Chicago residents join the first open-water event on the Chicago River in a century Hundreds of swimmers in Chicago joined the first open-water event on the Chicago River in a century, celebrating the city's progress in restoring a waterway once considered a toxic wasteland. somer van benton
Climate change is delaying peak fall foliage. Here's what to expect this year Leaves typically start to peak in northern states by early October, but projecting peak foliage isn't an exact science. Here are some things you can do to get the most out of fall's colors. Rachel Treisman
5 lessons from a house that generates more energy than it uses With higher utility bills, a house that produces more energy than it uses may be appealing. In southern California, one such house has existed for more than a decade. NPR's Jeff Brady visited the "Green Idea House" in Hermosa Beach, California. Jeff Brady
Glacierless Peak? The icy realms of Washington’s North Cascades lose their cool The ice fields that give Washington’s Glacier Peak its name are disappearing, though few people may have noticed. John Ryan
The White House wants to fast track its rescission of some national forest rules The U.S. Forest Service is trying to fast track the rescission of the 2001 Roadless Rule, which banned logging and new roadbuilding in 58 million acres of national forests. But it won't be easy. Kirk Siegler
Newborn orca spotted with Northwest's endangered J Pod The orca J pod has been very active in Central Puget Sound waters Friday, and they've got reason to be animated: There's a new calf. Paige Browning
Ted Cruz claims without evidence that China is funding U.S. climate lawsuits Republican Sen. Ted Cruz has said China is funding climate lawsuits against American oil and gas companies to weaken the U.S. He hasn't provided evidence to support the claim. Michael Copley
Wildfire smoke is killing Americans. A new study quantifies how much More intense future wildfires, fueled by further climate change, could lead to 70,000 deaths from smoke exposure a year, according to a new study. Alejandra Borunda
Movie star and visionary Robert Redford has died at age 89 A movie star to his core, Robert Redford has died after a visionary career in cinema, including founding the Sundance Institute that transformed the market for independent films. Neda Ulaby
Melting glaciers mean an uncertain future for Europe's rivers Europe is warming faster than any continent. That's speeding up glacial melt, which is already threatening Europe's largest rivers. Rob Schmitz
