To the Point
Wildfires Scorch the Western US… Who’s to Blame?
Record-setting wildfires are raging across the West. After 10 days, the largest blaze in Washington State history is still only half contained. Is it time to manage so-called “wilderness” rather than leaving it free?
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenRecord-setting wildfires are raging across the West. After 10 days, the largest blaze in Washington State history is still only half contained. 36 major fires are blazing in 7 other states, burning up the Forest Service Budget along with vast tracts of land. Money earmarked for fire prevention is diverted to fighting fires, which is bad news for the hot, dry future predicted from climate change. Is it time to manage so-called “wilderness” rather than leaving it free? Should the timber industry play a bigger role?
Also, the FAA lifts the ban on flights into Tel Aviv, and is the National Basketball Association about to get big in India?
Banner Image Credit: Andrea Booher, FEMA
In this episode
3 storiesFAA Lifts Ban on Flights into Ben Gurion Airport
The FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency have lifted their bans on flights in and out of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport — the international gateway to Israel. For 24 hours, planes were turning around, and travelers were stranded at the height of the travel season. Hamas was declaring a victory. Israel was outraged.
Read the story6 minAn Existential Challenge for Smokey the Bear
It’s another hot, dry year in the Western United States. At least 36 massive wildfires are raging in Oregon, Utah, Idaho, California, Nevada, Arizona and Colorado.
Read the story35 minIndia, the Next Great Basketball Superpower?
When Yao Ming was signed by the Houston Rockets, professional basketball picked up millions of cable viewers in China. Now the Sacramento Kings have signed a 7-foot, 5-inch player of Indian descent, with high hopes of appealing to a massive audience in that country.
Read the story8 min
