Greater Minnesota

Minnesota tree nursery plans big expansion to meet demand
Minnesotans are planting more trees. Efforts to mitigate climate change are driving the demand. The outdated state tree nursery in northern Minnesota is undergoing major renovations so it can grow millions of new seedlings each year.
In Duluth, hard-fought mayoral campaign nears finish
On Nov. 7, Duluth voters will decide the city’s most contested mayoral election in 15 years, in a contest that pits two-term incumbent Emily Larson, the city’s first woman to be elected mayor, against attorney and former state legislator Roger Reinert.
Shootings spotlight 'alarming' jump in violence against rural Minnesota officers
At least 14 officers in rural areas of Minnesota and western Wisconsin have been shot this year, with four killed. Observers say the dangers of rural policing are growing, with suspects more willing to pull the trigger, yet the reality is rarely examined or discussed.
Rural Voice: The urgent need for affordable housing in rural communities
Affordable housing is a challenge in every part of the state. But rural communities are particularly pinched. Today, you’ll hear a conversation MPR News’ Kerri Miller hosted last month in Two Harbors, Minn., about how the North Shore region is experimenting with solutions to the housing crisis. This is the second in a four-part series featuring conversations from the Rural Voice project.
Connor Bowman is facing second-degree murder charges in the death of his wife, Betty, who also worked at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
Xcel Energy seeks to grow wind energy in southwest Minnesota
The Minneapolis-based utility is asking for proposals for about 1,200 megawatts of new wind projects. That's enough to power more than 485,000 homes in an average year.
BCA identified three officers who used force in Benton County shootout
When officers tried to execute the warrant last Thursday morning, they were met with a volley of gunfire. Five officers sustained injuries not considered life threatening.