Can the Grand Canyon Mascot Be Restored After the Wildfire?

Brighty the Burro, a heavy bronze statue that once welcomed visitors to the Grand Canyon Lodge on the park’s North Rim, has survived a devastating wildfire but not without damage. The 600-pound sculpture lost an ear and its front legs, yet its head and body remain mostly intact after the fire reduced the nearly 100-year-old … Read more

Unattractive Corn Images on Social Media Highlight Risks to Record US Crop

The US is on track for a record-breaking corn harvest this year, according to government forecasts. However, some troubling images shared on social media are causing concern among farmers and buyers. These photos show corn plants with missing kernels, a problem caused by a condition called “tight tassel wrap,” which leads to uneven pollination. “Tight … Read more

Judge Rules Tesla Drivers Can Proceed with Class Action Over Self-Driving Claims

A judge in California has ruled that Tesla must face a class-action lawsuit from drivers who say the company and its CEO, Elon Musk, misled them about the self-driving abilities of Tesla’s vehicles. The lawsuit covers people who bought Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) package, claiming the company exaggerated what its technology could actually do. U.S. … Read more

Ohio Healthcare Facility to Resolve Race Discrimination Allegations

A healthcare facility in North Ridgeville, Ohio, has agreed to pay $5,000 and take steps to address a recent race discrimination complaint. Progressive North Ridgeville, LLC reached this settlement after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) looked into a claim that the company had fired an employee because of her race. The EEOC’s investigation … Read more

Arthur J. Gallagher Successfully Finalizes $13.5 Billion Purchase of AssuredPartners

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has completed its purchase of AssuredPartners, a major U.S. insurance brokerage firm. This move broadens Gallagher’s reach in the middle-market property and casualty insurance and employee benefits sectors across the country. The deal, originally announced in December, was valued at $13.45 billion in cash. After accounting for a deferred tax … Read more

Temporary Barriers Protected Alaska’s Capital from Severe Flooding, but a Long-Term Solution Remains Elusive

Residents of Juneau, Alaska, faced another round of flooding this year from the Mendenhall Glacier, a problem that has become an annual challenge. Fortunately, a large temporary wall of reinforced sandbags helped keep the worst of the floodwaters at bay, a relief compared to the severe damage seen in recent years. The flooding happens because … Read more