Short Takes – 10-17-22

Utah emerges as wildcard in battle for the Senate. TheHill.com article. Can a Republican loose in Utah? Pull quote: “If McMullin manages to pull off an upset, his pledge to not caucus with either Democrats or Republicans could throw the battle for control of the Senate into turmoil.”

Faster, wetter hurricanes are on the way, say Department of Energy scientists. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “The rates at which hurricanes have strengthened near the Atlantic Coast have surged since 1979 — a trend that is poised to continue in a future marked by continued fossil fuel dependence, according to the study.”

US warned to get ready as Europe deals with new COVID-19 rise. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations in the U.S. will likely begin going up in three to four weeks, Mokdad said, though they won’t reach the same levels seen during the omicron wave last winter. He emphasized that this projection is contingent on a situation in which new coronavirus variants that are better at escaping immunity don’t rise in dominance.”

Sup Chemical Incident Investigator. USAJobs.gov job listing. Pull quote: “The incumbent serves as the supervisor of experts in industrial chemical safety and nationwide incident investigation and analysis of major incidents involving the accidental release of regulated substances and other extremely hazardous substance and, developing and presenting reports with safety recommendations for adopting by the Board.” Opening closes on 10-31-22 or when 75 applications are received.

Cybercriminals use Hurricane Ian as lure for scams, theft of FEMA funds. TheRecord.media article. Pull quote: “But as [Hurricane Ian] recovery efforts coalesce, Cofense principal threat advisor Ronnie Tokazowski said he has seen evidence showing scammers are going after relief funds available to those in need from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).” Online applications for government funds are an obvious target.