Greater Minnesota

Westwood Elementary has been closed since the March 31 fire for extensive cleaning and safety testing. Repairing the damage will cost an estimated $2 million.
When ICE came to town, this rural Minnesotan quit his job to help immigrants
Despite a drawdown of federal agents, some individuals in pockets of greater Minnesota are still helping immigrants. That includes a Pelican Rapids resident who quit his job in January to help his immigrant neighbors as immigration enforcement surged.
Brainerd City Council allows homeless shelter to operate year round
Last year, Brainerd City Council rejected a request to allow the Bridges on 7th warming shelter to operate through the summer, sparking a community debate. The shelter’s operators have worked to address concerns that it was attracting people from other communities.
Elk River votes to keep flying retired Minnesota state flag
More than 1,000 people submitted their opinion online after the city council asked for input. About 75 percent of respondents voiced support for the old flag.
How are farmers coping with rising costs and uncertainty?
Farmers across Minnesota are facing rising costs, unpredictable weather and real uncertainty. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how farmers are holding up — and what’s changed for agriculture in the past year.
Judge bars property owner from landing helicopter at his Gull Lake home after lengthy legal dispute
Twin Cities CEO Doug Schieffer has been fighting with the city of East Gull Lake over whether he can take off, land and store his helicopter on his property. The city says that under its zoning ordinances, those activities constitute an “airport” and aren’t permitted in residential areas.
 Medicare payments set to flow again to Minnesota rural hospitals after months of delay
Incorrectly denied Medicare claims the past few months led to holdups in millions of dollars in reimbursement payments to some rural state hospitals that put at least one near the brink of closing. Officials say the problems have been fixed and money should start moving soon.
ICE surge in Willmar created unexpected bonds between neighbors
Willmar stands out for its large immigrant population. When ICE agents showed up in town, many longtime residents stepped up to help their immigrant neighbors, possibly creating lasting connections.