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☆ Northeast Braces for Bitter Cold as Wind Chill Could Hit Minus 65 Degrees in Some Areas
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-03 | by ( Suryatapa Bhattacharya | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The Midwest and Northeast are expected to face severe cold and whiteout conditions. A blast of bitter cold will sweep across the Midwest and Northeast Friday, with snow squalls and sudden whiteout conditions making driving, particularly on highways, dangerous. Wind chill from gusty northwesterly winds will make for the coldest weather in decades, the National Weather Service said. Wind-chill warnings and advisories are in effect for the Northern Plains as well as the Northeast. Record-breaking lows are forecast for the New York City, Boston and Providence areas.

☆ Northeast Braces for Bitter Cold As Wind Chill Could Hit Minus 65 Degrees in Some Areas
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-03 | by ( Suryatapa Bhattacharya | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

☆ Northeast U.S. Braces for Cold. Maine Could See Wind Chill of Minus 65.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-03 | by ( Suryatapa Bhattacharya | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Bitter cold hit New York City and other parts of the Northeast Friday. A blast of bitter cold swept across the Midwest and Northeast Friday, with snow squalls and sudden whiteout conditions making driving, particularly on highways, dangerous in some places. Wind chill from gusty northwesterly winds will make for the coldest weather in decades, the National Weather Service said. Windchill warnings and advisories are in effect for the Northern Plains as well as the Northeast. Record-breaking lows are forecast for the New York City, Boston and Providence, R.I., areas.

Early on Friday, the core of the cold air mass, driven from Arctic Canada into the United States by high-altitude air currents, was centered over the U.S. Plains, said weather service forecaster Bob Oravec. International Falls, Minnesota, was the coldest spot as of 7 a.m., with temperatures hovering around -36 F (-38 C). "It's moving into the Northeast" and temperatures will drop throughout the day on Friday, he said. By comparison, air temperatures in Eureka, Canada's northernmost Arctic weather station, were hovering at -41 F (-41 C) on Friday morning. Boston was about 22 above zero F (-6 C) on Friday morning, with temperatures expected to plummet throughout the day and hit -3 F (-19 C) by midnight.

☆ Drought threatens U.S. wheat production despite acreage bump
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Julie Ingwersen | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

[1/2] Mark Nelson, a scout on the Wheat Quality Council's Kansas wheat tour, checks a winter wheat field north of Minneapolis, Kansas, U.S., May 17, 2022. 3 winter wheat producer last year. Winter wheat typically represents about two-thirds of U.S. production, with the remainder planted in the spring, and the U.S. has lost market share to other wheat exporters, including Russia, in recent years. U.S. soft red wheat acres rose by 20% year-on-year and planting jumped by 45% in Illinois, the No. 8 U.S. winter wheat state by acreage.

☆ Bed Bath & Beyond just missed another debt payment. See the full list of stores it will close, including Harmon and Buybuy Baby locations.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Avery Hartmans | Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +20 min

In addition to 87 more Bed Bath & Beyond stores, the company now says it will close all of its remaining Harmon health and beauty stores, and five Buybuy Baby stores. San Leandro: 15555 East 14th St., Suite 24015555 East 14th St., Suite 240 Burbank: 201 East Magnolia Blvd. Marina: 117 General Stilwell Drive117 General Stilwell Drive Vallejo: 105 Plaza Drive, Suite 107105 Plaza Drive, Suite 107 * Palm Desert: 72459 Highway 11172459 Highway 111 * Visalia: 3125 South Mooney Blvd. Arterial * Coralville: 2515 Corridor Way Suite 5Kansas:Lawrence: 3106 S. Iowa St., Suite 2153106 S. Iowa St., Suite 215 Manhattan: 425 3rd Place425 3rd Place * Olathe: 15335 W. 119th St.Kentucky:Elizabethtown: 1998 N. Dixie Ave.1998 N. Dixie Ave. New Hartford: 4805 Commercial Drive4805 Commercial Drive Kingston: 1187 Ulster Ave.1187 Ulster Ave. Plattsburgh: 73 Centre Drive, Suite 10073 Centre Drive, Suite 100 Farmingdale: 251 Airport Plaza Blvd.

