Chloe Johnson
Environmental Reporter
EnvironmentA graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., Johnson joined the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2022. She has completed the Metcalf Institute's Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists, and is a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists. Johnson previously covered the environment at the Charleston Post and Courier in South Carolina, where her work was honored as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
Latest from Chloe Johnson
Rep. Morrison reports detainees in leg shackles, no clear plan to prevent measles at Whipple
The Minnesota Democrat has visited the federal building near Fort Snelling twice this week and said there are no posted medical procedures for detainees.
February 7, 2026
Anoka opens country’s only city-owned dispensary
Anoka Cannabis Co.’s website proudly proclaims: “Profits from your purchase stay in the city of Anoka.”
February 6, 2026
Minnesota man accused of attempting to free Luigi Mangione from jail in New York
Mark Anderson, 36, of Mankato, was found with a pizza cutter and barbeque fork.
January 30, 2026
Report: Border Patrol agent yelled ‘He’s got a gun!’ before Alex Pretti was killed
The report, sent to members of Congress, does not say Pretti threatened agents during a scuffle in Minneapolis.
January 28, 2026
Brutal cold will hike natural gas prices for some in Minnesota
Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy are both urging customers to conserve energy to save money.
January 23, 2026
House approves repeal of 20-year mining ban near Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
The resolution now moves to the Senate, where a simple majority can open 225,000 acres of land to mining operations.
January 22, 2026
New effort to open mining near BWCAW could undermine protections outside Minnesota
A novel use of the Congressional Review Act by Rep. Pete Stauber could remove a hurdle for Twin Metals while emboldening opponents of other similar bans.
January 15, 2026
![Rising above the treeline (Top of this photo), on the shore of Birch Lake, the Twin Metals Copper Nickel Mine Plant site and Tailings Management site is part of the proposed plan. ] In theory, the copper-nickel mine Twin Metals wants to build in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a zero-discharge mine -- a closed loop that will endlessly recycle millions of gallons of water, including rainwater and the polluted process water it uses to extract ore and](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/YHBTRGPTHTAE2QDYTS6YZ24OS4.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Wells for drinking water near possible Minnesota mine tainted with manganese
A citizens group is testing wells as North Star Manganese tries to develop a mine. More than half the sites tested high enough that the water cannot be used in infant formula.
December 5, 2025
U.S. House demands records from environmental groups that opposed Twin Metals mine in Minnesota
The copper-nickel mine is controversial for its proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and the Biden Administration had canceled its leases.
December 3, 2025
![Rising above the treeline (Top of this photo), on the shore of Birch Lake, the Twin Metals Copper Nickel Mine Plant site and Tailings Management site is part of the proposed plan. ] In theory, the copper-nickel mine Twin Metals wants to build in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a zero-discharge mine — a closed loop that will endlessly recycle millions of gallons of water, including rainwater and the polluted process water it uses to extract ore and](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/AWHWWVUU5HGVMX6RUZ4PCKXP6A.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Editor's Pick
A lawsuit blooms in Plymouth as homeowner battles HOA over her naturally planted yard
Bonnie Scott’s fight with the Churchill Farms Homeowners Association could test the limit of Minnesota’s law protecting natural landscapes.
November 9, 2025
Why not vaccinate Minnesota turkeys for bird flu? It could start a trade fight.
Inoculating turkeys would defend against the virus that has led to the culling of millions of birds. But there are economic downsides.
October 8, 2025
‘Make America Healthy Again’ movement, Minnesota farm groups in fight over pesticides
Advocates who oppose chemicals in the food system wanted a tougher approach against glyphosate and other pesticides. Farmers have pushed back.
October 2, 2025
