State lawmakers in North Carolina have moved towards greater secrecy by denying public access to their emails, documents, and other records, raising transparency concerns. In response, Democrats, including Rep. Pricey Harrison, have proposed a constitutional amendment to guarantee public access to government records. Additionally, the article explores the evolution of nail culture, particularly the significant role Black women have played in its history. Guests include nail artist Crystal Sanders, fashion historian Suzanne E. Shapiro, and Vietnamese-American writer My Ngoc To, who share their insights and experiences in the nail industry.

Route 58, Virginia's longest road, is nearing the completion of its upgrade. In Alexandria and Arlington, candidates supporting housing legalization won. The TSA reports record travel and firearm incidents as it prepares for the Fourth of July. John McGuire leads Bob Good by 373 votes, with a recount possible. The FBI and U.S. Attorney for Virginia’s Western District solved a 28-year-old murder case, while lawyers call for an apology for a wrongly prosecuted man.

Democrats aim to rally their base around reproductive rights in a tight presidential race, with significant ad campaigns targeting rural areas. A memoir of a 100-year-old World War II veteran, John Homan, is set to release, detailing his combat missions. The Wilkinsburg Police Department is upgrading its body cameras with federal funding. Pittsburgh workers earning up to $58,656 can now collect overtime pay under a new rule. Pennsylvania prepares for the summer emergence of ticks, spotted lanternflies, and cicadas.

Half of the Great Salt Lake in Utah has dried up, with scientists indicating there is still time to reverse its decline. In Pensacola, the Bruce Beach rehabilitation project is nearing completion of its first phase, with Mayor D. C. Reeves announcing the opening of the playground on April 27.

North Korea is set to receive nearly two million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine through the COVAX program. Medical professionals, like Kee Park of the Korean American Medical Association, believe North Korean doctors can successfully execute a vaccination campaign, especially with the AstraZeneca vaccine, which suits the country's storage capabilities. However, international sanctions and administrative hurdles slow down public health efforts. Human rights advocates, including Sokeel Park from Liberty in North Korea, express concern over the country's yearlong border closure causing shortages of basic necessities and doubt fair distribution of the vaccine without international monitors.

Zoe Olsen and Samuel Camey have been recognized as the students of the month at Grand County High School. Zoe, who is passionate about math and drama, will attend Brigham Young University to study business with a focus on data and analytics. She has been involved in various leadership roles, including Drama Club president and DECA vice president, and has worked on mental health advocacy. Samuel has excelled as a soccer player and has learned valuable lessons about leadership and perseverance through sports and his AP calculus class. He also plays drums for Victory Church and plans to continue playing soccer in college.

The Grand County Red Devils Track and Field team delivered outstanding performances at the Pine View Invite in St. George, with Cadence Kasprick setting a new school record in the women's 800m. Several team members, including Aiden Gordon, Ainsleigh Kasprick, Ammon Jackman, Elliet Johnson-Trim, Gemma Phillips, Mackenzie Mayer, and River Shaw, secured qualifications for the state championships. Both the boys' and girls' 4x400m relay teams also earned spots in the state championships, showcasing the team's talent and determination.

The Grand County Devilettes delivered an impressive end-of-year showcase on February 15, featuring both team and solo routines that highlighted their unity, precision, and individual styles. The event was marked by high energy and passion, leaving the audience in awe and reinforcing the Devilettes' status as a leading dance group.

The Bears Ears Partnership is seeking volunteers to become Visit with Respect Ambassadors, educating visitors on how to respectfully visit sacred cultural sites within Bears Ears National Monument and help protect the area for future generations.

The Grand County High School swim team excelled at the Utah High School Activities Association state swim meet at Brigham Young University, with the boys' team securing first place and the girls' team taking second. The teams set new school records and achieved numerous personal bests. Coach Wendy Young praised the team's performance, highlighting the successful season. Key individual performances included Nick Hren and Oren Moore setting new school records, and Cooper Taylor achieving a new personal record.

Grand County High School has named seniors Rowan Phillips and Ashlyn Grace Dalton as the February students of the month. Rowan, involved in multiple sports and academic societies, plans to attend college. Ashlyn, engaged in Career and Technical Education and volunteer work, aims to pursue an advanced degree in architecture at the University of Utah.

The Grand County Public Library in Moab is hosting a special Leap Year book sale on Thursday, February 29. Organized by the Friends of the Library, the event will feature a large selection of books available for $1 per bag if you bring your own. The sale will take place in the library's Large Meeting Room from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering a unique opportunity for book lovers to stock up on reading material.

