Kris Maher
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Articles by Kris Maher
Pennsylvania testing whether GOP's working-class coalition is cracking
LOWER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP, Pa.—Two years ago, working-class voters' anger over the high cost of living helped carry Republican Ryan Mackenzie into Congress by a 1% margin. Now, those same pocketbook issues threaten to unseat the freshman incumbent, who is fighting for his political survival in a swing district. Mackenzie, 44 years old, hopes to persuade voters to give him another term by touting results he has delivered and attacking his Democratic opponent.
Contractor played down contamination risks after Ohio train disaster, worker says
A former environmental scientist who responded to Norfolk Southern's 2023 Ohio derailment said the contractor she worked for took numerous steps to conceal contamination, from pressuring her to dismiss test results and report “zeros” to concealing animal deaths. “They emphasized that we wanted zeros in our reports,” Peggy Dixon wrote in a 97-page affidavit about her work.
Contractor Played Down Contamination Risks After Ohio Train Disaster, Worker Says
Whistleblower alleges she was pressured to report ‘zeros,’ conceal animal deaths after 2023 East Palestine derailment; testing company denies allegations A former environmental scientist who responded to Norfolk Southern’s 2023 Ohio derailment said the contractor she worked for took numerous steps to conceal contamination, from pressuring her to dismiss test results and report “zeros” to concealing animal deaths.
Contractor Played Down Contamination Risks After Ohio Train Disaster, Worker Says — WSJ
A former environmental scientist who responded to Norfolk Southern's 2023 Ohio derailment said the contractor she worked for took numerous steps to conceal contamination, from pressuring her to dismiss test results and report "zeros" to concealing animal deaths. "They emphasized that we wanted zeros in our reports," Peggy Dixon wrote in a 97-page affidavit about her work.
Red and blue America have found something to agree on: Flock cameras must go
In the liberal Blue Ridge Mountain city of Asheville, N.C., progressives fear the Trump administration could use Flock Safety cameras to spy on political dissidents, transgender residents and undocumented immigrants. In the foothills 95 miles south, Republicans in conservative Oconee County, S.C., view the same AI-enabled license-plate readers as a threat to constitutional privacy rights and have even read aloud from the Federalist Papers at tense public meetings.
Red and Blue America Have Found Something to Agree on: Flock Cameras Must Go
In the liberal Blue Ridge Mountains city of Asheville, N.C., progressives fear the Trump administration could use Flock Safety cameras to spy on political dissidents, transgender residents and undocumented immigrants. In the foothills 95 miles south, Republicans in conservative Oconee County, S.C., view the same AI-enabled license-plate readers as a threat to constitutional privacy rights and have even read aloud from the Federalist Papers at tense public meetings.
Privacy vs. Security: Readers Clash Over Flock License-Plate Cameras — WSJ
If Flock Safety's automated license-plate readers could also capture the opinions of passing drivers, the results might fall into several categories, based on feedback from more than 1,900 people who commented on The Wall Street Journal's recent article on the growing opposition to the cameras. Above all, readers' comments suggest that Flock has ignited a debate about where Americans want to draw the line between security and privacy. Below, readers' main arguments, lightly edited for clarity.
Privacy vs. Security: Readers Clash Over Flock License-Plate Cameras
Safety tool or step toward surveillance state? A Journal article on the spread of the AI-enabled technology stirs deep debate Aug. 28, 2026 12:46 pm ET Justin Sullivan/Getty Images If Flock Safety’s automated license-plate readers could also capture the opinions of passing drivers, the results might fall into several categories, based on feedback from more than 1,900 people who commented on The Wall Street Journal’s recent article on the growing opposition to the cameras.
全米に広がる「フロックカメラ」 反発も急拡大
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Officials Played Down Risks in Ohio Train Disaster, Residents Now Say
A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023. Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press EAST PALESTINE, Ohio—Years after a Norfolk Southern train derailed and a chemical-laden black cloud hovered over this town of 4,700, new claims are emerging about risks residents faced then—and might still face now. The fiery Feb. 3, 2023 accident involved 20 cars carrying hazardous chemicals.
