NASA updates its 2023 Equity Action Plan, focusing on increasing equity across the agency and removing barriers for underserved communities. The plan includes commitments to engage and inspire diverse talent in STEM education, expand equity in procurement processes, enhance grants for underserved communities, increase accessibility to Earth science data, improve language access policies, and build a diverse future STEM workforce. NASA's achievements since the 2022 plan include increased outreach events for small businesses, higher grant award amounts to historically Black colleges and universities, funding for environmental research, and the establishment of an Earth Information Center in Washington.
Wells Fargo has launched a down payment grant program that offers eligible buyers or homeowners $10,000 in eight metropolitan areas. The program is available to those with a combined 120% or less of the area median income and can be used towards the down payment on a Wells Fargo fixed-rate conventional loan. The bank aims to address systemic inequalities in housing and finance by providing assistance to minority families. The grant program can be combined with other programs offered by Wells Fargo, such as Dream. Plan. Home. Mortgage and Closing Cost Credit. The initiative is part of the bank's efforts to expand its Special Purpose Credit Program and advance racial equity in homeownership.
The Houston independent school district in Texas plans to replace libraries with discipline centers as part of a new education system initiative. Librarian and media-specialist positions in 28 schools will be eliminated, and misbehaving students will be sent to these discipline centers for remote learning. The move has sparked criticism from the mayor and retired librarians, who argue that revoking access to books is not the solution to behavioral issues and will create a two-tier system within the district. The district did not provide immediate comment on the matter.
San Francisco-based company Astranis has signed a deal to provide dedicated satellite internet service to the Philippines, aiming to connect up to 2 million people who currently lack broadband access. The satellite is scheduled to launch in 2024 and will be owned and operated by Astranis. The company's unique approach combines the small form factor of satellites like SpaceX's Starlink with the geosynchronous orbit of traditional players like Viasat, allowing it to cover the entire Philippines with one satellite. This initiative is part of Astranis' mission to bring service to underserved communities globally, with previous projects in Alaska and Peru.
CVS Health has completed its acquisition of Oak Street Health for $10.6 billion, which will broaden its value-based primary care platform and benefit patients' long-term health by improving outcomes and reducing costs, particularly for those in underserved communities. Oak Street Health will continue to operate as a multi-payor primary care provider as part of CVS Health.
The State of Colorado Medical Board issued a cease and desist order to an Aurora convenience store for selling prescription medication without a license, after a patient required emergency treatment following a penicillin shot they got at the store. Health equity advocates say it's a symptom of a healthcare system that doesn't work for everyone, particularly not for people in underserved communities of color where language, affordability, trust and access can get in the way of care. The owner of the store declined to comment.
The federal government's Joint Office of Energy and Transportation has opened applications for a $2.5 billion program to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure in underserved communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and those with a low ratio of private parking. The program includes two $1.25 billion grant programs for community charging and fueling grants and alternative fuel corridor grants. The funds will also cover other alternative fuels, including hydrogen and natural gas. The program is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.
