"Syngenta is another step closer to potentially putting an end to thousands of lawsuits brought by people blaming the company’s paraquat weed killer for causing Parkinson’s disease."

"Negotiators working on a treaty to address global plastic pollution discussed a new draft of the text Wednesday that wouldn’t limit plastic production or address chemicals used in plastic products."

"Around the state, several communities with "forever chemical" contamination have been counting on the Legislature passing a bill to help them, but as the summer stretches on, many advocates are worried that lawmakers will fail to pass yet another proposal."

"On Aug. 6, 2012, a fire broke out at the Chevron refinery in Richmond. Liquid hydrocarbon spewed from a leaky pipe in the crude unit and ignited, sending smoke plumes into the air that could be seen across the Bay. Nearby residents struggled to breathe and reported headaches, chest pains and itchy eyes. More than 15,000 people sought medical help."

"Industry will have to wait longer for the report, which is expected to give the government’s response to childhood chronic diseases."

"The sun was barely up when the three-person medical team pulled into the parking lot of a Phoenix soup kitchen, but the temperature was already around 90 degrees, on its way to 111."

"Wildfires caused by arsonists or thunderstorms and fanned by a heatwave and strong winds wreaked destruction across southern Europe on Wednesday, burning homes and forcing thousands of residents and tourists to flee."

"Tropical Storm Erin has begun what’s expected to be a week-plus oceanic journey across the North Atlantic. As it looks now, much of that trek will be as a potent hurricane that bears close watching."

"Summer heat in New York City beats down on asphalt and tall buildings, which get hotter, scorching the locals, who can’t stop sweating. Exhaust from trucks and cars hangs in the air and the subway stations trap extreme amounts of heat."