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Calif. Wildfire Nearly Doubles In Size, Burns Into Yosemite Park

The wildfire burst into Yosemite National Park on Friday after growing to more than 105,620 acres, the U.S. Forestry Service says. More than 2,000 firefighting personnel are working on the blaze known as the Rim wildfire, which is only 2 percent contained.
NPR

Hurricane Season A Bust? Don't Be So Sure

So far, the Atlantic has been hurricane-free, but one forecaster points out that similar years in the past have had very active second halves.
WAMU 88.5

From Bladensburg, Anacostia River Is a Natural Getaway Hidden In Plain Sight

This weekend is the 199th anniversary of the Battle of Bladensburg, the starting point for the Anacostia River, a natural gem that flows through the region's densest areas.

NPR

Regulators Monitor 'Serious Leaks' At Japanese Nuclear Plant

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is back in the news — more than two years after an earthquake and tsunami triggered a series of meltdowns. New leaks found this week prompted regulators to consider raising the alert level.
NPR

'Uncertain' Science: Judith Curry's Take On Climate Change

When Republicans on Capitol Hill want to hear reasons not to take strong action on climate change, sometimes they call on Judith Curry to testify. The climatologist has staked out an unusual position on the subject: She says the climate is changing and people are partly responsible, but we shouldn't bother regulating carbon dioxide.
WAMU 88.5

Park Service To Use Fire To Prevent Fire In Shenandoah National Park

Uncontrolled fires are extremely dangerous, but the National Park Service is using controlled burns in Shenandoah National Park to reduce the risk of larger fires and to stimulate plant growth. 

NPR

Weekly Innovation: Hey, You're Taking Too Long In The Shower

Just in time for college students returning to their dorms: an eco-friendly showerhead that reminds users they're wasting water by lingering. A light that changes from red to green has proven to shorten overall shower time.
WAMU 88.5

Shaping The City: The National Mall As America's Gathering Place

As the nation marks the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, we explore the role of the National Mall in hosting landmark events past, present and future.

WAMU 88.5

Virginia Scallops Making A Comeback

It's been decades since Virginia produced scallops, but an effort that started in 1999 is leading to their return.

NPR

How Extreme Australian Rains Made Global Sea Levels Drop

Sea level has been rising steadily as a result of global warming. But in 2010 and 2011, levels dropped sharply by a quarter of an inch. A new analysis says that's because extraordinarily heavy rainfall got trapped in inland Australia.

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