Greater Minnesota

Essentia's decision to end labor and delivery services in Fosston sparks outrage
A large number of people joined a public hearing Tuesday night on Duluth-based Essentia Health’s decision to end labor and delivery services at the Fosston hospital.
How rethinking design could reduce the need for road salt
Eden Prairie is a pilot city testing low-salt design. The concept is to plan streets and buildings so ice and melted snow don't accumulate in places where people walk and drive, reducing the need for deicing salt that pollutes lakes, rivers and streams.
Man who stole ‘Wizard of Oz’ ruby slippers avoids prison time
A federal judge told the man who stole a pair of the iconic ruby red slippers slippers worn in the classic film “The Wizard of Oz” that his crime was “extraordinary in its stupidity, selfishness and impact,” yet he did not sentence him to any prison time because the thief is terminally ill.
Gunflint Mail Run called off due to warm weather
Organizers of the annual Gunflint Mail Run sled dog race in Cook County announced Monday they have canceled this winter’s event. The race originally was set to take place in early January, then was postponed until Feb. 10.
As Dorothy's ruby slippers theft trial concludes, the mystery endures
Nearly two decades after the theft of a pair of slippers used in “The Wizard of Oz” the man who admits he stole them will receive sentence in Duluth Monday morning. Some of what happened all those years ago has been revealed — but not all.
Actor Timothee Chalamet visits Minnesota, surprises Hibbing High School theater students
Actor Timothee Chalamet was in town for a Bob Dylan tour of Hibbing, where the songwriter grew up. The tour included a stop at the high school’s stage, a 1920s-style, 1800-seat theater where Dylan performed as a student. 
Minnesota fiddle maker loses home and workshop to fire
A Minnesota man known for his fiddle building skills lost his home, workshop, and dozens of instruments in a recent fire. Bud Larsen plans to rebuild and continue teaching others to make Norwegian hardanger fiddles.