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One million acres of forest protected under The Conservation Fund, including in OR; Trump seeks to set aside his New York hush money guilty verdict after Supreme Court immunity ruling; 'Share the Pennies' weatherization program tackles climate solutions, reduces cost; Utah feels the impact of California's ban on gestation crates.

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SCOTUS gives former President Trump a huge win in terms of immunity, which might apply to charges of election interference. A new poll finds future court appointments are crucial for voters, and President Biden continues to face post-debate calls to leave the race.

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Ugly, imperfect produce destined for the landfill is being upcycled by a California candy company, a Texas volunteer uses his Navy training to map the gaps in broadband, and Pennsylvania has a new commission tasked with reversing its shrinking rural population.

New Philanthropy Fund Helps With Tornado Recovery

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Thursday, April 13, 2023   

A record number of tornadoes struck U.S. communities in the first three months of this year, prompting the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to establish a Tornado Recovery Fund.

Sally Ray, director of domestic funds for the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, said local and federal governments are prepared to help with immediate needs such as food and shelter. But those in small towns or rural areas, where tornadoes are common, typically do not have the funds to rebuild infrastructure quickly and equitably.

"We will be engaged in understanding what's going on now," Ray explained. "But as soon as those communities begin to move into the recovery phase, that's when we'll be supporting some local nonprofit organizations that are there to help make sure that people have access to resources they need for that recovery."

At least 410 tornadoes struck the U.S. in January, February and March, according to the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration's Storm Prediction Center, topping the previous record for the same period of 398 set in 2017. The agency said many of the tornadoes were in the South and Midwest.

Ray pointed out the Center's funds go toward mid- to long-term recovery from domestic disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires and even snowstorms. Tornadoes used to hit during particular seasons in the country or in what was called "tornado alley" in the central U.S., But Ray said they are less predictable now, which means people need to be prepared.

"There's not really a season anymore, there's not really an alley," Ray stressed. "It's not that you didn't ever have a tornado in December or January, just they were a lot less frequent, and they seem to be more common now, and part of that is because of climate change."

Texas, the most tornado-prone state in the U.S., averages roughly 136 tornadoes each year. In 2022, the Lone Star State saw a total of 160 tornadoes, with the most significant activity taking place in the months of April and May.



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