Explore

USA TodayUSA Today
Powerful Pacific hurricanes Nolo and Polo threaten Hawaii and Mexico

Powerful Pacific hurricanes Nolo and Polo threaten Hawaii and Mexico

Hurricane Nolo continued on its path near Hawaii while Hurricane Polo approached Mexico on Sunday Sept. 27.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Datacenter Developers Accused of Manipulating EPA Air Pollution Permits to Avoid Scrutiny

Datacenter Developers Accused of Manipulating EPA Air Pollution Permits to Avoid Scrutiny

Environmental advocates allege that datacenter developers are manipulating the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) air pollution permitting process to bypass stringent emission controls and public scrutiny. These companies are reportedly dividing their emissions sources into multiple 'minor' sources, which require less regulatory oversight compared to a single 'major' source. This tactic allows permit applications to be approved faster and potentially saves tech companies money by avoiding the costs associated with pollution controls. Datacenters can be significant emitters of various hazardous air pollutants, including nitrogen oxide, ozone, heavy metals, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases. Examples cited include Amazon and Duke Energy in North Carolina, which are installing 649 diesel generators for a hyperscale center and submitted two permits to avoid a major review in an area already suffering from high air pollution. Similarly, in New Mexico, Project Jupiter datacenter developers attempted ...
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Kansas Drought Monitor Shows Little Change, Southwest Remains in Severe Drought

Kansas Drought Monitor Shows Little Change, Southwest Remains in Severe Drought

The latest Kansas drought monitor map, released on Thursday morning, indicates minimal change in drought conditions across the state. While northeast Kansas has experienced some relief from drought, the southwestern part of the state largely remains in a severe drought. Pockets of moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions are also present in the region. Most of Scott and Lane Counties are currently not experiencing drought. The data collected for the current map reflects conditions up to Tuesday morning and does not include the impact of rainfall received on Wednesday and Thursday. Although the upcoming weekend is expected to be dry, there is a chance of moisture returning to the region early next week.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency for Coastal Storm Impacting New York

Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency for Coastal Storm Impacting New York

Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State of Emergency for Long Island, New York City, and Westchester County in response to a potent coastal storm. The storm, which began impacting the region with rain, strong winds, and storm surges, is expected to intensify over the next day. High winds, potentially reaching up to 60 miles per hour, are causing power outages and dangerous surf, with the potential for coastal and isolated flooding. The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated, and emergency management field teams are coordinating with local partners. The Governor has cautioned residents, particularly those in shoreline and low-lying coastal communities, to take necessary precautions. As of the briefing, approximately 22,000 power outages have been reported across New York, with more expected. Coastal flooding warnings are in effect, with the worst flooding anticipated during high tides, which may be exacerbated by a full moon. Waves as tall as 20 feet are expected in some areas.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Bartlett and Jackson Fire Departments Collaborate to Control Tractor Fire on Rolling Ridge Road

Bartlett and Jackson Fire Departments Collaborate to Control Tractor Fire on Rolling Ridge Road

On September 18, the Bartlett Firefighters Association received a report of a tractor fire on Rolling Ridge Road in Glen, NH. Engine 2 and 21C1 were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, Engine 2 found the tractor fully engulfed in flames, prompting a request for additional resources. The Jackson Fire Department responded by sending Engine 8 and a crew to assist with firefighting efforts. Firefighters from both departments worked together to control and extinguish the blaze. This incident highlighted the effectiveness of mutual aid agreements between neighboring fire departments in the Mount Washington Valley, which allow for the sharing of equipment and personnel when a single department's resources are insufficient. The combined efforts of Bartlett and Jackson firefighters successfully brought the tractor fire under control.
TrendlineTrendline
Snohomish County Parks Updates Camping and RV Reservation Policies and Burn Ban Guidelines

Snohomish County Parks Updates Camping and RV Reservation Policies and Burn Ban Guidelines

Snohomish County Parks Updates Camping and RV Reservation Policies and Burn Ban Guidelines
AP NewsAP News
A month after Nepal floods, thousands are still missing and families face a long recovery

