Environment How to live without plastics for a month, according to the founder of a global movement Plastic Free July is upon us! Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, founder of Plastic Free July, encourages people to take the challenge with friends, start small and keep a “plastic free kit” on hand. Claire Murashima
Environment Marathon Oil reaches a $241 million settlement with EPA for environmental violations The federal government announced a settlement with Marathon Oil for alleged air quality violations at the company's oil and gas operations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The Associated Press
Science This week in science: swimming lions, the 'glass' skin craze and a rotten egg planet NPR's Short Wave brings stories of lion brothers making a record-breaking swim in Uganda, the skincare trend among pre-teens that is worrying dermatologists, and a planet that smells like rotten eggs. Emily Kwong Regina Barber
Science A study found toxic metals in popular tampon brands. Here's what experts advise A first-of-its-kind study found lead, arsenic and other heavy metals in various tampon brands, but didn't link them to harmful health effects. Experts explain why it matters — and what to watch for. Rachel Treisman
Arts & Life ‘Absolutely incredible’: Man rowing solo across Atlantic is surrounded by whales The appearance of hundreds of whales was amazing, rower Tom Waddington said. But when one slammed into his boat, "suddenly it turned from David Attenborough into Moby Dick. And I was really scared." Bill Chappell
Science A 3D reconstruction of the woolly mammoth genome might help revive the extinct species With a skin sample from a 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth, scientists are gaining new insights into what made the animals tick. The findings could also help controversial de-extinction efforts. Rob Stein
Science Why do cats scratch furniture? A new study found answers A new study identifies why cats scratch the furniture and what you can do to curb that behavior. Hosts
Science Shark attacks are incredibly rare. But if you spot one in the water, here's what to do At least six people were injured in shark attacks in the U.S. since the July Fourth weekend. Such attacks are actually rare, but if you do encounter one, experts say to stay calm and move away slowly. Joe Hernandez
Science A man is caught attempting to smuggle 100 live snakes into China in his pants The man's bizarre smuggling attempt included many non-native species of snakes stuffed into his pants, according to China's customs authority. Alana Wise
Science Astronomers spot a mysterious black hole nestled in a cluster of stars A report from Nature shows that astronomers may have found a medium-sized black hole, a kind they've long looked for. Nell Greenfieldboyce
