Greater Minnesota
A collection of news and stories from around the state of Minnesota.
After school shooting, former Greater Minnesota principal creates HuddLUp to help emotionally isolated kids
Jerry Sparby was principal of Cold Spring Elementary in 2003, when a student at nearby ROCORI High School shot and killed two classmates.
On ‘Cancer Road,’ a group of southeastern Minnesota families ask if nitrate exposure is to blame
The amount of nitrogen applied to U.S. corn crops has increased 120 million pounds annually since 2000, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In Grand Marais, an invitation to reflect and connect through postcards on the Letteracy Deck
So far this summer, the Letteracy Deck has attracted a few thousand visitors, tourists and locals alike, to connect and rediscover the lost art of sending postcards.
Despite successes, addiction treatment programs for families struggle to stay open
Residential addiction treatment programs that allow parents to bring their children along have been recognized for their success. But a mix of logistical challenges and low reimbursement rates mean they struggle to stay afloat.
Greater Minnesota nonprofit’s partnership with Department of Corrections focuses on peer support for recovery
Wellness in the Woods’ Hope on Purpose contract with the Department of Corrections covers four training sessions a year held at different corrections facilities around the state.
Minnesota marijuana businesses hope to benefit from proposed federal classification downgrade; worry about outstate competition
HHS sent a formal request that DEA move marijuana from its schedule I list of drugs to schedule III.
Minnesota farmers press Congress to block California ban on pork produced through ‘inhumane’ gestation pens
California’s Prop. 12 establishes new minimum requirements on farmers to provide more space for breeding pigs and requires they certify they have complied in order to sell pork.
Report: Substandard housing facilities for rural residents reflected in health outcomes
The report said rural housing policy should be tailored to the needs of marginalized groups, many of whom are at greater risk of living in substandard housing.
When it comes to American Indian gaming, some, but not all, tribes come up big winners
Treasure Island Resort and Casino includes the second-largest hotel in the state, a golf course and employs between 1,500 and 1,700 people.
Minnesota lawmakers made building wind and solar easier, but debate over permitting and rural development will continue
The Legislature stuck a toe into what has become a larger conversation around the transition away from fossil fuels: permitting. Will lawmakers change a controversial rule that could limit solar development on farmland?
In southern Minnesota, maneuvering for broadband cash starts at the county fair
The fair is one way for Le Sueur County officials to gather intel as they prepare to contest broadband service claims of a controversial telecom company.
Do first cannabis tax collections understate the size of the hemp-derived edibles business?
In the first month, the 10% sales tax brought in $594,461 from 571 businesses. That means total sales were $5.94 million.
Can politics roil Minnesota’s federal courts?
Seven judges actively serve on Minnesota’s U.S. District Courts. Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz was nominated by George W. Bush. Two others were nominated by Trump. One by Obama, one by Clinton and two by Biden.
Researchers at Hamline University look to expand accessibility of lead testing
The average price of gold (currently used to test for lead) per gram was $57.9, while the average price of bismuth (a testing alternative) per gram was $0.0085 (less than 1 cent).
Did police in the southeastern Minnesota town of Goodhue resign due to low wages?
Yes. Goodhue’s police chief and six other officers have submitted their resignations, citing low pay. The chief received a job offer with a neighboring department, the Star Tribune and KARE reported.
In northern Minnesota, early adopters make the case for cold-climate heat pumps
While still a niche, utilities, contractors, and advocates expect the technology to take off as more incentives become available and more people become familiar with what it can do.
Workers can’t find housing in Greater Minnesota. Will an extra $40 million from the Legislature help?
Across Greater Minnesota, many cities and towns face a lack of housing and struggle to boost inventory to meet demand for homes. That is what inspired DFL lawmakers to expand a state program that subsidizes ‘workforce housing’ in Greater Minnesota.
Cities like Moorhead are planning for more extreme weather. Lawmakers approved $100 million to help
A small MPCA grant program is undergoing a massive expansion. It’s one of the biggest environmental and climate initiatives at the Legislature this year, and will help local and tribal governments prepare for increasingly extreme weather.
‘Secrecy is unacceptable.’ Minnesota Supreme Court reverses NewRange mining permit after regulators shield federal criticisms
With Wednesday’s ruling, the Supreme Court sent the crucial permit for the NewRange mine, formerly PolyMet, back to the MPCA. The agency will have to give the EPA a chance to weigh in, this time in a more formal and public manner.
