Greater Minnesota

In Crosslake, governor’s fishing opener spotlights lethal impact of lead tackle to Minnesota’s loons
One of the biggest threats loons face is poisoning from swallowing lead sinkers, lures and jigs. Yet efforts to ban lead tackle in Minnesota have repeatedly failed and convincing anglers to voluntarily switch out their lead tackle for non-toxic alternatives has been a slow process.
Tapped out? Dispute with DNR over year-round maple tree taps leaves Grand Marais couple feeling stuck
A small maple syrup operation that has tapped trees on state land outside Grand Marais for 25 years says it may have to close over a lease dispute with the Minnesota DNR. The agency wants the business to remove its tapping equipment from 600 trees at the end of every syrup season.
‘It brings us back to our roots’: Teams gathered in Shakopee for Dakota language competition
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community recently hosted its third Dakota language bowl. Over 30 teams put their knowledge to the test in the daylong competition.
Young girls often struggle with self-esteem. This Minnesota native is ready to help
Worried about the negative effects of cultural messages on her daughters, Missy Heilman started a nonprofit to teach girls to value themselves. BIO Girls is now active in 120 communities across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
MSU Mankato suspends programs, certificate offerings and considers tuition increase
Starting next fall, Minnesota State University, Mankato will eliminate 86 programs and certificates from its academic course offerings. It’s also considering an 8 percent tuition increase.
Plan to move a Duluth parking lot for people experiencing homelessness riles residents
A proposal to move a safe place where people experiencing homelessness in Duluth can sleep in their cars has pitted neighbors asking for their safety concerns to be addressed against what advocates say are misconceptions of homelessness. 
Battleground 2nd Congressional District will be wide open as Rep. Angie Craig launches Senate bid
Todd Rapp, DFL analyst and longtime MPR News commentator, joined host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition to parse the politics and predict what could be in store for Minnesota next year.
Asian grocers navigate ever-changing tariff landscape on imported goods
As the full impact of international tariffs is still unknown, small businesses like Asian grocery stores are worried about tariffs pushing up product prices and whether customers will stomach those higher prices.