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NFL fans blast officials for making Sunday Night Football “unwatchable”
NFL fans questioned a controversial roughing-the-passer penalty during the Packers' 23-13 win over the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. The call erased a potential interception and reignited debate over officiating consistency, player safety and the impact of penalties on the game's flow.
Mississippi declared infant mortality a public health emergency a year ago. What have officials done since then?
In 2025, an infant mortality report showed Mississippi’s infant mortality rate rose from 8.9 in 2023 to 9.7 in 2024 – nearly twice the national average.
New Science Building Makes Big Progress
On January 13, 2025, a new science building was announced to be built next to Frich and Watkins Halls on the PennWest California campus, on the Monongahela river side. The construction is set to finish in the Spring 2027 semester. Executive Director of Planning and Construction, Eric Rosie, said it will likely be officially finished...
Official statement
Santos FC would like to clarify that, due to construction work in the Ground-Level Stands, 437 seats will be closed for this Saturday’s match against Bahia.As a result, Vila Belmiro’s total capaci...
Access Health CT open enrollment begins
Open enrollment for Access Health CT, the state’s official marketplace for Affordable Care Act coverage, is open now through Jan. 15.
Nurses at four Endeavor Health hospitals seek to join Teamsters
Nurses at Evanston Hospital and three other Endeavor Health facilities across the North Shore are officially seeking to unionize. Teamsters Local 734 filed a petition — covering more than 2,000 nurses at the Evanston, Skokie, Glenbrook and Highland Park hospitals — with the National Labor Relations Board on Thursday asking for a union election. Nurses...
Flu cases rise early in El Paso County as public health officials monitor respiratory illnesses
Increases in flu typically begin around Thanksgiving.
Flu cases rise on west coast earlier than usual as US officials encourage vaccine
California flu test rate at 9.65%, higher than normal 1% rate for early October, amid mutation of H1N1 influenza A strain
Hegseth staff damaged historic WWII-era Eisenhower globe trying to move it to his office
The globe was especially notable because it had green pen or marker notations where Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower marked areas in Europe, three U.S. officials said.
The Loop Minneapolis closing after 20 years in business
Officials with The Loop Minneapolis confirmed on social media they are closing. Their final day of business will be Sunday, Nov. 29.
Trump Asked Musk to Reverse Limits on Ukraine’s Military Internet Use
The call from the president about the Starshield network came after officials in Ukraine reported that they found new limits on the use of military drones in their war against Russia.
Supreme Court says New Hampshire can limit use of student IDs for voting
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed New Hampshire officials to limit when voters may use a student ID to receive a ballot, agreeing that a lower court ruling that blocked enforcement of the policy was too close to Election Day.
SF: Health Officials To Discuss Recent Mgm-15 Related Overdose
San Francisco public health officials plan to release the city's latest data on accidental overdoses on Friday and also discuss a recent death linked to the kratom-derived opioid MGM-15.
‘Halloweentown 5’ is officially in development at Disney
Grab your witch’s broom! ‘Halloweentown 5’ is in development at Disney.
Everything We Know About The <i>Glee</i> Reboot Including Which Cast Members Are Returning
The Glee reboot is officially happening, but which original cast members have signed on? We've scoured the internet for clues.
California latest target in DOJ efforts to end public benefits fraud
High-ranking federal officials in recent days have touted the crackdowns across the country
Former Texans star J.J. Watt officially replaces Tony Romo as CBS Sports' lead NFL analyst
Former Houston Texans star J.J. Watt has signed a multi-year deal to permanently replace Tony Romo as CBS Sports' lead NFL analyst alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
DOJ, state launch separate health care fraud crackdowns, arresting over 100 people across California
Federal authorities arrested 15 people, including a doctor, in Los Angeles, while California officials announced the arrests of 103 people statewide in separate health care fraud investigations.
Nearly 100 cases of norovirus reported at Kansas elementary school, officials say
A Kansas elementary school suffered an outbreak of norovirus that impacted nearly 100 people, health officials said.
