Greater Minnesota

In 'Rural by Choice,' Cory Hepola explores the attraction of rural living
Radio host Cory Hepola writes, co-produces and hosts “Rural by Choice,” a docuseries that looks at why people choose to live in rural areas. He joined Minnesota Now to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of rural living.
Welcome to Nobles County: Political representation in the fastest diversifying county in Minnesota
Host Angela Davis and producer Samantha Matsumoto traveled to Nobles County this summer to put human voices to the statistics that show Nobles is the most rapidly diversifying county in Minnesota. On Monday we introduced you to Nobles County. And Tuesday we explored political representation in the county.
A reckoning: St. Benedict nuns apologize for Native boarding school
Earlier this year, the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., formally apologized to the White Earth Nation for harm caused to generations of Native Americans at church-run boarding schools. It’s led to the start of a journey toward truth and reconciliation.
St. Louis County prosecutors say they’re now examining evidence for possible charges following an investigation into allegations of misconduct by members of the Proctor High School football program.
Welcome to Nobles County: Minnesota's most rapidly diversifying county
Over the past decade, Minnesota has become less white and more diverse, according to the 2020 Census. Nobles County is the most quickly diversifying county in the state. MPR News host Angela Davis went there to speak face-to-face with residents of the county.
Indigenous communities see rise in COVID-19 cases
COVID-19 case numbers are falling again across the state, but cases remain extremely high among Native Americans, who over the past month have contracted COVID at two to three times the rate of white Minnesotans.
Federal plan to study environmental impacts of mining near BWCA draws praise, scorn
Opponents of copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters are cheering a decision from the Biden administration that could lead to a 20-year mining moratorium in the region. But supporters of the proposed Twin Metals mine near Ely say it threatens a chance to cash in on a rich treasure trove of valuable metals.
What the EPA's plan to regulate 'forever chemicals' means for Minnesota
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has an ambitious strategy to deal with PFAS — human-made “forever chemicals” that have polluted public drinking water supplies and accumulated in fish and wildlife. The plan is expected to bolster efforts already underway in Minnesota to deal with the contaminants.