Resilience
History shows why FEMA is essential in disasters, and how losing independent agency status hurt its ability to function
History shows why FEMA is essential in disasters, and how losing independent agency status hurt its ability to function FEMA’s independent agency status was lost in the early 2000s, leading to complaints about delays caused by bureaucracy and red tape. The Trump administration is cutting jobs at FEMA and talking about dismantling the agency, which […]
📰 News
How bachata rose from Dominican Republic’s brothels and shantytowns to become a global sensation
How bachata rose from Dominican Republic’s brothels and shantytowns to become a global sensation Bachata, a genre born in the Dominican Republic’s brothels and shantytowns, has become a global sensation, rising from its humble beginnings to top the Latin music charts. The genre’s popularity can be attributed to its ability to tell stories of love, […]
🎭 Entertainment
Colorado’s Marshall Fire survivors find healing and meaning through oral history project
Colorado’s Marshall Fire survivors find healing and meaning through oral history project The Marshall Fire in Colorado, which occurred on December 30, 2021, had a devastating impact on survivors, with over 1,000 structures destroyed and two people killed. As part of the recovery process, an oral history project was initiated to preserve the stories of […]
📰 News
My city was one of hundreds expecting federal funds to help manage rising heat wave risk – then EPA terminated the grants
My city was one of hundreds expecting federal funds to help manage rising heat wave risk – then EPA terminated the grants Spokane, Washington, was awarded a $19.9 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help manage rising heat wave risk and boost the local economy, but the funding was abruptly terminated by […]
📰 News
To spur the construction of affordable, resilient homes, the future is concrete
To spur the construction of affordable, resilient homes, the future is concrete The traditional wood framing method used in most single-family homes in the US has limitations, including vulnerability to fire, water damage, and pests. Concrete offers unmatched strength, durability, and design flexibility, making it an attractive alternative for affordable, resilient housing. Precast concrete construction, […]
💻 Technology
Some plants create their own pesticide, but there’s a downside
Some plants create their own pesticide, but there’s a downside Scientists have discovered that some plants produce their own pesticide called isoprene, which can repel insects and make them less susceptible to pests. Isoprene production in plants is triggered by stress, such as heat or injury, and can also be activated by environmental changes like […]
🔬 Science
Hurricane Helene set up future disasters, from landslides to flooding – cascading hazards like these are now upending risk models
Hurricane Helene set up future disasters, from landslides to flooding – cascading hazards like these are now upending risk models Hurricane Helene’s impact on the Southeastern U.S. landscape has led to a new understanding of cascading hazards, which are natural events that alter the landscape and lead to future hazards. Cascading hazards are not random, […]
📰 News
Detroit’s population grew in 2023, 2024 − a strategy to welcome immigrants helps explain the turnaround from decades of population decline
Detroit’s population grew in 2023, 2024 − a strategy to welcome immigrants helps explain the turnaround from decades of population decline Detroit’s population grew for the second year in a row in 2024, marking a remarkable comeback after decades of decline, thanks to efforts to attract and settle immigrants. The city’s strategy to welcome immigrants […]
📰 News
Compassion helps people deal with broken promises at work
Compassion helps people deal with broken promises at work Compassion helps employees deal with broken promises at work by making them more emotionally resilient, higher performing, and less likely to seek new employment. A study found that self-compassion reduces emotional exhaustion in individuals experiencing violation feelings from psychological contract breaches (PCBs), while other-compassion leads to […]
📰 News
What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs
What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs A downburst is a powerful wind storm that can be as destructive as tornadoes, with winds reaching over 150 miles per hour and causing widespread damage to buildings, power lines, and trees. Downbursts form when […]
🔬 Science