Research Department Staff Forecast - GDP Inflation Interest Rate

The Bank of Israel Research Department published its March 2026 macroeconomic staff forecast projecting GDP growth of 3.8% in 2026 and 5.5% in 2027. Inflation is expected to reach 2.2% in 2026 and 1.8% in 2027, with the average interest rate in Q1 2027 forecast at 3.5-3.75%. The forecast assumes Operation 'Roaring Lion' ends by late April 2026.

Israel keeps interest rate at 4.00 percent

Israel keeps interest rate at 4.00 percent

LETI expands to Indiana County with behavioral health services

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced expansion of the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) in Indiana County to include behavioral health services, making it the sixth county to incorporate this component. Since 2023, Indiana County has diverted hundreds of cases through the program with a success rate exceeding 95 percent, and LETI has received over 3,000 referrals statewide.

PA Medicaid fraud unit ranks #1 in US convictions

PA Medicaid fraud unit ranks #1 in US convictions

DNR Investigating Hamilton County Manure Spill Near Ellsworth

Iowa DNR issued a news release announcing investigation of a manure spill reported on March 28 near Ellsworth in Hamilton County. Certified applicator Hovick Hauling was transporting liquid manure when the tank rolled into a road ditch, releasing an unknown amount into a surface tile intake that traveled approximately 1.5 miles before discharging to an unnamed tributary of the South Skunk River. The applicator contained part of the spill with an earthen dam, but an unknown quantity reached the river. DNR field staff found no evidence of fish kill. The department will determine if enforcement action is warranted.

MDEQ beach water quality advisories continue through September

MDEQ beach water quality advisories continue through September

Dog in Covington County confirmed positive for rabies; precautions advised

The Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed a dog in Andalusia (Covington County) tested positive for rabies. A veterinarian submitted the dog for testing after suspecting rabies, and the ADPH Bureau of Clinical Laboratories confirmed the diagnosis. Human exposure occurred, requiring affected individuals to seek medical evaluation. The state reiterates that Alabama law requires dogs, cats, and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older to be current on rabies vaccinations.

Bayer Coleopteran Resistant Maize Nonregulated Status

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) determined that Bayer's coleopteran-resistant maize line (event designation APHIS-2025-0021) is no longer regulated under 7 CFR Part 340. This determination means the GE maize can be freely cultivated, imported, and used in interstate commerce without further APHIS oversight. The decision applies specifically to this single maize event and does not affect other GE crop determinations.

Response to Comments on Bayer CropScience Maize Petition

APHIS published its response to public comments submitted on Bayer CropScience's petition requesting determination of nonregulated status for genetically modified maize. The agency addressed issues raised during the comment period and explained its evaluation of the petition. This document finalizes the agency's position on the petition.

Bayer MON 95275 maize plant pest risk assessment

USDA APHIS released a pest risk assessment for Bayer's genetically modified maize event MON 95275. The document evaluates whether the stacked trait corn poses plant pest risks under 7 CFR Part 340. The assessment is open for public comment through the regulations.gov docket.