• Offices in Pennsylvania could be affected by federal employee buyout: Thursday, a proposed buyout offered to civilian federal employees was pushed back by a judge, but if it were passed thousands of workers in Pennsylvania could be eligible. John Jones, former federal judge and current Dickinson College president, said effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to offer “deferred resignations,” would have an impact in the Keystone State. Over, 60,000 civilian federal employees work in many locations like federal offices, courthouses, Veterans Administration offices, care centers or serve as food or safety inspectors. (Source: WGAL)
• Shapiro administration escalates action against avian flu: Tests have shown positive cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry in five Pennsylvania counties, the Pa. Department of Agriculture has escalated its response to protect the agriculture industry from the virus’s spread. The Shapiro administration has reportedly taken aggressive steps to combat this issues but outlining initiatives the 2025-26 budget that involve investing money into animal testing and the Ag Innovation Fund. ( Source: Fox 43)
• Bird flu found in Lancaster County: State officials have reported that at least one bird from a commercial poultry operation in Lancaster County has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. The infected bird was found somewhere near Witmer in East Lampeter Township. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services have maintained areas affected by bird flu, according to an online map. Four other counties have reported bird flu cases since the flu was reported at a poultry farm in Lehigh County last week. (Source: WIFT News)
• Three Mile Island owner to discuss emergency plans: Emergency preparedness plans will be discussed between Constellation Energy Generation and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Feb 19, at a public meeting. The public is allowed to make comments and ask questions to the NRC officials. Constellation Energy will discuss their plan to submit their proposed emergency plan for TMI Unit 1. The emergency plan is required to restart power operations. (Source: LNP)
• Broken elevator at Lancaster City apartment tower frustrates residents: The nine-story, 10 Prince Apartments building has a single elevator which, according to tenants, has been consistently breaking down for years. The building is currently owned by Berger Rental Communities, who renovated the building in 2022. The elevator, maintained by TK Elevator, has caused the building’s tenants, some of which are elderly or physically disabled, to have difficulties going to and from their units. (Source: LNP)
• Nation/world: Missing small plane in Alaska being searched for by authorities (Source: BBC News) Russian spy ship in Mediterranean, catches fire (Source: CBS News) Michigan Arab American voters reevaluate voting decisions after Trump Gaza statement (Source: CBS News) Meeting planned for Japanese PM Ishiba and Trump. (Source: UPI) Forced leaves start for thousands at USAID employees ( Source: AP News)
