Across America|News|
Latest Recalls: Arsenic, E. Coli, Salmonella Risks; Lead, Fire Hazards
Leaf blowers and vacuums that may spit out interior pieces and cut users and bystanders and flammable children’s sleepwear among recalls.
How to contact me: beth.dalbey@patch.com.
I'm a longtime community journalist and started with Patch.com in 2011 as a local editor in Iowa. My current position is national editor.
My career has been solely focused in journalism, except for a brief detour in 2007 when I joined the communications department of a scientific research institute studying the evolution of language in bonobos and other great apes. I knew it would be an adventure – it was! – and worked as a freelance writer and consultant after that position was eliminated in 2010.
Beliefs
Politics: I’m a registered independent. I will vote every time, regardless of party affiliation, for the individual with the best ideas to make our communities more livable.
Religion: I grew up attending the United Methodist Church in my small hometown. It was a great foundation that taught me most of what I believe is right and wrong. I believe in a supreme being. I respect others’ right to believe what they believe, as long as they’re not proselytizing on the taxpayer’s dime, and I think this whole business of seeing everyone who does good works as an angel or every marvelous outcome as a miracle cheapens both.
Leaf blowers and vacuums that may spit out interior pieces and cut users and bystanders and flammable children’s sleepwear among recalls.
No Mow May is one way to help pollinators, but not the only one, many readers said. Others called it an unproven “half-baked idea.”
NOAA issued a severe, level G-4 geomagnetic storm watch, which it hasn’t done since 2005, which could trigger dazzling auroras.
From wisdom gained during their own tough journeys through life to whimsy, moms always seem to know best.
“Multiple deaths” have been associated with the products, which some experts say may limit a baby’s ability to breathe and pump blood.
Road trips focus on volcanoes, redwoods, coastal villages, the old stomping grounds of the Grateful Dead and a “Sideways” wine tour.
The recalled Palmer Candy confections were sold at Walmart, Target, Hy-Vee and Dollar General.
Beachgoers in Southern California mystified by weird bright blue blobs (and they stink); 250-year-old cherries at George Washington’s home.
For some people, the mowing season is in full swing. Others, who are observing “No Mow May,” say the pause helps imperiled pollinators.
Mercury, one of challenging planets to see because it’s so close to the sun, will be visible in the early morning sky for a few days.
Summer can be one of the most dangerous times of the year, but with the precautions, it doesn’t have to be marred by tragedy.
Hot weather could fuel strong storms, including derechos, across much of the U.S. this summer. It could be a big year for hurricanes, too.
Chocolate candies and confections may become a luxury amid shortages brought on by disease, climate change and systemic problems in Africa.
The Homeland Security deadline for getting a REAL ID, required to fly domestically or enter certain federal buildings, is May 7, 2025.
About 6.4 million $1 bills printed at two locations have duplicate serial numbers, and collectors are clamoring to find matching pairs.
Sometimes spelled Eta Aquarids, these meteors are freaky fast. A NASA expert says an “outburst“ of one a minute isn’t out of the question.
Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, May 5, will be marked by parades and celebrations in hundreds of U.S. cities, but is largely unnoticed in Mexico.
From casual to fine dining, these restaurants give mom a day off. Some of the perks include just-for-Mom cocktails and complimentary wine.
Accelerators can stick on battery-operated ride-on toys, causing crashes, and ground beef may be contaminated with E. coli.
Moms always seem to know what to say in any situation. For Mother’s Day, we want to shout out moms everywhere for their strength and wisdom.