research
Pathways for Wildlife Presentation, Hosted by the Tahoe Area Sierra Club
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 09/25/2024 - 7:11am
Event Date:
October 16, 2024 - 5:00pm The Tahoe Area Sierra Club will be having wildlife research organization, Pathways for Wildlife, present what their organization does on October 16th at 5:00 pm at Lake Tahoe Community College in the Aspen-Board Room.
Location
Lake Tahoe Community College Aspen and Board Room
1 College Dr.
United States
See map: Google Maps
Interested in becoming a member of AAUW?
Submitted by paula on Sun, 01/24/2021 - 9:19pmThe AAUW – South Lake Tahoe Branch is a branch of the American Association of University Women, a national organization of more than 170,000 members and supporters. Founded in 1881, the AAUW has been the voice heard at the national level promoting education equity for girls and women.
The AAUW today seeks to continue to unite graduates of educational institutions and be a powerful advocate and visible leader in equity and education through research, philanthropy, and measurable change in critical areas impacting the lives of women and girls.
TERC lecture: Supporting Youth in Challenging Times
Submitted by paula on Sun, 01/24/2021 - 4:30pmEvent Date:
February 11, 2021 - 11:00am
Join UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) for their Winter Science Speaks lecture on Thursday, February 11, at 12 noon. This next lecture, Supporting Youth in Challenging Times, will feature Peter Mayfield, executive director of Gateway Mountain Center, and Dana Adams, school psychologist of Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, in a discussion about supporting youth during a pandemic.
It's official: NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ coming to Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/11/2021 - 5:43pmLAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - It's been a plan in the works for months and today the National Hockey League (NHL) made it official - they are bringing NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ to Edgewood Tahoe February 20-21, 2021.
Bridgestone NHL Outdoors Saturday will showcase the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 20. Honda NHL Outdoors Sunday will feature the Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins on Feb. 21. Both games will be broadcast at 3:00 p.m. ET on NBC in the United States and on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.
Lake Tahoe Community College has significantly closed equity gaps on its campus
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/04/2021 - 10:34amLake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is one of a handful of California community colleges that has significantly closed equity gaps and increased success rates for Latinx students, according to a new report from the Public Policy Institute of California.
Next TERC discussion focuses on UC Davis Cannabis and Hemp Research Center
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/04/2021 - 9:17amEvent Date:
January 7, 2021 - 12:00pm
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The next virtual seminar of the UC Davis TERC (Tahoe Environmental Research Center) will provide an overview of the UC Davis Cannabis and Hemp Research Center’s mission to facilitate much-needed cannabis and hemp research despite regulatory challenges.
WNC students send research balloon 17 miles into sky
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/19/2020 - 8:37amWhile most students across the country have been learning online this fall because of the coronavirus, a group of students at Western Nevada College (WNC) took advantage of an exciting hands-on scientific learning opportunity earlier this month.
Students and science professors gathered at Jack C. Davis Observatory’s parking lot early in the morning and sent a helium-filled balloon nearly 17 miles into the stratosphere to record high-altitude data, then retrieved the balloon’s payload, which included instruments and sensors, in a cow pasture a few towns away in Minden.
Column: ’Tis the season for a little self-care
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/16/2020 - 11:30amWith the holidays already upon us, one thing is certain this year – the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on millions of Californians, causing us to rethink so much of our daily lives, including reprioritizing family time and our mental health. The holiday season may add more challenges to parents who are balancing career, teacher and caregiver duties, as well as dealing with unanticipated illness, burnout and unemployment. Each of these challenges, for some of us, can make the season feel like the added pressures are insurmountable.
Nicholas Abelow earns certification for sustainable, responsible and impact investing
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/14/2020 - 1:39pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Nicholas Abelow CFP, an independent financial advisor at Abelow Pratt and Associates in South Lake Tahoe has obtained the Chartered SRI Counselor™ (CSRIC) certification. The CSRIC™ program was developed in collaboration with industry-group leader US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment. It provides financial advisors and investment professionals with information about the history, definitions, trends, portfolio construction principles, fiduciary responsibilities, and best practices for sustainable investments.
USFS closes more campgrounds in California due to COVID-19
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/12/2020 - 12:06pmNational Forest developed campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin have already closed for the winter season and dispersed camping in Desolation Wilderness and Meiss Country are not affected by the following closure.
