Greater Minnesota

A Native American man wants police reform in Duluth. His son wants to be a cop
Blair Powless is part of a community effort to reform Duluth’s Police Department, work that stems from a long personal history of negative interactions with law enforcement. But some of those same hurtful experiences have fueled Powless’ son Key to want to become a police officer.
ThaiPop offers a bright spot in pandemic-weary, construction-heavy Rochester
For years, owners Annie and Ryan Balow built a loyal following through popups. Now, it seems to be paying off at their new downtown restaurant.
In Rochester, the future of work could include this driverless shuttle
As the pandemic changes how and where we work, Rochester is still betting on a vibrant downtown. Its Destination Medical Center development initiative has continued, and recently unveiled a driverless shuttle.
Bemidji touts quality of life — and a little cash — to recruit new residents
Bemidji is offering people $2,500 to relocate to the North Woods and bring their remote job with them. So far, more than 20 telecommuters have taken the city up on it, from the Twin Cities to as far away as Oregon and Arizona.
Retired game warden Tom Chapin's favorite stories of hunting poachers
Tom Chapin is a retired Minnesota game warden, and he’s written two books full of funny, harrowing, wild stories about catching poachers in the act. He told host Cathy Wurzer a few tales from his time on the job.
New podcast examines racial inequality on the North Shore
"It Happens Here," a new podcast from Grand Marais community radio station WTIP, seeks to uncover the roots of racial inequality on the North Shore. The producers of the podcast, Staci Drouillard and Leah Lemm, joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to discuss the project and share the first episode.
Minnesota lets public weigh in on adequacy of mining rules
Minnesota regulators are accepting public comments on whether the state’s regulation of nonferrous mining would provide sufficient protection against environmental damage to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Carbon markets drive research in soil carbon storage
A growing number of agri-businesses are offering to pay farmers for practices that store carbon in the soil. But the cost of accurately measuring carbon in fields might be keeping farmers out of the market. Researchers are trying to improve the process.
International Falls votes to no longer dress up its famous Smokey Bear statue
The International Falls City Council voted unanimously last week to prohibit dressing the 26-foot-tall Smokey Bear statue that stands tall over the city. For decades locals have dressed the statue in seasonal attire. But moving forward, Smokey will only wear his traditional blue jeans, belt, buckle and hat, with shovel in hand.