#tree disease service

[treedoctorusasworld]

Effective Magnolia Scale Treatment: Protecting Your Trees from Harmful Pests

Magnolia trees are known for their elegance, beauty, and the charm they add to any landscape. However, one of the most common threats to their health is the magnolia scale infestation. This pest not only damages the tree's overall appearance but can also compromise its health and vitality if not addressed promptly. Implementing effective magnolia scale treatment is crucial for preserving the health and beauty of your trees.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about magnolia scale, the damage it can cause, and the best methods to treat and prevent this infestation.

What Is Magnolia Scale?

Magnolia scale is one of the largest soft scale insects, primarily affecting magnolia trees. These pests are oval-shaped and grow up to half an inch in length. Their color ranges from pinkish-orange to dark brown, often covered with a waxy coating. They usually appear on the branches and stems of magnolia trees.

Lifecycle of Magnolia Scale

Understanding the lifecycle of magnolia scale is essential to developing an effective treatment plan. These pests typically follow this cycle:

Spring: Overwintering female scales begin to lay eggs.

Summer: The eggs hatch into crawlers (immature scales) that move to new locations on the tree.

Late Summer/Early Fall: Crawlers mature into adults, creating new infestations.

Winter: Adult females hibernate on tree branches, preparing to lay eggs in the spring.

Signs of Magnolia Scale Infestation

Early detection is critical to controlling magnolia scale. Some of the most common signs of infestation include:

1. Sticky Substances

Magnolia scale excretes a sticky substance called honeydew, which often coats leaves, branches, and nearby objects.

2. Sooty Mold

The honeydew attracts fungi, which can develop into black, sooty mold on the tree's surface.

3. Wilting Leaves

An infestation can cause leaves to wilt, yellow, or fall prematurely due to the scale feeding on the tree's sap.

4. Decline in Tree Health

Severe infestations can lead to stunted growth, branch dieback, and a general decline in the tree’s health.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to act immediately to prevent further damage.

Why Magnolia Scale Is Dangerous

Magnolia scale is more than just a nuisance; it poses a significant threat to your tree’s health. Here’s why:

1. Nutrient Depletion

Magnolia scale feeds on the sap of the tree, robbing it of essential nutrients. Over time, this weakens the tree, making it vulnerable to diseases and environmental stressors.

2. Spread of Diseases

The honeydew excreted by magnolia scale attracts other pests, such as ants and wasps, and can promote fungal infections.

3. Aesthetic Damage

Magnolia trees are often planted for their ornamental value. Infestation can severely impact their appearance, reducing the beauty of your landscape.

Addressing the issue early through proper treatment ensures your tree remains healthy and vibrant.

Best Methods for Magnolia Scale Treatment

Several effective methods can be used to treat magnolia scale. Let’s break them down into natural, chemical, and professional approaches.

1. Natural Magnolia Scale Treatment

For those looking to use environmentally friendly methods, natural solutions can be effective, especially in the early stages of infestation.

a. Pruning Infested Branches

Removing heavily infested branches can prevent the spread of scale to other parts of the tree. Be sure to dispose of the branches far from your property to eliminate the risk of reinfestation.

b. Applying Horticultural Oils

Horticultural oils can suffocate the scale insects without harming the tree. These oils are best applied during the dormant season or when crawlers are active.

c. Encouraging Beneficial Insects

Natural predators, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, feed on magnolia scale and can help reduce their population. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that could harm these beneficial insects.

2. Chemical Treatments

For severe infestations, chemical treatments may be necessary to eradicate magnolia scale.

a. Systemic Insecticides

Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the tree and kill scale insects when they feed on the sap. These treatments are highly effective and can provide long-lasting protection.

b. Insecticidal Soaps

Insecticidal soaps are a safer alternative for treating scale crawlers. These soaps disrupt the pests' cell membranes, effectively killing them on contact.

c. Timing Is Key

The best time to apply chemical treatments is during the crawler stage, as this is when the insects are most vulnerable. Use treatments in late summer or early fall for optimal results.

