As U.S. coal’s comedown continues, our latest Issue Backgrounder takes a close look at the factors behind the industry’s decline and finds a combination of economics, competition and shifting global markets, along with aging technology, politics and environmental pushback. What’s in store for coal in 2020?
"In a move that is raising questions about the future of Yosemite National Park, the National Park Service announced Wednesday that it was reassigning park Supt. Mike Reynolds, a 34-year park service veteran who grew up in Yosemite."
The links between agriculture and climate are as old as the Indus Valley Civilization and as current as this year’s Mississippi Basin floods. And stories about how each influences the other will likely unfold at an ever faster rate, according to this week’s TipSheet. The backstory, with an outline of the interactions between ag and global warming, plus story ideas and reporting resources.
"The first African American nominated to serve as FWS director, [Aurelia] Skipwith enjoys the Trump administration's support while still facing resistance from some agency veterans and congressional Democrats who voice doubts about her qualifications and her frankness."
"President Trump likes to say that people in his political orbit come straight out of central casting, “tough hombres” from far beyond the Capital Beltway ready to roil the swamp. Increasingly, though, his cabinet is full of lobbyists."
"Federal agencies are falling short on their commitments to support environmental justice, according to a new watchdog report from the Government Accountability Office."
"Energy Department Secretary Rick Perry’s departure from the Trump administration doesn't resolve the most pressing question about his role in the Ukraine scandal — whether he will cooperate with House Democrats' impeachment probe."
"The Bureau of Land Management's top official recused himself last month from decisionmaking tied to nearly five dozen organizations and individuals — including a two-year ban on clients represented by his former law firm — but newly disclosed documents show his financial ties to some of those interests will last a lifetime."
The latest impeachment scandal engulfing the White House demonstrates how a big story can be triggered by a whistleblower. But it’s not just in the world of politics. Whistleblowers can bring hidden stories into the spotlight in the environment and energy fields too, including one involving Energy Secretary Rick Perry (left). The latest Reporter’s Toolbox looks at how reporters can work smartly with whistleblowers, with advice and resources.
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