The government cuts key data used in hurricane forecasting, and experts sound an alarm
Weather experts are warning that hurricane forecasts will be severely hampered by the upcoming cutoff of key data from U.S. Department of Defense satellites, the latest Trump administration move with potential consequences for the quality of forecasting.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it would discontinue the 'ingest, processing and distribution' of data collected by three weather satellites that the agency jointly runs with the Defense Department. The data is used by scientists, researchers and forecasters, including at the National Hurricane Center.
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CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Emerald Ash Borer spotted in Denver, millions of trees at risk
The Emerald Ash Borer has been detected in Denver nearly a decade after city officials began preparing for the invasive wood-boring insect. According to the City and County of Denver, the EAB was confirmed by entomology experts from Colorado State University and Denver's Office of the City Forester after being identified on June 17. The EAB is a non-native pest that has the potential to dramatically change the landscape of the Front Range. An emerald ash borer CBS The city told CBS Colorado that there are 1.45 million ash trees in the Denver metro area, with 330,000 of them in the City and County of Denver. That means about one in every six trees is an ash tree and one in every 10 trees on public land in Denver is an ash tree. "We're grateful that our Office of the City Forester has been preparing for this inevitable discovery, yet this is not a low-stakes battle. EAB has devastated ash tree populations in 37 U.S. states and parts of Canada, costing those communities billions of dollars. Based on this widespread destruction, we've been proactively battling EAB for nearly a decade," said Denver Parks & Recreation Executive Director Jolon Clark in a statement. "In 2016, the Office of the City Forester launched a public education campaign, Be A Smart Ash, to encourage residents to be smart about their ash trees—take action, identify ash trees and, when necessary, treat or replace them." When the EAB was found in Denver, city officials said the Office of the City Forester immediately provided a specimen from the tree to the Colorado State University Entomology Department for confirmation, and the suspect tree was also visited. Arborists recommend using pesticides to treat ash trees before a possible infestation because once beetles attack, it's likely the tree will die and have to be cut down. According to the city, properly administered treatments are 95% effective. Tree removal and replacement can be dangerous work, so it's highly recommended that residents work with a reputable tree care professional, no matter which course of action they choose to take in battling EAB. "Denver has replaced small ash trees on city-maintained land, and a rigorous treatment schedule is in place for some of the historic ash trees on city property. Denver residents who have room in the public right of way next to their property may be eligible for a free replacement tree, and we encourage community members to learn more about that to help sustain our urban forest," said Luke Killoran, Denver's City Forester, in a statement. Additional Information from the City and County of Denver: EAB Tips for Denver Residents: 1. Don't procrastinate: Early detection is key to managing the threat posed by EAB, so don't wait to identify if you have an ash tree. 2. Develop a plan: So you have an ash tree—now what? The short answer is that you have two options: treatment or replacement. Contact a licensed tree expert to help execute your EAB defense plan. 3. Know what to look for: How can you tell if your ash tree is infested with EAB? Look for D-shaped exit holes, bark falling off the tree, wavy trail lines and Northern Flickers (type of woodpecker), among other things. Residents can view a full photo gallery of what they should be looking for. 4. Share what you know: Talk to your neighbors, friends and co-workers about EAB and what they should look for on their ash trees. 5. Buy local, burn local: If you don't move any firewood, you won't move any borers. People unknowingly contribute to the spread of EAB when they transport firewood or other products from ash trees, as EAB larvae stealthily survive and travel hidden under the bark. If an ash tree absolutely must be moved, work with a licensed tree care professional to remove and take all debris.
