Saving the baby AND the bathwater: New hope for a sensible Clean Water Rule

Back in 2019, the Trump administration adopted new regulations that significantly undermine how our nation's public water supplies are protected. Now, an independent review has found that the federal government's decision-making process was fundamentally flawed. Will the Biden administration reverse the rollbacks? >>
Nitrate fertilizer: Expensive, not just deadly

Pollution from nitrate fertilizers causes severe health problems — for the river and for people — that cost us dearly, as detailed in a new report focused on Wisconsin water supplies. >>
Democracy prevails in the great FMR Kernza bake-off!

The votes are in! Get tips and recipes from our star baker and from our guest judge, award-winning chef Beth Dooley. Find out who won. >>
How water gets from our river to the tap (and back)

Do you know where your drinking water comes from? And what happens when you flush your toilet? We've plumbed the depths for the best podcasts and articles that can answer all your questions on public water systems in the Twin Cities. >>
Climate change means crops won't grow like they used to

A new study projects 30% reduction in profits for farmers in 50 years due to flooding, drought, rising temps and other impacts of climate change. Fortunately, cover crops, perennial grains and other innovations can weather climate change *and* reduce agricultural runoff for our river. >>
MPCA report: The Upper Mississippi's upstream crud

A new report from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency finds that the Upper Mississippi River from Grand Rapids to Brainerd is impaired with too much sediment. What can we do about it? >>
Dead zone 2020: The good, the bad and the algae

A smaller-than-average Gulf of Mexico dead zone is cause for celebration — isn't it? >>
Dust in the wind (spreads toxic algae)

Pristine lakes in remote parts of Minnesota — and around the country — are beginning to suffer from blooms of toxic algae, and scientists are piecing together a troubling answer as to why. >>
Potato fiasco turns even more rotten

According to new disclosures, an enormous scofflaw corporation is trying to skirt basic environmental regulations in order to make billions on ... potatoes. >>