June 18, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A federal judge deemed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's halt of $600M in environmental justice grants illegal, stating it defied Congress’ appropriations...
How Trump’s “indirect costs” cap at the NIH would hurt undergrads too
Summary
The Trump administration's decision to cap indirect costs on National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants at 15% threatens funding for universities, which rely on these subsidies to offset tuition costs and support lower-income students. While the administration claims the cuts target administrative inefficiencies, critics argue they are politically motivated, aiming to curb diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The change, currently halted by a court order, could result in major tuition hikes, especially at public universities with fewer financial reserves. Institutions like Harvard and Johns Hopkins can absorb losses, but mid-tier public universities, such as the University of Utah, face severe financial shortfalls. The policy shift highlights a broader move away from direct federal funding of higher education, potentially jeopardizing college affordability and access for many students.
June 4, 2025
Environmental
Environmental
Health officials in Texas warn that rising temperatures and recent storms have created ideal conditions for mosquito proliferation, increasing the risk of diseases...
June 2, 2025
Legal & Legislation
Legal & Legislation
The Supreme Court's ruling in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County limits environmental litigation by emphasizing agency discretion under NEPA...
May 30, 2025
Legal & Legislation
Legal & Legislation
The Supreme Court unanimously restricted federal environmental reviews under NEPA to direct project impacts, easing infrastructure approvals...
May 29, 2025
Energy
Energy
Over $14 billion in U.S. clean energy projects have been canceled in 2025 due to President Trump’s rollback of climate policies, stalling industry momentum...
May 23, 2025
Climate
Climate
Zillow's analysis reveals minority homeowners, especially Black and Hispanic, face significantly higher climate risks—such as extreme heat...
May 19, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore $176 million in environmental grants cut from nonprofits and municipalities, ruling the executive branch...
May 19, 2025
Environmental
Environmental
Texas lawmakers are advancing a bill to shield oil companies from liability when treated fracking water is reused, aiming to boost water supplies amid drought
May 19, 2025
Climate
Climate
Africa has launched a continent-wide space agency to coordinate national efforts, improve climate data collection, and enhance resilience to extreme weather...
May 15, 2025
Environmental
Environmental
An internal FEMA review reveals critical readiness gaps just weeks before hurricane season, while a Rice University study shows only 8% of Houstonians feel prepared...
May 8, 2025
Climate
Climate
A Nature Cities study found Houston is the fastest-sinking U.S. city, with 42% of its land subsiding over 5mm annually due to groundwater and oil extraction, increasing flood risk
May 5, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Residents of East Houston, like Angela Jackson, are fed up with the overwhelming stench and illegal dumping near the McCarty Road Landfill...
May 1, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The Trump administration’s EPA is terminating over $2.4 billion in environmental justice grants, mostly aiding poor and minority communities...
April 28, 2025
Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism
Juan and Ana Parras founded T.E.J.A.S. to combat environmental racism in Houston’s industrial corridors, leveraging decades of grassroots organizing to empower...
April 17, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A Tulane study confirms long-standing claims that Black communities in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley" suffer disproportionate pollution while being excluded from both high...