CDC denies approval for high volume measles test, ‘prioritizing emerging technologies’
A letter signed by health officials in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, asks the CDC to reconsider
HVAC issue ignites fire at business on Marketplace Drive in Hampton
HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) – Crews in Hampton responded to a business fire Thursday morning. According to officials, firefighters were called to that fire, in the 100 block of Marketplace Drive, jus…
Roger Goodell says an increase in penalties is not a reflection on the NFL's officials
Latest threat to democracy: Politicians bullying journalists
When officials refuse to answer questions they aren’t simply disrespecting journalists. They are disrespecting the citizens those journalists serve.
“Carrie” officially renewed for season 2 after Mike Flanagan teased 3-season plan
“Mike Flanagan and I are excited about what comes next. It’s bound to be thrilling,” said Stephen King.
‘Carrie’ season 2 renewed after Mike Flanagan teased 3-season plan
‘Carrie’ season 2 is officially a go after Mike Flanagan teased a 3-season plan for his adaptation of the famed Stephen King novel.
Tepper Sports & Entertainment Selects Marsh and Partners Risk Strategies as Insurance Brokers for Bank of America Stadium’s Multi-Year Transformation
The official website of the Carolina Panthers with access to tickets, schedules, news, videos, photos, statistics and more.
Tepper Sports & Entertainment Selects Marsh and Partners Risk Strategies as Insurance Brokers for Bank of America Stadium’s Multi-Year Transformation
The official website of the Carolina Panthers with access to tickets, schedules, news, videos, photos, statistics and more.
Grab your popcorn: Swansea movie theater finally opening its doors
Entertainment Luxury Cinemas has announced its official opening today at 207 Swansea Mall Drive. Will you be among the first to christen the new theater?
J.J. Watt officially announced as CBS Sports' lead NFL game analyst, replacing Tony Romo
J.J. Watt was promoted to CBS' top broadcasting crew after Tony Romo was placed on leave.
Dr. Daniel Edney named president of national public health organization
State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney will lead the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials for a one-year term while continuing to lead the Mississippi State Department of Health.
JJ Watt Named CBS Sports’ New Lead NFL Analyst in Multi-Year Deal
JJ Watt, the former defensive end, will take on one of the biggest on-air roles in sports after officially being named the new lead NFL analyst for CBS Sports, being handed the post following the exit of his predecessor, Tony Romo. Watt will continue to call CBS’ top games alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson …
Star Wars Battlefront 3 Is Real, EA Officially Confirms
Could eras like The High Republic be explored in the next game?
CT launches health insurance subsidy for child care workers
Connecticut officials on Wednesday announced that eligible staff in the early childhood sector can now apply for a subsidy toward health insurance plan premiums, a benefit connected to the ambitious […]
Atari Is Officially Pulling Support for the Atari VCS
"We recognise that this is unwelcome news"
San Francisco health officials report city's first deadly overdose involving MGM-15
San Francisco health officials are warning about the city's first reported deadly overdose involving a powerful new opioid.
Community Health Alliance opens new 988 call center in Fairfield
A new facility that supports behavioral health and crisis response services has officially opened in Butler County.
Santa Fe officials tout behavioral health unit changes; critics say more needed
Changes to the unit will include a new name and career ladder, but its budget and operating hours will be the same.
Madera County program raises awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention
As National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week approaches, health officials are highlighting the dangers of lead exposure and the resources available to families.