☆ U.S. job openings increase to five-month high as labor market stays tight
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Lucia Mutikani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

There were 1.9 job openings for every unemployed person in December, the Labor Department's monthly Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, or JOLTS report, showed on Wednesday. Job openings, a measure of labor demand, increased by 572,000 to a five-month high of 11.0 million on the last day of December. Others speculated that job openings had been overstated because of difficulties adjusting the data for seasonal fluctuations. "A jump in job openings in the retail sector is also at odds with a lower pace of seasonal hiring around the holidays." The job openings rate up shot to 6.7% from 6.4% in November.

☆ U.S. states struggle to share dwindling waters of Colorado River
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/3] An aerial view of Lake Powell is seen, where water levels have declined dramatically as growing demand for water and climate change shrink the Colorado River in Page, Arizona, U.S., November 19, 2022. "Six of the seven basin states are playing catch-up to reduce water use from the Colorado River, which is absolutely critically needed after 20 years of drought and the impacts of climate change," Moran told Reuters. When the states struck their agreement 100 years ago, it envisaged the river could provide 20 million acre-feet of water a year. Although California was deluged for weeks from late in December by seven atmospheric rivers that dumped up to 30 inches (76 cm) of rain over some areas, little of that reached the Colorado River basin. A letter signed by the six states showed they all recognised the need for a change in operating procedures for the Colorado River and deliveries from it, she added.

☆ Cheeseburgers and steaks could be about to get a lot more expensive after US beef cow numbers slumped
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( George Glover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The US cow population fell 3% last year while beef cows decreased to their lowest level since 1962, according to the Department of Agriculture. The total cow population in the country fell 3% to 89.3 million in 2022, according to a Department of Agriculture cattle inventory report published Tuesday. The number of milk cows rose slightly but beef cows plunged 4% to just under 29 million – the lowest total since records started in 1962. The fall in US cow numbers will likely be felt in diners and kitchens, with lower beef supplies encouraging farmers to raise prices and those then being passed on to Americans buying burgers or steaks. "What Tuesday's report solidifies is that not only do we have 'fewer' beef cows in the industry than compared to years past, but also that we have the fewest beef cows ever recorded," DTN livestock analyst ShayLe Stewart said.

☆ United Airlines announces JV to develop sustainable fuel using ethanol
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] A United Airlines passenger jet takes off with New York City as a backdrop, at Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey, U.S. December 6, 2019. REUTERS/Chris Helgren//File PhotoJan 31 (Reuters) - United Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL.O) on Tuesday announced a new joint venture to develop and commercialize a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology that will use ethanol as a feedstock. Blue Blade Energy, the JV formed by United Airlines, energy infrastructure company Tallgrass and biorefiner Green Plains Inc (GPRE.O), will see an investment of up to $50 million. The JV will provide up to 135 million gallons of ethanol-based SAF annually, and up to 2.7 billion gallons in total under an offtake agreement, United Airlines said. The JV expects to proceed with the construction of a pilot plant in 2024, followed by a full-scale facility that could begin commercial operations by 2028, United Airlines said.

All U.S. winter wheat area is estimated at an eight-year high. Wheat health is better in key soft red winter wheat states like Illinois and Missouri, where GE this week covers 69% and 68% of the crop, respectively. But only 5% of the country’s winter wheat has been sown in these states. Winter wheat at the U.S. level was 34% GE and 26% PVP in the last assessment at the end of November. Hard red spring wheat accounted for 28%, soft white winter 20%, soft red winter 9%, and durum and other wheat accounted for 5% of inspections.

A long-duration ice storm will impact a large swath of the South through Wednesday, with the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area at the center of the threat. The slow-moving storm system is expected to bring freezing rain and accumulating ice to parts of the country extending from Texas to West Virginia. A heavier round of freezing rain is expected to develop Tuesday over central Texas and up through Arkansas into Tennessee. As parts of the South struggle with the winter storm, several cities in the Northeast will continue to wait for snow. Some other notable snowless statsPhiladelphia is quickly approaching its latest first snow on record, which is Feb. 3.

