On Thursday, Harris County officials outlined all the actions it has taken over the past two years to enhance environmental monitoring and enforcement. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said since the ITC chemical fire that happened in Deer Park in March 2019, county officials have been taken numerous steps to protect the county's environment against threats to public health and safety.
- PUB DATE: 1/29/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KHOU-TV CBS 11 Houston

More infectious COVID-19 variants have emerged around the world, and experts are saying the United States must adapt to a changed pandemic playing field. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these variants spread more easily, and it’s unknown whether the illness caused is more severe.
- PUB DATE: 1/29/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: NBC News

With a limited number of vaccines available, some people desperate for their first shot, are crossing state lines. It’s being called vaccine tourism. That’s when someone travels out-of-state to get a vaccine. This just recently came to the attention of health leaders in Washington and they are now focusing on a way to screen, ensuring everyone vaccinated is a state resident.
- PUB DATE: 1/29/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KCYU-LD Fox 41 Yakima

The Spokane Fire Department’s overtime budget was already drawing scrutiny from elected officials. Then, a pandemic happened. The fire department is expected to close out 2020 about $3.5 million over its budget for overtime pay. It remains to be seen how much of the excess will be covered by state and federal pandemic assistance.
- PUB DATE: 1/29/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Spokesman-Review - Metered Site

The Alton Fire Department and EMS has the opportunity of expanding their current fire station, reports KTIV 4.

The addition would be 8,800 square feet and would house four new bays, a scrub room, a bunker gear room, a maintenance room, and a meeting and training facility area.

The preliminary budget cost is $2 million and would entail a bond election in mid-February.

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