Greater Minnesota

St. Cloud State gets approval to launch some online programs — with conditions
St. Cloud State wants to expand online education aimed largely at nontraditional students by providing accelerated online degrees. Some SCSU faculty have raised objections to the university’s contract with a for-profit company to manage online programs in exchange for half the tuition revenue. 
Agency combats poverty one energy audit at a time
With winter fast approaching, a nonprofit called MAHUBE-OTWA is working to winterize homes throughout northwest and central Minnesota. The organization was formed in the mid-1960s as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's “War on Poverty” and is still meeting the challenge.
Materials and power: Artist investigates labor rights and solidarity in textile exhibition
In an exhibit, Minneapolis artist Rachel Breen highlights the labor rights of garment workers and the issues of overconsumption and fast fashion, incorporating textile works, a site-specific wall drawing, and reflections on historical garment industry tragedies, all aimed at emphasizing solidarity and collective power.
Christmas tree growers anticipate healthy demand despite drought challenges
Minnesota’s Christmas tree farms are busier than ever getting ready to sell their harvest to the public. The demand for live trees remains strong despite much of the state suffering repeated droughts during the last several years.  
Rochester teachers march for smaller class sizes
A summary of the teachers union's proposal outlined the reasons for the class caps, saying large classes lead to disengagement, feelings of alienation, and ultimately negative behaviors.
Ag industry testing driverless trucks to solve labor shortage
A sugar beet cooperative in western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota is turning to autonomous trucks to solve a driver shortage. Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative says the trucks can make the company more efficient.
State officials add dozens of lakes and streams to impaired waters list for sulfate and PFAS pollution
State officials are proposing to add 54 lakes and streams to the list of Minnesota waters considered impaired because of pollution. The list includes a large lake on the border of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness that exceeds the state’s wild rice sulfate standard.
Minnesota officials ready for potential feral pig invasion
With wild hogs in Canada approaching the U.S. border, Minnesota officials are reviewing state management of feral pigs to limit potential future damage from the destructive invasive species.