3. Professional Magnolia Scale Treatment Services

While DIY methods can be effective, severe infestations often require professional intervention. Experts like Tree Doctor USA can assess the severity of the problem and implement customized solutions.

Benefits of Professional Services:

Accurate Diagnosis: Professionals can identify the extent of the infestation and recommend the best course of action.

Advanced Treatments: Access to commercial-grade insecticides and tools for effective treatment.

Long-Term Solutions: Preventive care to protect your tree from future infestations.

Preventing Magnolia Scale Infestations

Prevention is always better than cure. By adopting proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of magnolia scale infestation.

1. Regular Tree Inspections

Inspect your magnolia trees regularly for signs of scale, especially during the growing season.

2. Maintain Tree Health

A healthy tree is better equipped to resist pests. Provide adequate water, nutrients, and pruning to keep your tree in top condition.

3. Use Preventive Sprays

Dormant oils applied during the winter can prevent overwintering scales from laying eggs in the spring.

4. Partner with Professionals

Schedule regular tree maintenance with a certified arborist to ensure your trees remain healthy and pest-free.

Why Choose Tree Doctor USA for Magnolia Scale Treatment?

At Tree Doctor USA, we specialize in tree healthcare, including the treatment and prevention of magnolia scale. Here’s why homeowners trust us:

Expertise: Our team has years of experience diagnosing and treating tree pests.

Customized Solutions: We tailor our treatments to meet the specific needs of your trees.

Sustainable Practices: We prioritize eco-friendly methods to protect the environment.

Comprehensive Care: From treatment to preventive care, we ensure your trees thrive year-round.

Conclusion

Magnolia scale is a serious threat to the health and beauty of your magnolia trees. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to minimizing damage and ensuring your trees remain vibrant. Whether you opt for natural solutions, chemical treatments, or professional services, addressing the problem head-on is the best approach. If you’re struggling with a magnolia scale infestation, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Tree Doctor USA today for expert advice and effective treatment options. Our team is committed to helping you protect and preserve the beauty of your landscape.

[elpasotreeremovals]

The Benefits of Tree Trimming in El Paso, TX

It is not enough to water your trees once in a while, if you want them to remain healthy and magnificent. Tree trimming is crucial to enhance the growth of trees and the safety of property around it. El Paso Tree Removals is a professional tree trimming company in El Paso, Texas that provides pruning services that improve the trees’ health and aesthetic value as well as reducing risks.

Why Tree Trimming is Important in El Paso, TX

The weather of El Paso is arid and it is a desert area which can be unfavorable for the trees. For them to grow it is advisable to prune them and also ensure that they are well maintained. Here are some reasons why regular tree trimming is essential:

Promotes Healthy Growth By removing all dead or excessively long branches, your trees are able to put their energy into fresh, healthy branches. It also enhances diffusion of air and admission of light, two factors that ultimately know the fate of a tree.

Prevents Property Damage It is common to have branches that grow out of control, which is especially dangerous during strong winds in El Paso. This will lead to destruction of property such as your home, your car or even electricity poles. These risks are minimized by regular trimming since your trees are safe and well maintained for structure.

Improves Curb Appeal A good number of trees in your compound should be well maintained for they improve the outlook of your property. In as much as it is mostly associated with the homeowner, tree trimming can be very effective in improving the aesthetic value of any property adding a touch of professionalism to it.

Reduces Risk of Disease If trees are not properly maintained they can easily be attacked by diseases and pests. Pruning entails the elimination of dead, diseased, or damaged branches to minimize chances of infestations, and keep your trees healthy.

Increases Sunlight and Air Circulation Trimming enhances the penetration of light to the interior of the tree and other plants as well as the lawn. This is beneficial in enhancing the general well being of your landscape.

