Congress moves to loosen toxic air pollution rules
The House and Senate both voted to loosen regulations on air pollutants like dioxin and mercury, which are associated with higher cancer risk.
Environment
Forecasters predict above-average hurricane season again
Forecasters expect 13 to 19 storms to form in the Atlantic between June 1 and the end of November. At least 6 of those are forecast to be full-blown hurricanes.
Community groups say Louisiana is trying to stop them from monitoring air pollution
For community groups to allege violations of environmental rules, a state law says groups have to use federally-approved testing equipment, and it sets restrictions for analyzing and sharing the data.
Upending norms, the Senate votes to undo California's EV rules
The Senate parliamentarian advised lawmakers that they couldn't use the Congressional Review Act to revoke California's right to set vehicle standards. But they did it anyway. Expect a legal fight.
Scientists want to track the world's biodiversity using DNA in the air
Scientists have found a way to sample DNA out of the air on a large scale — making it possible to one day track the health and well being of all kinds of species around the world.
12,000 chicks found abandoned in postal truck raise concerns about animal shipping
A Delaware animal shelter is working to find new homes for 8,000 surviving chicks that were left abandoned in a U.S. Postal Service truck for three days. Another 4,000 of the animals died.
Large tornado outbreaks are becoming more common. But it's unclear why
It's getting more common for a lot of tornadoes to form over a big area in a short period of time. But the total number of tornadoes each year in the U.S. is stable.
Natural gas pipeline company defends Triad expansion project
The proposed development that calls for 24 miles of new pipeline to be laid across the Triad and another 31 in Rockingham County leading into Virginia has sparked safety concerns among residents.
Researchers puzzle over rash of baby monkey kidnappings
Young, male capuchin monkeys have started kidnapping the babies of nearby howler monkeys. Why? Maybe boredom.
Where does your weather forecast come from?
Whether you get your forecast from an app on your phone, a website or a meteorologist on TV, most of the underlying information comes from the federal government.