action 100+ which represents investors with assets of around $54 trillion.

The vote is purely advisory and will not be binding. Shell’s Board and Executive Committee remain responsible and accountable for setting and approving Shell’s energy transition strategy.

Shell will publish an update to its Energy Transition Strategy publication every three years until 2050. Every year, starting in 2022, it will also seek an advisory vote on its progress towards its plans and targets.

To read the Shell Energy Transition Strategy, go to www.shell.com/energytransitionstrategy

Source: www.shell.com

Governor Abbott Statement On Biden Administration Reversal Of 1115 Medicaid Waiver Extension

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Governor Greg Abbott today issued a statement after the Biden administration rescinded a 10-year 1115 Medicaid waiver extension that was granted by the previous administration. This extension, which was scheduled to run through 2030, would have provided critical healthcare funding, including funds for uncompensated care.

“By rescinding this waiver extension, the Biden administration is obstructing healthcare access for vulnerable Texans and taking away crucial resources for rural hospitals in Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas spent months negotiating this agreement with the federal government to ensure vital funds for hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health resources for Texans who are uninsured. With this action, the Biden administration is deliberately betraying Texans who depend on the resources made possible through this waiver.”

Source: gov.texas.gov

FEMA ha extendido la fecha límite de registro al 20 de mayo de 2021

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La Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés), ha extendido el plazo para que los residentes del Condado Harris soliciten asistencia por daños sufridos tras la tormenta invernal de febrero hasta el 20 de mayo de 2021.

 

Puede encontrar más información sobre la ayuda federal para este desastre en https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4586.

Como recordatorio, si sufrió daños en su residencia por la tormenta invernal y cuenta con seguro, comuníquese con su compañía de seguros antes de contactar a FEMA.

¡Solicitar la ayuda es fácil! Diríjase a www.disasterassistance.gov o comuníquese a la línea de ayuda de asistencia en caso de desastre de FEMA al 1-800-621-3362. Por ahora, no hay centros de recuperación de desastres en persona.

Para obtener más información sobre la ayuda por desastre tras tormentas invernales haga clic aquí para ir a la página de recursos de recuperación de ReadyHarris.

FEMA Registration Deadline Extended to May 20

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the deadline for Harris County residents to apply for Individual Assistance for damage sustained from February’s winter storm until May 20, 2021.

More information about federal aid for this disaster can be found at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4586.

As a reminder, if you sustained damage to your residence from the winter storms and you have insurance, contact your insurance company and then FEMA.

Applying for help is easy! Go to www.disasterassistance.gov or you can call the FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. There are no in-person disaster recovery centers.

For more information on winter storm disaster aid, click here to go to the ReadyHarris recovery resource page.

National Selena Day: Celebrating the Queen of Tejano on what would have been her 50th birthday

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Today, April 16, is National Selena Day in the United States.

It is a day where fans will put on some Selena songs and remember the impact she had on Tejano music.

Selena Quintanilla was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas, just outside of Houston.

At just 10 years old, Selena became the lead singer of the group Selena y Los Dinos.

In 1987, at just 15 years old, Selena won the Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist. She went on to win that award nine consecutive times, making waves in the male-dominated world of Tejano music.

In April of 1992, Selena married guitarist Chris Perez, continuing to perform and pursue a successful fashion venture.

Selena was just 23-years-old when she was killed by the president of her fan club at a Corpus Christi motel on March 31, 1995. The young star confronted the president of her fan club, Yolanda Saldívar, and accused her of mishandling the club’s money. An argument ensued and ended with Selena being fatally shot.

Afterward, Saldívar held police at bay for hours. She was in her car threatening to take her own life. Ultimately she surrendered, was tried for murder, and sentenced to life in prison.

Her appeal is as big as ever among those who were fans before her death and even among those born long after. Somehow, in her own way, she managed to endear not only Latinos and Mexican Americans but generations around the world.

Source: www.kvue.com