Officials Played Down Risks in Ohio Train Disaster, Residents Now Say — WSJ
By Kris Maher and Esther Fung EAST PALESTINE, Ohio-Years after a Norfolk Southern train derailed and a chemical-laden black cloud hovered over this town of 4,700, new claims are emerging about risks residents faced then-and might still face now. The fiery Feb. 3, 2023 accident involved 20 cars carrying hazardous chemicals. Norfolk Southern advocated burning five tanker cars of vinyl chloride it said could explode, and the plan unfolded three days later.
WSJ ⟩ Salasilmad levivad Ameerikas kui kulutuli. Sama hoogne on vastuhakk
Loe kokkuvõtet Võitlus Flock Safety vastu läheb järjest häälekamaks ja tehnoloogiliselt täiuslikumaks, samal ajal kui ettevõtte AI-võimetega kaamerad levivad üle kogu Ameerika. USA linnu kattev Flock Safety numbrituvastuskaamerate võrk on kasvanud ülikiirelt, lubades politseile seninägematut abi kuritegude lahendamisel. Samal ajal on see äratanud järjest ägedamat vastuseisu – alates privaatsusaktivistidest kuni konservatiivsete kongresmenideni. Atlanta on saanud selle vastasseisu katsepolügooniks.
Flock Cameras Are Spreading Across America. The Backlash Is Growing Just as Fast.
Benn Jordan, a cybersecurity researcher, has drawn millions of views on YouTube denouncing Flock Safety. Benn Jordan, a cybersecurity researcher, has drawn millions of views on YouTube denouncing Flock Safety. By Kris Maher | Photography by Audra Melton for WSJ ATLANTA—The fight against Flock Safety is getting louder and more sophisticated, even as the company’s AI-enabled cameras continue to spread across America.
Flock Cameras Are Spreading Across America. The Backlash Is Growing Just as Fast. — WSJ
By Kris Maher | Photography by Audra Melton for WSJ ATLANTA-The fight against Flock Safety is getting louder and more sophisticated, even as the company's AI-enabled cameras continue to spread across America. Last week, here in Atlanta, the license-plate reader company barred the media from its annual conference with law-enforcement agencies. But that didn't deter Benn Jordan, a cybersecurity researcher who has racked up millions of views on YouTube criticizing the company.
An Underground Nuclear Reactor Is Coming to This Kansas Town—and Dividing Locals
David Robert Elliott for WSJ No one has tried operating a commercial one a mile down—until now. ‘It’s great that it’s here. It’s kind of bad that we’re the guinea pigs.’ Μake us preferred on Google Residents of this sleepy farming outpost agree on many things. But whether to put an experimental nuclear reactor a mile deep in the granite beneath their town isn’t one of them.
一座地下核反应堆即将落地美国小镇，引发社区民意撕裂
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An Underground Nuclear Reactor Is Coming to This Kansas Town—and Dividing Locals
PARSONS, Kan.—Residents of this sleepy farming outpost agree on many things. But whether to put an experimental nuclear reactor a mile deep in the granite beneath their town isn’t one of them. Elected officials and some others see a chance to create jobs and lure data centers and manufacturers to a rural patch whose economy has been flatter than the surrounding cornfields. Another group is effectively saying “not under my backyard.” Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Buc-ee's is on a rampage and no mascot is safe
HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio—Buc-ee's is expanding at a steady clip around the U.S. That pace is matched only by its race to knock out rival mascots—including an alligator, a duck and chickens. Its federal trademark lawsuit against Mickey the Moose, an institution across northern Ohio, has left some Buckeyes sour on Buc-ee's, which opened its first store in the state this spring.
The Nationwide Backlash Against Cameras Watching Your Car
In places like Troy, N.Y., leaders say AI-enabled cameras boost safety. But some locals call it a ‘dystopian hellscape.’ The company behind Flock cameras was founded in 2017. Cindy Schultz/the Washington Post/Getty Images Troy, N.Y.,’s Victorian-era charms include brownstones, cast-iron storefronts and dozens of Tiffany stained-glass windows in churches. But the city also has a 21st-century problem.
tovima.com - Breaking News, Analysis and Opinion from To Vima’s International Edition
The W.A. Parish power plant can generate roughly 5% of Texas’ electricity. Danielle Villasana for WSJ A Texas power station is a major producer of the pollutant sulfur dioxide. Neighbors are taking notice. Μake us preferred on Google THOMPSONS, Texas—One of the fastest-growing counties in the nation is also home to one of its biggest coal-fired power plants : the W.A. Parish Generating Station.
