Daily Roundup: August 20, 2009

Running on Empty: The U.S. government's "Cash for Clunkers" program will end on August 24, two months ahead of schedule, because of a lack of funds. New York Times

Round and Round: A new study confirms that lost hikers who feel like they're walking in circles probably are. The study monitored people walking unaided in forests and deserts and found a common tendency to veer from a straight line. Associated Press

Green Bombers: Scientists discovered a new species of deep-sea worm that launches bioluminescent spheres at predators. Science News

Blowing Smoke: Environmental Texas and the Sierra Club filed a lawsuit against the Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, alleging that its Texas plant has illegally released over a million pounds of toxic emissions into the air. Houston Chronicle

Bag Wars: The people of Seattle voted to reject a 20-cent fee on plastic and paper bags. Supporters of the fee are now considering lobbying for an outright ban on plastic bags. Associated Press

--Della Watson