"For decades, one of the nation's most widely used dry cleaning solvents was billed as a marvel of modern chemistry that could safely remove dirt and stains from clothing. ...But over the years, with little if any notice to the public, the often sloppy use of perchloroethylene has poisoned hundreds of sites in Illinois."

The nation's program to detect nuclear devices and materials being smugggled into the country by terrorists went "off the rails" during the Bush administration and left the nation unprotected.

"The fate of major climate legislation in Congress could rest with North Dakota."

As scientists watch the 11-year cycle of increasing and decreasing sunspots, they are finding that the Sun seems to be in an unusually calm period. The observation raises questions about the Sun's influence on climate.