NOAA plans to invest $15.3 million in a national climate forecasting service, potentially integrating it into existing weather offices or establishing it as an independent division. This initiative aims to enhance local officials' preparedness for climate-related risks, such as severe flooding, by providing more accurate forecasts.

Archaeologist Diana Gergova of the National Institute of Archaeology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences discovered a wooden chest filled with hundreds of gold artifacts in a burial chamber at the Sveshtari necropolis, Bulgaria. The burial is believed to belong to a ruler of the Getae, a powerful Thracian tribe, from around 2,400 years ago. The find provides new insights into Thracian culture, stylistic connections across the Black Sea region, and their religious beliefs, potentially influencing early Christianity.

Monday marks the third anniversary of the Champlain Towers condo building collapse in Surfside, which resulted in 98 fatalities. WLRN interviews a local engineer who had previously warned the condo association about structural issues and speaks with victims' relatives still seeking answers. Additionally, several Broward Circuit Court judicial candidates will participate in a forum organized by the Broward League of Women Voters, which WLRN will stream.

Bosnian Serbs held a referendum challenging the Dayton Accords, with Milorad Dodik leading the charge to establish January 9 as Republika Srpska Day. The vote defied Bosnia’s Constitutional Court, which had banned it for discriminating against non-Serbs. The international community and Bosnia’s Muslim majority condemned the referendum as illegitimate and unlawful. Critics argue that the referendum is a diversion from Republika Srpska's economic issues and could reignite ethnic tensions. The U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo warned of consequences, while even Russia and Serbia distanced themselves from the vote. The referendum is seen as a step towards potential territorial breakaway and has increased Dodik’s international isolation.

The 13th Annual World Testicle Cooking Championship, held in Lipovica, Serbia, showcases a unique culinary tradition where participants cook and consume testicles from various animals. The event, known as Mudijada, is highlighted by its cultural significance and the humorous yet serious approach to this unconventional meat. Key figures like Zoran Jevtic and Ljubomir Erovic discuss the health benefits and origins of the festival, while attendees share personal stories and experiences, emphasizing the community and cultural aspects of the event.

A high-quality marble gravestone fragment found in Almus, northwestern Bulgaria, reveals the story of a Roman legionary who served 44 years, significantly longer than the typical 25-year term. The gravestone, dating to the first century A.D., was created by the soldier’s freed slave, likely in gratitude for his freedom and inheritance. Archaeologist Valeri Stoichkov notes that this is the earliest inscription found in situ in the region. The stone was probably reused as building material in the late third or early fourth century.

Alcatraz Island, known for its infamous federal penitentiary, has a rich history predating its prison era. Initially named by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775, the island became a U.S. military fortification in the mid-19th century. Archaeological efforts led by experts from various institutions have uncovered remnants of these early fortifications using noninvasive techniques. The island's strategic importance grew during the Gold Rush and Civil War, leading to significant military developments. Post-prison, Alcatraz was occupied by the American Indian Movement in 1969 as a protest. Today, the island is a popular National Park Service site, with ongoing efforts to preserve its historical and cultural legacy.

Russia's strategic move to donate six Soviet-era fighter jets to Serbia highlights its efforts to reassert influence in the Balkans, despite limited economic and military power. The Kremlin's tactics include disinformation, public relations, and hybrid warfare to counter Western influence. Dimitar Bechev's book, 'Rival Power: Russia’s Influence in Southeast Europe,' argues that Russia's strategy is to create impressions of power rather than exert actual control. Despite some successes, Russia faces challenges in maintaining its influence, as historical ties and shared heritage with the Balkans are less significant today. Serbia, while receiving Russian military aid, seeks closer security ties with the West.

In Albania, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project is significantly advancing archaeological exploration and preservation. The pipeline's construction has uncovered a variety of ancient sites, including Neolithic settlements and Ottoman cemeteries, providing a substantial boost to the study of Albania's cultural heritage. The project, with a budget of $5.3 billion, is managed by Albanian institutions and funded by TAP, marking a major investment in the country's archaeology. Key figures like Lorenc Bejko and Iris Pojani highlight the project's impact on balancing economic development with scientific research. The initiative is transforming archaeology into a viable profession in Albania, linking it to tourism and education, and ensuring sustainable preservation of cultural heritage.