Stanford researchers have engineered a water-enhanced gel that could significantly improve how homes and infrastructure can be protected from wildfires, according to a feature by Interesting Engineering.
Wood Markets News
Canada Forces Arbitration in CN and CPKC Rail Labor Dispute, Ending Lockout
Trains are expected to start rolling again after the government forced CN and CPKC into arbitration with their labor union Thursday, The Associated Press reported.
US Existing-Home Sales Increase in July, Ending Streak of Four Declines
Total existing-home sales increased 1.3% in July from June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.95 million, NAR reported.
Canada and Nova Scotia Announce C$40 Million Investment to Plant up to 21 Million Trees by 2031
The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia announced a joint investment of more than C$40 million to plant up to 21 million trees by 2031 on private and public lands in Nova Scotia.
US Fixed-Rate Mortgages Inch Lower in the Week Ending August 22nd
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.46%, down from last week when it averaged 6.49%, Freddie Mac reported.
Two Michigan Universities Leading the Way on Technology and Promotion of Mass Timber
Two Michigan universities are working with the state’s Department of Natural Resources to develop mass timber construction technologies and promote mass timber construction, according to UPword Michigan.
US Weekly Initial Jobless Claims Increase in the Week Ending August 17th
The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 232,000 during the week ending August 17th, an increase of 4,000 from the previous week’s revised level.
Canadians Receiving Employment Insurance Increases in June; Unemployment Climbs to 6.4%
The number of Canadians receiving regular Employment Insurance benefits in June totaled 474,000, up 1.3%, or 6,000, from a month earlier
Conifex to Curtail Production at Its Mackenzie, BC, Sawmill and Temporarily Reduce Power Plant Output
Conifex is reducing its sawmill operating schedule at its Mackenzie, BC, site to a one-shift basis for the foreseeable future and temporarily curtailing its power plant, each commencing on August 26th.
Fannie Mae Lowers Expectations For Home Sales, But Upgrades GDP Outlook for 2024
According to the ESR Group, total home sales are expected to come in lower than previously forecast through the rest of 2024, and then not pick up meaningfully until further out in 2025.