Nine teams from eight Houston schools researched and reported on sustainability and environmental issues for a recent Student Innovation Showcase. Projects included plastic use, recycling, water conservation and how much paper is wasted at school.
An investigation by The New York Times has uncovered complaints by employees at Boeing's South Carolina manufacturing plant alleging that the company prioritizes expediency over safety in its production processes, write Natalie Kitroeff and David Gelles. Boeing is currently facing backlash after two of its 737 Max jets crashed in recent months.
The nonprofit Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program offers STEM education programs to K-12 students to help them explore and prepare for the many career and educational paths in STEM fields. The Michigan-based organization has expanded to Illinois and has adjusted its focus to include technical careers that don't require a bachelor's degree, emphasizing fields in which future growth is expected.
⋅ Reuters
Commerce Department data show retail sales increased 1.6% in March, regaining ground after a plunge in December, while a Labor Department report shows continued decline in initial unemployment claims. These reports follow Federal Reserve data that show a moderate increase in economic activity and provide further evidence of good economic health.
A growing number of fast-casual restaurants are delivering personalized meals in bento boxes that compartmentalize the different dishes and ingredients. Supertoro in Santa Monica, Calif., will boast a build-your-own bento box meal when it opens this summer and Boulder, Colo.-based Kelley and Ping provides a delivery-only bento box concept.
⋅ CNET
Independent researcher Justin Paine, head of trust and safety at web security firm Cloudflare, discovered that 4.91 million documents were exposed in an unsecured online database, affecting about 145,000 patients who sought medical care at several addiction rehabilitation centers. Patients at Steps to Recovery in Pennsylvania and Ohio Addiction Recovery Center were among those affected, and the incident compromised their names, details of treatments received, birth dates, family members and age.
Snapchat is continuing its partnership with the Ad Council through a new "Because of You" anti-bullying campaign aimed at teens by encouraging app users to use the Lens Carousel to share a moment that another individual made a positive impact in their life and be entered for a chance to be featured on Snapchat. Some creators are also being invited to a Creators for Good event to learn how to tap their creativity to encourage social good.
Everlane has released the Tread line of sustainable unisex sneakers, utilizing virgin plastic-free material, such as recycled and natural rubber, for 94.2% of each shoe's sole. The company, which transparently prices products for consumers, reuses 9.5 recycled plastic water bottles to craft each pair.
The release of the Samsung Galaxy Fold smartphone has been delayed until at least May after technology reviewers reported that their test devices had malfunctioned. The Galaxy Fold, the first mainstream foldable-screen device, was scheduled to be released this week.
Biotechnology firm Mustang Bio announced that its gene therapy MB-107 has cured 10 children with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency. The company has an ongoing Phase I/II trial of the drug candidate at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and at the University of California at San Francisco.
A jury in a US federal court in San Diego ruled that Apple violated three Qualcomm patents in the iPhone 7, 8 and X and awarded Qualcomm $31.6 million in damages. The fight isn't over though since the companies are due back in a San Diego court April 15 in what is expected to be a much more intense face-off over patent licenses and royalties.
⋅ Reuters
The Federal Reserve's Beige Book report shows a moderate rise in economic growth in March and early April. The report also notes shortages of skilled workers in most of the Fed's 12 districts and generally modest wage rises.
President Donald Trump will not renew sanctions waivers for countries that import Iranian crude oil. "Our goal has been to get countries to cease importing Iranian oil altogether," said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The Transportation Security Administration is increasing signage at US airports to remind travelers the Real ID Act goes into effect on Oct. 1, 2020. "TSA is doing everything we can to prepare our partners and the traveling public for the Real ID deadline next year," TSA chief David Pekoske said.
Forbes has released its 2019 list of the top large US employers, and Southwest Airlines is second only to grocery chain Trader Joe's. Forbes used data from employee surveys to compile the list.