Kirsti Marohn
@kirstimarohn.bsky.social
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Correspondent for MPR News covering central Minnesota, water, energy and the environment.
Minnesota electricity customers might be on the financial hook for coal plants in other states that were scheduled for retirement, but ordered by the Trump administration to keep operating.
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
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Trump orders some U.S. coal plants to keep operating. Will Minnesotans foot part of the bill?
Electricity customers in 15 Midwest states, including Minnesota, might bear the costs of continuing to operate a Michigan coal plant. A week before it was scheduled to shut down, the U.S. Department o...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/02/11/trump-orders-some-us-coal-plants-to-keep-operating-will-minnesotans-foot-part-of-the-bill
4 days ago
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Some greater Minnesota counties already cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and say they have no plans to change the practice, despite controversy over the recent federal enforcement surge in Minnesota.
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
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Amid surge, some greater Minnesota sheriffs plan to continue cooperation with ICE
More than half a dozen Minnesota counties have signed agreements to assist ICE to varying degrees, from detaining people in county jails to helping federal agents find and arrest people suspected of i...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/02/06/amid-surge-some-greater-minnesota-sheriffs-plan-to-continue-cooperation-with-ice
8 days ago
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In a Jan. 16 interview, Tomso said he wants the university to be a more vibrant campus that’s more alluring to students and better connected to the larger St. Cloud community and workforce.
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New St. Cloud State president aims to attract, retain more students
A few weeks into his new role, Gregory Tomso said he wants the university to be a more vibrant campus that’s more alluring to students and better connected to the larger community and workforce.
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/29/st-cloud-state-university-president-gregory-tomso-aims-to-attract-students
17 days ago
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reposted by
Kirsti Marohn
Paul Tosto
23 days ago
Here's where to find all of the
@mprnews.org
work on the immigration enforcement surge:
www.mprnews.org/ice-in-minne...
add a skeleton here at some point
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed dialing back federal protections for many wetlands and streams across the country. The federal rule change wouldn’t have much effect in Minnesota, where state laws already protect most wetlands and streams.
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
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Trump’s EPA wants to narrow the scope of federal water protections. What does that mean in Minnesota?
Environmental advocates say the proposal could lead to increased pollution and destruction of wetlands that provide valuable benefits, including flood protection and wildlife habitat.
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/12/12/proposed-federal-water-protection-changes-minnesota
2 months ago
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As demand for energy surges in Minnesota, interest in battery storage booms
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
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As demand for energy surges in Minnesota, interest in battery storage booms
Batteries can store electricity from solar and wind when it’s plentiful and cheap to produce, and release it when it’s in short supply. There's a growing consensus that batteries are critical to makin...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/11/12/battery-storage-interest-booms-as-energy-demand-surges
3 months ago
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Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe sues 3M, other companies over 'forever chemicals' contamination
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
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Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe sues 3M, other companies over 'forever chemicals' contamination
The lawsuit says the band's testing found "alarming" levels of PFAS in lake water, fish and deer on the Leech Lake Reservation. Tribal members depend on hunting, fishing and cultivating wild rice for ...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/10/15/leech-lake-band-of-ojibwe-sues-3m-other-companies-over-forever-chemicals-contamination
4 months ago
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Whitefish Chain’s early attack on invasive species shows signs of success
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
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Whitefish Chain’s early attack on invasive species shows signs of success
Starry stonewort, a fast-growing invasive algae, was discovered in the Rush Lake channel. The Whitefish Chain of Lakes Association mounted a counter-attack, including hand pulling, chemical treatment ...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/10/11/whitefish-chains-early-attack-on-invasive-species-shows-signs-of-success
4 months ago
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Family sues Crow Wing County over 2024 death of man in jail
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
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Family sues Crow Wing County over 2024 death of man in jail
Robert Slaybaugh, 57, was booked into the jail in February 2024 on suspicion of drunk driving. He was later found unresponsive in his cell. The lawsuit claims the county ignored red flags that he was ...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/10/13/robert-slaybaugh-death-crow-wing-county-lawsuit
4 months ago
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Minnesota receives more than $100 million every year from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help people pay home heating costs. About 107,000 Minnesota households, including both homeowners and renters, have received help this winter paying utility bills.
