Nuclear weapons testing dates back to the mid 1940s and ramped up significantly starting in the early 1950s. Several countries, including the U.S., Soviet Union, China and France spent decades testing new versions of the incredibly destructive arms and, as a new study shows, the Earth is still dealing with the fallout. Bgr.com In Middle of Nuclear Standoff, U.S. Seizes North Korean Cargo Ship Illicitly Exporting Coal slate.com A citizens’ petition on the warrant at Monday’s Annual Town meeting in Belchertown, Massachusetts is requesting that the community endorse a pledge to prohibit the US military from using nuclear weapons as a first-strike option in war. Massivelive.com On May 31, the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station will be shut down and the process of decommissioning the 47-year-old plant will begin. Boston25news.com