Recreate responsibly this winter
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/02/2020 - 7:25pmWith winter just around the corner, all visitors to California’s National Forests should continue to plan ahead before visiting and recreate responsibly once there. Early snowfall has already begun on some forests and road conditions will begin to impact access so please ensure that your vehicle is snow ready before you go.
Tahoe Film Fest returns with modified schedule on North Shore
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/27/2020 - 10:11pmINLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The 6th Annual Tahoe Film Fest presents environmental and independent feature length and award winning films to North Lake Tahoe from December 3-6, 2020. Special guests and filmmakers will be present at many of the films.
The festival takes on a new look during the pandemic. The films originally scheduled for Northstar had to be moved as movie theaters must only operate outdoors due to Placer County's Purple Tier. The theaters on the Nevada side can still show films but only at 50 percent capacity.
Tahoe Institute for Natural Science celebrates 10-year anniversary
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/27/2020 - 2:33pmThe Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) is celebrating 10 years of connecting people to nature and inspiring new generations of stewards for the wonders of Lake Tahoe. Since 2010, the organization has engaged with over 56,000 students through in-school natural history programs, field trips, and nature camps. They offer programs for people of all ages - hosting hundreds of presentations and guided nature outings for thousands of participants. All of their programs are supported by a foundation of important, ongoing biological research.
Column: Recognizing the spirit of collaboration
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/13/2020 - 1:01pmFor more than half a century, collaboration and partnership have been the bedrock of Lake Tahoe’s preservation. I speak often of the epic collaboration needed to restore our environment and lift up our communities. The creation of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) 50 years ago challenged us to bring people together to pull this majestic lake back from the brink. Today, TRPA is the backbone for 80 organizations and thousands of property owners working toward the common goals of clean water, a healthy watershed, and resilient communities
TERC: Studying the fate of microplastics at Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/10/2020 - 8:24amEvent Date:
November 12, 2020 - 12:00pm
The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) in Incline Village is presenting another virtual seminar as part of their Fall Speaker Series on Thursday, November 12 at 12:00 p.m. The seminar will feature UC Davis researchers Katie Senft and Dr. Jenessa Gjeltema who will update participants on the latest science behind microplastics and present the research underway at Lake Tahoe to study the fate of microplastics in our freshwater system.
Virtual STEM field trips offered by UC Davis TERC
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/03/2020 - 12:41pmINCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) has started a series of virtual field trips for teachers that have been designed with flexibility in mind during this ever-changing school year.
Using a variety of technologies, the TERC Education Team has converted some of their most popular field trips to a virtual format:
Aquatic Food Web (Grades 3–4)
Formation of Lake Tahoe (Grades 4–6)
Geology of Tahoe (Grades 4–5)
Trees of Tahoe (Grades 3–5)
Tahoe Forest Health (Grades 5–6)
Climate Change (Grades 6–8)
Virtual UC Davis lecture: Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Human Health
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/15/2020 - 1:25pmEvent Date:
October 29, 2020 - 12:00pm
Join UC Davis for a virtual lecture on the Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Human Health with Kent Pinkerton, Ph.D. on Thursday, October 29 at 12:00 p.m.
Letter to the Editor: We Choose a Voice For Locals
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/15/2020 - 6:33amIt's a great thing to call for unity. It sounds good and feels good. But for far too long hollow calls for "working together" have become excuses for bulldozing over the needs of the people who live and work here in favor of the needs of the developers, resorts and casinos.
I chose the locals.
I choose to give a voice to those who are marginalized.
And if this seems like I’m causing trouble, then it is, as John Lewis called it, good trouble.
STPUD candidates respond to questions
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/14/2020 - 8:37pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are three open seats on the South Tahoe Public Utility Board of Directors this election season, two for a four-year term and one for a two-year term.
South Tahoe Now reached out to the candidates and below are their answers to a set of questions. For the two four-year terms, incumbent Kelly Sheehan is running for reelection, Duane Wallace is running after being appointed to fill Jim Jones's spot on the board until this election, and they are joined by David Peterson.
SLT Council Candidate Stacey Ballard
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/07/2020 - 2:12pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers have been published in the order received. Today is our final candidate.
