Environment

In Maryland, Ellicott City Gets Hit By Devastating Flash Floods, Again

4:19pm May 28, 2018

People in Ellicott City, Md., are surveying the damage to their homes and businesses after a historic flash flood raged through the city — the second in as many years. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Mark Hemmis, whose restaurant Phoenix Emporium was badly damaged back in 2016 and again on Sunday.

The scientists tagged great white sharks during the fall and hoped they would arrive in the offshore area during their visit.

Great White Sharks Have A Secret 'Cafe,' And They Led Scientists Right To It

5:02am May 28, 2018

by Merrit Kennedy

These sharks have a hidden life that's becoming a lot less hidden, thanks to a scientific expedition that was years in the making.

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West, Midwest Prepare For Wildfire Season

5:57pm May 27, 2018

by Liam Moriarty

Prescribed burns are underway in several states right now to try to get an early handle on wildfires. But the deliberate fires carry their own risks, including widespread and persistent smoke.

This graphic, created by the NWS/NCEP Weather Prediction Center, shows rainfall potential for Subtropical Storm Alberto.

Florida, Alabama In A State Of Emergency As Subtropical Storm Alberto Approaches

7:15pm May 26, 2018

by Sasha Ingber

The first named storm this season is expected to bring heavy rains and flash flooding. Florida Gov. Rick Scott — and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey later on Saturday — sounded alarm bells.

Hawaii Officials Send Different Messages For Residents And Tourists About Active Volcano

8:06pm May 24, 2018

by Nathan Rott

Hawaii officials continue to warn the public about dangers from the active volcano on the Big Island, including the lava flowing toward a power plant. In the meantime, they are trying to reassure possible visitors that the tourism opportunities have not been affected.

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Johanna Humphrey, left, ended up with 24 boxes of crayons she didn't need. She gave them to teacher Laura Smith, right, through the Buy Nothing Project. It encourages people to share without money changing hands.

Facebook Project Wants You To 'Buy Nothing' And Ask For What You Need

5:46pm May 24, 2018

by Jeff Brady

The Buy Nothing Project encourages people to share without money changing hands. In five years it has spread around the world on Facebook with the help of more than 3,000 volunteers.

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An artist's rendering of the Chicxulub impact crater on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula from an asteroid that slammed into the planet some 65 million years ago.

Asteroid Impact That Wiped Out The Dinosaurs Also Caused Abrupt Global Warming

4:35pm May 24, 2018

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The crash of the space rock that slammed into the Yucatan Peninsula also warmed up the Earth's atmosphere for 100,000 years. And scientists say it's a cautionary tale for people living today.

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Scientists find that rice grown under elevated carbon conditions loses substantial amounts of protein, zinc, iron and B vitamins, depending on the variety.

As The Planet Warms, We'll Be Having Rice With A Side Of CO2

4:10pm May 24, 2018

by Angus Chen

Scientists found that exposing rice to high levels of carbon dioxide causes it to lose valuable nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. But some varieties are better at resisting than others.

Lava from the Kilauea volcano approaches the Puna Geothermal Venture plant on Hawaii's Big Island on Monday.

Kilauea's Wrath Threatens Power Plant — And Hawaii's Most Powerful Industry

6:10pm May 22, 2018

by Colin Dwyer

The volcano's lava has crept near a geothermal energy plant, risking the release of dangerous fumes. Meanwhile, the fiery flow is already hurting a major tourist stop and the locals who rely on it.

Judge Orders Boy Who Started Oregon Wildfire To Pay $36 Million In Restitution

3:39pm May 22, 2018

by Laurel Wamsley

The judge acknowledged the teenager is unable to pay the full amount. He admitted throwing fireworks that started the Eagle Creek Fire, burning nearly 47,000 acres last year.