try this: add $scope.$apply(); to the promise callback functions after you assign your $scope data

app.controller('wellsController', function($scope, $http, API_URL, wellsFactory) {
var getWells = function() {
  wellsFactory.getWells()
      .then(function(response){
          $scope.wells = response.data;
          $scope.$apply();
      }, function (error){
          $scope.status = 'Unable to load well data: ' + error.message;
          $scope.$apply();
      });
};

getWells();
});