Two Texas billionaires, a US senator and the battle for 'America's Resort'
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Two Texas Billionaires, a U.S. Senator and the Battle for ‘America’s Resort’
By Kris Maher | Photography by Scott P. Yates for WSJ WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va.—For nearly two decades, West Virginia Sen. Jim Justice has owned the Greenbrier, the historic resort in the heart of Appalachia and centerpiece of his business empire. Founded in 1778, the luxury outpost has hosted U.S. presidents, royalty and the rich and famous who now come for golf and $3,500 executive physicals. It is among the region’s largest employers, with a staff of up to 2,000.
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy DC utility ignored warnings before Potomac sewage spill, DOJ lawsuit alleges
Use precise geolocation data and actively scan device characteristics for identification. This is done to store and access information on a device and to provide personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development.
D.C. Utility Ignored Warnings Before Potomac Sewage Spill, DOJ Lawsuit Alleges
Maryland is also suing over the rupture that spewed 243 million gallons of raw sewage into the waterway A public emergency was declared after the raw sewage spewed into the Potomac River.
特朗普与教皇的争执使美国天主教徒选民陷入分裂
特朗普的支持者、虔诚的天主教徒约瑟夫·亚历山德罗对教皇与总统特朗普之间的交锋作出回应。封面图片来源：Jennifer Levitz 美国总统唐纳德·特朗普(Donald Trump)与教皇良十四世(Pope Leo XIV)的争执，以及特朗普发布的一张将自己描绘成耶稣基督形象的人工智能(AI)生成图片，已演变为一桩全球性事件。这起事件关乎两位最有权势的美国人之间的冲突，也正考验着美国约5,300万罗马天主教徒的忠诚。 在普通信众中，这场争论如今在教堂的座位上、停车场里，以及从匹兹堡到波士顿再到迈阿密的美国天主教社区内随处可闻。虔诚的天主教徒、注册共和党人、曾三次投票给特朗普的莱蒂西娅·贝拉斯克斯(Leticia Velasquez)表示，特朗普在复活节周日发布的充满污言秽语、威胁伊朗的帖子让她感到不安。当特朗普在良十四世公开谴责伊朗战争后猛烈抨击这位教皇，并指责他迎合左派时，贝拉斯克斯感到非常愤怒。现年63岁的贝拉斯克斯说，她并非总是同意良十四世的观点——她曾因其移民立场在X上给他发过“尖锐的”回复——但她补充说，自己无法容忍针对教皇的人身攻击。 教皇良十四世本周访问阿尔及利亚。...
Clash between Trump and the Pope is dividing American Catholics
Kris Maher, Elizabeth Bernstein, Jennifer Levitz President Trump's feud with Pope Leo XIV and the president's AI-generated image of himself as a Christ-like figure have become a global story about the clash of the two most powerful Americans —and one that is testing the loyalties of the roughly 53 million U.S. Roman Catholics. Among the rank-and-file, the fight now reverberates in church pews and parking lots, and in America's Catholic neighborhoods from Pittsburgh to Boston to Miami.
Clash Between Trump and the Pope Is Dividing American Catholics
Pope Leo XIV, as he visited Algeria this week. Mohamed Messara/EPA/Shutterstock President Trump’s feud with Pope Leo XIV and the president’s AI-generated image of himself as a Christ-like figure have become a global story about the clash of the two most powerful Americans—and one that is testing the loyalties of the roughly 53 million U.S. Roman Catholics.
Nantucket’s Oceanfront Homes Are Sliding Into the Sea. The Locals Don’t Care.
SIASCONSET, Mass.— A vandal is at large on Nantucket, an island better known for gray-shingle cottages, boat shoes and billionaires. In January, someone apparently slashed a 947-foot-long structure of sand-filled tubes, designed to slow erosion of scenic Sconset Bluff.
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Homeowners spent millions trying to save bluff’s-edge properties. Their clash with other residents now includes alleged vandalism and a $10,000 reward. Homeowners spent millions trying to save bluff’s-edge properties. Their clash with other residents now includes alleged vandalism and a $10,000 reward. A vandal is at large on Nantucket, an island better known for gray-shingle cottages, boat shoes and billionaires.
