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Thursday, December 26, 2024

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Advocates urge broader clemency despite Biden's death row commutes; Bald eagle officially becomes national bird, a conservation success; Hispanic pastors across TX, U.S. wanted for leadership network; When bycatch is on the menu.

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The authors of Project 2025 say they'll carry out a hard-right agenda, voting rights advocates raise alarm over Trump's pick to lead the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and conservatives aim to cut federal funding for public broadcasting.

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From the unprecedented election season to the latest environmental news, the Yonder Report looks back at stories that topped our weekly 2024 newscasts.

As temps climb, CA workers encouraged to know their rights

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Wednesday, July 17, 2024   

California has shattered heat records left and right this month and temperatures are forecast to be 10 degrees above normal this weekend, so the state wants to remind workers of their right to shade, free cold water and rest breaks.

Employers are required to train workers on how to prevent heat illness.

Charlene Gloriani, senior safety engineer for the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, said employers must provide shade when the temperature climbs to over 80 degrees.

"When temperatures exceed 95 degrees, a buddy system should be in place and employees must be monitored for signs of heat illness," Gloriani pointed out. "Also, cool-down rest periods are required every two hours."

She added new workers must be watched for their first two weeks on the job, to make sure they are acclimatized to the heat. In June, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board passed new regulations regarding excessive heat in indoor workplaces, which are expected to take effect in the next few months.

Gloriani noted indoor rules come into play when it is at least 82 degrees inside.

"The indoor heat regulation requires employers to assess the indoor temperatures," Gloriani explained. "Generally, if it's above 87 degrees, cool the workplace or implement other engineering controls."

Workers who see abuses of heat policies are encouraged to file a complaint with Cal/OSHA. You can enter your ZIP code on the agency's website to find the office nearest your work site.


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Evanston Regional Hospital is discontinuing its labor and delivery services next week, citing a "steady decline of demand." It is the fourth Wyoming …


Opah are often caught as incidental catch alongside tuna. (NOAA/Flickr)

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By Leilani Marie Labong for FoodPrint.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the FoodPrint-Public News Service …

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Connecticut is launching its Student Loan Reimbursement Program Jan. 1. The program was created through legislation passed by the state's General …

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The deadline to apply is approaching for pastors who want to participate in the 2025 Hispanic Leadership Network. The 10-month program teaches …

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The United States has a national mammal, tree and flower but the status of America's most treasured bird was not always so clear officially or …

 

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