As the calendar turns to January, organizations are calling for donations during National Blood Donor Month, a designation first proclaimed in 1970. Diane Wright, regional executive director of the American Red Cross of Montana and Idaho, said January is an important time for donations. "January was chosen because it s typically a challenging time of the year for us to collect lifesaving blood, usually due to holiday seasons and the start of the new year and winter weather," Wright explained. " .
Low-wage workers in Pennsylvania are missing out on the pay hikes taking effect in 22 other states and 43 cities and counties this month, through increases in their minimum wages. Stephen Herzenberg, economist and executive director of the Keystone Research Center, said Pennsylvania is surrounded by neighboring states all are ringing in the new year with higher minimum wages. Since 2009, Pennsylvania s minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour, which he said hurts workers, the economy and small businesses. .
The Endangered Species Act turns 50 this year, and the World Wildlife Fund credits the measure for significant gains in the black-footed ferret population, among other species thriving under its protection. The black-footed ferret was listed as endangered in 1967, even before the Endangered Species Act became law in 1973 and the ferret was grandfathered in. Kristy Bly, manager of the black-footed ferret restoration program for the World Wildlife Fund, who works in Eureka to restore ferrets in eastern Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming, said the Endangered Species Act is almost completely responsible for gains in the black-footed ferret population, while acknowledging there is still a long way to go. .
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