Trust El Paso Tree Removals for Expert Tree Trimming

For all tree trimming needs in El Paso, TX, El Paso Tree Removal is the professional to go to. We are equipped for any type of tree trimming assignment you need whether it’s a simple residential tree or a complex commercial tree.

Our team of professionals is equipped to give your trees the right trim they need to stay healthy and also to avoid any damage to your property. We ensure that we operate within industry standard and safety measures to ensure the best results are achieved every time.

Our Tree Trimming Services Include:

Pruning Dead or Diseased Branches

Pruning dead or diseased branches is crucial for the health and longevity of your trees. Dead limbs can attract pests and diseases, potentially spreading throughout the tree or to other nearby plants. At El Paso Tree Removals, we expertly remove these compromised branches to prevent further decay and protect the overall health of your tree. By eliminating unhealthy growth, we allow your tree to focus its energy on producing new, vibrant branches. This process not only extends the life of your tree but also reduces the risk of falling limbs that could damage property or cause injury.

Trimming Overgrown Branches for Better Aesthetics

Overgrown branches can make your trees appear unkempt and block light from reaching other plants in your yard. Trimming these branches improves the overall look and structure of your trees, giving your property a cleaner, more polished appearance. At El Paso Tree Removals, we tailor our trimming services to create a balanced and visually appealing shape while promoting the tree’s natural growth pattern. Whether it’s to enhance curb appeal or maintain the harmony of your landscape, our professional tree trimming can help achieve a fresh, manicured look.

Shaping Trees to Promote Healthy Growth

Proper tree shaping encourages healthy, sustainable growth patterns that support the tree’s long-term vitality. By selectively trimming branches, we guide the tree’s growth, ensuring it develops a strong structure and reduces the risk of future damage. At El Paso Tree Removals, we focus on shaping trees in a way that improves air circulation, light penetration, and the overall strength of the tree. Our approach helps prevent overcrowded branches and allows the tree to flourish in a healthy and stable way, making it more resilient to environmental stress.

Storm Damage Prevention

Strong winds, storms, and other harsh weather conditions can cause branches to break or entire trees to fall, posing significant risks to your property and safety. Regular tree trimming plays a key role in preventing storm damage by removing weak, dead, or overgrown branches before they become hazardous. El Paso Tree Removals provides storm damage prevention services by identifying and addressing vulnerable areas of your trees, reducing the likelihood of tree-related incidents during severe weather. By proactively maintaining your trees, you can protect your home and ensure a safer outdoor environment.

Customized Trimming Plans for Your Specific Tree Types

Every tree species requires a different approach to trimming to ensure optimal health and growth. At El Paso Tree Removals, we develop customized trimming plans based on the specific needs of your trees. Whether you have large shade trees, ornamental varieties, or fast-growing species, our experts understand the unique characteristics and trimming requirements for each type. Our personalized approach ensures that we address the particular growth patterns, vulnerabilities, and aesthetics of your trees, keeping them healthy and attractive year-round.

Contact Us Today

Don’t wait for overgrown branches to become a problem. Let El Paso Tree Removals maintain your trees for you! For tree trimming in El Paso, TX, you can reach us on the phone at (915) 234-1705 for a free consultation and a quote.

By keeping your trees trimmed and healthy, you’ll enjoy a safer, more attractive landscape for years to come!

[treeservicejacksontn]

Importance of Tree Health Assessment Jackson TN: Keeping Your Trees Strong and Healthy

The trees around your compound need to be kept in check to avoid becoming a nuisance, unattractive and even proving hazardous to human life. Trees provide shade, improve the aesthetic value of a property, and improve the health of the environment but they need maintenance to remain healthy. Another important aspect of tree care is a health check where you get to determine the health state of your trees. In this blog, you will learn more about tree health assessment, signs of tree problems, and how tree services like tree removal, local tree trimming, and tree care can help your trees remain healthy.

