This MacArthur 'genius' knew the initial theory of COVID transmission was flawed When COVID-19 first emerged, Linsey Marr suspected right away it spread through the air. Time has proved this aerosols engineer right. Now she's being honored with a MacArthur "genius grant." Gabriel Spitzer
Is King County’s Flex commuter van a flop? We tested it out On my second no-car day I attempted to try out King County Metro’s Flex, an on-demand van service that works like a ride hailing app and costs as much as a bus ride. Unfortunately for this rider, there was zero flex to today’s performance. Casey Martin
Washington state is trashy, and there's a study to prove it Cigarette butts, construction and demolition debris, and food wrappers. That's what Washingtonians are littering the most across the state. And it's piling up. KUOW Staff
More than 100 dolphins found dead in Brazilian Amazon as water temperatures soar Experts believe high water temperatures are the most likely cause of the deaths in the lakes in the region. Temperatures since last week have exceeded 102 degrees Fahrenheit in the Tefe Lake region. The Associated Press
Northwest pond turtles to get federal protection as they near extinction Federal officials say pond turtles are nearing extinction from Washington state to Mexico. John Ryan
Despair flows after England's Sycamore Gap tree is cut down. Could it regrow? The famous tree in northern England is believed to have been around 200 years old. Efforts are under way to salvage it through regrowth or grafting — or starting over from a new seed. Bill Chappell
Fossil fuel rules catch Western towns between old economies and new green goals The Biden administration is trying to dramatically change how and where oil and gas drilling occurs on federal land, which is getting mixed reviews in longtime drilling boom-towns. Kirk Siegler
10 orcas killed in Bering Sea, prompting calls for fishing reforms Federal officials are looking into the deaths of nine orcas hauled up by Bering Sea trawlers since May, while conservation groups say more needs to be done to prevent such deaths. Hope McKenney / KUCB
Quagga Mussels Invade Idaho Tiny, highly invasive mussels have been found in the Snake River in Idaho, prompting an urgent response from officials. The mussels can devastate ecosystems, hydroelectric dams and more. Rachel Cohen
Are Seattleites lousy at driving in the rain? Sort of, but so is everyone else Fall rains change driving calculations. It's time to check your safety mindset. John O'Brien