☆ The cast of '1923' explain how the prequel has expanded the 'Yellowstone' universe in the most literal sense: 'If Taylor writes you are somewhere, you're shooting there'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( Eve Crosbie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

In a Paramount+ video and Insider exclusive, the cast and crew discuss the drama's global scope. From the very first episode, this compelling new chapter set itself apart from earlier prequel "1883," and the present-day set series led by Kevin Costner with its incredibly ambitious scope that features storylines scattered across several continents. "The scale of what we're doing is so vast," Helen Mirren, who portrays the fearsome family matriarch Cara, says in an exclusive new Paramount+ video that takes viewers behind the scenes on the production. As Brandon Sklenar who plays the show's prodigal son, Spencer Dutton, says: "If Taylor writes you are somewhere, you're shooting there." Check out the cast and crew discussing the global journey of "1923" in the video below:"1923" is streaming on Paramount+.

The tornado struck Pasadena, southeast of Houston, seriously damaging homes and other buildings and knocking out power to thousands in the city and its surrounding areas. More than a dozen other tornado sightings were reported as the storm moved across the Gulf Coast, although they have yet to be confirmed by the National Weather Service. The spate of reported tornadoes adds to changes that experts have been observing in recent years — specifically, that where and when tornadoes occur has begun to shift. Historically, tornadoes were most likely to strike within a column of the central U.S. that was nicknamed “Tornado Alley.” The area includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. In areas with tightly packed cities, lots of trees and less open space, for example, a tornado can cause more catastrophic damage.

☆ Classified records pose conundrum stretching back to Carter
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

The mishandling of classified documents is not a problem unique to President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. He contrasted that pattern for top officials to senators, who are required to retain classified materials in secure rooms at the Capitol. It's notable that Carter signed the Presidential Records Act in 1978 but it did not apply to records of his administration, taking effect years later when Ronald Reagan was inaugurated. Former President Bill Clinton's office said, "All of President Clinton's classified materials were properly turned over to NARA in accordance with the Presidential Records Act." The power to change or amend how classified documents are handled rests largely with the president.

☆ Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama say they have no classified documents
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Joe Biden, Donald Trump and Mike Pence are all facing classified documents controversies. Former presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama say they don't have any classified documents. Clinton's office similarly says, "All of President Clinton's classified materials were properly turned over to NARA in accordance with the Presidential Records Act." "NARA has never issued any such statement and is not aware of any missing boxes of Presidential records from the Obama administration." Biden, Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence are each facing controversies over the improper storage of classified documents.

That mildly increases the chance of a bountiful U.S. corn crop, but a disaster cannot be ruled out. La Nina and its warm-phase cousin El Nino usually peak in strength during the U.S. winter. La Nina is on its third consecutive season, but its departure could be near. Although it varied greatly by state, U.S. farmers on average did not produce a stellar corn crop in 2022 due to drought in the west. Recent years where an early-year La Nina gave way to El Nino by year’s end include 2018, 2009 and 2006.

☆ New Mexico asks court to overturn cities' abortion bans
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Andrew Hay | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The move comes after the New Mexico cities of Hobbs, Clovis and two surrounding counties bordering Texas passed ordinances in recent months to restrict abortion clinics and access to abortion pills. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez filed an extraordinary writ in New Mexico Supreme Court to block the ordinances which he said were based on flawed interpretations of 19th century federal regulations on abortion medication. Right-to-life activists said the regulations remained valid under federal law and vowed to work on bringing such ordinances to more cities in New Mexico, the only state bordering Texas where abortion remains legal. New Mexico's largest cities of Las Cruces and Albuquerque have become regional destinations for women seeking abortions since the U.S. Supreme Court in June ended the nationwide constitutional right to the procedure. In direct response, New Mexico Democrats have drafted legislation to prevent cities from overriding state laws guaranteeing womens' rights to reproductive healthcare.

☆ Small-town nursing homes closing amid staffing crunch
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( Tony Leys | Kaiser Health News | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +10 min

In Iowa, 13 of the 15 nursing homes that closed in 2022 were in rural areas, according to the Iowa Health Care Association. “We’ve had more nursing homes go bankrupt in the last year than in the last 10 years combined,” she said. Nationally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported recently that 129 nursing homes had closed in 2022. In Iowa, Medicaid pays nursing homes about $215 per day per resident, according to the Iowa Health Care Association. Willett said a recent survey found that 72% of Iowa’s remaining nursing homes were freezing or limiting admissions below their capacity.

