August cracks record for hottest month ever recorded

August set a record for sweltering temperatures, which climate scientists attribute in part to factors like human-driven climate change and a strong El Nino pattern.

160 killed in China-Nepal flash floods; hundreds missing, including 47 Americans

Scores of people were killed Wednesday when flash floods swept through communities along the China-Nepal border. Rescue teams are still trying to locate hundreds more who are still missing in the Himalayan region, including nearly 50 Americans.

Trump administration moves to end 2001 roadless rule on national forests

The Trump administration is seeking to repeal protections for millions of acres of national forest, citing wildfire management and forest health as environmental groups warn of potential ecological harm.

Walz signs executive order restricting mining near Boundary Waters

Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order Tuesday aimed at blocking nonferrous mining near the Boundary Waters, following Congress' move to roll back federal protections for the region.

Sugar-based plastics could offer solution to microplastic pollution

Researchers are investigating new ways to produce plant-based plastics from sugar, aiming to offer a sustainable alternative that could help reduce global microplastic pollution.

Fort Myer Construction to pay $450K, make upgrades after years of water pollution violations: OAG

Fort Myer Construction will pay $450,000 and make extensive upgrades to its Ward 5 storage and maintenance yard to resolve a lawsuit alleging years of violations of D.C.’s water pollution laws, Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb announced.

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.

Potomac River fish kill: Thousands of dead fish found; officials say no link to sewage leak

Thousands of dead and dying fish were found along a several‑mile stretch of the Potomac River upstream from the massive sewage pipe rupture that sent millions of gallons of raw waste into the river in January.

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.

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.