Greater Minnesota

Rochester eviction rates show no sign of slowing
Evictions in Olmsted County are moving faster than housing advocates expected this year. That's putting a strain on emergency services available to people facing eviction. The city is a microcosm of a trend playing out statewide.
Court dog Nova helps ease victims' trauma
Nova, a 6-year-old trained facility dog, recently made state history when she accompanied a young victim of sexual abuse as she testified on the witness stand. 
Judge throws out Twin Metals leases lawsuit
Late Wednesday a U.S. District Court Judge dismissed a lawsuit that Twin Metals filed last year to try revive its stalled attempt to develop a proposed copper-nickel mine on the doorstep of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Crews battle wildfire in Carlton County
Crews continued battling a 40-acre wildfire Tuesday in Carlton County, with aircraft back on the scene to drop water on the flames that were first spotted the day before.
Rochester bets on geothermal to power a green future
Since June, construction workers in Rochester, Minn., have been drilling deep wells that will eventually be part of a large geothermal network meant to heat and cool multiple buildings downtown. These systems aren’t an option for every city. But in locations that have the right geologic conditions, it’s a climate-friendly way to heat and cool.
Study: Wildfire led to poorer water quality in northern Minnesota lakes
The study was the largest examination in North American history of how lakes responded to a single wildfire. The researchers found lakes in burned areas had higher levels of nutrients, sediment and dissolved carbon, likely the results of increased runoff.
Swimmers complete record 24-hour Lake Superior relay — without wetsuits
Six swimmers completed a 48-mile, 24-hour relay in Lake Superior, from Split Rock Lighthouse to Duluth, without wetsuits — to set a record and to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change on one of the world’s largest lakes.
Brainerd considers contentious question of chlorinating the city's drinking water
Currently, Brainerd is the largest city in Minnesota that doesn't regularly chlorinate its water, only when there's an issue. The city has a long history of fighting additives to its drinking water.
Morris is a small Minnesota town with big climate goals
Morris is getting national attention for efforts to embrace the clean energy transition. It’s a leader in the push for clean energy by taking a practical local approach to a global challenge.