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After federal firings, officials worry about program that helps many Minnesotans pay for heat
Minnesota was scheduled to receive an additional $12 million to $13 million in LIHEAP funds to help another 10,000 households. If that payment is delayed, the program could run out of money by mid-Apr...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/04/03/after-federal-firings-officials-worry-about-program-that-helps-many-minnesotans-pay-for-heat
11 months ago
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Kirsti Marohn
MPR News
11 months ago
Minnesota has distributed about $10 million a year to counties for aquatic invasive species prevention for the past decade. Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget reduced that amount by 50 percent and some lake advocates worry cutting the funding could potentially lead to more infested waters.
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Proposed cut in local aid to prevent aquatic invasive species sparks fears of more infested lakes
For the past decade, Minnesota has distributed about $10 million a year to counties for aquatic invasive species prevention. Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget reduced that amount by 50 percent. Some lak...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/04/02/minnesota-considers-a-cut-to-aquatic-invasive-species-prevention
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Several organizations in St. Cloud led by people of color are working to address local housing needs. A recent study found the city will need 17,000 new housing units over the next decade and a half to meet anticipated demand.
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In St. Cloud, leaders of color aim to fill community's housing need
Several organizations in St. Cloud led by people of color are working to address local housing needs. A recent study found the city will need 17,000 new housing units over the next decade and a half t...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/03/27/st-cloud-leaders-of-color-work-to-address-housing-needs
11 months ago
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"Ick" factor aside, it was interesting to look back at the rapid development of this scientific process during the COVID pandemic, and how it could help alert scientists to new disease outbreaks in the future.
add a skeleton here at some point
11 months ago
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Kirsti Marohn
MPR News
11 months ago
Attorney General Keith Ellison filed charges in Beltrami County on Friday against Michelle Skroch, a former nurse at the county jail. Skroch was the director of nursing for MEnD Correctional Care, the former healthcare provider at the jail, at the time of Hardel Sherrell's death.
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Former jail nurse charged in death of Hardel Sherrell while in custody in Beltrami County
A former nurse at the Beltrami County Jail is facing charges in the 2018 death of Hardel Sherrell, who was incarcerated at the time.
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/03/10/former-jail-nurse-charged-death-hardel-sherrell-custody-beltrami-county
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Kirsti Marohn
MPR News
11 months ago
The COVID-19 pandemic upended life in Minnesota and across the country in March 2020. Schools and businesses closed. Hospitals nearly reached a breaking point as deaths and hospitalizations leaped. Five charts show different ways in which the pandemic shaped us.
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COVID in Minnesota: Five years in five graphs
The COVID-19 pandemic upended life in Minnesota and across the country in March 2020. Schools and businesses closed. Hospitals nearly reached a breaking point as deaths and hospitalizations leaped. Fi...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/03/10/covid-in-minnesota-five-years-in-five-graphs
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Kirsti Marohn
MPR News
11 months ago
Every winter, thousands of people fish on Minnesota’s frozen lakes. Some leave trash, an unsightly problem that can affect a lake’s health. Lake advocates say a recent Minnesota law targeting litter left on the ice is helping curb the problem.
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New fines and awareness help reduce litter on Minnesota lakes, but advocates want more action
Lake advocates say a recent state law is helping curb the problem of trash left on Minnesota’s frozen lakes. But they're hoping for more action, including passage of a bill requiring state agencies es...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/03/07/new-fines-awareness-help-reduce-mn-llitter-but-advocates-want-more-statewide-action
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Completed in 1961, the striking Abbey Church is the flagship of St. John’s, and a heralded example of modern architecture.
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As inspiration for ‘The Brutalist,’ famed St. John’s Abbey Church gains renewed interest
Completed in 1961, the strikingly unique Abbey Church is the flagship of St. John’s, and a heralded example of modern architecture. It’s also the inspiration for “The Brutalist,” one of the favorites ...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/02/28/famed-st-johns-abbey-church-gains-renewed-interest
12 months ago
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reposted by
Kirsti Marohn
MPR News
12 months ago
The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council on Monday issued a joint statement stating that they’ve started to study replacing those Northstar trains through the northwest Twin Cities metro area with buses.
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Northstar commuter trains from Minneapolis to Big Lake could be replaced with bus service
After more than 15 years, the days of Northstar commuter rail service between Minneapolis and Big Lake may be numbered. MnDOT and the Met Council are considering replacing Northstar commuter trains th...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/02/24/mndot-met-council-consider-replacing-northstar-commuter-trains-with-buses
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Rahima Frogh is grateful her family is safe, and now living in St. Cloud. But she worries about the relatives she left behind.
