Greater Minnesota

Droughts, wildfire smoke clouds outlook for agriculture - and concern for farmers’ health
The increasing drought and smoke from Canadian wildfires are adding to Minnesota farmers’ challenges this summer. But there’s a debate over whether the smoke may actually help as it shields already drought-stressed crops.
St. Luke’s plan to merge with Aspirus Health is the latest for Minnesota health care 
Duluth-based St. Luke’s plans to merge with Aspirus Health, a nonprofit health system that operates in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The new system will contain 19 hospitals, 130 outpatient locations and nearly 14,000 staff.
Unsafe Bemidji subsidized housing building evacuated, residents say they feel hopeless
All 47 residents of Red Pine Estates, a Bemidji subsidized housing facility, have now been evacuated from the building. Most of the renters are either elderly or people with disabilities and many said they have nowhere to go.