Rebecca Hersher
Stories
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National
The Future Of Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is getting increasingly expensive. So Congress is trying to restructure the federal flood insurance program and figure out how to help people who live in flood-prone areas.
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Science
You May Be Stressing Out Your Dog
When people who own dogs are stressed, their dogs also get stressed, a new study suggests. It's another indication of how emotionally synchronized dogs and their humans can be.
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Environment
Major River Flooding, Outbreaks Of Tornadoes: Is This What Climate Change Looks Like?
This week the central U.S. has flooded and experienced deadly and damaging tornadoes. When it comes to what Americans could see more of due to climate change — the links are present, but complicated.
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Science
The 2019 Hurricane Season Will Be 'Near Normal.' But Normal Can Still Be Devastating
NOAA forecasts that two to four major hurricanes will form this year in the Atlantic. But even an average year can cause record-breaking damage, as storms get bigger and wetter.
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Environment
When '1-In-100-Year' Floods Happen Often, What Should You Call Them?
The term "100-year flood" is often confusing and misleading, scientists, local emergency officials and homeowners all agree. Experts say there's a better way to communicate about flood risk.
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Science
Tiny Earthquakes Happen Every Few Minutes In Southern California, Study Finds
A new catalog of Southern California earthquakes is 10 times larger than its predecessor list. The details of frequent, small quakes help scientists study what triggers large, destructive ones.
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Environment
Climate Change Was The Engine That Powered Hurricane Maria's Devastating Rains
Maria was the rainiest storm known to have hit Puerto Rico. Scientists say a storm of such severity is nearly five times more likely to occur today, with warmer air and ocean water, than in the '50s.
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Health
EPA Science Panel Considering Guidelines That Upend Basic Air Pollution Science
Some panel members said they don't agree that breathing sooty air can cause premature death. The panel's draft recommendations to the EPA would change how it assesses the dangers of air pollution.
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Science
Massive Starfish Die-Off Is Tied To Global Warming
Sea stars along the Pacific Coast are dying in the largest disease epidemic ever documented in a wild marine species. New research suggests warmer water is making the disease even more deadly.
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Politics
How The Government Shutdown Is Affecting Weather Forecasts
The National Weather Service is still putting out weather forecasts, but employees are doing it without pay. And, weather forecasting equipment is not being maintained.