Greater Minnesota

North Dakota hopes to cash in on rare earth elements
North Dakota has the potential to be a significant source of rare earth elements used in a wide range of electronic components, according to a recently released report.
The late April cold forced thousands of migrating dark-eyed juncos, rusty blackbirds and other creatures to temporarily pit-stop in Duluth, creating a bonanza for backyard bird-watching.
Flooding, lock closures halt barge traffic on stretch of Mississippi River
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has closed eight of its Mississippi River locks in Minnesota and Wisconsin, saying river levels are unsafe for any navigation for the time being.
One mile at a time, outdoor enthusiasts create new Driftless Area hiking trail
Marty Walsh grew up in Chicago, but his love for backpacking and his adopted home of southeast Minnesota has inspired him to create a 100-mile hiking trail that celebrates the topsy-turvy topography of the state's often overlooked Driftless Area.
Monticello says tests show water not affected by nuclear leak
Officials hope to restore public confidence in the city's drinking water, after radioactive tritium leaked from a faulty pipe at the Monticello nuclear plant. The test results showed all samples of the city's water had tritium levels well below federal health limits.
Dancing lights: Snapshots of aurora borealis across Minnesota
A strong geomagnetic storm caused a grand display of northern lights in Minnesota Sunday night. We asked to see your photos, and you did not disappoint.
The Prairie Chicken Society: Celebrating and protecting a prairie icon
The Minnesota Prairie Chicken Society celebrates 50 years of working to protect the iconic prairie species. Once abundant, the prairie chicken is now mostly found in a small area of western Minnesota.
Rising rivers prompt more road, park closures around Minnesota
Rising water is prompting more road and park closures along Minnesota rivers. The St. Croix River was poised to reach major flood stage Wednesday in Stillwater, Minn. The Mississippi River is forecast to reach major flood stage in the coming days at St. Paul, Red Wing and Winona, Minn.
Minnesota House votes to ban recreational wolf hunting
After a lively and sometimes contentious debate, the Minnesota House this week passed a bill banning recreational hunting and trapping of wolves should they be removed from federal protection. Action is still needed in the Senate for the bill to become law.
Minnesota moves to protect Native children as Supreme Court decision looms
A case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court could affect how American Indian children are treated in the foster care system. In response, Minnesota lawmakers took steps this year to strengthen a state law designed to keep Native children connected to their families and communities.