Hurricane forecasters are losing 3 key satellites ahead of peak storm season − a meteorologist explains why it matters

The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program has been particularly important for understanding when a hurricane is about to rapidly intensify, a dangerous situation for coastal communities.

Chris Vagasky, Meteorologist and Research Program Manager, University of Wisconsin-Madison • conversation
yesterday • ~8 min

What’s at risk for Arctic wildlife if Trump expands oil drilling in the fragile National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska

Caribou, migrating birds and many other types of wildlife rely on this expanse of wetlands and tundra. Humanity and the climate depend on a healthy Arctic, too.

Mariah Meek, Associate Professor of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University • conversation
June 30, 2025 • ~11 min

How the end of carbon capture could spark a new industrial revolution

The Trump administration is pulling back billions of dollars in industrial development money for carbon capture and storage projects. That may force industries to actually cut emissions instead.

Andres Clarens, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Virginia • conversation
June 23, 2025 • ~10 min

How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage

Health insurance companies use AI to decide which health care treatment to cover. State laws and federal agencies are now moving toward regulating these algorithms.

Jennifer D. Oliva, Professor of Law, Indiana University • conversation
June 20, 2025 • ~10 min

Low-income homeowners hit by disasters may get less help from the government, as Trump administration nixes rules on fairness, community input and resilience

Changes made to comply with executive orders could interfere with the mission of a program that has historically helped some of the people who most need a hand.

Ivis García, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University • conversation
June 20, 2025 • ~8 min

Hurricane season is here, but FEMA’s policy change could leave low-income areas less protected

Low-income neighborhoods have the hardest time recovering from disasters without help. FEMA used to require cities to pay attention to them, but that’s changing.

Shannon Van Zandt, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University • conversation
May 30, 2025 • ~8 min

Air traffic controller shortages in Newark and other airports partly reflect long, intense training − but university-based training programs are becoming part of the solution

The FAA is expanding its intense air traffic controller training to universities as part of an effort to alleviate a shortage of about 3,000 controllers.

Brian Strzempkowski, Assistant Director, Center for Aviation Studies, The Ohio State University • conversation
May 27, 2025 • ~9 min

WHO is finalizing a new treaty that prepares for the next pandemic − but the US isn’t signing

The US withdrew from treaty negotiations on President Trump’s first day in office.

Nicole Hassoun, Professor of Philosophy, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
May 22, 2025 • ~7 min

Trump moves to gut low-income energy assistance as summer heat descends and electricity prices rise

The problem of high energy prices and rising numbers of people unable to afford them isn’t lost on the Trump administration.

Shelley Welton, Professor of Law and Energy Policy, University of Pennsylvania • conversation
May 13, 2025 • ~9 min

How redefining just one word could strip the Endangered Species Act’s ability to protect vital habitat

The public has until May 19 to weigh in on a Trump administration plan that would leave many endangered species at much greater risk.

Karrigan Börk, Professor of Law, University of California, Davis • conversation
May 13, 2025 • ~9 min

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