Prime Video drops trailer for Muhammad Ali biographical series ‘The Greatest’
Prime Video has released the official trailer for “The Greatest,” an upcoming biographical drama chronicling the life and legacy of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. The series follows Ali from his early years as Cassius Clay in Louisville,
Commission announces plan for polar hub to step up research coordination
The European Commission plans to develop an EU polar research hub to strengthen coordination and improve the alignment between science and policy. The objective, according to a Commission official, is to “better connect research, observation and scientific infrastructure, improve access to research resources and strengthen coordination with stakeholders, including Indigenous people.”Announced in a new EU Arctic strategy on October 20, there is little detail yet on how the hub will be implemented, only that it will “reinforce and expand” the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO), which is hosted and managed by the European Polar Board (EPB) at Umeå University in Sweden. EPCO was born from the EU-PolarNet projects funded through Horizon 2020 and currently coordinates the EU Polar Cluster, a network of EU-funded collaborative polar projects.While the practical details remain to be defined, the decision sends “a clear and positive signal,” said Maria Grigoratou, head of EPCO and executive secretary of EPB. “By reinforcing EPCO, the Commission has an opportunity to build on the legacy of EU-PolarNet 2, strengthen European polar research coordination and expand cooperation with a broader range of Arctic stakeholders,” she told Science|Business.The move has been welcomed by the polar research community. “The polar research hub could play an important role in connecting existing research communities, observation systems and infrastructure, and in bringing scientific knowledge closer to policymaking, in cooperation with local communities and Indigenous people,” said Katrine Moland Hansen, director of operations at Norway’s Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center.But money will be an issue. “It is clear that EPCO will need more resources and structure to function well and to make research reach policymakers,” said Kati Lindström, vice-chair of the Polar Research Committee of the Estonian Academy of Sciences. “European polar research is big if we pool the resources, and it should not only be left to enthusiastic scientists to develop networks of strategic importance in their free time.”The Arctic strategy makes a point of saying that local communities should have a greater involvement in Arctic science. “All EU Arctic research consortia are mandated to invite Indigenous people representatives to participate in projects,” it reads. “The EU also supports research that is directly led by Indigenous communities and address their challenges.”It also underlines the importance of reinforcing collaboration with like-minded partners such as Norway, Iceland, Canada, the UK, Japan and South Korea, as well as deepening its engagement with NATO. This includes the US, with which “the EU is committed to continuing a pragmatic transatlantic engagement based on shared interests and values.”Related articlesViewpoint: Does Europe dare to invest in the Arctic?Anchor Greenlanders in Arctic climate research, experts tell EU ahead of policy updateFor Moland Hansen, this open and inclusive approach to cooperation is encouraging. “The Arctic is also a strong example of why equal participation of associated countries in EU funding instruments matters.”Overall, she finds the new Arctic strategy to be ambitious, timely and comprehensive. “We particularly welcome the recognition that climate change, environmental protection, security, resilience and competitiveness are closely interconnected,” she said. “Research, observations and forecasting capabilities are essential to understanding the rapid changes taking place in the Arctic and addressing these challenges together.”Security focusWhile the Arctic strategy foregrounds security, with pledges to protect undersea cables, boost satellite monitoring, deploy more icebreakers and improve military mobility, the polar community is satisfied that environmental concerns have not been forgotten.“It is inevitable that there is a strong security angle to the EU Arctic strategy, but the impact of climate change and need for climate mitigation and resilience is also strongly recognised and includes a pledge to stay the course on climate commitments,” said Sian Prior, lead advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, a coalition of campaigning non-profit organisations.“We need to remember that by the time the next Multiannual Financial Framework comes to an end, in 2034, the polar regions, especially the Arctic region, will be living under a new reality when it comes to ecosystem processes, when it comes to the climate,” Grigoratou went on. “And that will affect any ambition that humans may have in the region.”Lindström agreed. “All aspects of European security are dependent on climate change in the Arctic and consequently, on climate science,” she said. “We cannot close our eyes to issues like energy security, critical minerals, northern shipping routes, dual-use technologies and others. However, it remains to be seen how well the promises to protect the environment and Indigenous rights will hold when faced with critical mineral extraction under the Critical Minerals Act.”
Jefferson Parish announce progress report to business leaders
Business leaders and public officials packed the Alario Center for the "State of Jefferson" luncheon.
Nigeria’s first Ebola case matches DR Congo strain, health officials say
The Bundibugyo strain outbreak is the DR Congo's deadliest ever and has now reached West Africa for the first time.