Nantucket's oceanfront homes are sliding into the sea. The locals don't care.
Kris Maher, Gretchen Tarrant Gulla SIASCONSET, Mass.— A vandal is at large on Nantucket, an island better known for gray-shingle cottages, boat shoes and billionaires. In January, someone apparently slashed a 947-foot-long structure of sand-filled tubes, designed to slow erosion of scenic Sconset Bluff.
The growing lawlessness of America's street takeovers
Kris Maher It was after midnight in the wealthy Washington, D.C., suburb of Chevy Chase, when police closed in on a roving band of souped-up cars. “They're trying to take over the intersection now,” an officer radioed. Within seconds, young men in masks and hoodies surrounded his cruiser. Muscle cars skidded around the intersection, tires smoking. One guy dropped his pants in front of the officer. Another sprayed a fire extinguisher, sending up a white cloud. Someone smashed the cruiser's back window.
The Growing Lawlessness of America’s Street Takeovers
It was after midnight in the wealthy Washington, D.C., suburb of Chevy Chase, when police closed in on a roving band of souped-up cars. “They’re trying to take over the intersection now,” an officer radioed. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
The American Servicemembers Who Were Killed in Kuwait
Clockwise from left: Cody A. Khork, Noah Tietjens, Declan Coady and Nicole Amor U.S. Army Reserve/Reuters The U.S. troops were working at a tactical-operations center at a commercial port in Kuwait on Sunday when they were struck by a deadly Iranian drone.
The American servicemembers who were killed in Kuwait
Scott Calvert, Neil Mehta, Kris Maher The U.S. troops were working at a tactical-operations center at a commercial port in Kuwait on Sunday when they were struck by a deadly Iranian drone . The strike killed six American servicemembers, including an Iowa college student; a Minnesota mother just weeks from going home; a Nebraska mechanic who had already done two tours in Kuwait; and a deeply patriotic Florida captain who felt called to serve from the time he was young.
The American Servicemembers Who Were Killed in Kuwait
Clockwise from left: Cody A. Khork, Noah Tietjens, Declan Coady and Nicole Amor U.S. Army Reserve/Reuters The U.S. troops were working at a tactical-operations center at a commercial port in Kuwait on Sunday when they were struck by a deadly Iranian drone.
2025年美国发电厂污染急剧上升
去年美国发电厂的污染有所增加，在长期下降的趋势中出现罕见回升，部分原因是用于发电的燃煤量增加。 《华尔街日报》看到的美国环保局(Environmental Protection Agency)公开数据分析显示，发电厂烟囱排放的二氧化硫水平上升了约18%，氮氧化物上升了7%，二氧化碳上升了4%。 Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
米発電所、25年は汚染物質排出量が急増
昨年は米国の発電所が排出する汚染物質が増加した。それまで排出量は長期的に減少傾向にあった。一因は石炭火力発電の増加だ。 ウォール・ストリート・ジャーナル（WSJ）が確認した米環境保護局（EPA）の公開データの分析によると、発電所の排気筒から排出される二酸化硫黄は約18％増えた。窒素酸化物は7％、二酸化炭素（CO2）は4％、それぞれ増加した。 Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
Exclusive | U.S. Power-Plant Pollution Rose Sharply in 2025
Rising emissions coincide with Trump administration’s push for coal use and the rollback of Biden-era climate regulations A handful of big power plants led the increases in sulfur-dioxide emissions. Jon Cherry/Getty Images Pollution from U.S. power plants rose last year, a rare uptick in an otherwise long-term downward trend, partly because of more coal being burned to generate electricity.
US power-plant pollution rose sharply in 2025
Kris Maher Pollution from U.S. power plants rose last year, a rare uptick in an otherwise long-term downward trend, partly because of more coal being burned to generate electricity. Levels of sulfur dioxide emitted from power-plant stacks were up about 18%, with nitrogen oxide up 7% and carbon dioxide up 4%, according to an analysis of publicly available Environmental Protection Agency data reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.
Exclusive | U.S. Power-Plant Pollution Rose Sharply in 2025
Rising emissions coincide with Trump administration’s push for coal use and the rollback of Biden-era climate regulations A handful of big power plants led the increases in sulfur-dioxide emissions. Jon Cherry/Getty Images Pollution from U.S. power plants rose last year, a rare uptick in an otherwise long-term downward trend, partly because of more coal being burned to generate electricity.
