Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers in the last 24 hours.
New Jersey battles its largest wildfire on record, with over 23 square miles of Pinelands ablaze. Fueled by dry conditions more typical of western states, the fire has forced evacuations and threatened sensitive sites. Meanwhile, the EPA unveiled a plan to tackle PFAS “forever chemicals,” but activists say the approach lacks teeth. The agency claims it will expand research and remediation, yet some fear the Trump-appointed leadership might weaken or delay stricter standards introduced before. Together, these events highlight growing ecological stress: intensifying wildfire risks in unexpected places and persistent chemical pollution that could harm drinking water and public health.
A 19-year-old faces charges for allegedly sparking New Jersey’s largest wildfire in nearly two decades, burning more than 15,000 acres so far. Investigators say he failed to fully extinguish a bonfire in the Pine Barrens, creating ideal conditions for a blaze fueled by wind and drought. With evacuation orders and widespread smoke alerts, firefighters rely on controlled burns to contain the threat, currently about halfway under control.