Greater Minnesota

Park revises 2012 Isle Royale female wolf total
Isle Royale National Park's gray wolves apparently don't have a gender gap after all.
Wausau Paper Corp. says it plans to close its mill in Brainerd, Minn., putting 130 employees out of work.
Mayo's expansion may create jobs, but how many?
The Mayo Clinic said its planned expansion will create about 35,000 jobs in Minnesota; 10,000 to 15,000 of those jobs would involve direct employment at Mayo. Some experts are skeptical of the job projections.
Cliffs Natural Resources discussed the company's flagging financial results for last year but sounded an upbeat note about this year at a meeting in Virginia Wednesday morning.
New study shows chemicals can reduce fish survival
Tiny amounts of chemicals in Minnesota lakes might be having a big effect on some fish populations, according to two new studies by Minnesota researchers.
Contentious frac sand mining hearings start at Capitol
Opponents of the new mining process packed a legislative hearing to urge Gov. Mark Dayton and state lawmakers to regulate the sand mining industry. But industry officials say such regulations will limit job growth and create unnecessary burdens on them.
Frac sand mining fissures exposed at Legislature
For the past two years, cities and towns in southeastern Minnesota have been grappling with how to regulate frac sand mining. The debate over the issue is also creating some fault lines at the Capitol.
Frac sand mining raises environmental, health concerns in SE Minnesota
Minnesota's abundant supply of high-quality frac sand is causing some turmoil. Local governments in southeastern Minnesota are preparing for a number of new permit applications to build or expand mines and processing plants for the special silica sand. Many area residents are concerned about possible environmental or health impacts. Industry representatives say they are addressing the concerns, but some state officials are encouraging caution.
Minn. trappers see boom year as fur prices rise
Nearly 10,000 people bought trapping licenses this season in the state, more than any time in the past 25 years. The industry is controversial for some, and for others, a way of life.