By Marcus Lavergne

INTERNATIONAL

South Koreans ready Zika-proof uniforms for upcoming Olympics

The mysterious Zika virus and its connection to microcephaly in babies and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults have shaken things up in Brazil, and South Korean athletes are taking measures to prevent contracting the virus.

The country’s Olympic participants will wear uniforms that have to ability to protect them from mosquitoes that may carry the disease.

The outerwear will be infused with a repellent that should keep the insects away, and athletes will don long pants and blazers outside of competition. Event kits, the actual competition clothing, will not be infused.

The 2016 Summer Olympics are less than 100 days away, and South Korea’s efforts underscore just how dangerous Zika may be.

According to the BBC, doctors in Brazil suspect the virus could be linked to even more neurological disorders, which could affect up to a fifth of all the babies within the country’s infected pregnant women.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised pregnant women to stay away from areas where the disease may be prevalent, which includes much of Latin America.

NATIONAL

Teacher “sickout” causes closure of nearly all Detroit schools

The Detroit Federation of Teachers called for the “sick day” of more than 4,000 teachers after the Detroit Public Schools’ transition manager disclosed that the district wouldn’t be able to pay teachers this summer without funding from the state.

More than 1,500 teachers ended up participating Monday, causing the closure of 94 of the district’s 97 schools and forcing more than 45,000 students to miss classes.

Some teachers who live paycheck to paycheck and opt to have their pay spread out over a 12-month period have expressed their need for pay after June 30, the day funding is set to stop.

A lack of money will also prevent classes and special needs programs over the summer.

Republican Gov. Rick Snyder told ABC News he hopes lawmakers, who are considering a $720 million restructuring plan, will make moves before the end of the school year.

LOCAL

Clark County looks to ease teacher shortage with veteran help

Clark County School District is facing a shortage of around 2,000 teachers. They’re hoping to fill some of those positions through an accelerated teacher training program for military veterans and their spouses.

District officials say anyone who will finish a military commitment by January 2017 and have a bachelor’s degree in any subject can apply for the expedited, state-approved program.

Although the teacher shortage is being worked on, the district is still in need of 400 employees to place in support positions, including bus driving and substitute teaching.

Marcus Lavergne can be reached at mlavergne@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @mlavergne21.