RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

The U.S. National Science Foundation National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NSF NQVL) is coming into sharper focus with the selection of the first four teams that will design high-tech infrastructure to be broadly used across the country. NSF is investing $16 million in the four teams, with each receiving $4 million over two years. The NSF NQVL initiative is an ambitious effort to accelerate the development of useful quantum technologies by providing researchers anywhere in the U.S. with access to specialized resources.

The teams selected by NSF will design practical ways to expand access to the hardware and software needed for quantum science, engineering and technology development, which are currently highly bespoke and concentrated in relatively few labs. Among the design projects are plans to create shareable, networked quantum computers that can be used for experimentation from any location and a “digital twin” (a dynamic simulation that changes and responds to inputs) of a quantum computer that can be used by any U.S. researcher to test and refine new quantum algorithms.

“The National Quantum Virtual Laboratory is a critical bridge between basic discovery and deployment, specifically focused on turning America’s leadership in fundamental quantum science into practical technologies, products, and systems that will strengthen our nation’s competitiveness and ensure U.S. dominance in this field for decades to come,” said Brian Stone, performing the duties of

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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

AUSTIN, Texas – Homeowners and renters who were affected by the July flooding in Central Texas now have until Sunday, Sept. 28, to apply for federal disaster assistance if your home or personal property sustained damage not covered by insurance.

Under the major presidential disaster declaration, 10 counties were designated for assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration for the July 2-18 storms and flooding: Burnet, Guadalupe, Kerr, Kimble, McCulloch, Menard, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson.

FEMA works closely with the Small Business Administration, which provides disaster loans to homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes.

The fastest way to apply for FEMA assistance is online at DisasterAssistance.gov and you will need an email address to apply. You may also use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline specialists speak many languages and phone lines are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT daily. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service.

To receive in-person assistance, you may visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, use your ZIP code to search FEMA.gov/DRC. To view an accessible video, review What You Need to Know Before Applying for FEMA Assistance.

To apply for a loan from the Small Business Administration, go to SBA.gov/disaster. You may also call SBA’s Customer

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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review in Harper County, Oklahoma. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community residents can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment period.

The 90-day appeal and comment period will begin on or around Sept. 3, 2025. 

Appeals and comments may be submitted through Dec. 2, 2025, for:

The towns of Buffalo, Laverne, May and Rosston, and the unincorporated areas of Harper County

Residents may submit an appeal if they consider modeling or data used to create the map to be technically or scientifically incorrect.

An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information — such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary — they can submit

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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region 9 Administrator authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of California in combating the 2-7 Fire burning in Calaveras County.  

On September 2, the State of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declaration for the 2-7 Fire. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening approximately 1,500 homes in and around Vallecito and Murphys. Mandatory evacuations had taken place for approximately 370 people. The fire started on September 2 and had burned more than 5,548 acres. 

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. FMAGs are approved through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to become major incidents.

Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire. For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at x/femaregion9. 

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