Air quality alert expanded in northern Minnesota due to Canadian wildfire smoke
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency expanded its air quality alert for northern Minnesota as smoke from wildfires in Canada moves into the area.
MPCA investigating Line 3 drilling fluid spill into Willow River
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says it’s investigating a spill of drilling fluid into the Willow River in Aitkin County last week during construction on the Enbridge Energy Line 3 oil pipeline.
Bootleg Fire: Smoke from Oregon blaze seen from space in satellite video
The Bootleg Fire incinerating part of southern Oregon is the largest wildfire currently burning the U.S., spreading across more than 200,000 acres.
Group asks public to help change offensive name of moth
Bug experts want to change the common name of the gypsy moth because it's considered an ethnic slur and they're asking the public to help them.
Number of US wildfires so far in 2021 largest in a decade, fire center data says
The number of wildfires that have burned through the U.S. and continue to burn is the largest since 2011, according to data from the National Interagency Fire Center.
Hot, dry summer spells devastation for Minnesota farmers
This hot and dry summer has been devastating for Minnesota farmers, but meteorologists warn it is more than just a single-year trend.
Death Valley temperature hit 130 degrees, close to world record
If verified, the 130 degree Fahrenheit temperature would be among the hottest ever measured on the planet.
Meth addiction in fish poses threat to ecosystem balance, study says
A study released in July found that meth addiction in fish poses a threat to the natural balance of ecosystems.
Northwest heat wave impossible without climate change, study says
The deadly heat wave in the Pacific Northwest was “virtually impossible” without human-caused climate change, a new scientific analysis found.
Minnesota Pollution Control commissioner resigns ahead of Senate vote
Minnesota Pollution Control Commissioner Laura Bishop resigned Tuesday ahead of a Senate vote to fire her.
Gulf of Mexico fire happened after lightning strike and gas leak, company says
A bizarre chain of events, including a lightning storm and a simultaneous gas pipeline leak, set off a strange subaquatic fireball seen last week in the Gulf of Mexico.
Fireworks a concern for Minnesota's tinder dry conditions
Minnesota's tinder dry conditions has the Department of Natural Resources and others concerned about backyard Fourth of July fireworks.
Cedar Lake beaches temporarily close due to sanitary sewer backup
The three Cedar Lake beaches are temporarily closed following a sanitary sewer backup in St. Louis Park, according to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
Drought conditions continue to expand in Minnesota, 75% of state now in moderate drought
Minnesota's drought continues to grow with 75% of the state in a moderate drought with 14% now considered to be in severe drought conditions.
Researchers find 'tree inequity' for communities of color
There’s a new research tool that shows how the number of trees planted in neighborhoods is a direct reflection of income and equity.
Earth trapping ‘unprecedented’ amount of heat, NASA, NOAA study says
NASA and the NOAA have compiled data showing an “unprecedented” amount of heat is being trapped in Earth’s atmosphere, doubling since 2005.
Summer solstice 2021: Why it’s the start of season, longest day of year
The first day of summer is on Sunday, June 20. But what is the summer solstice, why is it the longest day of the year and how is it celebrated? Here are some facts about the significant day.
Minnesota court affirms approval of Line 3 oil pipeline
The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed state regulators’ key approvals of Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 oil pipeline replacement project Monday.
Watering bans in effect in several cities amid June heat wave
A number of Minnesota cities have implemented watering bans this week due to drought conditions brought on by the extreme heat.
Oil pipeline foes protest Enbridge’s Line 3 in Minnesota
Hundreds of protesters chanting “Stop Line 3!” and “Water is life!” gathered at the headwaters of the Mississippi River in northern Minnesota on Monday to resist a Canadian-based company’s plan to replace an aging pipeline that carries crude oil from Alberta to Wisconsin.