Greater Minnesota

After federal firings, officials worry about program that helps many Minnesotans pay for heat
Minnesota was scheduled to receive an additional $12 million to $13 million in LIHEAP funds to help another 10,000 households. If that payment is delayed, the program could run out of money by mid-April.
Proposed cut in local aid to prevent aquatic invasive species sparks fears of more infested lakes
For the past decade, Minnesota has distributed about $10 million a year to counties for aquatic invasive species prevention. Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget reduced that amount by 50 percent. Some lake advocates worry cutting the funding could potentially lead to more infested waters.
In NW Minnesota, he turns gears, wire and marbles into art that moves
Jeffrey Zachmann’s built more than 1,000 kinetic sculptures — moving contraptions that fascinate those who come across them in public libraries, private collections and museums around the world. He loves the interaction with people who can't resist his work.
In St. Cloud, leaders of color aim to fill community's housing need
Several organizations in St. Cloud led by people of color are working to address local housing needs. A recent study found the city will need 17,000 new housing units over the next decade and a half to meet anticipated demand.
What’s next for sluggish Minnesota mail after USPS postmaster general’s resignation?
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition Wednesday to talk about the future of USPS following Louis DeJoy’s departure and under the Trump administration.
Stearns County dairy herd tests positive for avian flu
The H5N1 virus appeared in raw milk samples collected from a Stearns County herd. Health officials say there's no concern for public safety, because milk sold in stores is pasteurized to kill bacteria and viruses.
Fascinated by fossils, Minnesota man builds a small-town science museum bone by bone
Jim Pollard has loved fossil collecting since he was a kid. Now 70, he’s opened a natural history museum in a Blue Earth storefront to share his passion for paleontology and to make science more accessible to rural kids.
Rural voices, farmers push for government accountability in town halls
Tariffs, federal cuts and Medicaid were just some of the concerns rural residents and farmers voiced during a town hall meeting in Sleepy Eye Tuesday night. The event was one of the first organized by the Minnesota Farmers Union in response to the recent cuts in federal programs. More meetings will be held around the state in the coming weeks.