Why Tree Health Assessments are Important

A tree health assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the health status of a tree including the root system and crown. This assessment can reveal some signs of disease, structural defects, pests or some other factors that may make this tree to be a danger to property and individuals. Regular assessments offer many benefits, including:

1. Preventing Tree Hazards

Maintenance value also arises where over some time trees can produce structural defects through stress factors, disease or pests. During an assessment, tree care professionals are able to identify problems such as decaying branches, root damage or weak limbs. If these issues are detected when they are still small, trees do not turn into hazards, meaning that one cannot expect to wake up one morning and find that branches or the entire tree have fallen.

2. Promoting Tree Longevity

Tree health checks are possible throughout the year, and this means that diseases or pest infestations can be identified early enough before affecting your trees. All of these can help prevent or minimize the damage that your trees might suffer, which in turn, will help you keep the look of your landscape for years.

3. Enhancing Property Value

Live trees contribute to the value of the property. An overgrown tree, or one suffering from disease, can also detract from the attractiveness of the property, and can actually be hazardous. Pruning and other forms of tree care helps to keep your trees looking good and increase their value to your property.

Common Tree Health Problems and Signs

There are numerous diseases, pest attacks, and environmental conditions that create health problems in trees and shrubs, as well as poor pruning and maintenance practices. Here are some common signs that indicate your tree may need attention:

Dead or decaying branches: Diseased branches may be indicative of other problems ailing the tree. They can also become risky and can fall and cause harm to property or individuals below them.

Discolored or wilting leaves: It is common to have leaves that are spotted, curled or fallen off early and may be a sign of a disease or nutrient deficiency.

Visible fungi: Any type of fungi on the tree’s outer bark or in the trunk’s root could be an indication that the tree is rotten inside.

Pests: Signs of pests like burrow holes or insect nests may compromise the health of trees and worsen after some time.

Cracks or splits: Large fissures on the barks may also be an indication of structural vulnerability and high possibility of tree failure.

If you see any of these symptoms, you should arrange for a tree health check to find out what needs to be done to save the tree or whether it needs to be removed.

Professional Tree Services to Maintain Tree Health

Although the assessments are vital for trees, professional services are vital for tree health issues. Here are some of the services provided by Jackson Tree Service to maintain and enhance your tree's health:

1. Tree Removal

There are times that a tree is already considered hazardous to remove because of diseases, termite infestations, or physical damage. In such circumstances, tree removal is required to get rid of dangers and protect your property. To remove a dead or damaged tree is very important to avoid the danger that it may cause to your home, family or neighboring trees. It also provides room for growing new healthy trees to be planted.

2. Local Tree Trimming Services

Some of the most important practices in tree maintenance involve trimming and pruning the trees in standard frequencies. Jackson Tree Service tree trimming can help residents prune their trees for new growth, for removal of hazardous branches and branches infected by diseases. Trimming also plays an important role in the forming of the tree, so it will develop correctly and look good.

3. Tree Care

Jackson tree services consist of fertilization, pest control, and disease treatment of your trees in order to enhance their health. These services are meant to enhance the health and lifespan of your tree. At Jackson Tree Service, we offer vital support in tree management; for maintenance purposes or in cases of tree health perils, our team can guide you to healthy trees.

When to Schedule a Tree Health Assessment

A tree health check is advised on an annual basis so that trees continue to stay healthy. However, you may need an assessment sooner if:

You find symptoms of sickness or rot.

The tree is showing signs that it has been struck by a storm.

Some of the issues are related to the tree’s shape or stability.

You are going to carry out extensive construction or landscaping around the tree’s root area.

[treeremovalvaldostaga]

Expert Tree Removal Services in Valdosta, GA | Safe & Reliable

Trees are an important element of any landscape, they are beautiful, they offer shades and they are environmentally friendly. But there are circumstances when the trees have to be removed. Sometimes trees get sick, sometimes they are struck by lightning, and sometimes they just grow to be too large for the yard they are in; whatever the reason, professional tree removal in Valdosta, GA is essential to the safety of your home and loved ones.

