Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program leads nation in quality for 18th consecutive year
Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE) announced that Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program has again been recognized as of the highest quality in a national report released today. Current status of kindergartens in 2023. Alabama is one of five states in the nation to meet 10 of 10 of […]
‘High quality, convenient child care’: UAB officially opens new Early Learning Center
The University of Alabama at Birmingham announced today that it has opened an Early Learning Center as part of an effort to accommodate a growing workforce. The school expansion will help address the growing need for child care at UAB: The new one-story building will accommodate 174 percent more children, including 228 children and 46 […]
U.S. House advances 2025 NDAA with focus on ‘Quality of Life Improvement’
On Friday, H.R. 8070, the Fiscal Year 25 Military Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives largely on party lines. The $883.7 billion NDAA passed in a vote of 217 to 199. Six Democrats voted in favor of the bill, while three Republicans voted against it. Rep. […]
Expanding access to high quality childcare builds support among Alabama lawmakers, working families
More than 200 advocates gathered in Montgomery last week to urge the state Legislature to address public policy concerns and opportunities for child care in Alabama. Alabama has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, but it also has one of the lowest labor force participation rates in the nation. One of the […]
Dems Mum On Biden’s Newest Air Quality Regulation Threatening Industry In Their States
Democratic senators and governors did not say whether they support or oppose the Biden administration's latest air quality regulations, despite the policy's potential to harm the state. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Confirmed Updates to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter PM2.5 impose tougher restrictions despite warnings from industry executives, energy policy […]
News Flash • Maricopa County Air Quality Department Announce
PHOENIX (February 2, 2024) – The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) announced that it is administering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Clean Diesel Grant Program . The program aims to improve air quality by replacing older diesel vehicles with newer, cleaner combustion technology. Organizations within Maricopa or Yuma […]
Maricopa County poor air quality linked to health concerns
The American Lung Association gave Maricopa County an F rating for air quality. (File photo courtesy of Arizona Department of Environmental Quality) PHOENIX – On August 30, the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club issued its 2023 Environmental Report Card, which cited: American Lung Association Report Phoenix Air ranks as the seventh-worst city in […]
Auburn engineering students work to improve quality of lives in Guatemala, Bolivia
The small family of Saloy in Guatemala prayed for this day. Water has sprung up in the area for the first time in 12 years. Villagers cried tears of joy, danced and even set off fireworks. Drinking water was available only by collecting rainwater or paying exorbitant fees to have it delivered by truck. Clothes […]
Labor quality remains top concern for small business owners
Surveys show that 20% of small business owners nationwide still report that quality of labor is the biggest problem facing their small business. NFIB Monthly Employment Report. Labor costs, reported as the most important issue for business owners, rose one point to 9%, four points below the high of 13% set in December 2021. “A […]
Air quality alert issued for Maricopa County
The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Warning for Maricopa County at 9:44 am on July 27. The alert expires at 9:00 pm on July 28. For the latest observations and alerts, see: weather warning page. How can I protect myself on a day with bad air pollution? Poor air quality Arizona Department of […]