Prehistoric sabertooth skull found in Iowa likely last of species to walk Earth, researchers say

Radiocarbon dating indicates the male sabertooth cat died at the end of the Ice Age between 13,605 and 13,460 years ago before getting buried in the East Nishnabotna River in southwest Iowa.

Plants can make noises when under stress, study says

Researchers said when plants were dehydrated or cut, the sounds emitted were louder than when they were left alone.

Xcel Energy: Monticello leak fixed, plant to reopen soon

A faulty pipe that allowed water containing a radioactive isotope of hydrogen to leak at a Minnesota nuclear power plant has been repaired, a spokesperson for the energy company said Tuesday. 

Monticello nuclear leak: Worries, questions within a mile of power plant

Officials announced a tritium leak at the nuclear reactor on March 16. According to Xcel Energy, the leak occurred in November 2022 but because there was no immediate risk to the public they did not announce it.

US lawsuit seeks to protect endangered coral reef species

An environmental organization is suing the U.S. government and accusing it of failing to protect 12 endangered coral species across the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean that have been decimated by warming waters, pollution and overfishing.

170 trillion pieces of plastic are in the Earth’s oceans, study finds

"We’re breathing it in. We’re drinking it in our water … eating microplastics in our foods. We’re literally eating and drinking our trash."

Canada pledges nearly $306M to help improve Great Lakes water quality

"The Great Lakes are a source of drinking water for 40 million people, and this shared resource needs to be protected," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

Monticello residents question Xcel Energy spill details at public meeting

In November, Xcel Energy's nuclear plant in Monticello leaked 400,000 gallons of water containing Tritium, a radioactive by-product, but the utility only told the public last week.

Xcel nuclear plant leak: Minneapolis' plan if tritium leak gets to Mississippi River

The City of Minneapolis is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) on a plan in the event the tritium leak from the Xcel Energy nuclear plant in Monticello makes its way into the Mississippi River, which is the source of the city's drinking water. 

Xcel Energy’s plan to fix leak at Monticello nuclear plant

Xcel Energy announced its plan to take the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant offline to make permanent repairs after two tritium water leaks were reported.

Xcel to power down Monticello nuclear plant after new contaminated water leak

Xcel Energy is working to power down the Monticello nuclear power plant on Friday to make repairs after a new leak of radioactive water was reported this week.

UN climate report warns world is on 'thin ice'

“Humanity is on thin ice — and that ice is melting fast,” United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. “Our world needs climate action on all fronts — everything, everywhere, all at once.”

Inver Grove Heights residents with wells told to buy expensive kits if they want radium tests

Dakota County is telling homeowners with private wells in Inver Grove Heights they will need to buy a pricey test kit if they want to check their own water for radium after the city announced elevated levels of the radioactive metal in the public water supply.