Greater Minnesota

Forest Service slashes BWCA permits to protect wilderness. Some say the cuts go too far
Canoeists eager to take a summer trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness can start making reservations Wednesday. But competition for those permits could be more intense this year after the Forest Service slashed the number of available slots.
State court reverses PolyMet water permit, but sides with company on other issues
The state appeals court has reversed a key permit for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine, sending it back to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for additional analysis of its impacts to groundwater. But in a mixed ruling, the court also sided with PolyMet and the MPCA on several issues.
Two Harbors requests review of mayor's underwater-hotel pursuit
The Two Harbors City Council has directed the Minnesota Attorney General's office to review whether Mayor Chris Swanson's pursuit of an underwater hotel in Lake Superior crossed an ethical or legal line and issue a written opinion on it.
Cities across Minnesota declare climate emergencies, demand action
From Moorhead to St. Louis Park, cities around the state are working with the Minnesota Cities Climate Caucus to draw local attention to the climate crisis, calling on state and federal governments for legislative and financial support. 
Forest Service announces 13 percent cut in Boundary Waters entry permits
About 23,000 fewer people will be allowed to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area each summer starting this year, according to newly released changes the U.S. Forest Service says are needed to relieve crowding and congestion and protect natural resources.
Duluth mayor orders 30-day mask mandate as COVID cases climb
“If you want to be mad at me, be mad at me. That’s what I’m here for. It’s still the right decision,” Emily Larson said Thursday as she announced a mask mandate for indoor public gathering spaces for people older than 5.
Reporter roundtable: The latest from Austin, Cloquet, Roseau
We're calling reporters from newspapers outside the Twin Cities metro area to hear what's happening in their neck of the woods. Wednesday, host Cathy Wurzer was joined by journalists from the Roseau Times-Region, Pine Knot News and the Austin Daily Herald.
Freeway fighter: A vision to replace I-35 in Duluth gains momentum
What started as one student's seemingly far-fetched idea to remove Interstate 35 from downtown Duluth is picking up momentum. The plan is part of a growing nationwide movement to convert freeways into urban boulevards.