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
RetinalGenix Technologies Contracts with LabCorp to Support DNA/GPS Platform for Advanced Genetic and Retinal Health Screening
APOLLO BEACH, Fla., June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RetinalGenix Technologies Inc. OTCQB:RTGN ('RetinalGenix' or the 'Company'), a pioneering developmental-stage company focused on ophthalmic screening, monitoring, pharmacogenetic mapping, and repurposed drug development for early detection and treatment of eye and systemic diseases, has entered into an agreement with LabCorp, one of the nation's largest laboratory services organizations, to support the rollout of the RetinalGenix DNA/RNA/GPS Pharmaco-Genetic Mapping™ platform. This innovative program enables patients to undergo genetic testing and high-resolution retinal imaging anonymously and provide insights into both ocular and systemic diseases. Through this collaboration, patients may visit any USA-based LabCorp location to have blood, tears, nasal secretions, and saliva collected and analyzed using proprietary algorithms developed by the RetinalGenix and DNA/RNA GPS analysis platform. These tests may correlate genetic and retinal biomarkers seeking to establish a new standard for early detection of a wide range of health conditions. Based on tests recommended by RetinalGenix, patients may elect to have their data analyzed using specific algorithms developed by RetinalGenix. This process is paired with DNA/RNA/GPS to correlate with current and future biomarkers found in the eye and the blood. Dr. Larry Perich, DO, Advisor for the DNA/RNA/GPS program, noted, 'As the database of disease-associated biomarkers expands, we expect the value of these platforms for diagnosing both ocular and systemic diseases continues to grow, promising improved outcomes and more accessible care.' Patients maintain full control of their health records, which remain anonymous and confidential. Appointments and test orders are managed via the RetinalGenix online platform, with results securely released to patients upon validation of payment at their chosen LabCorp center. Dr. Taimour Langaee, PhD, oversees the Company's DNA/GPS genotyping/sequencing data processing, genetic and pharmacogenomics data analyses, and clinical genetic association studies between eye diseases and genetic variations. Dr. Langaee said, 'I am excited that this creates great opportunities to further expand our knowledge about the important role of genetics and precision medicine in eye diseases, affecting millions of people and the potential to discover novel genetic variants and treatments.' High-resolution retinal imaging will be introduced by RetinalGenix as a value-added additional service at various locations in the near future. The integration of high-resolution imaging is expected to further boost diagnostic accuracy, allowing even general practitioners and standard eye clinics to assist in patient mass screening. These innovations are designed to make screening more accessible, cost-effective, and capable of detecting disease at earlier, more treatable stages. 'The cost of healthcare is enormous, and patient access is critical. This cost-effective methodology aims to reduce reliance on expensive diagnostic procedures such as MRIs, CT scans, PET Scans, echocardiograms to name a few, helping to alleviate the financial burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Equally important is avoiding the use of high-priced specialists to perform basic eye care services. The company is actively collaborating with regulators to establish CPT codes, which should lower healthcare costs and improve access to necessary evaluations. By doing so, the already overburdened patient assessment process can be streamlined,' stated Jerry Katzman, MD, RetinalGenix Technologies CEO. About RetinalGenix RetinalGenix is an ophthalmic research and development company seeking to revolutionize early disease detection and improve patient outcomes across multiple disease areas by integrating genetic screening, advanced imaging, and therapeutic development. Its proprietary High-Resolution Retinal Imaging and RetinalGenix DNA/RNA/GPS Pharmaco-Genetic Mapping™ technologies are designed to help prevent blindness by detecting initial physiological changes that could indicate future ocular and systemic diseases affecting neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, vascular, and metabolic systems, as well as diabetic conditions, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. RetinalGenix is also developing therapeutic drugs for dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) and Alzheimer's disease/dementia. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are identified by the use of the words 'could,' 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'may,' 'continue,' 'predict,' 'potential,' 'project' and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements and include statements regarding reducing reliance on expensive diagnostic procedures with the Company's methodology, the planned rollout of the RetinalGenix DNA/RNA/GPS Pharmaco-Genetic Mapping™ platform, the program providing insights into both ocular and systemic diseases, correlating genetic and retinal biomarkers to seek to establish a new standard for the early detection of a wide range of health conditions, the value of platforms for diagnosing both ocular and systemic diseases continuing to grow, promising improved outcomes and more accessible care, the opportunities to further expand our knowledge about the important role of genetics and precision medicine in eye diseases and the potential to discover novel genetic variants and treatments, introducing high-resolution retinal imaging as an additional service in the near future, the integration of high-resolution imaging further boosting diagnostic accuracy, allowing even general practitioners and standard eye clinics to assist in patient mass screening, the innovations making screening more accessible, cost-effective, and capable of detecting disease at earlier, more treatable stages, establishing CPT codes to further lower healthcare costs and improve access to necessary evaluations and streamlining the patient assessment process. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the Company's ability to successfully complete research and further development and commercialization of Company products, the timing, cost and uncertainty of obtaining regulatory approvals for the Company's products, the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property, and the risk factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the Company's subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Media Contact: For further information, please contact: RetinalGenix Technologies Inc. Media and Investor Relations [email protected] (800) 331-5446
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
National Hurricane Center monitors multiple systems ahead of possible tropical increase