Michigan school official, business speak on impact of Toledo chemical leak
'All of us have a role in prevention,' health official says as South Dakota suicide numbers rise
The number of South Dakotans who died by suicide increased to 214 in 2025, according to new state data.
Apple Music's New Look is Now Live on Apple's Website
As spotted by Hidde Collee, the Apple Music page on Apple's website now has the updated branding that Apple officially introduced earlier today. Apple Music has a new black-and-white logo and app icon, with Apple doing away with the red color scheme that it previously used for the streaming music service. In a YouTube video released earlier today, Apple showed how the new Apple Music visuals were "made by sound".
Cold & flu season starts in Michigan, health officials say
The Medical Director for the WUPHD says October is the best time to get a flu shot to be protected for the whole season.
US Embassy in Ottawa accuses Canada of election meddling
“Its ministers and premiers openly describe plans to influence American politics,” read a memo circulated by officials in Ottawa.
Glee reboot officially ordered at Disney+ and Hulu
We're getting ready to head back to William McKinley High School after Disney+ and Hulu announced that a new series has been ordered.
Glee reboot officially ordered at Disney+ and Hulu
We're getting ready to head back to William McKinley High School after Disney+ and Hulu announced that a new series has been ordered.
C.D.C. Ignored Request From States to Validate a New Measles Test
The agency replied two months later, saying it had “competing priorities,” officials from a coalition of Western states said.
New Sphere project faces crucial PG County vote
Officials, residents and labor groups are asking whether the costs of a proposed Sphere theater at National Harbor outweigh the benefits.
Jaxson Dart is Officially on Notice After Giants' Latest Decision
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart may have to watch his back.
The Daily Roundup: Kalispell Business Improvement District Looks to Replace Street Furniture Downtown
On Friday, we officially published our 2026 Election Guide, linked here, at the bottom of this newsletter and in the “Editor’s Picks” section of our website, where it will live throughout the rest of the election cycle.
Cherokee Nation commits $470,000 to UCLA filmmaking exchange
Cherokee Nation has committed $470,000 over four years to a partnership with the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television that will support an annual filmmaking exchange, Cherokee‑language media production and student training. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner joined tribal leaders and UCLA film school officials in Los Angeles on […]
Charlotte Hornets tip off regular season against Brooklyn Nets
Wednesday marks the official beginning of the Charlotte Hornets 2026-2027 season, and you can see the action for free on Channel 9!
'Glee' reboot is officially happening, reportedly with Lea Michele
Disney+ and Hulu have greenlit a reboot of 'Glee.' Co-creator Ryan Murphy previously teased the possibility of the musical dramedy's return.
Chicano Mural Cover-Up: Was Santa Ana’s New Pool Opening All About Politics?
Ahead of election, questions are swirling about why Santa Ana official held a ribbon cutting for pools not yet fully open to the public.
Top Georgia election officials clash over Trump-fueled conspiracy theories
Georgia’s election board and secretary of state are feuding over whether the state’s elections need federal intervention.
Nearly 100 cases of norovirus reported inside one elementary school, health officials say
Health officials have confirmed a norovirus outbreak at an elementary school in Kansas after nearly 100 cases were reported over the past week.
Nearly 100 cases of norovirus reported inside one elementary school, health officials say
Health officials have confirmed a norovirus outbreak at an elementary school in Kansas after nearly 100 cases were reported over the past week.
Supreme Court Denies Trump Administration Request to Withhold Health Care from Incarcerated Transgender People
The Supreme Court of the United States has rejected a request from the Trump Administration and the Federal Bureau of Prisons to allow prison officials to withhold gender-affirming health care from transgender people in federal prisons.
Top Democrats join California immigrant, Nevada group to sue over federal election probes
The lawsuit accuses Trump and his administration of using “shoddily compiled lists of supposed noncitizens” and “coercive threats" against state officials to assert federal control over the midterms.
