Greater Minnesota

Boundary Waters wildfire now 90 percent contained
Crews continue to make progress in battling a wildfire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, officials reporting Tuesday the Spice Lake Fire is now 90 percent contained.
Plan to convert Cambridge natural gas plant to burn diesel gets pushback
Great River Energy says the change would provide flexibility during times when natural gas isn't available or its price spikes. But environmental groups say it would increase air pollution.
Minnesota nickel mine brings environmental promise, but also concerns
Talon Metals is expected to soon submit plans to build an underground nickel mine outside the town of Tamarack, Minn., with the goal of supplying metals to build electric vehicle batteries. But skepticism over whether the company can mine safely persists. 
'Hike your own hike': 250 miles in 19 days on the Superior Hiking Trail
Minneapolis resident Kate Bechtold just finished a 250-mile hike in 19 days on the Superior Hiking Trail on June 9. MPR News asked her about her experience and what she would recommend to those who want to explore nature through hiking at any distance.
As air clears, thousands of runners head to Duluth for Grandma's Marathon
About 20,000 people will be running in Duluth this weekend for Grandma’s Marathon and its associated races. Organizers said they’ve been monitoring air quality — and are not expecting any issues for this year’s events.
Thousands of Minnesota students compete in Alexandria for target shooting as sport gains popularity
Clay target shooting is a rapidly growing high school sport in Minnesota. Thousands of Minnesota high school students are in Alexandria, Minn., this week for what organizers say is the largest clay target shooting competition in the country.
St. Cloud State University eliminates programs, lays off faculty due to enrollment decline
University administrators say the cuts are necessary to fix a looming $24 million budget deficit caused by a decline in student enrollment. But some faculty worry that St. Cloud State’s push to expand online courses is making things worse.
Minnesota opens investigation of possible wage theft against HyLife
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry investigates violations at the now closed HyLife pork processing plant. It’s also asking that immigrant workers at the plant who may have experienced the violations be allowed to stay and work in the U.S. for up to two years.