Today's candidate is Stacey Ballard
Profession: Artist/Author
How many years in SLT: I have lived in Tahoe on and off since 1997, over 16 in total.
Citizen science drives environmental restoration and reservation in Tahoe-Truckee Region
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/04/2020 - 10:06amLAKE TAHOE - Volunteer citizen scientists working with the League to Save Lake Tahoe conducted surveys of Donner and Spooner Lakes to detect aquatic invasive species, and restored native wetland habitat in Johnson Meadow in September. Both efforts are aimed at preserving the Tahoe-Truckee region’s unique ecology.
SLT Council Candidate Leonard Carter
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/01/2020 - 1:24pmSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Leonard Carter.
Occupation: Retired
How many years in SLT: 32 years
1. Explain why you are running for City Council and what your qualifications are. I believe I can help the council focus on real issues, such as: roads, law enforcement, trash, public safety, fire suppression, and not burn out on spurious popular topics.
Tahoe Douglas Rotary speaker: An Untold American Tale about Fighting Fascism in 1930s New Jersey
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/30/2020 - 7:21pmEvent Date:
October 9, 2020 - 12:00pm
The Tahoe Douglas Rotary Club will be welcoming screenwriter, author and executive producer Leslie K. Barry to their October 9 meeting, and the public is invited to join in the virtual event. She will be speaking about her new book, Newark Minutemen: A True 1930’s Legend About One Man’s Mission to Save a Nation’s Soul Without Losing His Own.
SLT Council Candidate Keith Roberts
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/30/2020 - 11:07amSouth Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.
Today's candidate is Keith Roberts.
Profession: Executive Chef
How many years in SLT: 5 years
New Jersey man's body found in Lake Tahoe seven weeks after boat washed ashore
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/28/2020 - 2:22pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Dumont, New Jersey man missing in Lake Tahoe since August has been found.
Ryan Normoyle, 29, had rented a boat from the Ski Run Boat Company on August 10, 2020. That night, the boat washed ashore in Glenbrook, Nevada but Ryan was not with the boat.
Attempts being made to identify those buried at the Al Tahoe Historic Pioneer Cemetery
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/24/2020 - 9:44amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There's been movement at the Al Tahoe Historic Pioneer Cemetery, and thankfully it isn't from some of the occupants, most who have had that as their final resting spot since the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Over 8,100 pounds of trash removed from Donner and Tahoe by Clean Up The Lake dive teams
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/23/2020 - 12:40pmClean Up the Lake dive teams have removed 8,183 pounds of trash from Donner Lake and Lake Tahoe, most from the summer of 2020.
The team completed a circumnavigation of Donner Lake, covering every inch of eight-mile shoreline at depths up to 25 feet. They removed all they could find in that area, resulting in 5151.5 pounds. They removed 3,032 pounds of trash from the depths of Lake Tahoe.
Daily kayak trips on the lake in support of Citizen Science Tahoe project
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/04/2020 - 11:26amJoin Scott Fitzgerrell and UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center director Geoff Schladow as they kayak Lake Tahoe in support of the Citizen Science Tahoe project September 20-26, 2020. Using the app they will collect valuable water quality, algal growth, and microplastics data.
All participants are responsible for bringing their own watercraft, personal protective equipment (flotation device while on the water and a mask while on land), food, beverages, and planning their own transportation to/from the departure and arrival sites.
South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates respond to #IRunWithMaud questions
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/03/2020 - 4:03pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be two new members of the South Lake Tahoe City Council after the November 3 election. In the coming weeks the pubic will have chances to hear from the candidates both via zoom, in print and possibly in person. Below are eight of the ten candidates responses to questions asked by the local #IRunWithMaud group.
Barton Health expands services, welcomes new psychiatrist Dr. Joe Hibbeln,
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 2:11pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Internationally recognized psychiatrist, Joe Hibbeln, MD, has joined Barton Health’s team of expert mental and behavioral health providers. A board-certified physician, Dr. Hibbeln is working with patients over 18 years of age at Barton Community Health Center in South Lake Tahoe.
Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe awards 19 scholarships
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/24/2020 - 11:18pmSoroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe (SISLT) awarded scholarships to a group of local students from South Tahoe High, George Whittell High, the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy and Lake Tahoe Community College. The club, serving the community since 1959, has given out over one-million dollars to local graduates over the years.
