National (U.S.)

"Two thirds of the United States is expected to bake under what could be record high temperatures heading into the weekend. ... But people with health issues, older people and young children are especially susceptible to the effects of extreme heat. It’s a threat that grows as climate change continues."

"A congressional committee is investigating whether the U.S. Interior Department helped an Arizona developer and supporter of President Donald Trump get a crucial permit after a wildlife official said the housing project would threaten habitat for imperiled species."

"The U.S. solar industry on Wednesday kicked off a lobbying push aimed at convincing Congress to extend a generous tax credit for solar energy systems that is set to begin phasing out next year."

"Bobby Magill knows all too well the challenge of getting a federal agency scientist on the phone for an interview on deadline.... 'I've been told by researchers there that they are not allowed to talk to press without prior authorization from D.C.,' he said."

"A new report by staff members of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which oversees the safety of the nation’s 59 aging nuclear power plants, recommends that the commissioners significantly weaken or reduce safety inspections of the plants."

"The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is getting rid of a policy that let pollution enforcement officials drop in at power and chemical plants for unannounced inspections."

"The Environmental Protection Agency rejected a petition by environmental and public health groups Thursday to ban a widely used pesticide that has been linked to neurological damage in children, even though a federal court said last year there was “no justification” for such a decision."

"Employees are increasingly going to integrity officers with concerns over interference into science."

"The number of unhealthy air days in major cities across the United States has risen sharply over the last two years, even as emissions of key pollutants continue to slip, according to data released by the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday."

"A federal judge ruled that President Trump's pardon last year of Oregon ranchers Dwight Hammond and Steven Hammond likely isn't enough to justify former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's decision to reinstate the father and son's federal grazing permits."