Health advisory lifted for Toms Bayou in Valparaiso after water tests clear
Health officials have lifted a water quality advisory for Toms Bayou near Hidden Cove Drive in Valparaiso.
OKC's largest private employer Integris set to join Kaiser-backed Risant
Integris Health will join Risant Health in a merger that officials say will not result in layoffs or leadership changes.
Ballot question aims to remove politics from Baltimore County inspector general selection
The county has been without an inspector general since January. It stems from the failed attempt by County Executive Kathy Klausmeier to fire the IG. Supporters of the ballot question say elected officials should not be involved in the selection.
State health officer named president of national public health group
Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney has been named the next president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
Nigeria confirms its 1st Ebola case as Kenya reports 9th infection: Health officials
Nigeria is confirming an Ebola case after a patient arrived from Uganda as an outbreak continues to spread in the nearby Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Nigeria confirms its 1st Ebola case: Health officials
Walk & Roll Brings Springdale Community Together to Promote Health, Safety
October is officially Walk & Roll Month, and Tristan Hill from the City of Springdale read the proclamation to get things rolling on Oct. 8. “In Springdale, Arkansas, we urge you to observe this month by being watchful for biking and walking students, encouraging the children with walking and rolling…
Town of Truckee, Tahoe Institute for Natural Science celebrate Bee City USA Designation
TRUCKEE, Calif. – The Town of Truckee has officially earned designation as a Bee City USA affiliate, joining communities across the country working to support pollinators and expand healthy habitat. The designation is the result...
Xbox's Official Shakeup Continues Through 2027 with New Rounds of Layoffs
Xbox is continuing its major "reset"
'Glee' is officially coming back – What we know about the reboot
And here's what you missed on "Glee."
Daniel Edney, MD, State Health Officer for Mississippi, Announced as Next ASTHO President
/PRNewswire/ -- The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) named Daniel Edney, MD, as the organization's 84th president. Dr. Edney,...
'Glee' reboot coming to Disney+ and Hulu
Co-creator/writer Ryan Murphy (C) poses in the press room with the cast of 'Glee' with the award for best television series musical or comedy for 'Glee' at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 17, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)The hit TV show Glee is coming back.An all-new season of the hit series from Ryan Murphy is coming to Disney+ and Hulu, Disney announced Wednesday.No details about the cast or an official release date have been shared.The studio behind the reboot is 20th Television, which also produced the original series.Glee first aired on Fox for six seasons, from 2009 to 2015.It followed a high school glee club and starred Lea Michele, the late Cory Monteith, the late Naya Rivera, Amber Riley, Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch and more.Murphy told ABC News last month that a script for a Glee reboot had been written, and that he is in touch with cast members about returning.“I’ve been quietly having conversations with people on that show … about, ‘What do you think? Should we?,'" Murphy said. "Maybe I shouldn’t, I don’t know. It’s fun just to try."Glee won six Primetime Emmys and several Golden Globes. It also won the GLAAD Media Award for outstanding comedy series in 2010 and 2011.All 121 original episodes of Glee are currently streaming on Hulu.The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News, Disney+ and Hulu.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
City of Edinburg Names Interim Police Chief
The City of Edinburg has named Lieutenant Orlando Garcia as Interim Chief of Police, succeeding Chief Jaime Ayala following his retirement on October 30, 2026. Lt. Garcia will officially assume leadership of the department on October 31, 2026.
First-Person Soulslike Valor Mortis an Official Success, Now Turning a Profit
Game breaks even after one week
Portside Lounge opens in Bridgeport with food, entertainment and community focus
Portside Lounge and Restaurant officially opened Wednesday at 3777 Main Street, offering American cuisine, craft drinks and live entertainment in a warm, welcoming setting.
