Environment
Is planting trees ‘DEI’? Trump administration cuts nationwide tree-planting effort
The Trump administration's efforts to end DEI programs is hitting some unexpected targets, including a nationwide effort planting shade trees in neighborhoods to reduce extreme heat.
Jury says Greenpeace owes hundreds of millions of dollars for Dakota pipeline protest
Experts say the verdict has relevance for free speech issues nationwide.
Heat can age you as much as smoking, a new study finds
Exposure to heat can alter the way your DNA works, according to a new study. The effects could lead to long-term health outcomes.
5 nature-inspired ways to bring joy and wonder into your life this spring
Simple activities to help you better appreciate the birds, bees and flowers — and spend more time outside.
The Asian elephant population in Cambodia is more robust than previously thought
Some 400 to 600 Asian elephants are believed to remain living in the wild in Cambodia. Researchers said the study's findings underscore the potential of a "national stronghold" for the species.
EPA announces dozens of environmental regulations it plans to target
The Environmental Protection Agency didn't provide details about what it wants to do with the regulations — whether it will try to weaken them or eliminate them entirely.
America’s clean-energy industry is growing despite Trump’s attacks. At least for now.
Clean energy is crucial to meet rising U.S. electricity demand, according to industry analysts and executives. But the Trump administration's actions could slow development.
What’s Causing Birmingham’s Code Red Air Quality Alert?
A prescribed burn is harming air quality. Here's what Jefferson and Shelby County residents should do to protect their health.
In Key West, testing shows cruise ships stir up as much sediment as a hurricane
Tests in Key West show sediment stirred up by cruise ships, which can harm marine life, routinely exceed federal standards. Key West has responded by suspending the tests.
Meet the ‘wooly devil,’ a new plant species discovered in Big Bend National Park
The plant, formally known as Ovicula biradiata, is especially notable for being the simultaneous discovery of a new species and genus. It was found with help from the community science app iNaturalist.
A new rule could speed up unused oil well decommissioning. Gulf States are suing to stop it
The rule, finalized last year, would also protect taxpayers from shouldering the cost. The states suing, however,, say it will crush independent oil companies.
Trump funding freeze includes payments to keep the Colorado River flowing
President Biden promised billions in funds to farmers and others to not take water from the Colorado River. President Trump is halting some of those funds, leaving questions about the river's future.
The Panama Canal needs more water. The solution is a dam that could displace thousands
More than 2,000 people could be displaced by the construction of the Río Indio dam. The Panama Canal Authority says the dam solves a long-term water shortage problem.
More than 150 false killer whales stranded on a beach in Australia’s Tasmania state
The reasons for the beachings are unclear. Reasons could include disorientation caused by loud noises, illness, old age, injury, fleeing predators and severe weather.
‘Moss Appreciation Week’: a lot of celebration for a very little plant
Moss Appreciation Week is packed with events both scientific... and also silly. Moss walks, moss talks, moss movies, crafting moss-themed Valentines, and a "gastropod derby" with snails and slugs (for whom moss is a nice moist microclimate).
As coal plants close, Colorado towns consider nuclear waste storage
The federal government hopes former coal towns will help the nuclear industry grow, by taking on the decades-long challenge of storing radioactive waste
Trump funding freeze could leave communities on their own as climate threats grow
Without federal support, American communities will struggle to deal with a challenge as pervasive as climate change, market analysts and environmental advocates say.
Bryan Adams concert in Australia is canceled after a ‘fatberg’ causes sewage overflow
The blockage was detected near a Perth arena mere hours before Canadian musician Bryan Adams' sold-out show was set to take place. Water authorities warned of wastewater overflow at the venue.
Amid sewage issues, a nonprofit is helping Alabama Black Belt residents find solutions
As the region grapples with poor sanitation, groups like the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program are taking it upon themselves to address the issue.
Birmingham’s new resilience chief looks to protect residents from climate change
“Fundamentally, to me, it's about survival,” says Sherry-Lea Bloodworth Botop, Birmingham’s new chief resilience and sustainability officer about fighting climate change.
Federal regulators say an Alabama coal mine’s plans may violate law, leaving citizens at risk
A “ten-day notice” issued to Alabama officials aims to mitigate risks to citizens living above Oak Grove Mine. It comes after months of state inaction and community outrage.
In the Marble Bowl, the heated rivalry between Alabama and Auburn is getting ‘wilder’
The Marble Bowl is a competition that pits fans of the University of Alabama against Auburn University. No tight ends or cornerbacks, quarterbacks or linebackers are needed, although they can play, too.
Alabama Black Belt’s sewer crisis a tougher fix for residents in manufactured homes
Poor sanitation has long plagued residents in Alabama’s Black Belt. For people with manufactured houses, finding a solution has been more challenging.
War on eagles? In Auburn, federal officials investigate the taking of a bald eagles’ nest they permitted
Hughston Homes, a land developer, displaced the eagles, Jim and Pam, cutting down the tree where their nest had been built. Auburn residents have united in their outrage, demanding answers and accountability.
Who pays for Alabama’s $5 billion ‘zombie’ highway project? Not Alabama
Alabama is poised to use 100% federal funding to build an interstate that won’t alleviate any of the state’s largest traffic gridlocks and is promoted as an economic development plan rather than a transportation necessity.
Why this winter could bring more tornadoes to Alabama
Scientists are finding the tornado map of the United States is changing. In recent years, the Tornado Alley of the Great Plains has twisted into the southeast, a region known as Dixie Alley.
Federal regulators waited 7 months to investigate a deadly home explosion above a gassy coal mine
Coalfield residents across the country feel ignored as their homes sink and flammable gas rises from underground mining. In Alabama, U.S. regulators dragged their feet until a former top official called them out for failure to protect the public.
In coastal Louisiana, a sacred mound is returned to the Native American tribe who built it
The Atakapa-Ishak/Chawasha tribe views the land’s rematriation as a joyous occasion — even though it’s disappearing due to coastal land loss.
Judge refuses to dismiss Alabama lawsuit over solar panel fees
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson ruled Monday that a group of homeowners and the Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution can pursue a lawsuit challenging the fees as a violation of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, a 1978 law that promotes renewable energy production.
Coal miner dies at Alabama mine with dozens of recent safety citations
In the past week, the mine was cited for not having proper roof and mine support. The fatality follows a leadership change at the company and a federal lawsuit alleging that leaking methane blew up a home above the mine in March.
Jefferson County released from sewer consent decree
A federal judge on Thursday released Jefferson County from a decades-long consent decree ordering rehabilitation of its sewer system. As part of the agreement, the county committed to completing several additional capital improvement projects by early 2027 that are planned and funded to further reduce sewer overflows.
These 3 farms are an example of Mississippi’s growing network of sustainable agriculture
A group of Mississippi farmers is taking advantage of more federal support for climate-smart agriculture, with plans to grow membership and train others.
