Greater Minnesota

What did the Becker recycling plant fire do to air quality?
A pile of junked cars at the metal recycling plant in the central Minnesota city burned for most of last week as more than 100 fire departments helped fight the fire. As of Saturday, it was finally out. But, for the people of Becker and towns downwind from the blaze, questions of air and water safety remain. MPR News reporter Kirsti Marohn, who has been covering the story from the beginning, will join Angela in the studio to talk about the incident and what’s next.
After hellish ice fishing season, Minnesota resorts say they need help
Heavy snow and thin ice nearly shut down this year’s ice fishing season across much of northern Minnesota. Now, resort owners are hoping for state loans to recover from what they’re calling a natural disaster. Lake Winnibigoshish seemed to get the worst of it.
Amish kids were dying mysteriously. Mayo scientists solved it. But can they treat it?
Young, healthy Amish children were dying unexpectedly across the country. It took Mayo researchers more than a decade to figure out why — and now, they’re trying to find a treatment.
Despite calmer weather, top 5 Red River flood still in play
The area has seen below-average precipitation in the last four weeks and the forecast is favorable for at least the next two weeks. However, it has done little to change the rankings for one of the wettest fall and winter seasons on record, National Weather Service officials said.
New research from northern Minn. shows wolves feed berries to their young
New research into the surprising summer eating habits of northern Minnesota wolves known to be fond of beaver, fish and blueberries has now also documented wolves feeding those berries to their pups.
Rochester oversight committee recommends changes for Civic Theatre
A Rochester committee detailed a proposal to change the way the city supports the Rochester Civic Theatre. The recommendations come in the wake of the abrupt resignation of the theater’s director and recent revelations that the organization is struggling financially.