Record Store Day Celebration
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 08/24/2020 - 9:35am
Event Date:
August 29, 2020 - 11:00am SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, California – The Saturday Show of Support Series continues with a “Sound and Vision” celebration of Art and Music on Record Store Day at Keynote Used Records and Books, 2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd., in support of the Tahoe Art League. Please join us from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday, August 29th for a masked and socially distanced viewing of works by Tahoe Art League member Cherie Pinsky and a live performance by Turtle Park, featuring former Turtle’s guitarist Al Nichol and Park Kinnear on 12 and six-string guitar.
Location
Keynote Used Records and Books
2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd
United States
See map: Google Maps
Placer County off of state's COVID-19 monitoring list
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/20/2020 - 9:36pmPlacer County fell off the state's County Data Monitoring List for COVID-19, with the rate of new positive cases in the county now dipping below that state monitoring metric.
If Placer County remains off the list for at least 14 days, K-12 schools could potentially reopen for in-person instruction. However, no other businesses would be allowed to modify their operations until the state modifies the state order.
Ten on ballot for two open seats on South Lake Tahoe City Council
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/12/2020 - 9:12pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Candidate paperwork is filed and we now know have a better picture of who willl appear on the ballot November 3 South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County.
For many positions the deadline was Friday, August 7, but if an incumbent chose not to run, that date was moved to August 12.
This story originally listed 11 candidates for City Council but Kevin Brunner did not get the reqfile. valid signatures to file.
As of Wednesday, August 12 at 5:00 p.m., the following candidates turned in their paperwork:
South Lake Tahoe City Council (Two open seats)
State of the Lake address offered during digital Summer Speaker Series
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/23/2020 - 10:32amEvent Date:
July 30, 2020 - 12:00pm
The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) is offering everyone a front-row seat at the discussion of the annual Tahoe: State of the Lake Report on Thursday, July 30 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Dr. Geoffrey Schladow, the director of TERC, will make the presentation on the data collected, an important element for lake management. Elected officials and public agencies tasked with restoring and managing the Lake Tahoe ecosystem use this data.
Free virtual workshop: Learn how to harden your Lake Tahoe home against wildfire
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/21/2020 - 9:09amEvent Date:
July 28, 2020 - 5:30pm
With the fire year underway at Lake Tahoe, it’s critical for residents to prepare their homes for wildfire. One of the most effective ways residents can prepare their homes is by implementing home hardening techniques and maintaining effective defensible space.
New study investigates link between clothes dryers and microplastic pollution in Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 11:24amLast year, Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the League to Save Lake Tahoe detected microplastics in Lake Tahoe for the first time ever, many of which were microfibers. This discovery revealed that microplastic pollution is not just present in oceans, but also in mountains and lakes, including highly protected areas like Lake Tahoe.
America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride and Tour de Tahoe postponed
Submitted by paula on Fri, 07/17/2020 - 11:55amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The organizer of the 29th annual America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride and the 18th Tour De Tahoe has announced the 2020 events will not happen. Bike the West tried to merge the two popular rides after the America's Most Beautiful was postponed earlier this year. They were to take place on September 13 but current COVID-19 restrictions and setbacks with reopening phases governed by local, county and state health agencies have led them to postpone and move to 2021.
Governor: Californians must now wear face masks in most public settings
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 12:17pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As California reaches over 5,000 deaths, Governor Newsom announced Thursday that almost everyone in the state will now be required to wear face masks in public.
“Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open, and restarting our economy.”
Two-way immersion program in South Lake Tahoe hits milestone
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/16/2020 - 8:22pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was a long, hard-fought effort to get it done, but the determination of Kathy Haven and a group of dedicated parents in 2006 has brought the two-way immersion (TWI) program at Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) its first group of 13-year students and graduates.
Starting in 2007, 20 students enrolled in the very first kindergarten TWI class at Bijou Elementary and that group of students will be graduating from South Tahoe High School at the end of the week. They have had 13 years of school taught in both Spanish and English.
Letter: Every one of us needs to do what we can to Keep Tahoe Blue
Submitted by paula on Sun, 06/14/2020 - 5:19pmOn June 10 the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center released findings from its annual Lake Tahoe Clarity Report, which showed average Lake clarity for 2019 was 62.7 feet, the second-smallest annual average depth recorded since systematic annual measurements began in 1968.
