Greater Minnesota

Lawmakers approve tougher enforcement, penalties for water permit violators
The bill gives state regulators stronger authority to crack down on violators who pump more water than they're permitted. Farmers worry they could face hefty fines if they overdraw to keep their crops alive during a drought.
State lawmakers fast-track passenger rail between Duluth and the Twin Cities
State lawmakers have approved $195 million in funding for the Northern Lights passenger rail line connecting the Twin Ports and Twin Cities. Rail advocates have fought for it for decades, despite concerns about cost and ridership.
New fund protects farmers when grain buyers fail
A new Minnesota law will help protect farmers when they sell grain to a business that fails. The law creates a dedicated fund to reimburse farmers when a grain elevator goes bust and they don't get paid.
Xcel Energy breaks ground on Sherco solar project
The 460-megawatt solar project will be the largest in the Upper Midwest, and is expected to produce electricity to power 100,000 homes. It’s part of Xcel’s plan to expand solar resources to replace power plants that run on fossil fuels and produce greenhouse gases.
Steve Inskeep's advice to UMN Morris grads: 'You're allowed to laugh'
The journalist spoke at the University of Minnesota Morris commencement over the weekend to remind people to listen, adapt and, notably, tell fart jokes.
Ag exports critical to Minnesota in a changing world
Minnesota's agriculture industry had a record-breaking year for exports last year. The state is a leading producer of many farm commodities like soybeans and corn, and exports to other countries are a key part of the ag economy. A complex web of connections moves those crops around the world.