Minnesota DNR reviewing proposed changes to copper-nickel mine project

An updated proposal for a copper-nickel mining project in northern Minnesota is under review by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This is the latest push for the NorthMet Project that has been met with obstacles for years.

First-known freshwater contagious cancer spreading among catfish in Vermont lake

The first-ever transmissible cancer to spread among fish in a freshwater setting has been discovered among brown bullhead catfish in Lake Memphremagog.

Microplastics detected in most heart attack patients' blood in startling new study

Most heart attack patients have significantly higher concentrations of micro- and nanoplastics in their blood compared to individuals with stable heart conditions, new research found.

Wildfire smoke chokes skies in Midwest and Northeast

Smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota is blanketing multiple northern states with smoke and ash, leaving millions of people exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution. 

Keystone Pipeline hit with proposed massive multi-million dollar fine

A proposed legal settlement with the U.S. government would require the Keystone Pipeline system’s operator to pay a $26.9 million civil penalty over a major oil spill in Kansas in December 2022.

Trump administration to allow drilling, mining on critical wildlife habitats

The Trump administration is rolling back more protections under the Endangered Species Act with a new policy that will allow drilling, mining and logging on critical wildlife habitats.

Multiple active wildfires burning in Superior National Forest

Authorities are working to suppress and contain multiple wildfires that broke out in Superior National Forest this week, and state officials say additional firefighting resources are "limited due to fire activity across the country."

Xcel Energy, McGough Construction fined for St. Paul stormwater discharges

Xcel Energy and McGough Construction were both fined by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for not informing state officials about multiple stormwater discharges in St. Paul and failing to conduct stormwater management inspections for most of 2025.

West Nile virus found in three Minnesota counties
video

Jordan Mandli with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District discusses tips for avoid mosquito bites after West Nile was found in three Minnesota counties.  

3 firefighters die fighting Snyder Fire near Colorado-Utah border

The fast-moving flames of a wildfire burning near the Colorado-Utah border claimed the lives of three firefighters and injured two others who had huddled inside emergency shelters to escape the blaze.

Bloody Red Shrimp found in Lake Superior
video

The invasive Bloody Red Shrimp have been found in Lake Superior, Prof. Donn Branstrator discusses what this means. 

Inver Grove Heights City Council votes to pass data center moratorium despite developer threatening lawsuit

After a contentious meeting, the Inver Grove Heights City Council voted 3-2 to pass the data center moratorium, which could expose the city to a lawsuit from the data center developer.

MN dairy facility more than doubling herd size without environmental impact study

A west-central Minnesota dairy facility is planning to more than double the size of its herd, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) decided to forgo an environmental impact study (EIS) before issuing a permit, a move derided by that the Minnesota Farmer's Union.

17 states take California to court over plastic packaging rules

A coalition of states is suing California to block a sweeping recycling law, claiming its strict plastic waste regulations would force businesses nationwide to overhaul their products and operations.

Boyle Heights warehouse fire: Crews work for 5th day in responding to 85M pound biohazard threat

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has issued a local emergency declaration as firefighters battle a persistent cold storage warehouse fire in Boyle Heights that threatens a major food-spoiling biohazard crisis.

Dakota County PFAS groundwater data dashboard show levels beyond state, federal guidelines

Data on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) shared in a Dakota County online dashboard shows some PFAS levels were beyond state and federal drinking water guidelines.