In a high-stakes clash, the Grand Red Devils secured a victory over the Union Cougars with a final score of 81-73. Despite a dramatic final period surge by the Cougars, penalties against them shifted momentum back to the Red Devils, who capitalized on these opportunities to regain control. The game highlighted both teams' resilience and determination, promising an exciting season ahead for high school basketball fans.

Cadence Kasprick and Mackenzie Mayer, seniors at Grand County High School, have signed letters of intent for college-level sports. Kasprick will join Oregon State University for cross country and track, citing a welcoming team and Coach Louie Quintana's program. Mayer has committed to Colorado Mesa University's women's triathlon team, attracted by the team's success, academic opportunities, and outdoor programs. Both students expressed gratitude for their family's support and are looking forward to their collegiate experiences.

The GCHS girls tennis team participated in the state tournament, with Ruby McGowan advancing to the quarter finals. The varsity football team lost to the Emery Spartans during their senior game, which also celebrated seniors from the marching band. The varsity soccer team won against the San Juan Broncos, celebrating their senior players.

The article discusses the urgent need for inclusive disaster management policies in New Jersey, particularly for people with disabilities, in the face of increasing climate change-driven events. It highlights the risks faced by disabled individuals during severe weather and the inadequacies in current warning systems, evacuation measures, and relocation policies. The piece features insights from Javier Robles, a Rutgers University professor, emphasizing the importance of planning and community involvement. The author, Jason Strother, also shares his future reporting plans on this issue in various countries.

Grand County High School's football team secured a victory against Ignacio with a final score of 42-30 on September 1, maintaining a lead from the first touchdown and through halftime.

The Grand County High School sports teams had a successful week, with notable achievements in track and field, soccer, baseball, and tennis. Cadence Kasprick, Mia McKay, and Aiden Gordon excelled in their respective track events at the Eastern Utah Championship. The soccer team redeemed a previous loss by defeating the Carbon County Dinos 4-2. The baseball team split their doubleheader against the Richfield Wildcats, and the tennis team secured victories against Canyon View Falcons and Gunnison Valley Bulldogs, advancing to the Region 12 Tournament.

The Grand County High School soccer team faced the Richfield Wildcats on April 13, ending in a shoot-out loss, but rebounded to defeat the Carbon County Dinos 4-2 on April 18. The Grand County High School softball team struggled against the North Sanpete Hawks on April 13, losing 19-3. Their next home game is scheduled for April 26 against the Carbon County Dinos.

The Grand County High School Red Devils soccer team faced the Emery Spartans on March 23, resulting in a 3-1 victory for Emery after an even first half. The Red Devils now hold a 3-3 record for the 2022-2023 season. Key players mentioned include Rayce Walling, Samuel Camy, and Kip Sevenoff.

The Grand County boys basketball team played against the Canyon View Falcons on February 10, leading at halftime but ultimately losing 68-51. The event included a halftime performance and recognition of the team's seniors.

The Grand County High School Red Devils basketball team played two games, losing to South Sevier on January 21 with a score of 61-41, but winning against the Panguitch Bobcats on January 24 with a close score of 42-38. The game against the Bobcats was highly competitive, with the Red Devils securing the win in the final seconds. In other matches, the Panguitch girls' freshmen team won 50-17, while the Grand girls' JV team won 29-25.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has indicated that the country's strict anti-coronavirus lockdown will continue due to worsening global health crises. Despite claiming zero COVID-19 cases, North Korea has maintained sealed borders and is preparing for the lockdown's prolonged nature. COVAX's vaccine delivery to North Korea is delayed, and recent modest border relaxations have been reversed, impacting imports essential for the economy. Prices of imported goods have soared, and there are concerns over a potential food crisis, reminiscent of the 1990s famine. The U.S. is open to talks, but North Korea demands an end to the 'hostile policy' before negotiations.

Cities globally are implementing new technology that syncs with personal devices to aid pedestrians, drivers, and public transport users. Some cities, including Busan in South Korea, are leveraging these technologies to facilitate transportation for the disabled, such as visually impaired individuals.

North Korea criticized U.S. President Joe Biden for his comments on its recent missile test, accusing him of hostility and encroaching on its right to self-defense. The missile test, claimed to be a new type of tactical short-range ballistic missile, was described by North Korean official Ri Pyong Chol as a defensive measure against threats from South Korea and the United States. Biden stated the test violated U.N. Security Council resolutions but remained open to diplomacy. Ri warned of potential consequences if the U.S. continued its critical stance.

