Southern Appalachia's future — and present — involve wildfires NPR's Scott Detrow talks with Robert Scheller, landscape ecology professor at North Carolina State University, about the increasing risk for wildfires in southeast and southern Appalachian regions. Patrick Jarenwattananon
There's no rulebook for deep-sea mining. Companies want to push forward anyway Countries have debated for decades whether to allow mining on the ocean floor, a potential trove of critical minerals. Now, companies are telling regulators they plan to move ahead, whether or not rules are in place. Daniel Ackerman
The case of the missing hooligans: a Cowlitz River mystery Thousands of northwesterners were disappointed when they failed to meet up with some hooligans in March. These hooligans don’t make much trouble, except when they fail to show up. John Ryan
EV buyers who missed out on their tax credits now have a fix from the IRS Some car owners couldn't claim the EV tax credit for vehicles purchased in 2024 because dealers skipped a key sales reporting step. The IRS is now offering a fix. Camila Domonoske
What's soil blocking? This seeding method helps gardeners use less plastic and peat Soil blocking is an environmentally friendly method to prep seedlings. The technique has captured the attention of serious gardeners who'd like to make their growing more sustainable. Neda Ulaby
Why a tiny bit of oil can be a big deal More than three-quarters of U.S. wells make just 6% of the country's oil. They're called marginal wells because of their small output. But they're a big deal to oil producers and environmentalists. Camila Domonoske
Wildfires devastate western North Carolina, fueled by debris from flooding Fighting growing wildfires in western North Carolina is hampered by debris left over from Hurricane Helene-related flooding, which was 6 months ago this week. Gerard Albert III
A park ranger took action 25 years ago. Now, 85 miles of the Escalante River have been saved A retired park ranger "battled" an invasive shrub taking over tributaries of the Colorado River. Now, 85 miles of the Escalante River have been restored. David Condos
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. Eva Tesfaye
Volcano west of Anchorage is 'likely' to erupt in upcoming weeks or months Last week, officials announced that a volcano 80 miles west of Anchorage is "likely" to erupt within the next few weeks or months. That could send ash into the air for hundreds of miles. Wesley Early
