Greater Minnesota

Rural voices, farmers push for government accountability in town halls
Tariffs, federal cuts and Medicaid were just some of the concerns rural residents and farmers voiced during a town hall meeting in Sleepy Eye Tuesday night. The event was one of the first organized by the Minnesota Farmers Union in response to the recent cuts in federal programs. More meetings will be held around the state in the coming weeks.
Author Margie Sarsfield’s ‘got the beet,’ and it’s really creepy
If you were going to write a horror story about something in Minnesota, what would you choose as a focus? The newly released novel “Beta Vulgaris” features potentially malevolent sugar beets. They are far from sweet.
From bridges to water pipes, federal funding bill cuts hundreds of millions for projects across Minnesota
The continuing budget resolution signed by President Donald Trump Saturday ended the threat of a government shutdown; it also cut hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for local projects across Minnesota.
Town halls aim to air farmers, rural residents concerns 
The Minnesota Farmers Union will hold town hall meetings around the state in coming weeks to gather reaction to tariffs, health care concerns and other issues.
In western Minnesota, she helps new immigrants put down roots
Alma Contreras remembers how hard it was to make the transition to rural western Minnesota when she came from Mexico 16 years ago. It’s what drives her to help others now in tense times for immigrants.
Duluth looks to housing to revive stagnant, post-COVID downtown
Like Minneapolis, St. Paul and other cities around the country, Duluth hopes to revitalize its downtown through new housing, to bring new residents to an urban core that was abandoned by thousands of workers who didn’t come back to the office after COVID.
Former 3M property in Hubbard County will become a wildlife management area
Land owned by 3M on Mantrap Lake in Hubbard County, will be transferred to the state Department of Natural Resources later this year after being acquired through a partnership with the Minnesota Land Trust and Northern Waters Land Trust.
Four strings, infinite joy: T.H.U.G. is a ukulele group with a name to remember
The Two Harbors Ukulele Group (T.H.U.G.), a lively ensemble of mostly senior musicians, brings joy through its 400+ song repertoire, performing everywhere from senior living facilities to breweries, with a passion for community, lifelong learning and, most importantly, fun.