ICYMI: Pipeline Snuggle Bunnies, an Aurora Called Steve, & More

A weekly roundup for busy people

By Paul Rauber

March 16, 2018

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Illustration by Peter Arkle

Larry Kudlow, the TV commentator chosen by President Trump to be his new chief economic advisor, favored Keystone XL because “animals like to snuggle under the pipeline.” 

The Bureau of Land Management blames a “breakdown of technology” for the fact that it failed to note 42,000 public comments on its proposal to reopen (and likely weaken) plans to conserve the greater sage-grouse.

Calling it “a sacred obligation,” the Lummi Nation of Washington state joins the campaign to free a captive orca from Miami’s Seaquarium.

Wyoming will allow hunters to kill up to 23 grizzly bears this fall. The hunting will take place away from highways, lest Yellowstone-bound tourists see the bears get shot. 

Poorly maintained bird feeders spread diseases among wild bird populations. 

The Polish cow that escaped its farm and joined a herd of bison has been captured.

Ireland will close its last coal-fired power plant by 2030.

Amateur skywatchers in Canada discover a new variety of aurora and name it Steve.

The Interior Department pays $139,000 to replace the doors to Secretary Ryan Zinke’s office. 

Pressed by the National Rifle Association, the Department of Fish and Wildlife will allow the importation of big game trophies like elephant tusks and lion skins on a case-by-case basis

A federal judge rules in favor of the Sierra Club and other environmental groups and orders the EPA to stop dragging its feet and determine whether various large U.S. cities have unhealthy levels of smog. 

A study in the journal Nature says that the explosion of a supervolcano might not be all that bad.