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Owl ‘irruption’ brings joy for birders, concerns for owls in northeast Minnesota
An uncommon owl “irruption” has brought large numbers of owls to northeast Minnesota, and also brought a ton of tourists and birders flocking to see them. Several owls have been killed and injured by vehicles.
‘This Is Fine’ meme-inspired portrait and other works by Minneapolis artist Russ White
Minneapolis artist Russ White, known for his bright, photo-realist portraits of Minnesota locals, presents “Sitters,” a series of eight acrylic and digital collage paintings at Gallery 120 in Inver Grove Heights that explores complex beauty and themes of abundance.
Cannabis business license applications to open in February
Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management said it will start accepting applications for business licenses in two weeks. It’s the next step in the state’s rocky launch of a legal cannabis market.
Family of MSU Mankato student killed in landslide at Minneopa State Park sues DNR
The family of Jack Loso, the Minnesota State University, Mankato student who died in a landslide at Minneopa State Park in December 2023, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 
Child care options start to rebound as Minnesotans return to the office
The state’s child care centers have long struggled with staffing and funding shortages that worsened in the COVID-19 pandemic. Five years later, though, operators see reasons to be optimistic as big companies call back workers, creating more need for child care. 
Minnesota USAID contractor: Program’s future is unclear
Minnesotan Laura Wangsness-Willemsen has worked as a subcontractor with USAID for eight years. She spoke with MPR News host Tom Crann about her work and its uncertain future.