Environment
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Park Fire near Chico grows to fourth-largest wildfire in California history
![Fire crews have contained 24% of the blaze, according to Cal Fire. Fire crews have contained 24% of the blaze, according to Cal Fire.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PARKFIRE.jpg?w=523)
Fire crews have contained 24% of the blaze, according to Cal Fire.
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California Drought
![Sites Reservoir is another old idea that claims to address climate change, but brings huge costs and environmental harm. Sites Reservoir is another old idea that claims to address climate change, but brings huge costs and environmental harm.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SJM-L-RESERVOIR-0317-17.jpg?w=559)
When is the multibillion-dollar Sites Reservoir project not worth it?
Sites Reservoir is another old idea that claims to address climate change, but brings huge costs and environmental harm.
Wildfires
![Temperatures are expected to continue to get warmer this week and there is a chance of thunderstorms in the foothills and mountains. Temperatures are expected to continue to get warmer this week and there is a chance of thunderstorms in the foothills and mountains.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PARKFIRE-07.jpg?w=438)
Park Fire: Many evacuation orders/warnings lifted, 361 structures destroyed, 389,791 acres burned, 18% containment
Temperatures are expected to continue to get warmer this week and there is a chance of thunderstorms in the foothills and mountains.
Health
![A view of an office building entrance in Pasadena, Calif. A view of an office building entrance in Pasadena, Calif.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/BIZ-INNOVA-LA.jpg?w=525)
Inside the legal drama embroiling a California startup that grossed billions selling COVID-19 tests
The controversy — a familiar tale of what can happen to a startup suddenly flush with success and money — has renewed scrutiny of Innova and its antigen test.
Parks
![One incident happened Tuesday at Shorebird Park and the other Wednesday at Strawberry Creek Park. One incident happened Tuesday at Shorebird Park and the other Wednesday at Strawberry Creek Park.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/thinkstockphotos-484438808.jpg?w=525)
Two men arrested on suspicion of annoying or molesting children at Berkeley parks
One incident happened Tuesday at Shorebird Park and the other Wednesday at Strawberry Creek Park.
Wildlife
![The number of breeding pairs of rare peregrine falcons jumped from 8 to 17 during a collaborative recovery plan. The number of breeding pairs of rare peregrine falcons jumped from 8 to 17 during a collaborative recovery plan.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SJM-L-PEREGRINE-01_b6ec51.jpg?w=525)
Peregrine falcons mount a comeback in Yosemite, thanks to climbers
The number of breeding pairs of rare peregrine falcons jumped from 8 to 17 during...
Astronomy
![Learn more about the stellar event at Aug. 2 webinar. Learn more about the stellar event at Aug. 2 webinar.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/WGR-L-BRIEFS-0802.jpg?w=620)
Perseids meteor shower on view Aug. 12 in Santa Clara Valley
Learn more about the stellar event at Aug. 2 webinar.
Space
![The launch clock isn't set yet, but the hardware is lined up for what would become the most powerful rocket to ever send humans into space during a moonbound trip. The launch clock isn't set yet, but the hardware is lined up for what would become the most powerful rocket to ever send humans into space during a moonbound trip.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tos-l-artemis-media-day2-2051.jpg?w=525)
‘The clock’s already started’: NASA counting down to most powerful human spaceflight ever
The launch clock isn't set yet, but the hardware is lined up for what would...