Clean Up Lake Tahoe Bingo challenge on Sunday
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/12/2020 - 3:14pmEvent Date:
June 14, 2020 - 12:00pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif.,/Nev. - On Sunday, June 14 there is a Clean Up Bingo challenge hosted by Clean Up The Lake from noon to 4:00 p.m.
It is open to everyone who has the ability to post on Instagram (though cleaning is always welcome). @Cleanupthelake’s CLEAN UP BINGO encourages everyone to get out in the community, whether it is in your local neighborhood or favorite beach, and pick up some garbage.
Participants can win prizes donated by local businesses by filling up a special Bingo card.
To participate:
Clarity of Lake Tahoe decreased 8 feet in 2019 due to several factors
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/10/2020 - 11:51amLAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Scientists and researchers have been watching the clarity of Lake Tahoe for decades, rejoicing when one can see almost 100 feet down into the iconic body of water, sadness when clarity drops to record levels.
The clarity of the lake is an important indicator of the changing conditions of Lake Tahoe.
In 2019, Lake Tahoe's clarity decreased nearly eight feet from the previous year's dramatic 10-foot improvement. The average clarity in 2019 was 62.7 feet, the second-lowest on record. In 2017, the recorded clarity was 60 feet. In 1968, it was 102 feet.
20th anniversary of Snapshot Day at Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/01/2020 - 11:00pmFriday evening brought thunderclaps and patchy showers to Lake Tahoe, adding to the flow of streams and rivers the following day as 40 participants collected water quality samples across Tahoe’s South Shore as part of Snapshot Day. This citizen science water quality monitoring event takes place every May and provides a moment-in-time look at the water quality and environmental health of the Tahoe-Truckee watershed.
Tahoe Chamber Town Hall on the economic impact of COVID-19
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/23/2020 - 2:43pmEvent Date:
May 29, 2020 - 11:00am
In partnership with Wells Fargo and El Dorado County, the Tahoe Chamber's next Virtual Town Hall will discuss the economic impact of COVID-19 and what a bounce-back could look like. It will be held on Friday, May 29 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This special Town Hall will feature Christopher Thornberg, a nationally respected economic and revenue forecasting expert and a Founding Partner of Beacon Economics. Dr. Thornberg will provide business owners with a data-driven picture of our economy's future and an opportunity to strategize accordingly.
Discussion Topics Include:
South Tahoe High students organize fundraiser to pay food tab for health care workers
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 05/19/2020 - 9:54pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Tahoe High students have started a GoFundMe account to raise funds to pay the food tab at Sprouts Cafe in South Lake Tahoe.
The "pay-it-forward” fundraising efforts began with sophomores Kaya Roberts, Claire Gurner, Sophia Aronoff, and Soleil Weed. They were working on a history project about "the change we want to see in the world" and decided to do research on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experienced California education advocate joins Lake Tahoe Community College
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/14/2020 - 6:21pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) has selected a seasoned professional with two decades of experience in California state policy and politics to fill a critical role during unprecedented and uncertain times.
Nominate a COVID-19 hero to win stay at Lake Tahoe vacation rental
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 10:05amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The owners of a vacation home on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe have created a contest to honor the front line employees who have worked so unselfishly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Claire and Charlie McArthur, owners of The Woodsy Tahoe Cabin, are offering a free six-night stay in October at their home that sleeps ten, has lake views from all levels, and is a 30-second walk to a private homeowners beach.
$11.5M project to restore the Upper Truckee Marsh now underway
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 10:21pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The largest wetland restoration project in the history of the Lake Tahoe Basin is now underway in the Upper Truckee River Marsh. The major project to restore the marsh in South Lake Tahoe has been years in the making to fix the environmental damage done by the creation of the Tahoe Keys.
FBI warns of possible cyber crimes during coronavirus pandemic
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/02/2020 - 10:26amSACRAMENTO, Calif. - The FBI anticipates cyber actors will exploit increased use of virtual environments by government agencies, the private sector, private organizations, and individuals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Computer systems and virtual environments provide essential communication services for telework and education, in addition to conducting regular business. The criminal, or cyber actor, will exploit vulnerabilities in these systems to steal sensitive information, target individuals and businesses performing financial transactions, and engage in extortion.