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For a St. Cloud family, Trump's pause of refugee admissions brings worry for Afghan relatives
One of President Trump’s first actions after taking office was an executive order indefinitely suspending the U.S. refugee resettlement program. A family living in St. Cloud who fled Afghanistan a yea...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/02/18/for-st-cloud-family-trumps-pause-of-refugee-admissions-brings-worry
12 months ago
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Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, said the signs detract from the state's natural scenic beauty, and pose a safety concern for motorists. He authored a bill that would impose a statewide moratorium on new billboards.
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0...
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Minnesota lawmaker wants statewide ban on new billboard signs
Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, said the signs detract from the state's natural scenic beauty and pose a safety concern for motorists. Billboard companies say the bill would hurt local businesses and ...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/02/13/bill-to-ban-new-billboard-signs-minnesota
about 1 year ago
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Latest in Getting to Green, from Dan Kraker: "Virtual" power plants -- known as non-wires alternatives -- could play an increasingly important role in meeting Minnesota's clean energy goals.
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How ‘virtual’ power plants could help Minnesota charge toward a clean energy future
As it gets more expensive and costly to build traditional power plants and electric distribution systems, so-called “virtual power plants” could play an increasingly important role in meeting Minnesot...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/02/12/how-virtual-power-plants-could-help-minnesota-charge-toward-a-clean-energy-future
about 1 year ago
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Many data centers use water — sometimes in large amounts — to cool their equipment. That’s raising some concerns about their impacts on the state’s groundwater supplies.
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Water-guzzling data centers spark worries for Minnesota’s groundwater
A single large data center can use millions of gallons of water a day, as much as thousands of homes. But pinpointing exactly how many are being built and how much water they’ll use can be a challenge...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/02/11/water-guzzling-data-centers-spark-worries-for-minnesotas-groundwater
about 1 year ago
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Speaking to a full house of contractors who work in Stearns County shoreland areas about the
@mprnews.org
series “Trouble by the water.” These are folks doing real work, with the capacity to make a difference in how lakeshore is developed. They were a great audience.
about 1 year ago
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Kirsti Marohn
MPR News
about 1 year ago
Owls that live in the boreal forest in Canada, hundreds of miles away, have flown south to northeastern Minnesota in search of their preferred food, small rodents called voles. Several owls have been killed and injured by vehicles.
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Owl ‘irruption’ brings joy for birders, concerns for owls in northeast Minnesota
An uncommon owl “irruption” has brought large numbers of owls to northeast Minnesota, and also brought a ton of tourists and birders flocking to see them. Several owls have been killed and injured by ...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/02/04/owl-irruption-brings-joy-for-birders-concerns-for-owls-in-northeast-minnesota
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Story by
@msepic.bsky.social
on a central Minnesota dairy farmer facing felony wage theft and racketeering charges over allegations that he underpaid and mistreated his immigrant workers.
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Alleged mistreatment of migrant workers nets felony charges for Minnesota farmer
A central Minnesota dairy farmer is facing felony wage theft and racketeering charges over allegations that he underpaid and threatened his immigrant workers and subjected them to unsanitary living co...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/02/04/alleged-mistreatment-of-migrant-workers-nets-felony-charges-for-minnesota-farmer
about 1 year ago
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A new report shows Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions rebounded after falling sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's not clear whether the state is on track to meet its goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 30 percent by 2025, or reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
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Report: Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions bounced back after pandemic, still below 2019 level
Transportation remains the state’s largest source of greenhouse gases, contributing nearly 30 percent of emissions. It’s not clear whether Minnesota is on track to meet its goals of reducing greenhous...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/01/30/report-minnesotas-greenhouse-gas-emissions-bounced-back-after-pandemic-still-below-2019-level
about 1 year ago
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Environmental groups are suing two state agencies over nitrate contamination in southeast Minnesota. The lawsuit alleges the agencies have failed to protect water resources from farm-related nitrate pollution, and asks them to reopen state rules that govern animal manure and commercial fertilizer.
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Environmental groups sue Minnesota agencies over nitrate pollution
The lawsuit alleges the agencies have failed to adopt regulations that are adequate to protect water resources from farm-related nitrate pollution. It also asks the agencies to reopen state rules that...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/01/29/environmental-groups-sue-minnesota-agencies-over-nitrate-pollution
about 1 year ago
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A plan to build a 180-mile high-voltage transmission line from the Iron Range to Benton/Sherburne counties cleared a major hurdle. Minnesota Power and Great River Energy say it's needed to help maintain a reliable power grid, as they transition away from fossil fuel plants and add solar and wind.
