| Dear Reader, Within the first year of the Trump Administration, KQED Science reporter Lauren Sommer noticed that some federal agencies were not turning over information she asked for. After several requests, she began filing Freedom of Information Act requests. The first documents she received back led to her story about how the Trump Administration was rushing a set of rules that would govern the water supply for two-thirds of Californians and millions of acres of farmland. The public would be cut out of the process, and federal scientists were worried they couldn't get the work done. This week, Lauren's story is based on leaked documents written by independent scientists who reviewed the water rules. These outside scientists say their reviews were rushed and missing critical documents, denying federal scientists the benefit of their full, thorough analysis. It all sounds like a lot of detailed paperwork, but this is paperwork that will govern the future of endangered salmon and smelt, plus drinking water for 25 million Californians. This is paperwork that you care about. We hope we've made this story as compelling and relatable as it deserves. |  |
Kat Snow
Senior Editor, Science
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| | | As a lead ammunition ban goes into effect for hunting wildlife in California, we take a look at the science underpinning the ban. | | |
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| | | The rules will have far-reaching impacts on millions of Californians and the future of the Delta ecosystem. Currently, federal agencies are reviewing an independent scientific analysis that raised serious concerns. | | |
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| | | Environmentalists are challenging a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan to deepen a channel in San Francisco Bay. The plan is intended to accommodate ships carrying imported crude oil. | | |
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| | | Saxitoxin is a potent neurotoxin released by shellfish all around the world. So why haven't you heard of it? | | |
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| | | The new study could be an "important next step" in developing a pathway for addressing HIV with a gene-editing technique. | | |
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| | | Researchers documented the fox's epic trek of more than 2,700 miles. They also say she set a speed record for her species, at one point covering about 96 miles per day. | | |
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| | | Many of you shared insider tips on park gems, like a cow named Stella in Rancho San Antonio and an abundance of banana slugs in Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve. | | |
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