Rice County Public Health urges vaccination as measles cases climb in Minnesota
By Rich Larson Rice County has not reported a single case of measles, but Rice County Public Health officials said they are concerned an outbreak could arrive soon as cases rise across Minnesota. In a news release issued Oct. 15, the department said 25 measles cases have been identified since
The Raptor that Didn’t Return Home: Norman Powell
It’s February 1, 2026, one week before the newly implemented formula of the 2026 All-Star Game takes place. 12-minute quarters, four games in one night, and three teams: USA Stars, USA Stripes, and Team World. The rosters became official that same day, and debates among individuals and analysts began. However, one All-Star stood out above …
First iPhone Duo unboxing videos surface ahead of official reviews
A series of iPhone Duo unboxing videos are now on YouTube, showing how the device ships in its open configuration, and how the display crease is practically invisible.
Phillies Get Update On Triple Crown MVP Free Agent Target
The Philadelphia Phillies are linked to a superstar infielder who will officially become a free agent option in the offseason.
Reports: Barcelona unhappy about PSG fans' chainsaw tifo
Barcelona reportedly want UEFA to take action against Paris Saint-Germain over a huge banner displayed by their fans at of the Champions League match between the two teams. The Vanguardia paper and EFE news agency on Wednesday cited club officials as saying they plan to report the banner to the delegate from Europe's governing body who attended the match.
2026 Health Care Congressional Voter Guide
At NC Health News, we care about you and your family’s health and we think our elected officials should too. We started in September to reach out to all of North Carolina’s Congressional candidates asking them to answer a series of questions about health care issues that you care about: Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, […]
Twice’s Jihyo officially leaves JYP Entertainment after 21 years
The 29-year-old singer announced on Wednesday (Oct 21) that she will be departing her longtime agency, JYP Entertainment, making her the latest Twice member to do so.
TWICE’s Jihyo Departs JYP Entertainment After 21 Years + Launches New Agency EMITHAUS
Jihyo is beginning a journey with a new company! On October 21, the TWICE member took to her Instagram to share the following handwritten letter: Hello, this is Jihyo. I’m writing today because there’s something I’d like to share with you. After 21 years, my journey with JYP Entertainment, which began when I was just a child, has come to an end. Trying to put 21 years into just a few words is harder than I thought it would be.From childhood through my teenage years and into adulthood, I’ve spent most of my life at JYP.There were good days and difficult ones, but one thing I know for certain is that every one of those moments has shaped who I am today.I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at JYP who has been by my side and helped me grow over the years.I will always cherish the time we shared and the memories we made together. To me, independence is not so much a conclusion about the time that has passed, but a choice about how I want to live going forward.As the first step in this new chapter, I have established my own company, EMITHAUS.Just as “EMIT” means to “express or release,” I hope this will be a place where I can freely explore and bring to life even the possibilities within me that I have yet to discover.As I step away from a familiar environment and begin working in new ways, I will approach every decision and every endeavor with even greater thoughtfulness and responsibility. I also want to make it clear that this decision does not mean saying goodbye to the team I’ve been part of for so long.TWICE is an irreplaceable part of my life.Just as I cherish all the years we’ve shared, I look forward to all the moments still ahead of us.I will continue to stand on stage with my members and keep building more memories together for many years to come. Above all, I want to thank ONCE for believing in me and standing by my side for the past 11 years.I know that watching someone grow and change through so many stages of life and continuing to support them along the way is never something to be taken for granted.Thank you for giving me the courage to keep moving forward through your unwavering trust, love, and support.I will continue to fill the years ahead with choices and efforts that stay true to who I am and keep growing as an artist who lives up to all the love and support you’ve given me. Thank you. https://www.instagram.com/p/DevZGTkmTD2/ Jihyo is the third TWICE member to officially leave JYP Entertainment following Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung. Wishing Jihyo all the best on her new start!
Powder mailed to Arizona officials reflects surge in political threats
Suspicious letters containing white powder have targeted Arizona lawmakers and the state’s elections chief, as experts warn that threats and intimidation against public officials are rising.
White House officials fear a post-midterms Trump rampage
President Donald Trump still has two weeks to salvage his Republican congressional majorities and defy expectations of a midterm wipeout. But all around him, aides and allies are bracing for what happens if he fails. CNN’s Kristen Holmes reports.
