ByThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) botched its oversight of permits for what would be Minnesota's first copper-nickel mine, according to the findings of an internal investigation.The from the EPA's inspector general, released Wednesday, describes a flawed review of two permits issued for the $1 billion mine that Toronto-based PolyMet Mining Corp. wants to build near Babbitt and Hoyt Lakes. PolyMet is owned by Swiss mining giant Glencore.The findings add more regulatory uncertainty to the stalled mine. Many of the permits issued for the mine have been stayed or are under...…ByThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) botched its oversight of permits for what would be Minnesota's first copper-nickel mine, according to the findings of an internal investigation.The from the EPA's inspector general, released Wednesday, describes a flawed review of two permits issued for the $1 billion mine that Toronto-based PolyMet Mining Corp. wants to build near Babbitt and Hoyt Lakes. PolyMet is owned by Swiss mining giant Glencore.The findings add more regulatory uncertainty to the stalled mine. Many of the permits issued for the mine have been stayed or are under...WW…

More from the HomepageAs Minnesota's climate changes, homeowners along landlocked lakes watch water levels go up dramatically. By Star TribunemoreThe Kolls raised five children on Lake Shamineau, watching them smack volleyballs in the sand court near the water. Two were married on the home’s deck.Over the decades, the family created a classic Minnesota lake sanctuary — a fire pit, an apple tree out back, a nesting platform for the loons who return each year.And they’re watching it slowly disappear underwater.The Morrison County lake — about 20 miles west of Brainerd near Motley — is...…More from the HomepageAs Minnesota's climate changes, homeowners along landlocked lakes watch water levels go up dramatically. By Star TribunemoreThe Kolls raised five children on Lake Shamineau, watching them smack volleyballs in the sand court near the water. Two were married on the home’s deck.Over the decades, the family created a classic Minnesota lake sanctuary — a fire pit, an apple tree out back, a nesting platform for the loons who return each year.And they’re watching it slowly disappear underwater.The Morrison County lake — about 20 miles west of Brainerd near Motley — is...WW…

More from the HomepageThe total now is closer to 200, out of a sworn force of about 850 and amid a wave of violent crime in the city. ByandStar TribunemoreCopy shortlink:The continued surge of Minneapolis police officers seeking disability benefits after the George Floyd unrest is heightening concerns of a police staffing shortage amid a wave of violent crime.Ron Meuser Jr., the lawyer handling the claims, said his office met with an additional 43 Minneapolis cops this week who have retained him. That’s in addition to the estimated 150 officers who Meuser said at a July 10 news...…More from the HomepageThe total now is closer to 200, out of a sworn force of about 850 and amid a wave of violent crime in the city. ByandStar TribunemoreCopy shortlink:The continued surge of Minneapolis police officers seeking disability benefits after the George Floyd unrest is heightening concerns of a police staffing shortage amid a wave of violent crime.Ron Meuser Jr., the lawyer handling the claims, said his office met with an additional 43 Minneapolis cops this week who have retained him. That’s in addition to the estimated 150 officers who Meuser said at a July 10 news...WW…