TipSheet

About 200 million animals, from more than 190 countries, are imported into the United States every year, according to a team of investigators that published its findings in the May 1, 2009, issue of the journal Science. Many can spread serious diseases.

Accidents and criminal actions at private and government facilities continue to threaten millions of people. Find the accident history in counties you cover.

Two competing bills before Congress would pay people to scrap old, inefficient vehicles. But some say the proposed legislation is not as green as it looks and other factors need to be taken into consideration.

White-nose syndrome, an increasing cause of bat mortality, is spreading. Bats play an important role in controlling insect populations and pollinating plants.

Researchers, journalists in tow, will be chasing tornadoes around the central US in May and June to learn more about how tornadoes work, and better predict them and their paths.

Proposed emission standards in a proposed control area around the US coastline would cut sulfur in fuel by 98 percent, particulate matter emissions by 85 percent, and nitrogen oxide emissions by 80 percent from the current global requirements.

Covering volunteer ID efforts provides both a way to bring the issue to the attention of your audience, and to personalize how the general public can help address the problem.

The Obama administration pumps up support for thousands of drinking water systems in the US with about $2B.

The ALA's annual State of the Air report can provide a useful hook for reporting on air quality in your community, but for the big picture, do go beyond the sound-bite information emphasized in the report.

Following a December 2008 USA Today investigation into toxic air enveloping US schools, EPA will begin monitoring air quality around 62 schools in 22 states.