Greater Minnesota

Drone surveys help scientists understand impact of Rapidan Dam ‘avulsive failure’
Documenting and researching this type of dam failure is a way for researchers to help get data out to public officials and respond in case something like this were to happen again in another place.
Longtime family-owned Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd sold to local investment group
One of the state’s most prominent resorts, featuring more than 200 rooms, 55 cabins and three golf courses on Gull Lake, is now under contract with Baxter, Minn.-based Leisure Hotels and Resorts.
Curious minds keep a southern Minnesota book group going for 142 years
Drawn by a love of literature and learning, eight women met in Blue Earth in 1883 to form the town’s Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. That tradition continues to this day, driven by the ethos: “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”
40th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon on track, despite warm temperatures
Deteriorating snow led race organizers to move the start of the race from outside Duluth to north of Two Harbors, Minn., where nearly 40 mushers and their dog teams are set to take off Sunday.
As inspiration for ‘The Brutalist,’ famed St. John’s Abbey Church gains renewed interest
Completed in 1961, the strikingly unique Abbey Church is the flagship of St. John’s, and a heralded example of modern architecture. It’s also the inspiration for “The Brutalist,” one of the favorites to win best picture at Sunday's Academy Awards. 
Dwindling snowpack causes Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon to move farther north
Warm temperatures and a dwindling snowpack have forced organizers of this year’s John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in northeast Minnesota to move the starting location north of Two Harbors instead of near Duluth.
For a St. Cloud family, Trump’s pause of refugee admissions brings worry for Afghan relatives
One of President Trump’s first actions after taking office was an executive order indefinitely suspending the U.S. refugee resettlement program. A family living in St. Cloud who fled Afghanistan a year ago worries about relatives left behind.
In rural Minnesota, a longtime township clerk puts his faith in neighbors
Loren Ingebretsen has been a politician for 45 years at the most grassroots level of American politics, the township board. It’s vital work across Minnesota that rarely gets noticed. 
How ‘virtual’ power plants could help Minnesota charge toward a clean energy future
As it gets more expensive and costly to build traditional power plants and electric distribution systems, so-called “virtual power plants” could play an increasingly important role in meeting Minnesota’s clean energy goals.
NASCAR on ice? Cars, community drive Minnesota’s frozen lake racers
Cars traveling at high speeds on glare ice might sound like a disaster in the making. But for dozens of drivers in Otter Tail County, it’s a recipe for winter fun. Meet the Bass Lake racers.