Mining Made Tar Creek A Toxic Wasteland. Quapaw Nation Brought It Back.
"The Quapaw Nation is the only US Native community to carry out a cleanup of one of the country’s worst sites of environmental contamination"
Source: Guardian, 03/17/2026
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Top US Lobbying Firms Working Both Sides Of The Pfas Issue At The Same Time
"Some top US lobbying firms are simultaneously working both sides of the Pfas “forever chemicals” issue, raising serious conflict of interest questions and concerns that their activity is slowing states’ efforts to rein in the public health threat."
Source: Guardian, 03/17/2026
"Group Says “God Squad” Meeting Ignores Procedures Set By Law"
"As the Trump administration prepares to convene the Endangered Species Committee, also known as... the “God Squad,” conservation groups are expressing anger over what they call an “illegal end-run around” that doesn’t seem to be following clear procedures set forth in the law. The committee is planning to discuss exemptions for Gulf of Mexico oil and gas activities from the requirements of the Endangered Species Act."
Source: National Parks Traveler, 03/17/2026
Admin Targeted NCAR Climate Lab in Effort to Free Trump Ally: Suit
"The Trump administration has targeted a climate and weather research lab as retribution against Colorado officials for imprisoning a county clerk backed by the president who was convicted of helping election deniers meddle with voting equipment in 2020, a lawsuit filed Monday by the lab’s leadership alleged."
Source: NYTimes, 03/17/2026
‘Poisoned for Gold’ Project Pricks Nation’s Conscience
Two Ghanian video journalists traveled their country to document how contamination from illegal gold mining was harming the health of workers and nearby communities. Their resulting reporting not only won acclaim from their peers but also ignited a debate that resulted in the closing of polluting mining operations. Read more about their award-winning project and its impact in Inside Story Q&A.
Wild and Scenic Rivers Carry a Raft of Great Stories
Thousands of miles of rivers across the United States are part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and any one of them can help tell some splashy tales of the power of conservation and the wonders of nature. TipSheet dips a toe into the backstory, then offers story ideas and resources to help report on local wild rivers near you.
Dams Full Of Toxic Mining Waste, Dotted Around The World, Often Burst
"As soon as the barrier broke, a flood of poison brought death to the river. Gushing through the fragile wall built to hold back mining waste in Zambia’s copper belt in February 2025, more than 50m cubic litres of acid and heavy metals poured into the Chambishi stream – a tributary of the Kafue River, the country’s longest waterway."
Source: Guardian, 03/16/2026
Confidential Report Calls for Sweeping Changes to Track Covid Vaccine Harms
"A federal work group says Covid vaccine injuries deserve urgent attention, even as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shifts away from talking about vaccine policy."
Source: NYTimes, 03/16/2026
First US Critical Minerals Mine Nears Approval in AZ Biodiversity Hotspot
"The U.S. Forest Service said it plans to approve South32’s Hermosa project in Patagonia, Arizona, despite the water problems the mine is already causing."
Source: Inside Climate News, 03/16/2026
Energy Secretary Directs Oil Company To Restore Operations Off California
"U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright directed a Texas-based oil and gas company Friday to restore operations in waters off southern California that were damaged by a 2015 oil spill, invoking the Defense Production Act."
Source: AP, 03/16/2026
