Greater Minnesota

As session approaches, Minnesota lawmakers plan to keep advancing shift to clean energy
Key Minnesota legislators say not to expect climate legislation as ambitious as last year in the upcoming session. In 2023, they passed a historic legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This year their focus will be on making sure the state’s able to achieve its clean energy goals.
Long-time leader of St. John's Abbey retires leaving storied 23-year legacy
This week in Collegeville, Minn. the monks of St. John's Abbey are convening to elect their next leader, or abbot. John Klassen is retiring after 23 years in the role and notably led the monastery through its sexual abuse reckoning.
Ellison sues Minnesota dairy farm for wage theft, substandard housing
A district court lawsuit filed Monday alleges Evergreen Acres, a large dairy producer based in Paynesville, failed to pay at least $3 million in worker’s wages, illegally charged rent for substandard onsite housing and maintained a culture of fear and violence.
New documentary on Arik Matson, Waseca officer who sustained severe brain injury
It’s been three years since Waseca police officer and father of two Arik Matson was shot while on duty. He survived, but sustained severe injuries to his brain. A new documentary follows Arik and his wife Megan Matson through the process of healing.
After a sluggish start to winter, parts of southwest Minnesota get walloped with snow
Southwest Minnesota could see nearly a foot of snow by Tuesday morning. The are is seeing winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories, plus school cancellations or virtual days.
Lawmaker: Raise fertilizer fees to help pay cost of nitrate pollution
DFL Rep. Rick Hansen says farmers should pay higher fees for nitrogen fertilizer, the source of the majority of nitrate contamination in southeast Minnesota. Farm groups oppose the idea.
New development planned for Grand Marais downtown on site of 3 businesses previously destroyed by fire
A large, mixed use development has been proposed for downtown Grand Marais that would include a restaurant, short term rentals and an event center and rooftop patio on the site of a 2020 fire that destroyed three businesses.
Forbidden catch, happy ending: Minnesota trapper uses CPR to save wayward marten
A northern Minnesota trapper recently took the unusual step of giving CPR to an animal caught in a trap. A Department of Natural Resources conservation officer helped release the revived and “very angry” pine marten.
Champion musher reacts to 2024 Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon cancellation
Musher Erin Aili and her husband Keith Aili have both won Beargrease along with their award-winning Alaskan Husky sled dogs, who have been diligently training for the race until this disappointing turn of events.