What the report on Democrats’ troubles in ‘factory towns’ means for Minnesota
In some ways, Minnesota is an outlier, in that it was one of two Midwestern states that shifted overall toward Democrats in recent elections.
Greater Minnesota
A collection of news and stories from around the state of Minnesota.
Minnesota wants to make one of the state’s most dangerous industries a little less dangerous
Logging has made large improvements in safety, especially as the industry has become more mechanized, but it is still far more dangerous than many occupations in Minnesota.
Legislative ‘lifeline’ has doled out $2.6 million in forgivable loans to Northwest Angle businesses so far
The Northwest Angle loan program is open to any “remote recreational business” in the area that lost more than 30 percent of its revenue between March of 2020 and 2021 and was impacted by the border closure.
How a U of M Extension program is guiding community-based addiction recovery efforts in Greater Minnesota
“Changemakers” retreats grew from community forums focused on the region’s addiction crisis and led by the U of M Extension’s Center for Community Vitality.
Minnesota colleges see fewer students seeking law enforcement certifications
Alexandria Technical & Community College, which has one of the largest law enforcement programs in Minnesota, has experienced a steady decline in the number of students who have earned law enforcement degrees and skills certificates.
Why two Minnesota colleges are starting meat cutting programs
Central Lakes College and Ridgewater College are launching programs aimed at training the next generation of animal slaughter, butchery and processing workers.
Why getting drought relief to Minnesota farmers may hinge on the state health commissioner’s job status
For weeks, Tim Walz has been locked in debate with Senate Republicans over a GOP threat to remove Jan Malcolm as MDH commissioner during a special session.
Starting in 2022, tribal members will get free permits to Minnesota state parks
The push is part an effort by the DNR to improve relationships with tribes in Minnesota.
The Iron Range may soon be home to one of the largest solar panel manufacturing facilities in the country
Solar panel manufacturer Heliene, which currently employs about 75 people at its Mountain Iron facility, is planning a $21 million expansion, with state and local governments are chipping in millions for the project.
When it comes to politics, Minnesota’s urban-rural divide is alive and well
A new MinnPost poll found that rural and urban voters in Minnesota are split sharply on everything from the performance of Gov. Tim Walz to the results of the 2020 election.
How prepared is Minnesota for other wildfires on the scale of Greenwood — or larger?
The ability to contain wildfires has more to do with favorable weather conditions than resources, according to Lee Frelich, director of the U of M’s Center for Forest Ecology.
Minnesota lawmakers look to low-carbon fuel standards as a way to address transportation emissions
Unlike the Clean Cars regulations — a controversial mandate from Gov. Tim Walz’s administration — the low-carbon fuel standard is noteworthy for its broader political support.
COVID pandemic complicates already challenging child-care expansion efforts in rural Minnesota
The difficulty of creating more child-care “slots” — in homes, revamped buildings or new facilities — remains acute.
Weight, dawn-to-dusk demands pose challenges to electrifying farm vehicles
Agricultural equipment manufacturers are developing electric and autonomous machines to replace today’s diesel tractors and combines, but problems must be solved before widespread adoption.
What a new state law on no-knock warrants may change — and not change — about policing in Minnesota
The biggest impact of Minnesota’s new no-knock law may not be an obvious one: a more detailed accounting of how often the tactic is used in the state.
Twin Metals says it will use an electric vehicle fleet; opponents aren’t swayed
What this means for the controversial plan to operate a copper-nickel mine near the BWCA.
Why the future of Minnesota’s driver’s license exam stations remains in limbo
The Legislature has ordered the reopening of all 93 stations in Minnesota, though it’s also commissioned a review of the costs, savings and “efficiencies” of closing stations.
Minnesota is getting $550 million in ARP money to help its child care industry. Here’s how the state is spending that cash.
The state’s plan will boost the primary subsidy for low-income families and increase pay for child care workers through monthly grants to providers across the state.
Going against trend, an Alexandria college is adding four varsity sports
The push to add athletics is part of a broader mission to rebrand the college — long an important feeder to the region’s manufacturing base — as a place with an expanding portfolio.
Debris from beach nourishment project dampens summer on Duluth’s Park Point
The Corps of Engineers plans to use mechanical equipment to clean the beach; that work will start next week. Meanwhile, there are signs warning beach-goers to watch for fragments.
