RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

The U.S. National Science Foundation is investing approximately $30 million in institutions across Montana, Idaho and Louisiana to establish NSF EPSCoR Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (NSF EPSCoR CREST Centers). These centers aim to expand STEM knowledge, enhance research productivity and attract more students from those regions into STEM fields.

Montana

Montana Technological University will establish the Center for Energy Technologies, a research hub focusing on energy systems. The researchers aim to develop tools that can be deployed locally to convert biomass, like beetle-killed trees, into biochar and renewable energy, such as heat and electricity.

Idaho

Boise State University will launch the Center for Advancing Workforce Experience through Semiconductors, Outreach, and Mentoring Excellence. The center aims to transform education at the university by integrating semiconductor science into classroom experiences.

Louisiana

Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center New Orleans will establish the Center for Adaptive Nanomotor Development, combining nanomotor research with workforce development to encourage the development of critical technologies in molecular design, energy transduction and motor proteins.

Additionally, LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport will establish the Center for Post-Transcriptional Regulation — an innovative, interdisciplinary research center focusing on how cells regulate metabolism through post-transcriptional processes. The work will explore the role of RNA molecules and protein modifications in metabolic control, potentially paving the way for biotechnological innovations and translational applications.

“These new centers are an important way to

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AUSTIN, Texas – The federal disaster application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, for homeowners, renters and businesses with property damage and losses from the July flooding in Central Texas. But help is still available from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FEMA and the SBA continue to work closely with the Texas Division of Emergency Management to help survivors and communities recover from the July 2-18 storms and flooding. 

After the application deadline passes, survivors can still upload information and submit documents to their FEMA account. FEMA personnel can help you navigate federal recovery programs as well as answer your questions about how to submit the information needed for case files.

At the Small Business Administration’s Business Recovery Centers, specialists can explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations and individuals.

The fastest way to apply to FEMA is 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. Lines are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT daily and specialists speak many languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service. 

To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit What You Need to Know Before Applying for FEMA Assistance.

If

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LAKE MARY, Fla. – FEMA continues to support the state of Florida by approving more than $37.1 million in federal disaster recovery funds so far in September, bringing the total approved since Jan. 20 to more than $835 million.

The state is leading recovery efforts from multiple federally declared disasters, most recently Hurricane Milton.

Since Jan. 20, FEMA has approved nearly 3,200 state and local recovery projects through the state-managed Public Assistance program. This funding helps cover expenses such as road and bridge repairs, critical infrastructure restoration, debris removal and other emergency actions taken to protect life and property following major disasters.

Here are some of the larger FEMA grants provided to the state and communities in September alone:

$10 million for disaster debris removal projects statewide related to Hurricane Ian:$2.3 million for Lake County.$2 million for the City of Tampa.$5.7 million for Sarasota County.$1.7 million for Volusia County for permanent repairs to Frank Rendon Park in Daytona Beach Shores, including seawall restoration following Hurricane Ian.$3 million for the City of Jacksonville for emergency protective measures, including the activation of an emergency operations center during Hurricane Ian.$2.8 million for the City of Tampa for emergency protective measures focused on public safety, evacuations and security services throughout the city during Hurricane Ian.$2.3 million for the Babcock Ranch Community Independent Special District for permanent repairs to community-wide damages and embankment

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CHICAGO – Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in St. Joseph County, Michigan. Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment period.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around September 26, 2025. The preliminary maps and changes from current maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv

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 stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. Contact your local floodplain administrator to do so. 

Appeals 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 a written comment. 

The

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