Saving Puget Sound's puffins: Bringing these ocean ambassadors back from the brink Tufted puffins are endangered in Washington state, and researchers hope to boost their sagging population there, currently estimated at 2,500 birds statewide. John Ryan
The endangered cactus behind Mexico's sweet secret In Mexico, September means chiles en nogada season. But one key ingredient, a candied barrel cactus called biznaga, is now illegal because it's vanishing in the wild. Eyder Peralta
Staff shortages pull Forest Service office workers into fire roles After a slew of firings and deferred resignations last winter, U.S. Forest Service employees who are normally in the office — like wildlife biologists or hydrologists — have jumped in to help with fire information. Lauren Paterson / NWPB
Washington sees 11th-hour rush to buy EVs before tax incentive disappears Washington's electric vehicle sales have mostly sagged in 2025. But with federal tax breaks for purchasing electric vehicles disappearing at the end of September, interest in plug-in vehicles has surged — at least temporarily. John Ryan
Warming waters are shifting the diversity of American river fish A pair of studies show that American rivers are getting hotter, posing a risk for many fish species. Nathan Rott
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
