Eric Whitney
Stories
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National
The American industry that wants more government intervention
As President-elect Trump promises to eliminate government agencies and regulations, one American industry — mining — is asking for more intervention. They say national economic and military security are at stake.
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Science
Mars (yes, the planet) has its own Grand Canyon
New research is revealing similarities between Earth's Grand Canyon and ones on the red planet. It's informing future Martian exploration and settlement plans.
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National
Biden administration urges states to move forward with Colorado River sharing agreement
The seven states that share the Colorado River have a 2026 deadline for a new sharing agreement. The Biden administration this week encouraged them to hurry, in an apparent attempt to limit the incoming Trump administration's influence.
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National
With Democratic Senator Jon Tester's loss in Montana, Republicans take full control
Montana not only went enthusiastically for Trump for a third time, but took the last statewide seat held by a Democrat. Senator Jon Tester's defeat caps a years-long quest to erase purple from Montana's map.
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National
Female wildland firefighters organize for more support at work
Women in the federal wildland firefighting corps are organizing so they don't have to give up their often arduous, itinerant jobs when they have kids, and can continue climbing their chosen career ladder.
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Environment
A small, silver lining to the Colorado River drought
Land re-emerging from dried out reservoirs seems to be thriving with native plants. They're out-competing invasive weeds that are choking the river elsewhere.
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Climate
In Phoenix, heat-related deaths are declining even in record-high temperatures
Phoenix continues to set heat records, the latest for most days at or above 110 degrees in a year. But heat-related deaths are also declining for the first time in decades.
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National
Yellowstone National Park wants to grow its bison herd. Montana is threatening to sue
Every year, millions of visitors come to Yellowstone National Park to see bison roam free. The Park says there's room for more — but the neighboring state of Montana is threatening to sue.
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National
80 years ago, Smokey Bear taught Americans about fire safety. Is he still relevant?
The famous symbol of fire prevention turns 80. But fire ecologists say that his message is outdated.
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National
With a possible second Trump term looming, some DACA recipients are taking risks
DACA recipients are legally allowed to live and work in the U.S. However, the possibility of a second Trump presidency brings a lot of uncertainty for the over half a million DACA permit holders.
