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
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