☆ 4 women execs at Meta, Pinterest, Hyundai and Heineken share the early morning routines that helped them climb the corporate ladder.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Lola Christina Alao | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Insider talked to four female senior executives about their morning work routines. They all start work no later than 7:30 a.m.Two of the execs — Christine Trodella and Olabisi Boyle — prefer to take walking meetings. Insider spoke with four women who've climbed to the corporate ladder — up to senior executive roles at companies including Hyundai and Pinterest — about theirs. Christine TrodellaChristine Trodella, the director of B2B-commercial sales for Reality Labs at Meta, typically starts work between 6 and 7 a.m. "I start work between 7:15 and 7:30 a.m. but wake up at 5 a.m. to give myself time to breathe," she said.

☆ Norway's wealth fund buys 49% stake in Iberdrola's Spanish renewables portfolio
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

OSLO, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Norway's $1.3 trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, said on Tuesday it had agreed to buy a 49% stake in Iberdrola's 1.3 gigawatt (GW) portfolio of Spanish solar plants and onshore wind farms for 600 million euros ($650 million). Iberdrola (IBE.MC) will remain co-owner and operator of the portfolio, Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), the operator of the Norwegian fund, said in a statement. "The portfolio comprises seven solar plant projects and five onshore wind projects with an installed capacity of 1265 MW, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 700,000 Spanish households," NBIM said. Solar plants make up 80% of the portfolio, while onshore wind accounts for the remaining 20%. It recently sold a 49% stake in an offshore wind farm in Germany for 700 million euros.

☆ California picks up debris from latest storm, braces for the next
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Sharon Bernstein | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

At least two more storm systems were set to pound California and the Pacific Northwest starting Friday and over the weekend, the National Weather Service said, including another atmospheric river, systems of dense moisture funneled into California from the tropical Pacific. The state has already been hit with seven such weather systems over the past two weeks. In Monterey County, water from prior storms continued to swell the Salinas River, officials said. The heavy rains have eased California's historic drought but not ended it, the U.S. Drought Monitor showed on Thursday. Even with more atmospheric rivers in the immediate forecast, the state's water system will remained strained in coming years without new infrastructure to capture more storm water, restore flood plains and recycle wastewater.

☆ Explainer: Why weeks of rain in California will not end historic drought
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Daniel Trotta | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

But the state's water infrastructure, mostly built in the 20th Century when the population was barely half of today's 40 million, is ill-equipped for the new situation. On Dec. 14, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California declared a drought emergency for all 19 million people in the region. Despite a deluge that by one estimate has been expected to dump more than 20 trillion gallons (80 trillion liters), the state's major reservoirs remain well below their historic average. INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICITThe state's infrastructure, largely a network of cement canals, lacks the capacity to capture excess stormwater. Even as the Colorado River basin faces its own drought, and the atmospheric rivers provide no relief, the Colorado River suffers more from overuse than from a lack of precipitation.

"The situation is very dangerous because of years of continuous drought," said Hammadi Habib, an Agriculture Ministry official. Tunisia already has food supply problems thanks to high global prices and the government's own financial difficulties, which have reduced its capacity to buy imported food and subsidise farms at home. "It is time for the authorities to declare a state of water emergency," said Radhia Smine of the Tunisian Observatory of Water. Thousands of families will lack drinking water," she added. "If we do not take decisions in January to reduce irrigation water and ration water use now to prioritise drinking water... then for sure in August we will not have drinking water in the capital or coastal regions," said Habib, the agriculture ministry official.

The United States was gripped by a frigid Arctic blast in late December, affecting transportation and commerce. The U.S. Department of Agriculture already projects 2022-23 U.S. wheat exports at a 51-year low of 21.1 million tonnes (775 million bushels). That volume is 26% lower than in 2016-17, the last time the United States was the world’s leading wheat exporter. Through the first half of 2022-23, which began on June 1, U.S. wheat exports covered 54% of USDA’s December forecast. U.S. wheat supplies have contracted after two disappointing harvests, driven by both low area and yield.

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