Enbridge entering a new phase of construction on Line 3 — and a new phase of protests
As the company restarted construction this week, opponents of the project geared up for a wave of larger demonstrations aimed at slowing or stopping the pipeline.
Greater Minnesota
A collection of news and stories from around the state of Minnesota.
Minnesota lawmakers agree to spend $70 million on improving broadband access across the state
The funding would be the largest infusion of money into the program since it began. And it’s possible lawmakers could spend even more.
Rye observations: Minnesota distillery hopes study will expand how whiskey-makers, and farmers, think about ingredients
The study’s main takeaway: The kind of rye used in whiskey can play a role in its flavor. That’s significant for distillers because rye grains are generally mixed together at grain elevators without regard to their type.
How a kid from Crookston became an authority on the 1921 Tulsa race massacre
For Tim Madigan, the journey began in 2000 when he was writing for the Fort-Worth Star Telegram. He traveled to Tulsa to write a piece for the paper, work that would lead to his 2001 book “The Burning: The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921.”
Northern Minnesota counties could be on the hook for millions after state’s latest move in Enbridge property tax saga
Officials say the only thing that could keep some local governments in the 13 affected counties out of bankruptcy is the Legislature.
After appeals court ruling, what’s next in the Pineland Sands farming dispute?
The court declined to overturn the DNR’s decision to grant water permits for an irrigation project in central Minnesota.
In a session with few big legislative achievements, Minnesota lawmakers pass a ‘significant’ energy conservation bill
The legislation updates Minnesota’s Conservation Improvement Program, which requires utilities to cut energy consumption in the name of efficiency, savings and addressing climate change.
How far are GOP legislators willing to go to stop Walz’s ‘Clean Cars’ rules?
While Republicans have walked back from their demand that the state kill the new auto emissions standards, they now insist that a two-year delay in implementing them is key to any budget deal.
Why Republicans at the Minnesota Legislature are determined to kill the state’s latest feedlot regulations
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says the latest rules are meant to address threats to drinking water and wildlife across much of the state. But the GOP, and a broad lineup of agriculture trade groups, have criticized the rules as inflexible.
More cover crops could help Minnesota’s soil and water. What do farmers think about it?
“You are seeing a lot more of these cover crops,” said Odin farmer Tom Peterson. “Five years ago, you hardly saw any. The challenge, though, for that (farmer) on a corn and soybean rotation is getting a cover crop planted early enough in the fall. There’s not a lot of time.”
He’s Bakk: How the fate of an infrastructure bill at the Legislature may come down to a former DFL leader
Independent state Sen. Tom Bakk and his DFL counterpart in the House, Rep. Fue Lee of Minneapolis, say they want to pass a bonding bill this year. But with two weeks to go in the session, Bakk’s committee has met just twice so far — and hasn’t passed any proposals.
U of M researchers pitch ‘green’ ammonia as key to renewable energy future
The U’s West Central Research and Outreach Center is seeking money from the federal government and the state Legislature to fund a deeper dive into alternative energy storage — and some local lawmakers appear to be interested.
EPA directs Minnesota to list waters impaired for wild rice
The EPA is partially disapproving Minnesota’s most recent Clean Water Act Impaired Waters List because the list doesn’t include any rivers or lakes loaded with sulfate, which kills off wild rice beds over time.
What is the Border-to-Border Touring Route, and why are some groups resisting it?
The DNR has settled on a 750-mile route that it plans to soon mark with signage and begin promoting as an “adventure trail.”
Minnesotans are heading outside again. So how low are the risks for outdoor transmission of COVID-19?
When it comes to the chance of virus spread, not all outdoor gatherings are equal.
Minnesota lawmakers look to help customers deal with natural gas price spike
The increase in many Minnesotans’ home heating bills is because of cold weather elsewhere. When an arctic blast froze Texas in mid-February, natural gas supply seized up as demand skyrocketed, driving up prices.
Minnesota is getting $550 million in stimulus money for child care. Now comes the hard part: deciding how to spend it.
While the money has been celebrated by child care advocates, the windfall has also raised questions over how best to use it.
Why some Minnesota school districts haven’t yet gone back to in-person learning
A few districts and charter schools plan to be in distance learning for at least several more weeks, including the largest district in Greater Minnesota: Rochester.
How the MPCA approaches its push toward environmental equity
Among the Walz administration’s efforts, its proposed budget would allow the MPCA to beef up its enforcement of emissions standards – the lack of which, the agency says, often creates inequities.
How Minnesota officials are trying to blunt the impact of looming heating bill spikes
The chaos in the South that drove up natural gas prices will significantly affect Minnesotans’ heating bills. Here’s what state lawmakers and regulators are looking to do about it.
