Greater Minnesota

County fair organizers across Minnesota face tough decisions
So far, about 1 in 3 Minnesota county fairs have been canceled for this summer, with more expected to follow in the wake of last week’s cancellation of the State Fair. Organizers of fairs that have not yet called off plans for 2020 are weighing the potential health risks against long-standing traditions.
'We’re all one paycheck away': More Minnesotans flocking to food shelves
As more Minnesotans lose their jobs because of COVID-19, local food shelves are seeing a surge in first-time visitors needing emergency food services — and the demand doesn’t look like it’ll let up anytime soon. About 1 in 3 Minnesotans say they’re worried about affording groceries and healthy food.
This summer — for the first time in more than 90 years — there won't be an American Legion baseball season in Minnesota.
How a pandemic and an old sewing machine showed a son his mother’s impact
Loretta Zabinski died last summer, 10 days before her 95th birthday, and months before there was any whiff of a global pandemic. But memories of the quiet impact Zabinski had on the northern Minnesota town of Ely are now stronger than ever — thanks to the COVID-19 outbreak and an antique sewing machine. 
Call to investigate poultry plant as Stearns County COVID-19 cases rise
Increased testing and outreach efforts in recent weeks have focused on two poultry processing plants in the county. But county and state officials say community transmission also has played a role in spreading the virus — perhaps even more than in Nobles County, where a meat-packing plant has also been a hot spot of COVID-19.
Opponents file new challenge to proposed Twin Metals mine
The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in federal court in Washington, D.C., alleges the Bureau of Land Management should have prepared an in-depth environmental impact statement but conducted only a limited review.
As pandemic closes doors, Minnesota creamery charts path to open new ones
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt various supply chains in Minnesota, some farmers and small business owners are getting creative and adapting to the changing conditions. In some cases, a major pivot has opened new doors in getting products to the masses.
Portraits of Valor: Warren High, 99, Army
High was glad to be serving his country overseas and thought it was the right thing to be doing with his life, but wanted more out of his service. “I was frustrated sometimes because I didn’t feel like I was doing something worthwhile,” he said.