Greater Minnesota

In Ely, an experiment to improve political conversations has come with ups and downs
The community of Ely has lots of issues dividing people there. So late last year, residents embarked on an experiment to have more productive conversations about contentious issues. Today, two participants say they’ve started doing things differently in their own lives to reduce polarization.
Sen. Nicole Mitchell seeks dismissal of burglary charge while calling for release of more evidence
DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury was arrested and charged with burglary in April when she was found in the basement of her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes. Her next court hearing is now scheduled for July 9. 
New Stearns County park protects lakeshore, offers chance to restore lost prairie and wetlands
The property borders the popular chain of lakes where it narrows into the Sauk River, just south of Cold Spring. It includes about a half-mile of shoreline, rolling hills and old-growth oak forest.
Marshall Pride provides a cathartic homecoming for small town drag performers
Drag shows are now a staple of the entertainment scene in the Twin Cities and other larger Minnesota towns. Some of the performers grew up in rural Minnesota. Some of those small towns host drag shows of their own, and these performers are taking the opportunity for a cathartic homecoming. 
Summer festival spotlight: A northern Minnesota celebration of Paul Bunyan enters its 75th year
This week our summer festival spotlight series takes us to Akeley which claims to the birth place of a famous lumberjack from Minnesota folklore.
Erosion continues after rain-swollen Blue Earth River claims home near Rapidan Dam
The rain-swollen Blue Earth River continued to carve a larger channel around the Rapidan Dam southwest of Mankato on Wednesday, after claiming a home near the dam the previous night.