Why You Need Professional Tree Removal Services

Tree removal is a complex process that requires specialized equipment, experience, and knowledge. Attempting to remove a tree on your own can be dangerous and lead to costly damage. Here’s why professional tree removal Valdosta services are the right choice:

Signs You Need Tree Removal in Valdosta, GA

Safety: Cutting down a tree, especially a big one, is a very dangerous process. A professional tree removal team has the right tools and skills to do the job and this reduces the risks of accidents and damage to other property. 

 Expertise: Some trees do not necessarily have to be completely removed from the land they are growing on. At other times, it may require an expert to prune or take care of the tree and this will solve the issue. This is a professional task that can be handled by tree services that will advise on the best approach to take when it comes to the tree. 

 Prevent Property Damage: Tree removal, especially one that is located in urban areas, needs to be well planned to ensure that it does not harm the neighboring houses, fences or power lines. The tree removal companies that work professionally do everything possible to avoid any danger and make the process efficient.

 Complete Clean-Up: Once the tree is down, you are left with a stump and a number of branches and logs that need to be disposed of. A professional tree service will not only remove the tree but will also grind the stump and clean the area making it safe for the public. 

Benefits of Hiring Valdosta Tree Removal Professionals

It is important to know when to do this so that one is able to have a good and safe landscape. Here are some signs that it might be time to contact a tree service in Valdosta for removal: 

1. The Tree Is Dead or Dying 

 An example of a tree that is hazardous is a tree that is dead or one that is still alive but is about to die because its branches and trunk become brittle and can easily break off particularly during a storm or a gusty wind. You should consider professional tree removal Valdosta GA if you realize that your tree has shed most of its foliage or the branches are frail and dusty.

2. The Tree Has Storm Damage 

 Valdosta is not a stranger to storms and trees are very vulnerable to strong winds and lightning. If you have a tree that is leaning, has large broken branches or splits after a storm, then you should hire a tree service in Valdosta to determine whether or not the tree should be removed. 

3. The Tree Is Diseased 

 Trees are also vulnerable to diseases which can be easily transmitted from tree to tree and most of the time the signs are not easily seen until the problem becomes acute. If there are some symptoms of disease, like fungus, decayed roots, or dark leaves, one should call a specialist to check the tree. Sometimes trees are infected and they may cause a lot of danger to property and human life, this makes it necessary to remove such trees. 

4. The Tree Is Too Close to Your Home 

 It is important not to plant trees near a structure since they will eventually become a source of various issues. Roots can penetrate and crack the foundation of a house while branches can rub against your roof or siding and cause damage that will cost you a lot of money to fix. If a tree has become too large and needs to be pruned or if it is growing near your house, then hiring professional tree removal in Valdosta, GA is possible. 

5. The Tree Is Causing an Interference 

 Sometimes, a tree may be planted in a place where it is likely to hinder movement by blocking a driveway, sidewalk or any other necessary view and therefore, it has to be cut down. In this case, it is possible to free up space around the property and improve the functionality and aesthetics of the territory, for example, if the tree is growing above other plants or preventing sunlight from getting through. 

Local Knowledge: A Valdosta professional tree service will be in a position to recommend the right tree species and the right time to plant them since they will be acquainted with the climate pattern in your region. 

Insurance Protection: The service providers in tree removal are always insured, thus you do not have to worry of being taken to court in case something goes wrong in the process of removal of the trees.

Time and Cost Savings: Attempting to do it yourself when it comes to tree removal is always a bad idea and you may end up causing more harm than good to your property or even injure yourself. This way, you will be sure that the job will be done in the shortest time possible and by a professional hence avoiding the stress of having to do it yourself.

Proper Equipment: Removing trees is not a simple process as it involves the use of cranes, chainsaws, and stump grinders among others. Tree removal companies are well equipped with the appropriate tools needed in the removal of trees especially in the most complex and risky processes.

Environmental Responsibility: Most tree removal companies are conscious of the environment and therefore you will find that they recycle the tree stumps into products like mulch and firewood. 