North Korea conducted its first ballistic missile test under the Biden administration, launching two missiles that landed outside Japan's waters. The test, which follows a year-long hiatus, comes as the U.S. finalizes its North Korea policy review. Pyongyang has dismissed talks with the U.S. until it drops its 'hostile policy.' Experts suggest North Korea is using these provocations to raise tensions and garner attention. The U.S. remains committed to the defense of South Korea and Japan, while exploring both diplomacy and sanctions to address North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese officials concluded two days of 'tough' talks in Anchorage, Alaska, addressing areas of fundamental disagreement such as China's actions in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Tibet, Taiwan, and cyberspace. Despite the contentious discussions, both sides engaged in candid conversations on intersecting interests like Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, and climate change. The Chinese delegation did not make a statement post-talks, while U.S. officials emphasized the importance of revitalizing ties with friends and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

North Korea announced it would sever diplomatic relations with Malaysia following the extradition of a North Korean citizen, Mun Chol Myong, to the United States on money-laundering charges. Malaysia defended the extradition as lawful and announced the closure of its embassy in Pyongyang, ordering North Korean diplomatic staff to leave. North Korea condemned the extradition as a hostile act and warned the US of repercussions. The incident further strains relations that had already deteriorated after the 2017 assassination of Kim Jong Un's brother in Malaysia. The US is reviewing its North Korea policy in consultation with allies.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, marking the first high-level meeting between the U.S. and China since President Joe Biden took office. The discussions are expected to cover a range of topics, including North Korea's nuclear program. Blinken, who recently visited South Korea, emphasized China's role in influencing North Korea towards denuclearization. The U.S. is also set to announce its North Korea policy, incorporating insights from South Korea and Japan. Meanwhile, North Korea has dismissed U.S. attempts to initiate dialogue, demanding a rollback of U.S. 'hostile policy' before any talks can occur.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are visiting South Korea after meetings in Japan, where they warned China against coercion and aggression. The Biden administration maintains a firm stance on China, continuing tariffs and supporting Taiwan, while condemning human rights abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Despite this, the U.S. remains open to dialogue, with Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan set to meet Chinese officials in Alaska. The administration also faces challenges with North Korea, which has not responded to diplomatic outreach, and Kim Yo Jong issued a warning to the U.S. ahead of the talks.

The United States and South Korea are nearing completion of a new Special Measures Agreement for the stationing of approximately 28,500 U.S. troops in South Korea. The Pentagon expressed satisfaction with the tentative deal, emphasizing the alliance's role in regional peace and prosperity. The agreement, which includes a meaningful increase in South Korea's contributions, follows stalled talks under former President Donald Trump. The current negotiations under President Joe Biden have taken a constructive approach. The deal awaits approval from South Korean lawmakers.

North Korea, despite claiming no COVID-19 infections, is set to receive 1.7 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX Facility program. The country has maintained strict border controls and faces international sanctions, which some believe have exacerbated the situation. The AstraZeneca vaccine is considered suitable due to storage and efficacy after one shot. However, sanctions create hurdles for public health campaigns, and additional equipment like cold-chain storage and PPE are needed. Experts express concerns about North Korea's ability to carry out vaccinations and fear the regime may continue with increased restrictions post-pandemic, leading to a 'new normal' of isolation. Commerce with China has nearly halted, causing shortages and price hikes for basic goods, raising fears of hunger among the population.

Blind activists in South Korea, led by Kim Hun-yong, are challenging major tech companies like Samsung and LG for their lack of accessible design in products. Kim's petition to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea highlights the barriers faced by visually impaired individuals in using modern technology. The activists argue that inclusive design should be a priority, especially in a tech-forward country like South Korea. The movement has gained momentum following a landmark court ruling that mandated online shopping platforms to be accessible to screen reader users. Despite some progress, activists continue to push for better accessibility features and inclusive design in consumer electronics.

South Korea's government plans to increase financial incentives for married couples to boost the country's low fertility rate, but these measures exclude nontraditional families such as same-sex couples and single parents. The article highlights the societal pressures and challenges faced by individuals who do not conform to traditional family structures, including discrimination against LGBTQ couples and single mothers. Despite government efforts, the fertility rate continues to decline, and the article calls for more inclusive policies to support all types of families.

