Greater Minnesota

River in the Boundary Waters is again named to list of country’s most endangered waterways
American Rivers says the South Kawishiwi River is threatened by proposed copper mines in the watershed. The clock is ticking on a Congressional effort to reverse a 20-year mining ban in northeast Minnesota.
Some Winona County services remain down and off-line following cyberattack
Winona County officials say some of its computer systems remain off-line as they work to restore services following a cyberattack earlier this week. The county’s IT team has been working around the clock, with assistance from the Minnesota National Guard cyber protection team to address the breach.
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.