[manupr123]

Although difficult and dangerous, tree removal is occasionally required for your property's safety and aesthetic appeal. JDS Trees is a well-known and reputable arborist in Granger, IN, providing the locals with knowledge and dependability in Arbour care. This article will discuss the value of tree removal services in Granger, IN and the need to select a reputable service.

[farmerstrend]

Termite Management in Hass Avocado Farming in Kenya

Hass avocado farming in Kenya has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, establishing the country as one of the leading exporters of this popular fruit. In 2024, Kenya’s avocado industry is thriving, driven by favorable climatic conditions, fertile soils, and a growing global demand. The country’s small-scale and large-scale farmers have increasingly dedicated their efforts to avocado…

[mckinneytreetrimmers]

[delicatelysublimeforester]

Embrace the Green Initiative: City of Saskatoon Offers Free Elm Wood Disposal in October!

[stptreeservice]

Tree service

STP Tree services is a tree company serving Binghamton NY and the surrounding Southern Tier area. Whether you just need a few trees trimmed or you have a major tree removal job, we can help. We do stump grinding, land clearing, commercial tree work, and emergency tree services as well. Trust the best tree contractor in the Binghamton area. Call today for a free quote!

STP Tree Services Address: 1412 Drexel Drive, Vestal NY, 13850 Phone: (607) 300-5199 Email: info@stptreeservices.com Read more

[shuttstreeservices]

Tree service

If you’re looking for a tree service in Shreveport Louisiana, Shutts Tree Service is your go-to company. We are a full service tree contractor that can do everything from tree removal, tree trimming, stump removal, tree care, disease management, and more. We do commercial tree work, land clearing, and brush hogging as well. Contact us today for a free estimate!

Shutts Tree Service Address: Shreveport, LA Phone: (318) 702-2800 Email: info@shuttstreeservices.com Learn more

[treedoctorusasworld]

Looking for the best Tree Removal Services? Tree Doctor USA is here to assist you! We offer secure and effective Tree Removal Services with the help of our knowledgeable team of arborists. No matter how big or small the project, you can count on us to handle it carefully and precisely. Give us a call right away for a free consultation, and let us handle all of your tree removal requirements!

[reasonsforhope]

"In an unprecedented step to preserve and maintain the most carbon-rich elements of U.S. forests in an era of climate change, President Joe Biden’s administration last week proposed to end commercially driven logging of old-growth trees in National Forests.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, who oversees the U.S. Forest Service, issued a Notice of Intent to amend the land management plans of all 128 National Forests to prioritize old-growth conservation and recognize the oldest trees’ unique role in carbon storage. 

It would be the first nationwide amendment to forest plans in the 118-year history of the Forest Service, where local rangers typically have the final word on how to balance forests’ role in watershed, wildlife and recreation with the agency’s mandate to maintain a “sustained yield” of timber.

“Old-growth forests are a vital part of our ecosystems and a special cultural resource,” Vilsack said in a statement accompanying the notice. “This clear direction will help our old-growth forests thrive across our shared landscape.”

But initial responses from both environmentalists and the logging industry suggest that the plan does not resolve the conflict between the Forest Service’s traditional role of administering the “products and services” of public lands—especially timber—and the challenges the agency now faces due to climate change. National Forests hold most of the nation’s mature and old-growth trees, and therefore, its greatest stores of forest carbon, but that resource is under growing pressure from wildfire, insects, disease and other impacts of warming.

Views could not be more polarized on how the National Forests should be managed in light of the growing risks.

National and local environmental advocates have been urging the Biden administration to adopt a new policy emphasizing preservation in National Forests, treating them as a strategic reserve of carbon. Although they praised the old-growth proposal as an “historic” step, they want to see protection extended to “mature” forests, those dominated by trees roughly 80 to 150 years old, which are a far larger portion of the National Forests. As old-growth trees are lost, which can happen rapidly due to megafires and other assaults, they argue that the Forest Service should be ensuring there are fully developed trees on the landscape to take their place...

