Greater Minnesota

National Loon Center to break ground on new facility in Crosslake
The $18.5 million project has been a decade in the making. It will include a visitor center and space for research and education, and aims to teach people how to conserve freshwater ecosystems that are vital to loons’ health.
Minnesota artist weaves human hair into wearable art, reviving an ancient craft
Artist Karen Keenan discovered she had family ties to the centuries-old practice of turning human hair into art through an intricate process of braiding and shaping. Now she wants to revive the once-popular Swedish art form by teaching it to others.
As Congress considers public media cuts, here’s how federal dollars are spent in Minnesota
The rescission bill that passed in the House Thursday would strip 16 organizations in Minnesota of more than $17 million. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it needs a simple majority to pass.
Why doctors at Mayo Clinic are doing improv theater
Medical residents at Mayo Clinic are learning some unexpected skills through improv comedy classes. These workshops help them better relate to patients — and each other in an often stressful environment.
For these Duluth teens, a diploma, solar panels and life lessons learned
Seven years after a group of Duluth middle schoolers first began advocating for solar panels on their school, they’re graduating from high school. They got it done, but they also learned some lessons on politics, policy and perseverance.
Hundreds of sheep helping keep prairie plants in check at Xcel’s Sherco solar project
Xcel Energy is managing vegetation at its Sherco Solar project by using sheep to graze beneath the solar panels. It’s an example of agrivoltaics, a growing practice of pairing renewable energy with agriculture that provides mutual benefits. 
NW Minnesota farmer stays grounded with plans to help a new generation of growers
He’s been a successful farmer for 44 years, but rather than cash out to a corporate interest, Tim Dufault decided to give six young farmers access to his land in Polk County. He hopes to cultivate a new generation of farmers who’ll stay rooted in his community.
‘Crime of the century’ exhibit at Little Falls museum explores impacts of Lindbergh kidnapping
Public fascination with the kidnapping case of aviator Charles Lindbergh’s son has continued for nearly a century, with many books, movies, documentaries and websites devoted to conspiracy theories.
Tariffs, interconnection grid delays set back proposed southwest Minnesota wind farm project
President Trump’s tariffs are raising the costs of materials and components needed to produce wind and solar energy, adding another hurdle to those working to develop clean energy projects.
Minnesotans brace for the worst as they check on their homes in the path of the wildfires
Residents of northeastern Minnesota were able to check on what is left of their homes and properties on Friday. Federal officials say the rebuilding process will be long, but they are ready to help.