A new conference in Des Moines, the Aspire to Inspire Conference, will focus on empowering employee resource groups to address diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in the workplace. The event, created by Iowa Safe Schools and Schabel Solutions Inc., will be held at Drake University on February 23-24. It comes at a time when Iowa has seen legislative changes affecting DEI policies, with some businesses expanding benefits in response to social issues. The conference aims to provide tools for collective change, foster corporate and community partnerships, and engage with the next generation of professionals.

The Fearless Annual Celebration, an initiative by the Business Record to empower Iowa women, will feature speakers Heidi Ernst, Abigail Johnson, and Monique Scarlett. Ernst, a physical therapist and shark attack survivor, advocates for not fearing sharks. Johnson, a teenager, founded Veterans Tech Support to help veterans with technology. Scarlett created Unity in the Community for safety and inclusivity in Sioux City. The event promotes discussion on women's success in work and life, with attendees rotating among tables led by female leaders.

Louisiana's legislative session has seen significant focus on women's health and safety, with bills and resolutions advancing to address domestic abuse, health care disparities, and maternal health. Notable bills include House Bill 159 for a clear definition of domestic abuse and House Bill 55 to ease restraining order requirements. The session also responds to LSU's sexual assault allegations mishandling. Other measures include extending Medicaid postpartum coverage and tax exemptions on feminine hygiene products. All legislation moved through committee without opposition.

A Louisiana House committee has advanced a bill that would make kindergarten mandatory, with a potential cost of $12 million if enrollment increases by 6%. The bill, Senate Bill 10, requires children to attend kindergarten if they turn 5 by September 30th. The bill has passed the Senate and is now under consideration by the House Appropriations Committee, partly due to the availability of federal COVID-19 relief funds and higher state revenue projections. The bill allows for home-schooling options and emphasizes the importance of early learning, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about parental rights and state mandates.

Courtney Ann Taylor, a mother of three, made a viral plea at a Gwinnett County Board of Education meeting to remove mask mandates for children, arguing it inhibits their social development and is unnecessary given the low impact of COVID-19 on young children. Despite available vaccines, the mandate persists, prompting Taylor to start a petition and engage with the school board. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has eased some COVID-19 restrictions, and Republican lawmakers have challenged the CDC's mask guidelines for children.

A Louisiana task force recommended auctioning part of a high-speed internet spectrum to service providers and businesses to improve broadband access in rural communities, while ensuring 10% remains reserved for public safety use during emergencies. The Federal Communications Commission had allocated 50 megahertz of the 4.9 GHz spectrum to Louisiana, initially for public safety, but expanded its uses due to underutilization. The task force's recommendations will be considered by the Legislature this spring, and any auction revenue will support the new state Office of Broadband.

The article discusses the importance of side dishes in a meal, highlighting their ability to enhance the main course. It lists several popular American side dishes, including Coleslaw, Onion Rings, Mashed Potatoes, Home Fries, and Cornbread, and provides a brief history and description of each. The article also recommends specific US fast food restaurants where these side dishes can be enjoyed, such as Raising Cane's for Coleslaw, Whataburger and Culver's for Onion Rings, and Perkins Restaurant for Mashed Potatoes. The piece emphasizes the cultural significance of these dishes in American cuisine and their popularity among diners.

Emily Wood's article discusses various destinations around the world where travelers can experience a white Christmas. The article highlights Lapland in Finland, known for its snowy landscape and Northern Lights, and mentions its popularity despite COVID-19 restrictions. Scotland is noted for its unexpected snowfall, with cities like Glasgow and Aberdeen experiencing snow around Christmas. Budapest's Christmas markets and snowy streets are showcased, along with New York City's festive atmosphere and iconic Christmas settings. Canada's snowy backdrop and winter activities are mentioned, as well as The Dolomites in Italy, known for winter sports and mountain views. Hawaii is presented as an unconventional white Christmas destination with its snow-capped mountains. Lastly, Lebanon is recognized for its high ski resorts and recent common snowfalls. The article suggests these locations for future travel plans, considering the travel restrictions in 2020.

A 12-week-old puppy named Kash was revived with Narcan after being exposed to drugs in a house known for drug activity. Janel Hemrick, founder and director of Myles Ahead Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, took in Kash following his revival. The puppy is healthy with no long-term effects from the exposure and is full of energy, cat-friendly, and awaiting adoption after full vaccination and neutering. Hemrick emphasizes the importance of keeping medications out of pets' reach.

A 12-week-old puppy named Kash was revived with Narcan, a drug typically used for opioid overdoses, after being exposed to drugs in a house known for drug activity. Janel Hemrick, founder and director of Myles Ahead Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, took in Kash, who is now healthy with no long-term effects from the exposure. Hemrick emphasizes the importance of keeping medications out of pets' reach. Kash, described as energetic and playful, will be up for adoption after full vaccination and neutering.

A 12-week-old puppy in Ohio was revived with Narcan, a drug typically used for opioid overdoses, after being exposed to drugs in a house known for drug activity. The puppy, named Kash, is healthy with no long-term effects from the exposure and is being cared for by Janel Hemrick, founder and director of Myles Ahead Animal Sanctuary and Rescue. Hemrick emphasizes the importance of keeping medications out of pets' reach. Kash, who is described as energetic and playful, will be up for adoption after full vaccination and neutering.

A 12-week-old puppy in Ohio, named Kash, was revived with Narcan after being exposed to drugs in a house known for drug activity. Janel Hemrick, founder and director of Myles Ahead Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, took in Kash following his revival. The puppy is healthy with no long-term effects from the exposure and is full of energy, cat friendly, and awaiting adoption after full vaccination and neutering. Hemrick emphasizes the importance of keeping medications out of pets' reach.

A 12-week-old puppy in Ohio, named Kash, was revived with Narcan after being exposed to drugs in a house known for drug activity. Janel Hemrick, founder and director of Myles Ahead Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, took in Kash following his revival. The puppy is healthy with no long-term effects from the exposure and is full of energy, friendly with cats, and is getting attention for adoption on social media. Hemrick emphasized the importance of keeping medications out of pets' reach. Kash will be up for adoption after full vaccination and neutering.

An unidentified man stole a 'Make America Great Again' Donald Trump sign from Gerry Bicknaver's yard, which was later retrieved by Bicknaver's daughter. The incident raised questions about the theft of political signs and constitutional rights. Both Democratic and Republican chairmen in Hamilton County, Tim Burke and Alex Triantafilou, condemned the act, emphasizing the First Amendment right and the prosecutable nature of such theft. Bicknaver has yet to press charges and is considering his options.