The United States is celebrating the inauguration of its first commercial-scale offshore wind farm. This marks a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards sustainable energy. Located east of Montauk Point, New York, the South Fork Wind farm was developed by Danish energy giant Ørsted and utility company Eversource. It comprises 12 turbines, capable of transforming wind into clean electricity. In a ceremony on Long Island, New York, Governor Kathy Hochul symbolically activated the wind farm, signifying a giant leap forward in clean energy production.

This pioneering project showcases America’s commitment to combating climate change, and sets the stage for the expansion of offshore wind energy, which is essential for achieving a carbon-neutral future. The Biden administration has already endorsed six commercial-scale offshore wind initiatives and has introduced new offshore wind lease areas, underscoring their determination to embrace renewable energy.

South Fork Wind’s 132 megawatts of capacity will power over 70,000 homes. Governor Hochul emphasized the historic significance of this achievement, envisioning it as a turning point that future generations will remember.

The United States is awaiting the completion of its second large offshore wind farm in Massachusetts.

Fast food giant Wendy’s is considering changing its prices throughout the day, similar to how Uber charges more during peak hours. This idea, known as dynamic pricing, will be tested at Wendy’s locations in 2025. The company is spending $20 million on new digital menus for its US restaurants that allow for the changing of prices based on how many people want specific menu items at a certain time.

Wendy’s CEO, Kirk Tanner, said that the new menus will use technology to suggest items and change offers based on the time of day, enhancing the customer experience.

Wendy’s ensured that this plan is designed to offer discount prices during slower times throughout the day. In a blog post, the company said they, “would not raise prices when our customers are visiting us most… Any features we may test in the future would be designed to benefit our customers and restaurant crew members.”

The new menus were first showcased in a new store design in 2022, and have already begun appearing in select drive-thrus. These digital menus are able to talk, change prices quickly, and make suggestions to customers. Wendy’s hopes this will increase their selling power. McDonald’s is trying something similar, but the inconsistent changing of prices has made some customers unhappy.

If Wendy’s plan works, other fast-food places might implement surge pricing as well.

Airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways, have increased the cost of checking baggage. A new tiered pricing system charges passengers more if they choose to check their bags at the airport rather than paying online in advance. The airlines hope that this change will streamline the check-in processes, helping travelers to arrive at their gates more quickly.

American Airlines, which hadn’t raised its checked bag fees in over five years, now charges $35 for the first checked bag if paid for online ahead of time, and $40 at the airport. The airlines justify these increases by highlighting the operational efficiencies and improved customer service resulting from pre-paid baggage fees.

Customers who have specific rewards credit cards or elite frequent flyer status are exempt from these fees for at least one checked bag.

Airlines attribute the need for these fee hikes to rising labor and fuel costs. Southwest Airlines remains an exception, continuing to allow two free checked bags, emphasizing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency as core to its business model.

The FDA has recently announced a new drug that could change the lives of people with common food allergies. Xolair is a revolutionary drug designed to diminish the severity of allergic reactions to foods such as milk, eggs, walnuts, and peanuts. The first drug of its kind, Xolair is not an emergency cure for someone who has been exposed to an allergen, rather it is a preventive drug, administered every few weeks to progressively lower the risk of allergic reactions.

According to Kelly Stone of the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, “While it will not eliminate food allergies or allow patients to consume food allergens freely, its repeated use will help reduce the health impact if accidental exposure occurs”.

Developed by Genentech and Novartis, Xolair’s introduction represents an exciting breakthrough in the world of allergies. While currently being offered at the high price of $2,900 and $5,000 a month for pediatric and adult patients respectively, insurance coverage may alleviate the cost burden.

Xolair showed significant promise in trials, significantly reducing allergic reactions to peanuts, eggs, milk, and cashews. Its approval is a testament to the strides being made in allergy management.