US: Destructive EF-2 Tornado Tears Through Lena, Illinois, Causing Widespread Damage

An EF-2 tornado struck Lena, Illinois, on Friday, April 17, causing significant damage to trees and homes, including several houses that lost their entire roof structure. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported, though thousands of customers were left without power in Stephenson County.

US: Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Hits Silver Springs, Nevada, Aftershocks Continue

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Silver Springs, Nevada, on Monday, April 13, with shaking felt in parts of California, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. No significant damage or injuries were reported, though more than 20 aftershocks have been reported.

US: Fast-Moving Springs Fire Breaks Out in Riverside County, Prompting Evacuations 2

The Springs Fire broke out east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County on Friday, April 3, quickly spreading to more than 4,000 acres and prompting evacuation orders for nearby residents, including the campus of Moreno Valley College. The fire was driven by strong winds with no injuries reported.

US: Tropical Depression Brings Heavy Rain to North Carolina Causing Severe Flooding

Tropical Depression Chantal bought heavy rain to central North Carolina on Sunday, July 6, leaving devastating flooding.

Japan, U.S., Europe to study mutual patent approval system

Japan, U.S., Europe to study mutual patent approval system

TOKYO, Japan - European Patent Office President Alain Pompidou (L), Japan Patent Office Director General Makoto Nakajima (C) and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director Jon Dudas shake hands during a joint news conference in Tokyo on Nov. 16.

Japan, U.S., Europe to study mutual patent approval system

Japan, U.S., Europe to study mutual patent approval system

TOKYO, Japan - European Patent Office President Alain Pompidou (L), Japan Patent Office Director General Makoto Nakajima (C) and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director Jon Dudas hold a joint news conference in Tokyo on Nov. 16 about their agreement to begin working-level talks with an eye toward the introduction of a system for mutual approval of patent examination results among the three.

Japan, U.S., Europe to study mutual patent approval system

Japan, U.S., Europe to study mutual patent approval system

TOKYO, Japan - European Patent Office President Alain Pompidou (L), Japan Patent Office Director General Makoto Nakajima (C) and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director Jon Dudas hold a joint news conference in Tokyo on Nov. 16 about their agreement to begin working-level talks with an eye toward the introduction of a system for mutual approval of patent examination results among the three. (Kyodo)

Japan, U.S., Europe to study mutual patent approval system

Japan, U.S., Europe to study mutual patent approval system

TOKYO, Japan - European Patent Office President Alain Pompidou (L), Japan Patent Office Director General Makoto Nakajima (C) and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director Jon Dudas shake hands during a joint news conference in Tokyo on Nov. 16. (Kyodo)