In Britain, hopes are mounting to finally clean up sewage-polluted waterways After years of polluting by the water industry, a report planned for release in the coming days could lead to tightened regulation while also prompting an expensive modernization drive. Willem Marx
4 astronauts splashdown on SpaceX capsule to end Axiom Space's private Ax-4 mission The private crew included Ax-4 mission commander and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. It was her fifth trip to space and extended her record-setting duration to 695 days, the most of any American. Russell Lewis
Power prices are expected to soar under new tax cut and spending law In states without policies to drive renewable energy, power prices could surge as federal tax incentives for clean energy disappear, according to Energy Innovation, a think tank. Michael Copley
Scientists are finding ways to keep aging brains youthful The human brain tends to lose a step as we age. Now, scientists want to minimize that decline by studying people with exceptional brains. Jon Hamilton
Flood risk is widespread in the U.S. Few people have insurance for it Climate change is increasing the risk of dangerous floods. But people often balk at the cost of flood insurance, especially since many doubt they need protection. Michael Copley
The biggest piece of Mars on Earth is going up for auction in New York Sotheby's in New York will be auctioning the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth. The Associated Press
In the Texas flood zone, volunteers help reunite lost pets with their owners Hundreds of pets have been reported missing after the devastating floods in central Texas. Volunteers have been combing through debris to help reunite them with their owners. Kat Lonsdorf
How flood sirens could have saved lives in Texas In the wake of the deadly flash floods in Texas, state leaders are exploring whether to install more flood warning sirens. Such sirens can save lives if they're part of a larger warning system. Rebecca Hersher
This week in science: a comet, plastic-eating bugs, and how altitude changes smell Emily Kwong and Regina Barber of NPR's Short Wave talk about a comet visiting from interstellar space, caterpillars that eat and break down plastic, and how animals' sense of smell varies by altitude. Regina G. Barber
Thousands celebrate baby hippo Moo Deng's first birthday at a Thailand zoo The Khao Kheow Open Zoo was overrun with Moo Deng fans on the first of four days of activities marking the birthday of the adorable social media sensation. The Associated Press
