Rebecca Hersher
Stories
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Environment
The Atlantic Is Awash With Far More Plastic Than Previously Thought, Study Finds
A new study suggests there is far more plastic in the Atlantic Ocean than scientists previously thought, especially very small pieces of plastic that can end up inside fish and other animals.
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Environment
Study Dives Deeper Into How Much Plastic Is In The Oceans
A new study suggests there is far more plastic in the Atlantic Ocean than scientists previously thought, especially very small pieces of plastic that can end up inside fish and other animals.
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Science
Everyone Loves The Chat Box: How Climate Science Moved Online
Scientists from around the world are writing the next major United Nations climate report. Summarizing the state of the atmosphere without meeting in person is as hard as it sounds.
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Science
Air Quality Disparities Persist Despite Overall Gains
A new study finds that the U.S. places with the most polluted air in the 1980s remain the most polluted today. Poor people and people of color are more likely to live in places with dirty air.
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Environment
As EPA Steps Back, States Face Wave Of Requests For Environmental Leniency
The EPA does not require companies to notify federal regulators if the pandemic interferes with pollution monitoring or reporting. That leaves states alone on the front lines of pollution control.
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Science
COVID-19 Has Created A Legal Aid Crisis. FEMA's Usual Response Is Missing
The agency usually provides funding for legal aid hotlines after disasters. But the White House has not approved such funding for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Health
Mental Health Experts Facilitate Talks Between Families, ICU Patients
It is very difficult for people hospitalized with COVID-19 to communicate with their families. At one medical center, psychologists are helping with some of those tough conversations.
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Science
Climate Change Undercuts Air Pollution Improvements
More Americans are breathing unhealthy air, even though overall air pollution has decreased in recent decades. In the tug-of-war between air regulations and climate change, global warming is winning.
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National
Tales Of Two Cities: Coronavirus Outcomes Differ Between Bay Area, New York City
Early on, Bay Area cities adopted social distancing restrictions to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Health officials are optimistic about what they see so far — unlike in New York City.
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Science
New York City Hospitals Struggle To Get Virus Testing Online Amid Patient Surge
On-site testing was delayed for weeks at a Brooklyn hospital that has been designated COVID-19 only. Rapid on-site testing can help hospitals prevent the virus from spreading inside their facilities.