The Biden administration’s new proposal seeks to take a middle ground, establishing protection for the oldest trees under its stewardship while allowing exceptions to reduce fuel hazards, protect public health and safety and other purposes. And the Forest Service is seeking public comment through Feb. 2 (Note: That's the official page for the proposed rule, but for some reason you can only submit comments through the forest service website - so do that here!) on the proposal as well as other steps needed to manage its lands to retain mature and old-growth forests over time, particularly in light of climate change.

If the Forest Service were to put in place nationwide protections for both mature and old-growth forests, it would close off most of the National Forests to logging. In an inventory concluded earlier this year in response to a Biden executive order, the Forest Service found that 24.7 million acres, or 17 percent, of its 144.3 million acres of forest are old-growth, while 68.1 million acres, or 47 percent, are mature."

-via Inside Climate News, December 20, 2023

-

Note: This proposed rule is current up for public comment! If you're in the US, you can go here to file an official comment telling the Biden administration how much you support this proposal - and that you think it should be extended to mature forests!

Official public comments really DO matter. You can leave a comment on this proposal here until February 2nd.

[batboyblog]

Things the Biden-Harris Administration Did This Week #28

July 19-26 2024

The EPA announced the award of $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. The grants support community-driven solutions to fight climate change, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition. The grants will go to 25 projects across 30 states, and one tribal community. When combined the projects will reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of CO2, roughly the output of 5 million American homes over 25 years. Major projects include $396 million for Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection as it tries to curb greenhouse gas emissions from industrial production, and $500 million for transportation and freight decarbonization at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced a plan to phase out the federal government's use of single use plastics. The plan calls for the federal government to stop using single use plastics in food service operations, events, and packaging by 2027, and from all federal operations by 2035. The US government is the single largest employer in the country and the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services. Its move away from plastics will redefine the global market.

The White House hosted a summit on super pollutants with the goals of better measuring them and dramatically reducing them. Roughly half of today's climate change is caused by so called super pollutants, methane, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Public-private partnerships between NOAA and United Airlines, The State Department and NASA, and the non-profit Carbon Mapper Coalition will all help collect important data on these pollutants. While private firms announced with the White House plans that by early next year will reduce overall U.S. industrial emissions of nitrous oxide by over 50% from 2020 numbers. The summit also highlighted the EPA's new rule to reduce methane from oil and gas by 80%.

The EPA announced $325 million in grants for climate justice. The Community Change Grants Program, powered by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act will ultimately bring $2 billion dollars to disadvantaged communities and help them combat climate change. Some of the projects funded in this first round of grant were: $20 million for Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association, which will help weatherize and energy efficiency upgrade homes for 35 tribes in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, $14 million to install onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout 17 Black Belt counties in Alabama, and $14 million to urban forestry, expanding tree canopy in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

The Department of Interior approved 3 new solar projects on public land. The 3 projects, two in Nevada and one in Arizona, once finished could generate enough to power 2 million homes. This comes on top of DoI already having beaten its goal of 25 gigawatts of clean energy projects by the end of 2025, in April 2024. This is all part of President Biden’s goal of creating a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035. 

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen pledged $667 million to global Pandemic Fund. The fund set up in 2022 seeks to support Pandemic prevention, and readiness in low income nations who can't do it on their own. At the G20 meeting Yellen pushed other nations of the 20 largest economies to double their pledges to the $2 billion dollar fund. Yellen highlighted the importance of the fund by saying "President Biden and I believe that a fully-resourced Pandemic Fund will enable us to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemics – protecting Americans and people around the world from the devastating human and economic costs of infectious disease threats,"

The Departments of the Interior and Commerce today announced a $240 million investment in tribal fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. This is in line with an Executive Order President Biden signed in 2023 during the White House Tribal Nations Summit to mpower Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. An initial $54 million for hatchery maintenance and modernization will be made available for 27 tribes in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The rest will be invested in longer term fishery projects in the coming years.