Officials Work to Improve Boardman River Health
The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and City of TC are working on multiple fronts to improve the Lower Boardman River – including habitat and shoreline improvements, repairs to a deteriorating retaining wall, and public placemaking projects. However, one of the main challenges to the urban river’s health – its proximity to so many …
New Richland Lab Could Transform How Scientists Study Microbes and Boost Regional Jobs
The BriefGroundbreaking held Tuesday: PNNL officially began construction on the M2PC lab, a 30,800-square-foot facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science that will study soil microbes to improve crop productivity and develop new biotechnology applications. The facility will be open to researchers from around the nation and the world.Research timelines could shrink dramatically: The facility's automation and AI capabilities could reduce experiments that currently take six months to just 72 hours, allowing scientists to explore more possibilities faster than ever before.New jobs coming to the Tri-Cities: The project is expected to create positions for automation engineers, AI experts, roboticists, technicians, and skilled craftspeople, with the facility opening in 2029.RICHLAND, Wash. — Pacific Northwest National Laboratory broke ground Tuesday on a first-of-its-kind facility that could accelerate scientific discoveries about the microscopic organisms living in soil—organisms that may hold the key to growing more food and developing new energy technologies.The Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability, or M2PC, represents a significant investment in automation and artificial intelligence to speed up research that traditionally takes years to complete. The 30,800-square-foot facility will house more than 100 connected automated instruments designed to study microbes at a pace and scale never before possible.Reshaping Agriculture's FutureThe M2PC facility will not put a new tool directly into a farmer's hands tomorrow morning, but it is actively reshaping the commercial pipeline to solve agriculture's biggest headache with biologicals: inconsistent field performance. For years, PNNL researchers have explored how microbes work and how they might help produce useful materials, advance energy technologies, and address challenges involving critical materials and minerals. But those experiments have been limited by what researchers could accomplish by hand."They can be used to provide nutrients to a plant so that the plant would grow more. So, like increasing your crop productivity, for example," said Douglas Mans, PNNL's Associate Laboratory Director for Integrated Discovery Sciences.PNNL's own research shows soil microbes can help plants access nutrients and withstand drought—benefits that could prove crucial as farmers face growing environmental pressures. The M2PC facility will allow scientists to identify and optimize useful microbes faster than ever before, accelerating the development of biological solutions that actually work consistently in the field.What Makes M2PC UniqueThe Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability differs from traditional research labs because it operates as a first-of-its-kind, AI-enabled autonomous laboratory designed to shrink experimental timelines from years down to months or weeks. The M2PC lab will connect more than 100 automated instruments to grow microbes, prepare samples, measure their behavior, and link observations to the molecular processes behind them. Artificial intelligence will help analyze results and guide the next experiments, allowing scientists to explore more questions faster.Deb Gracio, PNNL Director, emphasized the transformative potential during Tuesday's groundbreaking ceremony: "Research that has taken years will become possible in months and hopefully in weeks."That acceleration is already being demonstrated. PNNL's smaller automated lab, called the Anaerobic Microbial Phenotyping Platform or AMP2, completed three experimental cycles in just 72 hours—a process that normally would have taken about six months."That normally would have taken us about six months … and we were able to do that in 72 hours," Mans said.The AMP2 laboratory is not being closed or replaced. Instead, the current 1,800-square-foot laboratory serves as an active prototype and precursor for the much larger M2PC facility. AMP2 will continue operating as a separate lab designed to run anaerobic experiments—those conducted in the absence of oxygen—while M2PC will focus on aerobic research.Broader Applications Beyond AgricultureWhile improving crop productivity is one important application, the M2PC facility is designed to support research into multiple areas critical to national priorities. The lab will advance research into biofuels, manufacturing materials, and energy technologies. It will also help researchers understand how microbes respond to environmental changes and how to design