Asia's poultry farmers are facing a severe bird flu outbreak, with the H5N8 virus affecting farms from Japan to India. Over 20 million chickens have been culled in South Korea and Japan, and the virus has spread to 10 states in India. The outbreak is exacerbated by new, more lethal strains of the virus in wild birds. Despite the virus not being transmissible to humans through poultry consumption, consumer fear has led to a significant drop in chicken prices in India. Measures such as compulsory flu vaccinations for poultry in China and surveillance systems in Indonesia are in place to mitigate the spread. Experts warn that the virus will continue to spread until it is replaced by another strain.

South Korea's National Assembly has passed a law penalizing activists who send anti-North Korean materials across the border, impacting defector-led organizations and Christian missionaries. The law, which imposes fines and prison sentences, has drawn criticism from human rights groups for compromising freedom of expression. Activists like Park Sang-hak argue it undermines South Korea's commitment to democracy. The legislation comes amid stalled dialogue between Seoul and Pyongyang, with critics accusing the South Korean government of yielding to North Korean pressure. The law aims to prevent military provocations, but activists vow to continue their efforts despite the ban.

Efforts to denuclearize North Korea stalled in 2020 due to the breakdown of US-led negotiations and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite initial optimism from summits between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, no agreement was reached, and diplomatic momentum was lost. With the Biden administration incoming, analysts are uncertain about the future of US-North Korea relations. North Korea has remained silent on Biden's victory, and experts suggest that the first months of 2021 will be crucial for determining the trajectory of engagement. The article highlights the challenges faced by South Korea in maintaining cross-border relations and the potential shift in US policy under Biden.

South Korean activists are renewing calls for the deinstitutionalization of people with disabilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the heightened risks and dehumanizing conditions in institutional care facilities. The movement, supported by international rights groups and public health advocates, emphasizes the need for social integration and government support for independent living. Key figures like Choo Kyeong-jin and Jang Hye-yeong advocate for closing institutions and preventing new admissions, while initiatives like the Jayeondo Cafe demonstrate the potential for community-based support and employment for individuals with disabilities.

South Korea is implementing new restrictions to curb a surge in COVID-19 cases, including banning seating at franchise coffee shops in the Seoul area. This measure follows a significant outbreak linked to a Starbucks location. The government aims to prevent further spread by limiting indoor gatherings, though some criticize the restrictions as insufficient and inconsistent. Officials will decide soon whether to impose stricter measures. The public is urged to minimize outdoor activities and physical contact to help flatten the curve.

Typhoon Bavi has caused extensive flooding and damage in North Korea, exacerbating the country's recovery efforts from previous natural disasters. The pandemic lockdown has hindered international aid, with North Korea closing its borders and refusing foreign assistance. Experts criticize the North Korean government's disaster preparedness and response, highlighting the impact of international sanctions and the regime's prioritization of national pride over public welfare. Kim Jong-un admitted economic failures, attributing them to the pandemic, sanctions, and natural disasters, while experts argue that better disaster management could mitigate such impacts.

Minkara, a visually impaired woman, hosts 'Planes, Trains and Canes', a YouTube series demonstrating independent travel via public transport in five cities across three continents. She highlights the accessibility of Tokyo's train network and contrasts it with Boston's metro. Supported by the Holman Prize from the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the series also features her friend Natalie Guse as a camerawoman. Minkara faced challenges, such as nearly being hit by a car in Johannesburg and encountering a lack of assistance in wealthier cities. Despite these obstacles, she emphasizes the freedom and empowerment gained from overcoming the fear of getting lost.

In South Korea, some women turn to shamanistic practices, such as carrying a fox vagina amulet, to improve their romantic prospects. Kim Min-kyeong, a 35-year-old career woman, sought the help of a shaman after experiencing frustration in her love life and health issues. Korean shamanism, which has ancient roots, continues to thrive despite the prevalence of other religions. Shamans in South Korea often act as psychotherapists, addressing various life concerns. The practice of using fox genitalia as a charm is linked to Korean folklore and is believed to attract love and provide psychological comfort. Despite the pressures from family and society to marry, Kim feels more positive and confident after using the amulet, though she remains single.

The death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has elicited a range of reactions in South Korea, from indifference among the youth to concern among government officials and North Korean defectors. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak called an emergency Cabinet meeting, while the Unification Ministry emphasized the importance of staying calm. Despite the potential instability in North Korea, many South Koreans remain apathetic. The government is trying to engage younger generations through social media and online platforms. North Korean defectors, meanwhile, are actively working to inform their compatriots about the realities of the regime, hoping to spark change. The future direction of North Korea under Kim Jong Un remains uncertain.