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Sunday, March 16, 2025

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Second federal judge orders temporary reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees fired by the Trump administration; U.S., Canada political tension could affect Maine summer tourism; Report: Incarceration rates rise in MS, U.S. despite efforts at reform; MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges.

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Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

North TX county declares disaster due to PFAS contamination

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Monday, February 17, 2025   

A north Texas commissioners' court has declared a county disaster because of PFAS contamination.

Johnson County Commissioners are asking Gov. Greg Abbott to join the declaration.

PFAS - also known as forever chemicals - have been found in soil, groundwater, and surface water across the county.

Commissioner Larry Woolley said the problem has been going on since at least 2001, when biosolids were used as fertilizer.

"These chemicals don't break down, they don't go away," said Woolley. "They just build up, and they get more and more concentrated, whether it be in soil and livestock organs. A stillborn calf liver tested 610,000 parts per trillion."

He said well water near biosolid application sites tested positive for PFAS, at levels several hundred times higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's safe drinking water limits.

The disaster declaration allows Johnson County to apply for federal assistance for farmers and implement emergency measures to protect public health and safety.

An emergency declaration from the governor would let residents apply for federal assistance.

Deputy Johnson County Constable Dana Ames said the problem is not going away.

"We're around 50 cows now," said Ames. "Back when this first started, it was a couple of cows, it was some dead fish. This is a reoccurring thing because the contamination persists. The PFAS that's there, once you get them into your body, they bioaccumulate."

The county and several ranchers have also sued the EPA, alleging it failed to set limits on the number of PFAS allowed in sewage sludge used as fertilizers.





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