... In about 160 days, more than 30,000 Recovery Act projects - including community health center expansions, military facility upgrades, and transportation construction jobs - have already been approved.

We are one day away from switching to digital TV.

Be prepared by scoping out the DTV site linked to the right and reading our site's In Focus page that talks all things digital transition.

Quick Links Below

WashPo:Digital TV Ready to Rule the Tube, Leaving Some Viewers in the Dark

TV Converter Box Coupon Program

DTV Made Easy

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn how to install your converter box

Visit DTVanswers.com to watch a video on how to install your converter box

■

We gave you the heads-up a few months ago, and the time has come.

You now need your passports to travel most places within the Western Hemisphere, including Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Here are several pages of information for you to sink your teeth into:
Need a point-by-point breakdown? Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Fact Sheet.
For you graphics lovers, here's a poster.
More bright colors and directions on what to do.
Really, really don't want to use your passport? Here's a list of what else might work.

■

We pulled through for our post-9/11 veterans and passed the new GI Bill for the 21st Century last Congress, restoring the promise of a full, four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. The measure takes effect August 1, but you can sign up now, by applying for a certificate of eligibility here.

The measure generally provides up to four years of education benefits at a college or university for individuals with at least 90 days of active duty service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, who have been honorably discharged from service.

The benefits are correlated ton a sliding scale of years served. Full benefits require three years of active duty service. Here's what the program will pay for:

• Tuition and fees of up to the maximum in-state tuition and fees at a public institution in your state;
• A monthly housing allowance at the location of the school, based on the Basic Allowance for housing for an E-5 with dependents;
• And an annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000

These benefits are generally payable for up to 15 years following release from active duty.

Sign up today. Those who would risk life and limb in defense of this country deserve the very best, and that includes the right to health care and education.

■

Looking for resources on the swine flu?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health and Human Services, the Department of Homeland Security, and the World Health Organization are on the case, investigating and responding to the outbreak of swine flu, domestic and abroad. It is a time for caution but not alarm.

Stay safe by safeguarding yourself and your family as you would a normal flu − keeping sanitized by washing and disinfecting your hands, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and remaining home from work in the event that you experience flu-like symptoms.

Peruse the links below to add to your knowledge of swine flu:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Provides general information, frequently asked questions − in English and Spanish − updated cases of infection by state, travel notices and press briefings

Department of Health and Human Services
Answers questions about swine flu.

Department of Homeland Security
Transcript of the April 26 press briefing with officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Centers for Disease Control and the White House.

Department of Agriculture
Includes statements by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack regarding USDA outreach efforts regarding swine flu and frequently asked questions

Department of State
Travel Alert to Mexico, 4.27.09

World Health Organization
Provides the latest information about the WHO’s global response to swine influenza outbreaks.

Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health
Hearing: “Swine Flu Outbreak and the U.S. Federal Response,” Thursday, April 30.

Homeland Security Committee
Swine flu resources.

■

Planning or considering travel outside the United States? Take note: the final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative comes into effect for land and sea ports-of-entry on June 1, 2009.

That means that from that date U.S. citizens will be required to present a U.S. passport book, U.S. passport card, or other documents approved by the Department of Homeland Security to enter or re-enter the United States through land borders or sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

To be prepared, visit the State Department site concerning travel, or call the National Passport Information Center toll-free telephone number, 1.877.487.2778.

■

The following directory lists the area's:

• cultural institutions and places of interest,
• important phone numbers,
• public officials,
• fire stations, local precincts, post offices,
• community newspapers,
• hospital and clinics,
• health services,
• business organizations,
• homeless housing units, food pantry programs,
• libraries, community banks, senior centers, public schools,
• intermediate and high schools, parochial schools, ESL classes,
• youth services, child care and pre-school facilities,
• community-based-organizations, neighborhood/block associations, faith-based institutions.

■