Greater Minnesota

Aquatic invader starry stonewort discovered in Whitefish Chain of Lakes
The DNR says starry stonewort was found in Rush Lake, near the city of Crosslake in Crow Wing County. It’s the first time the invasive algae has been confirmed in the Whitefish chain.
Support dog's presence didn't bias sex abuse trial, Minnesota appeals court rules
In July 2023, a Stearns County jury found Jairo Fernandez Sorto guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for abusing a teenage girl for years starting when she was eight. Stearns County’s facility dog, Nova, was present in the courtroom as the 15-year-old testified.
Bringing back ‘bio supermarkets’: Program helps landowners restore vanished wetlands
Wetlands help prevent flooding, filter nutrient pollution, store carbon and provide wildlife habitat. But many have disappeared due to draining and filling. A partnership between the federal government and a nonprofit is helping willing private landowners restore wetlands in the Upper Mississippi headwaters.
CentraCare to expand space, services in St. Cloud area
The $228.8 million expansion will create more space for outpatient services including orthopedics, neurosciences and rehabilitation — services that are in growing demand due to an aging population.
Weather Service confirms tornado touchdowns in Minnesota as cleanup continues from Thursday storms
Friday was yet another day of storm cleanup across the Twin Cities and other parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin, in the wake of severe storms that swept across the region late Thursday.
Tribal leaders weigh in on Walz’s work with tribal-state relations
Though there have been “moments of disagreement and difference,” tribal leaders across the state have voiced their support for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the Democratic vice presidential nominee, pointing to his efforts to build tribal-state relations.