Economic concerns have led Japanese government officials to restart nuclear reactors located in Ohi, despite protests from Japanese citizens that nuclear power plants are unsafe following the Fukushima radiation contamination last year.

Prior to the 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that led to meltdowns at the Fukushima plant, nuclear power accounted for 30 percent of Japanese power sources and a large industry for its economy. Following the shutdown at Fukushima, Japan looked to purchase coal, natural gas, and fossil fuels at a high price in order to meet its energy demand. Importing fossil fuel energy was estimated to cost the Japanese government an additional 20 percent compared to domestic nuclear energy.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister’s office admitted the government needs to improve on the government’s communication with citizens regarding nuclear energy demand and safety.

The leader of Aerospace Industries Association called for Congress to rethink budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather satellite programs in light of increased natural disasters.

In a letter to the Palm Beach Post, Marion C. Blakely said the proposed $182 million cut would mean “development of a new generation of weather satellites would be delayed, risking an increase of what is already projected to be at least a 17-month gap in polar-orbiting weather satellite coverage beginning in 2017.”

The National Weather Service relies on 85 percent of polar-orbiting weather satellite coverage to forecast weather trends across the United States. Blakely warned that cutting the weather satellites would result in inaccurate storm forecasts and warnings, particularly in analyzing approaching hurricanes.

As Oklahoma handles an outbreak in wildfires following a devastating drought and extreme heat, a report reminds donors to think through charitable donations so as not to strain responding organizations.

Unsolicited donations in food, water, and clothes may tie up resources, especially when there is no framework to sort donations and deliver them to those in need. Financial donations are generally sought by responding organizations, but it’s important to perform research to make sure the organization is reputable, organized and accountable.

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