biological systems for biotechnology applications.As a flagship component of the Department of Energy's Genesis Mission, M2PC represents a significant investment in using artificial intelligence and automation to accelerate U.S. scientific discovery. Dorothy Koch, Associate Director of the DOE Office of Science Biological and Environmental Research program, highlighted the facility's importance during the groundbreaking."M2PC will accelerate biological discovery and design," Koch said, noting that the facility is expected to conduct a minimum of 500 strain experiments per week, 100 microbiome experiments per week, and take a million measurements per month.Economic Opportunity for the RegionBeyond the scientific breakthroughs, the M2PC project represents significant economic opportunity for the Tri-Cities region. The facility will require hiring automation engineers, AI experts, technicians skilled in operating robotics, and specialized craftspeople to build and maintain the sophisticated equipment."We're anticipating that type of hiring," Mans said when asked about job creation.PNNL has already begun recruiting talent nationally and internationally for positions related to the smaller AMP2 lab, bringing automation engineers from cities like Boston and San Francisco to work in the region. The M2PC facility is expected to accelerate that trend."This capability won't really exist anywhere else in the world," Mans said, suggesting the facility could become a draw for scientific talent seeking to work on cutting-edge biotechnology research.Timeline and Next StepsThe M2PC facility is expected to open in 2029. Between now and then, construction crews will level and prepare the ground, while the building takes shape. Simultaneously, Ginkgo Bio Works, the automation contractor, will build the facility's automation components off-site so they can be installed as the building is completed.In the interim, PNNL researchers and the broader scientific community will begin planning the first experiments to be conducted in the facility, ensuring research is lined up and ready to begin as soon as the doors open.The groundbreaking ceremony included representatives from the Department of Energy, PNNL leadership, and elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels, underscoring the project's significance to the region and the nation's biotechnology future. News The U.S. Department of Energy Secretary tours Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Dan Hanson, Apple Valley News Now News Beyond DNA: Scientists Explore New Frontiers in Biology Research Dan Hanson, Apple Valley News Now News TRIDEC optimistic that Hanford, PNNL will see funding in national budget Robert Desaulniers News Big picture science: monitoring the Yakima River Basin News PNNL research could shape the future of fighting fentanyl COPYRIGHT 2026 BY APPLE VALLEY NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
Feds claim 17,000 other potential noncitizen voters in California
Filings in the Justice Department's lawsuit accusing California officials of facilitating election fraud reveal new details about the underlying investigations.
Sen Slotkin committed a 'cardinal sin' in this era of politics: Ben Domenech
A 'Kudlow' panel breaks down Sen. Elissa Slotkin's, D-Mich., controversial comments about targeting Trump administration officials.
Election officials face increasing threats ahead of midterms
Celta Vigo Officially Announce Bad News for Game vs Celtic
Celta Vigo have officially announced some bad news for them heading into the game against Celtic this week.
New measles case confirmed in Wisconsin, health officials say
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Richland County Health and Human Services are working together to identity and directly notify people who may have been exposed to the virus after the case was confirmed on Tuesday.
As flag football becomes official sport in Oregon, Salem-Keizer coaches, players hopeful about future
The decision is particularly meaningful for some Salem-Keizer Public Schools teams that have been invested since the sport began gaining popularity in 2023.
Early voting ongoing
Registered Monroe County voters can cast ballots from Monday, Oct. 19, through Saturday, Oct. 31, during early voting for the November general election, county elections officials said.
Round Rock City Council to consider incentive for semiconductor industry business
City of Round Rock officials will vote on an economic development agreement supporting an expansion of PulseForge during their Oct. 22 meeting.
Congenital measles cases are a growing concern in Pennsylvania, health officials warn
A new advisory to doctors lays out steps to prevent congenital measles, which can lead to newborn deaths.
‘Call Her Daddy’ host Alex Cooper gives birth to first child
NEW YORK — “Call Her Daddy’s” Alex Cooper is officially a mom. The 32-year-old podcast host and her husband, Hollywood producer Matthew Kaplan, have welcomed their first child together, a