Patricia Wells

Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have developed a new tool to better predict wildfire risks across the United States. Based in Boulder, Colorado, NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory spent several years creating an index that provides hourly updates on wildfire potential. This means forecasters, firefighters, and land managers can get more detailed … Read more

Houston’s efforts to prevent devastating flooding have hit a new twist as Elon Musk has entered the conversation with a bold proposal. After Hurricane Harvey flooded the city in 2017, local experts have studied building massive tunnels to carry floodwater to the Gulf of Mexico. Now, Musk’s Boring Company, backed by Houston Congressman Wesley Hunt, … Read more

Sunny weather welcomed farmers and industry professionals this week at the Farm Progress Show in Illinois, the biggest farm event in the United States. But despite the pleasant skies, the mood among attendees was cautious. Low crop prices and ongoing trade tensions, especially with China, are making the future uncertain for American farmers. Scott Metzger, … Read more

Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina hit southern Louisiana with devastating force, the state continues to catch up on building safety measures aimed at protecting homes from fierce storms. Back in 2005, Louisiana was not fully ready for Katrina’s 125 mph winds and severe flooding. At that time, the region was still working to adopt modern … Read more

France and Germany have stood firm against U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats over Europe’s new digital laws. The EU is pushing ahead with rules aimed at tech giants, and leaders in Paris and Berlin say they won’t back down. Earlier this week, Trump warned he might impose more tariffs on countries that have digital taxes … Read more

Uber and Lyft have joined forces with California lawmakers to give rideshare drivers a new way to unionize and negotiate pay and benefits. The deal includes a bill, AB 1340, that would let drivers bargain collectively under state supervision. This is coupled with another law, SB 371, supported by the rideshare companies, that lowers the … Read more

A federal appeals court has ruled that Peloton Interactive must face a lawsuit claiming it misled shareholders by hiding extra inventory as the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact waned. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan reversed a lower court’s decision, allowing investors to pursue claims that Peloton made false statements that inflated its stock … Read more

Ford Motor Company is recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the U.S. due to multiple safety concerns, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recalls cover issues ranging from faulty instrument panel displays to brake fluid leaks and problems with tail lights and airbags. One major recall involves more than 355,000 … Read more

A former insurance agent from Georgia has admitted to using more than $200,000 from one client’s policy to pay for other expenses, including premiums for other customers. Jeremy Lasseter, who worked for Alfa Insurance in Warner Robins, pled guilty this week in federal court. He faces up to 30 years in prison, a potential $1 … Read more

A large fire broke out last Friday at an automotive lubricant plant in Roseland, Louisiana, sparking multiple explosions and sending thick smoke and soot into the surrounding area. The blaze, which spread over 20 acres, led to the evacuation of about 800 residents in this small town located roughly 50 miles northeast of Baton Rouge. … Read more