Minnesota News

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25 years after Boundary Waters blowdown, a changed forest and vivid memories
July 4 is the 25th anniversary of the Boundary Waters blowdown, when winds up to 100 miles per hour tore through the canoe wilderness. A quarter century later, the forest is changed and memories of the event remain fresh.
When and where to watch fireworks this holiday weekend across Minnesota
The soggy start to July has put a damper on some Independence Day celebrations and activities, but fireworks will happen as planned in many cities and towns across the state. Here’s a list of events set to light up the sky.
Go with the flow: Minnesota towns see success replacing aging dams with rock rapids
In about 75 Minnesota locations, old dams have been removed and replaced with staircase-like rapids designed to allow the river to flow more freely and to avoid costly dam repairs — or worse, a collapse.
Can you fix it? Yes, you can. Minnesota’s Right to Repair bill is now in effect.
The new law requires manufacturers of consumer electronics and other goods to provide replacement parts, tools and instructions so items can be repaired in order to reduce waste and costs.
Rain and flooding dim Fourth of July spark for businesses, events
Flooding and rainy weather have led to canceled and rescheduled fireworks displays, park closures and financial stress for businesses that rely on a busy Fourth of July.
Shelter closures make homelessness in greater Minnesota more precarious
People experiencing homelessness in greater Minnesota are more likely to be in what’s called “precarious shelter” and are also more likely to have higher rates of serious health issues.
How will Minneapolis respond to homelessness after SCOTUS says sleeping outside can be a crime?
In Minnesota’s largest city, public camping is illegal — but it doesn’t come with criminal consequences. Enrique Velázquez, Minneapolis director of regulatory services who oversees the city’s response to homeless encampments, says that is not likely to change.
In Ely, an experiment to improve political conversations has come with ups and downs
The community of Ely has lots of issues dividing people there. So late last year, residents embarked on an experiment to have more productive conversations about contentious issues. Today, two participants say they’ve started doing things differently in their own lives to reduce polarization.
Twin Cities celebrity chef Justin Sutherland charged with threatening to shoot girlfriend
Prosecutors allege Sutherland choked his girlfriend and smashed her phone before pointing a gun at her. Sutherland’s attorney said the criminal complaint against his client is “riddled with false truths.”