Nina Halbrook, U.S. Business, Technology & Industry Writer at Farmington Voice
Nina Halbrook
30 storiesWriter
Business & Technology Writer
Nina Halbrook covers U.S. business, technology and industry for Farmington Voice, with a focus on major companies, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, manufacturing, automotive technology and supply chains. Her reporting looks beyond corporate announcements to examine products, investment, jobs, execution and the evidence behind ambitious claims.
30 latest articles by Nina Halbrook
Longview pulp mill disaster exposes years of safety violations
A chemical tank collapse at Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview, Washington killed 11 workers in May. State and federal records show the mill had a long record of safety complaints, equipment failures and toxic chemical releases before the tragedy.
Power Outages and Tornado Damage Disrupt Metro Detroit Neighborhoods
More than 200000 DTE customers lost power after severe storms and a confirmed tornado struck Metro Detroit communities Thursday night leaving homes damaged and residents displaced as cleanup begins
Missouri Supreme Court Halts New U.S. House Map, Orders Statewide Vote
Missouri's highest court has blocked the use of new congressional districts backed by President Donald Trump, requiring voters to decide their fate before they can take effect in the November general election.
Tree Crushes Detroit Home During Storm, Man and Newborn Escape
A severe storm toppled a large tree onto a Detroit home Thursday afternoon, trapping a man and his newborn daughter inside. Both were hospitalized for evaluation and are expected to recover, according to local reports.
Supreme Court Asked to Weigh Trump Mail Ballot Rule Before Midterms
With mail ballots set to go out in North Carolina, the Trump administration is urging the Supreme Court to allow new federal restrictions on mail voting, even as lower courts question the system's readiness and legality ahead of November's elections
Lightning Sparks Fire at Detroit Apartment, Storms Down Trees Citywide
A lightning strike ignited a fire at Chene Park Commons on Detroit's east side Thursday morning, as severe storms toppled trees and power lines across multiple neighborhoods, prompting emergency response and ongoing cleanup efforts.
Florida County Adds Local Radar After Missed Tornado Warning
Lee County, Florida has installed its own advanced weather radar after a tornado went undetected by federal systems, highlighting how local governments are investing in technology to close dangerous gaps in storm detection and emergency response.
California Agencies Face New Rules for Public Participation and Trust
California's updated Brown Act now requires local agencies to offer two-way remote participation and expanded language access, but experts say real public trust depends on showing how community input shapes decisions
Power Outages Top 90,000 After Severe Storms Hit Metro Detroit
Nearly 93,500 DTE Energy customers in Metro Detroit lost electricity after Wednesday night's storms brought damaging winds, flash flooding and widespread debris. Utility crews are working to restore service as residents face blocked roads and cleanup challenges.
U.S. Jobless Claims Edge Up, But Layoffs Remain Uncommon
Unemployment claims in the U.S. rose slightly to 206,000 last week, but the job market continues to show stability with layoffs still rare and hiring activity subdued, according to the latest Labor Department data
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Parts of Southeast Michigan
Oakland and Livingston counties face severe thunderstorm warnings until 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, while most other Metro Detroit counties remain under no active alerts. Residents are urged to monitor conditions as storms move through the region.
Teachers Left to Tackle AI Cheating as States Sidestep Enforcement
While most states have issued AI guidelines for public schools, few address student cheating, leaving teachers to manage rising misuse of generative AI tools without clear support or effective detection methods.
New York City Ends $200 Million T-Mobile Chromebook Contract for Schools
New York City has canceled a costly T-Mobile contract that provided LTE service for school-issued Chromebooks, citing duplication and high expense. The move is expected to save tens of millions as the city shifts to a more targeted internet access program for students.