A month after Nepal floods, thousands are still missing and families face a long recovery

Thousands in Nepal have lost their homes and livelihoods after last month's devastating floods
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Israeli Hikers Stranded in Himalayas Amidst Severe Landslides and Weather Conditions

Israeli Hikers Stranded in Himalayas Amidst Severe Landslides and Weather Conditions

Dozens of Israeli hikers are currently stranded in the village of Samagaun in Nepal's Manaslu region of the Himalayas. Severe weather conditions, including heavy rains, have triggered rockslides, blocked roads, and damaged bridges, making evacuation difficult. The hikers are expressing growing concern as rescue efforts are hampered by the worsening weather. One Israeli woman reported landslides occurring every few hours, directly above their location, and emphasized the urgent need for evacuation before a potential disaster. Another hiker stated that there is no electricity and that their lives were miraculously saved from recent rockslides. They are unable to move forward or backward due to collapsed bridges and blocked roads, highlighting a significant danger to life if conditions further deteriorate. The hikers have contacted their insurance companies, but have been informed that not everyone can be evacuated at this stage. They are pleading for accelerated rescue efforts, stressing that action should n...
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Franklin Fire Department Receives $380,124 Federal Grant for Specialized Rescue Training and Equipment

Franklin Fire Department Receives $380,124 Federal Grant for Specialized Rescue Training and Equipment

The Franklin Fire Department in Massachusetts has been awarded a federal grant totaling $380,124. This funding, provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, is designated to enhance the department's specialized rescue capabilities. Specifically, the grant will support advanced instruction in confined space rescue and heavy vehicle extrication. A portion of the grant, $78,536, is allocated for the purchase of new rescue equipment, while the remaining funds will be used for training initiatives. Franklin Fire Chief Chuck Allen stated that this award is a significant investment in the firefighters and the community's safety, ensuring the department has the necessary training and equipment to respond effectively to complex rescue incidents.
1Weather1Weather
Nor’easter Brings Flooding and Erosion to Mid-Atlantic

Nor’easter Brings Flooding and Erosion to Mid-Atlantic

An intensifying nor’easter is causing significant weather disruptions along the Mid-Atlantic coast of the United States. The storm has already led to coastal flooding and beach erosion in several areas. Strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected to continue as the system strengthens. This weather event is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather influenced by climate factors, including the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, which has been linked to unusual weather patterns globally.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Alliance of Forest Service Retired Fire Leaders Proposes Unified National Wildfire Service to USDA and DOI

Alliance of Forest Service Retired Fire Leaders Proposes Unified National Wildfire Service to USDA and DOI

The Alliance of Forest Service Retired Fire Leaders has sent a letter to USDA Secretary Rollins, DOI Secretary Burgum, DHS Secretary Mullin, and OMB Director Vought, advocating for the creation of a unified and consolidated U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) centralized within the Department of the Interior (DOI). The letter, also sent to relevant Congressional subcommittee chairs, proposes an immediate interim strategy to centralize and restructure the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) fire management program. This interim plan aims to align the entire wildland fire organization under career wildfire professionals within a unified, centralized chain of command, from frontline firefighters to the Deputy Chief of Fire. The Alliance argues that this dual approach will eliminate fragmented regional variances, elevate professional accountability, optimize overall mission delivery, and seamlessly align the USFS program with the DOI’s wildland fire structure. The proposal includes a 12-month phased implementation roadm...
1Weather1Weather
Nor’easter to Lash East Coast with Strong Winds and Heavy Rain

Nor’easter to Lash East Coast with Strong Winds and Heavy Rain

A nor’easter is forecast to hit the East Coast of the United States over the weekend, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding. Peak wind gusts of 60 to 65 mph are expected on Cape Cod and nearby islands on Friday night and Saturday, while Boston may experience gusts of 50 to 55 mph. Inland areas will see lower wind speeds of 35 to 40 mph. Ferry services to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Block Island have been cancelled due to rough seas. The storm is expected to cause power outages and debris on roads, particularly in areas where trees still have leaves, increasing wind resistance.