A tropical disturbance in the northwestern Caribbean popped up Thursday night and is showing a low chance for development over the next few days. Elsewhere in the tropics, the National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on four tropical waves, including two in the Caribbean. ➤ Track all active storms ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location There's been only one named storm in the Atlantic basin so far this season but forecasters are keeping an eye on areas close to the U.S. showing some potential for development as we get close to the Fourth of July weekend. The next named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season will be Barry. Keep an umbrella handy today. Showers and thunderstorms are predicted across most of Florida Friday, June 27, according to the National Weather Service. Here's the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center as of 2 p.m., June 27. A broad area of low pressure has formed over the Yucatan Peninsula in association with a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and the Yucatan Peninsula. Some additional development is possible over the next few days when the system moves into the Bay of Campeche this weekend. By early next week this system should move inland over Mexico, ending its chances of additional development. Regardless of development, locally heavy rains are possible over portions of Belize, Guatemala, and southeastern Mexico during the next few days. Formation chance through 48 hours: 20 percent. Formation chance through seven days: 30 percent. Tropical waves Tropical wave 1: An eastern Atlantic tropical wave is near 35W from 15N southward, and moving west around 11 mph. Tropical wave 2: A central Atlantic tropical wave is near 52W from 17N southward, and moving west around 11 mph. Tropical wave 3: A western Caribbean tropical wave is near 83W from 16N southward across western Panama into the East Pacific. It is moving west at 11 mph. Tropical wave 4: Another tropical wave is along 90W from the northern Yucatan Peninsula southward across Guatemala and El Salvador into the East Pacific. It is moving west at around 6 mph. The hatched areas on the National Hurricane Center's tropical outlook map indicate "areas where a tropical cyclone — which could be a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane — could develop," said National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome. The colors make it visibly clear how likely a system could develop, with yellow being low, orange medium, and red high. The National Hurricane Center generally doesn't issue tropical advisories until there is a named storm, but there is an exception. "If a system is near land and there is potential for development, the National Hurricane Center won't wait before it issues advisories, even if the system hasn't become an actual storm. This gives residents time to prepare," Rhome said. There's no tropical system threatening Florida at this time. However, AccuWeather forecasters are warning there is a potential for tropical development in the Gulf or off the southeast coast of the U.S. in early July, the holiday weekend. 'The potential is definitely there off the Southeast Coast or in the Gulf," said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert via email. "The water temperatures are warm enough to support tropical development in that area and the wind shear looks to be fairly low overall in that area.' 'We're forecasting a low chance that anything develops at this point, but this time of the year, this is where we would typically see tropical activity spin up in late June and early July, If anything develops over the next two weeks, it will happen close to home. "There's nothing unusual here. We would typically look close to home for possible tropical development early in the season. If anything develops, it's likely that rainfall would be the primary concern. 'A cold front during the first couple of days of July will come off the southeast coast and stall. The tail of the front will essentially extend across Florida and into the Gulf. If that frontal boundary stalls for a couple of days and we see any convection, that's how we could end up with tropical development next week." 'We expect tropical activity to pick up later on in the hurricane season. This very well could be a back-half loaded season," DaSilva said. Right now, dry air and wind shear are helping keep tropical storms from developing, which isn't unusual for early in the hurricane season, which started June 1. "The second named storm in the Atlantic basin typically doesn't develop until mid to late July. We are on pace with the historical average. Records show that the first hurricane of the season typically doesn't develop until Aug. 11," DaSilva said. Predictions issued by NOAA, AccuWeather and Colorado State University all forecast an above-normal hurricane season. "We're forecasting a wet pattern across the Southeast in early July, regardless of any tropical development," DaSilva said. 'Much of Florida and the Southeast will see plenty of showers and thunderstorms during early July, and that could impact outdoor plans for the Fourth of July. 'Northern Florida and the Panhandle will see more rainfall than South Florida in early July.' 'There is a big plume of dust coming across the Atlantic right now. We expect more Saharan dust to reach portions of the southern U.S. from South Florida to Texas. 'We could have some Saharan dust high in the sky for the Fourth of July, especially across South Florida.' 'We could see some dirty rain across Florida that can make a mess on your car and other surfaces outside, thanks to the Saharan dust.' Florida weather forecast for June 27, 2025 Pensacola, western Panhandle: Early start to the morning with showers and storms already firing up along the coastline and out over the Gulf this morning. High near 87. Tallahassee, central Panhandle: Showers and thunderstorms likely today, with high near 92. Jacksonville, North/Northeast Florida: Thunderstorm chances Increasing this afternoon and few severe storms are possible. Expect storms to develop along the sea breezes and northward from central Florida during the afternoon hours. The main threat with storms will be strong wind gusts. High near 91. Daytona Beach to Stuart, East/Central Florida: Plenty of thunderstorms expected this afternoon-evening from increasing moisture and a sea breeze collision near the Orlando metro area. Strong storms are possible and there is a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms across much of the state. Temperatures expected to range from 88 in Daytona Beach to 87 in Stuart. West Palm Beach to Naples, South/Southwest Florida: Quiet across South Florida this morning with the exception of a thunderstorm with plenty of lightning just offshore of Naples. Scattered storms and showers pick up in coverage this afternoon. Naples high near 90; West Palm Beach high near 84. Fort Myers to Sarasota, West/Southwest Florida: Interior portions of the forecast area are under a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms today with a threat of damaging wind gusts, hail 1inches in diameter or greater and locally heavy rainfall. Fort Myers high near 92 with heat index as high as 99; Sarasota high near 87. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories. The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the tropical Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA sadi. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This story was updated to add a gallery and new information. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: National Hurricane Center monitors multiple systems ahead of possible tropical increase