The IRS announced that thanks to funding from President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, it'll be able to digitize much of its operations. This means tax payers will be able to retrieve all their tax related information from one source, including Wage & Income, Account, Record of Account, and Return transcripts, using on-line Individual Online Account.

The IRS also announced that New Jersey will be joining the direct file program in 2025. The direct file program ran as a pilot in 12 states in 2024, allowing tax-payers in those states to file simple tax returns using a free online filing tool directly with the IRS. In 2024 140,000 Americans were able to file this way, they collectively saved $5.6 million in tax preparation fees, claiming $90 million in returns. The average American spends $270 and 13 hours filing their taxes. More than a million people in New Jersey alone will qualify for direct file next year. Oregon opted to join last month. Republicans in Congress lead by Congressmen Adrian Smith of Nebraska and Chuck Edwards of North Carolina have put forward legislation to do away with direct file.

Bonus: American law enforcement arrested co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. El Mayo co-founded the cartel in the 1980s along side Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. Since El Chapo's incarceration in the United States in 2019, El Mayo has been sole head of the Sinaloa Cartel. Authorities also arrested El Chapo's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez. The Sinaloa Cartel has been a major player in the cross border drug trade, and has often used extreme violence to further their aims.

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Week

1. A branch of the flu family tree has died and won't be included in future US vaccines

A type of flu virus that used to sicken people every year hasn't been spotted anywhere on Earth since March 2020. As such, experts have advised that the apparently extinct viruses be removed from next year's flu vaccines.

The now-extinct viruses were a branch of the influenza B family tree known as the Yamagata lineage. Scientists first reported the apparent disappearance of Yamagata viruses in 2021.

2. Hospitals must obtain written consent for pelvic and similar exams, the federal government says

Hospitals must obtain written informed consent from patients before subjecting them to pelvic exams and exams of other sensitive areas — especially if an exam will be done while the patient is unconscious, the federal government said Monday.

New guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services now requires consent for breast, pelvic, prostate and rectal exams for “educational and training purposes” performed by medical students, nurse practitioners or physician assistants.

3. Germany approves new law that will allow adults to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis for their own consumption and store up to 50 grams at home.

Germany's upper house, the Bundesrat, cleared the way to partially legalize cannabis on Friday. Adults aged 18 and over will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis for their own consumption.

4. Tick-killing pill shows promising results in human trial | Should it pan out, the pill would be a new weapon against Lyme disease.

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals is developing a pill for humans that could provide protection against the tick-borne disease for several weeks at a time. In February, the Irvine, California–based biotech company announced results from a small, early-stage trial showing that 24 hours after taking the drug, it can kill ticks on people, with the effects lasting for up to 30 days.

5. Thailand moves to legalise same-sex marriage

Thailand has taken a historic step closer to marriage equality after the lower house passed a bill giving legal recognition to same-sex marriage.

It still needs approval from the Senate and royal endorsement to become law but it is widely expected to happen by the end of 2024, making Thailand the only South East Asian country to recognise same-sex unions.

6. French Revolution: Cyclists Now Outnumber Motorists In Paris

Official measurements have found that Paris is rapidly becoming a city of transportation cyclists. In the suburbs, where public transit is less dense, transport by car was found to be the main form of mobility. But for journeys from the outskirts of Paris to the center, the number of cyclists now far exceeds the number of motorists, a huge change from just five years ago.

7. 'Miracle' operation reverses blindness in three-year-old girl giving her 'promising' future

A three year old with a genetic condition that causes blindness is doing incredibly well after unique pioneering operation to restore her sight.

The UK is the only country performing keyhole eye surgery to inject healthy copies of a gene into sufferers’ eyes. It is being used to reverse blindness in children born with a rare condition which means they can only distinguish between light and dark. And it has given little Khadijah Chaudhry, born with Leber congenital amaurosis-4, a chance at seeing properly again.

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