Why do only some leaves turn red in the fall? Scientists can't agree on an answer The red pigments in some fall leaves have proven to be a puzzle for researchers who debate why leaves bother to go red. Nell Greenfieldboyce
Endangered orcas return to Puget Sound without newborn J64, presumed dead Almost the entire population of southern resident killer whales gathered in central Puget Sound on Sunday, but the newest member of J Pod, a newborn known as J64, was not among them. John Ryan
Climate change is harming people’s health worldwide, report finds An international group of researchers has released its annual report on climate change and human health. Many of the risks they track, like extreme heat danger and the rise of infectious diseases, are moving in the wrong direction.
Federal protection sought for Olympic Peninsula marmots Environmentalists are suing the Trump administration to protect an animal found only on Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula. John Ryan
Climate dollars eyed to backfill WA wildfire funding Washington’s lands commissioner, Dave Upthegrove, is on a mission to secure $60 million of additional wildfire funding in next year’s legislative session, despite a tightening budget outlook. Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard
Fly-swatting competition helps curb lanternfly populations in Virginia The spotted lanternfly has descended on fruit orchards and maple trees in much of the mid-Atlantic region. It’s an invasive species that can overtake and kill grape vines.
California euthanizes 4 gray wolves after 'unprecedented' surge in livestock kills California wildlife officials have been working to mitigate the impact of the state's rebounding wolf population on its ranchers. The Northern California wolves that were euthanized had become dependent on cattle for food. Nathan Rott
A Virginia vineyard finds a creative way to battle the spotted lanternfly invasion A vineyard in Virginia has turned pest control into a pastime, arming visitors with electric fly swatters to protect its vines from lanternflies. Randi B. Hagi with member station WMRA reports on its fly swatting competition. Randi Hagi
Furloughed feds pick up Seattle beach trash to keep serving the public Furloughed federal employees were out in the rain picking up cigarette butts, bottle caps, and other trash at Seattle’s Golden Gardens Park on Friday. John Ryan
Coffee-driven deforestation is making it harder to grow coffee, watchdog group says In Brazil's coffee-producing areas, more than 42,000 square miles of forest have disappeared over about two decades, says Coffee Watch. Deforestation leads to drought, which harms crop yields. James Doubek