The latest New England stories on topics like climate change and the environment, the economy, health, racial equity, culture and politics — as reported by newsrooms of the New England News Collaborative, a nine-station consortium of the region's top public media organizations.
Batteries, smart thermostats can help New England's grid and make customers some cash
New England utilities and grid operators are working to reduce demand on the grid during times of peak use. In the long run, those efforts could help mitigate how much more infrastructure New England needs to build.
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How will lichen adapt to climate change?
This mysterious indicator species plays an important role of the bottom of the food chain, and is also a habitat for other microorganisms. -
Maine's shifting songbirds reflect a warming climate
Warming winters allow once rare species to stay in southern parts of the state year round. -
Is offshore wind driving whales ‘crazy?’ Science says no
“If you’re into whales, you don’t want windmills,” Trump said. Whale experts say the facts show otherwise. -
Amid concern over microplastics, a Maine company creates a kelp-based laundry pod alternative
Recent research suggests that the soft PVA plastics used to hold together detergent and dishwasher pods may not actually biodegrade. Now, a small team in Maine is working on a kelp bioplastic that could one day be used in your favorite detergent pod. -
'It’s like our town’s living room': Vermont town bands together to save its general store
Some small town residents are managing to keep their general stores open by creating nonprofits and buying the stores themselves.