Washington’s ‘Unstoppable Geyser of Poop’ Triggers a New Political Blame Game
Repair work on the sewage-pipe break near Washington, D.C. Andrew Leyden/ZUMA Press CABIN JOHN, Md.—High levels of raw sewage passed through the nation’s capital last month, spawning jokes, raising health concerns, hurting fishermen’s business and sparking a political fight involving the president of the United States. People like Vicki Judson, who has been swimming in the Potomac River for 25 years, want to know when the river will be safe.
Whatever you do, dont mess with Pittsburghs parking chairs
PITTSBURGHJon Nordquists wife was about to leave for work, and he wasnt taking any chances.The 52-year-old real-estate appraiser had spent two hours shoveling snow to clear her parking space.
Whatever You Do, Don’t Mess With Pittsburgh’s Parking Chairs
Jon Nordquist participated this year in the Pittsburgh winter ritual. Kris Maher/WSJ PITTSBURGH—Jon Nordquist’s wife was about to leave for work, and he wasn’t taking any chances. The 52-year-old real-estate appraiser had spent two hours shoveling snow to clear her parking space. So as soon as she pulled away to meet a cosmetology client, he planted a white plastic folding chair in the middle of the empty spot. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Fallout From Minnesota: Citizen-Watchdog Claims of ICE Retaliation
An onlooker films a federal law-enforcement official near the Minneapolis site where Alex Pretti was fatally shot last week by a Border Patrol agent. Tim Evans/Reuters For weeks, thousands of federal immigration authorities and thousands of citizen observers have faced off on the cold streets of Minneapolis. On Monday, the White House sought to de-escalate turmoil in the state as judges heard challenges to federal immigration enforcement.
米移民当局の作戦に不信感を抱き始めた州警察
米連邦捜査官が24日に男性を射殺後、ミネアポリス警察トップのブライアン・オハラ氏は、無線で地元警察官は不要との連絡を受けたと語った。 オハラ氏は警察官に犯行現場を離れないよう指示した。同氏はその後、ミネソタ州の犯罪捜査局（BCA）にこの事件を引き受けるよう要請したが、BCAによると、同局の捜査官が到着した際、彼らは連邦政府の国土安全保障省（DHS）当局者に立ち入りを阻止されたという。 Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
What we know so far about Alex Pretti
The man fatally shot by a federal Border Patrol officer Saturday morning on a Minneapolis street was described by the Trump administration as a domestic terrorist, but friends and family rejected that label.They say he was merely trying to do what thousands of residents have been doing for weeksrecord the actions of federal agents operating in the area as part of an unprecedented immigration enforcement actionwhen he was killed.Before the shooting, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive-care...
What We Know So Far About Alex Pretti
The man fatally shot by a federal Border Patrol officer Saturday morning on a Minneapolis street was described by the Trump administration as a “domestic terrorist,” but friends and family rejected that label. They say he was merely trying to do what thousands of residents have been doing for weeks—record the actions of federal agents operating in the area as part of an unprecedented immigration enforcement action—when he was killed. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Police Who Once Backed ICE’s Mission Are Losing Faith in Its Tactics
In Minnesota and places where agents are deployed en masse, law-enforcement leaders are challenging whether they are adhering to the stated mission. ICE says operations are lawful and targeted. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey denounced the Trump administration’s use of federal law enforcement after the shooting of Renee Good. ‘We want ICE out of this city,’ he told The Wall Street Journal.
Police who once backed ICEs mission are losing faith in its tactics
After a federal agent shot and killed a man on Saturday, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said he was told over the radio his local officers werent needed.OHara ordered his officers not to leave the crime scene.
The standoff that has turned Minnesota into a tinderbox
MINNEAPOLISThe collision of the Trump administrations huge immigration operation and the enormous pushback from residents is leading to a tinderbox in Minneapolis.For locals, much of the anger stems from the clash between the administrations stated rationale for being in the area and the reality on the ground.They are here, federal officials say, to find criminal illegal aliens hurting Americans after a sprawling welfare-fraud scandal involving dozens of Minnesotans of Somali descent gained...
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