Our Daily Planet: Mount McKinley Solo Climb Abandoned and Pygmy Killer Whales

Each weekday morning, OurAmazingPlanet takes the pulse of the Earth, reporting on natural phenomena and exploration news from around the globe.

Snow Record: New York City is the new Buffalo. The Big Apple needs one more inch of snow by Tuesday to set a monthly record. Of the city's top 10 snow storms of all time, three hit in the past 11 months. [Related: What is Thundersnow? ]

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Australia's Green Cuts: To find money to fund flood relief, Australia is forced to cut funding to many environmental programs.

McKinley Expedition Abandoned: The man who was attempting to become the first solo climber of North America's tallest peak in January was forced to abandon his quest.

Previously on Our Daily Planet: Record Snowfall and Lion Meat Tacos

Reach OurAmazingPlanet staff writer Brett Israel at bisrael@techmedianetwork.com. Follow him on Twitter @btisrael.

Brett Israel was a staff writer for Live Science with a focus on environmental issues. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from The University of Georgia, a master’s degree in journalism from New York University, and has studied doctorate-level biochemistry at Emory University.