Public

Minnesota Sues 3M, Says PFAS From Cottage Grove Continue To Pollute Water

"The state of Minnesota has filed a new lawsuit against Maplewood-based 3M, alleging that PFAS from the company’s manufacturing plant in Cottage Grove continue to contaminate groundwater and the Mississippi River."

Source: MPR News, 05/19/2026

TVA Put Out Booklet Downplaying Coal Ash Risks. Experts Call it ‘Dishonest.’

"A 35-page booklet distributed in a public meeting by the Tennessee Valley Authority about coal ash is filled with “lies” and misleading information, according to coal ash researchers."

Source: Inside Climate News, 05/19/2026

Calif. Hazardous Waste Rules Slammed as Years Late and ‘Polluter-Friendly’

"Wherever they turn, residents in and around Santa Fe Springs, California, contend with toxic hazards." "Proposed hazardous waste oversight changes are years behind schedule and fail to account for a community’s health risks from pollution, environmental groups warn."

Source: Capital & Main, 05/19/2026

"Data Centers Drive 76% Surge In PJM Power Prices"

"The findings highlight inflationary pressures on electricity costs in mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states. “The price impacts on customers have been very large and are not reversible,” the grid market monitor said."

Source: E&E News, 05/19/2026

"Tick Bites Surge, Sending Many To ER. Maps Show Where."

"Emergency department visits for tick bites have surged to the highest level for this time of year since 2017, driven by warmer temperatures that are boosting tick activity especially in the Northeast and Midwest."

Source: USA TODAY, 05/19/2026

Oily Sludge Is Flooding Their Dream Home. Okla. Regulators Don't Help.

"The Merediths were forced to abandon their house after it filled with black goo, reaching gas concentrations at explosive levels. Despite evidence of oil and gas pollution, the state “wanted to act like it would go away,” the family says."

Source: Frontier/ProPublica, 05/19/2026

"E.P.A. to End Some Limits on ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water"

"The Trump administration announced Monday that it will drop some limits on “forever chemicals” in drinking water that officials had determined can cause cancer and other serious health problems — angering some key activists who had supported President Trump’s campaign."

Source: New York Times, 05/19/2026

"Federal Chemical Safety Board Sends Warning on Trump Disaster Policy"

"The board said the administration is taking “a significant step backwards” on preventing chemical disasters."

Source: New York Times, 05/19/2026
July 1, 2026

The New York Times Local Investigations Fellowship

The New York Times Local Investigations Fellowship hires local reporters for one year to pursue a significant investigative project in their community. Fellows get the full backing of the Times newsroom — editing, resources, and reach — while staying rooted in the region they cover. Applications open July 1, 2026. The Local Investigations Fellowship team is hosting a webinar on Thursday, May 21st, at 5:00 p.m. ET to answer questions about the program. Anyone who wants to learn more about the one-year fellowship and its application process is welcome to attend. Sign up using this link.

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