Kennedy Center Removes 'Blue' Sculpture Amid Board Dispute
The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. has taken down the 'Blue' sculpture by Joel Shapiro, ending its presence on the campus after five years as board conflicts and legal battles over the institution's direction continue
Federal Judges Increase Security Measures Amid Rising Threats
Federal judges across the U.S. are taking new steps to protect themselves and their families as threats and harassment rise, with recent studies showing a 57% increase in serious security incidents over the past year
Scarcity Drives New Risks and Opportunities for Local Governments
As demand for water, land, and energy grows, local governments face tough choices about resource allocation while investors see new opportunities. Fragmented oversight can leave communities exposed to risks that cross agency boundaries.
Poll Finds Data Centers Least Supported by U.S. Communities
A new national survey shows nearly half of Americans oppose new data centers in their neighborhoods, with concerns over energy, water use, and AI growth driving resistance. Support for other developments remains much higher.
Whistleblower Warns USPS Mail Ballot System May Reject Valid Votes
A new mail ballot system rushed by the U.S. Postal Service to comply with a Trump executive order could lead to widespread rejection of mail ballots, according to a whistleblower. The system is under court review ahead of the midterm elections.
Tropical Storm Edouard Brings Flood Risk to Texas and Louisiana
Tropical Storm Edouard is forecast to make landfall in Texas, bringing heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding to communities along the Gulf Coast, including parts of Louisiana, with impacts expected to begin Tuesday.
Arkansas to Receive $172 Million in Meta Settlement Over Child Safety
Arkansas will gain at least $172 million from a multistate settlement with Meta over online child safety, while several lawsuits against other social media companies-including TikTok, Google, and Snapchat-remain active in state and federal courts
Most States Progress on Website Accessibility, But Gaps Remain
A new report finds most states are on track to meet federal website accessibility rules by 2027, but many lack resources to fully investigate and fix issues, raising concerns as the deadline approaches
U.S. Forms Oil Partnership in Venezuela With Pentagon Stake
The White House has announced a new partnership with North American Blue Energy Partners to create a U.S.-backed oil company in Venezuela, giving the Pentagon a 35% stake and the State Department rights to purchase a portion of the output at cost.
Mobile Driver's Licenses Expand as States Push Toward Digital IDs
Mobile driver's licenses are now available in 21 states and Puerto Rico, with over 8 million active credentials. Wider adoption and remote verification could soon make digital IDs a practical tool for banking, employment, and age verification.
Pennsylvania Lawmakers Propose Limits on Flock Cameras and ALPR Use
Pennsylvania legislators are considering new bills to regulate automated license plate readers and Flock cameras, aiming to address privacy concerns and set clear rules for law enforcement and local governments
G20 Finance Leaders Meet in Asheville Amid U.S. Tariff and Iran Tensions
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is hosting G20 finance ministers in Asheville, North Carolina, as the U.S. seeks support on Iran and faces strained trade relations with key allies. The meetings follow renewed hostilities and recent hurricane recovery efforts.
Trump Hints at Post-2028 Plans as He Balances Legacy and Term Limits
President Donald Trump continues to reference a possible third term, but recent remarks suggest he is increasingly focused on life after leaving office in January 2029, raising questions about his legacy and the limits of presidential power
New Federal Workforce Pell Grants Open Doors for Job Training Students
Community colleges nationwide are seeking approval to offer Workforce Pell grants, making short-term job training more affordable for students pursuing careers in fields like healthcare, trucking, and skilled trades
Vice President Vance to Address Republican Jewish Coalition Amid Concerns
Vice President JD Vance will speak privately to the Republican Jewish Coalition on Monday, as the group navigates internal debate over U.S. policy toward Israel and rising concerns about antisemitism within conservative circles.
Venice Film Festival Opens With New Films, Documentaries and Awards
The 83rd Venice Film Festival begins this week, bringing major premieres, timely documentaries, and awards contenders to Italy's Lido. The event features high-profile guests and films that could shape the upcoming Oscar race.
Volunteer Team Rescues Stranded Climber Near Mammoth Lakes, California
A climber stranded overnight on a narrow ledge near Mammoth Lakes was safely rescued after a 15-hour technical operation by the Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team. The effort required specialized skills and careful coordination in hazardous terrain.
