Greater Minnesota

The Prairie Chicken Society: Celebrating and protecting a prairie icon
The Minnesota Prairie Chicken Society celebrates 50 years of working to protect the iconic prairie species. Once abundant, the prairie chicken is now mostly found in a small area of western Minnesota.
Rising rivers prompt more road, park closures around Minnesota
Rising water is prompting more road and park closures along Minnesota rivers. The St. Croix River was poised to reach major flood stage Wednesday in Stillwater, Minn. The Mississippi River is forecast to reach major flood stage in the coming days at St. Paul, Red Wing and Winona, Minn.
Minnesota House votes to ban recreational wolf hunting
After a lively and sometimes contentious debate, the Minnesota House this week passed a bill banning recreational hunting and trapping of wolves should they be removed from federal protection. Action is still needed in the Senate for the bill to become law.
Minnesota moves to protect Native children as Supreme Court decision looms
A case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court could affect how American Indian children are treated in the foster care system. In response, Minnesota lawmakers took steps this year to strengthen a state law designed to keep Native children connected to their families and communities.
Business booming in NW Minnesota despite tight labor market
Northwestern Minnesota manufacturers are facing worker shortages due to remote locations, relatively small populations and long, cold winters. Successful businesses in this region, though, have figured out a formula to attract and retain employees.
A 38-year-old Sauk Centre, Minn., man is facing a first-degree murder conspiracy charge. He allegedly tried twice to hire a hitman to kill a family member and may have gone through with a payment two years ago.
Fargo-Moorhead well-prepared for spring flooding
The cities of Moorhead and Fargo are preparing for significant spring flooding. Officials are not sure how high the water will get — the late spring melt has delayed the flood and rain is in the forecast this week. But the communities say they are better prepared than at any time in the past.