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Proposed high-voltage powerline gets state regulators’ approval
Minnesota Power and Great River Energy jointly plan to build the 180-mile project, which could cost upwards of $1 billion. The utilities say the new high-voltage line is needed to help maintain a reli...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/01/23/proposed-high-voltage-powerline-gets-state-regulators-approval
about 1 year ago
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University of Minnesota researchers have been working to develop winter crops that can be made into biofuels -- including sustainable aviation fuel -- plus have other environmental benefits. Their work is getting renewed attention and now, a financial boost.
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Could winter-hardy crops fuel airline flights of the future? U of M researchers think it’s possible
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have been studying winter oilseed crops that can be turned into sustainable aviation fuel and provide other environmental benefits. Interest in SAF has been ...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/01/22/could-winter-hardy-crops-fuel-airline-flights-of-the-future-u-of-m-thinks-so
about 1 year ago
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Harmful chemicals in sewage sludge spread on pasture as fertilizer pose a risk to people who regularly consume milk, beef and other products from those farms, in some cases raising cancer risk “several orders of magnitude” above what the EPA considers acceptable, federal officials announced Tuesday.
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Chemicals in sewage sludge fertilizer pose cancer risk, EPA says
Harmful chemicals in sewage sludge spread on pasture as fertilizer pose a risk to people who regularly consume milk, beef and other products from those farms, in some cases raising cancer risk “severa...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/01/14/chemicals-in-sewage-sludge-fertilizer-pose-cancer-risk-epa-says
about 1 year ago
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The U of M is launching a project to track how avian influenza, or H5N1, is affecting the state’s wildlife. Gov. Tim Walz recently approved more than $1.2 million for the fast-tracked project from the state’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, from money set aside for emerging issues.
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University of Minnesota gets fast-tracked funding to survey wildlife for bird flu
Researchers in the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine will work with wildlife rehabilitators, tribal biologists and other partners across the state to collect 9,000 samples from ...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/01/13/university-of-minnesota-gets-fasttracked-funding-to-survey-wildlife-for-bird-flu
about 1 year ago
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The NRC has authorized Xcel Energy to continue operating its nuclear power plant in Monticello for until 2050. Xcel has said continuing to operate its two MN nuclear plants is critical to its transition to carbon-free electricity. But some critics have raised safety concerns about the aging plant.
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Monticello nuclear plant gets federal approval to keep operating until 2050
Xcel has said continuing to operate its two Minnesota nuclear plants, at Prairie Island and Monticello, is critical to its transition to carbon-free electricity. But some critics have raised safety co...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/01/02/monticello-nuclear-plant-gets-federal-approval-to-keep-operating-until-2050
about 1 year ago
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I love working with colleagues who love to read. Here are some of the best books MPR staffers read this year.
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The 41 best books MPR News staff read in 2024
From a submarine survival adventure during World War II to an exploration of the dark side of a Catholic convent on the Irish countryside, our staff has wide-ranging taste for their favorite book they...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/12/27/the-41-best-books-mpr-news-staff-read-in-2024
about 1 year ago
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The number of Minnesotans who lost their heat or electricity this year because they didn’t pay their bills hit a 10-year high this year, as more people struggle with inflation and rising energy costs.
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As costs rise, number of Minnesotans losing heat, electricity spikes
The Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota, a nonprofit that advocates for utility customers, tracks reported shutoffs. It found utilities disconnected more than 85,000 residential households from either...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/12/24/as-costs-rise-number-of-minnesotans-losing-heat-electricity-spikes
about 1 year ago
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A Little Falls business owner celebrated by the federal government just a year ago could be headed to prison after pleading guilty to defrauding two lenders. Wild story by
@msepic.bsky.social
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Little Falls baby shop owner faces prison after admitting loan fraud scheme
The U.S. Small Business Administration named Baby’s On Broadway Minnesota’s woman-owned small business of 2023 but the U.S. Attorney’s Office says she used a phony supplier and fake invoices to secure...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/12/20/little-falls-baby-shop-owner-faces-prison-after-admitting-loan-fraud-scheme
about 1 year ago
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reposted by
Kirsti Marohn
Catharine Richert
about 1 year ago
Ooooh I love the “Most Memorable Stories” week at
@mprnews.org
. These aren’t necessarily the most read, the hardest to get or the stories that made the biggest headlines. These are the stories we most enjoyed reporting, reminded us why we love our jobs ;)
www.mprnews.org/story/2024/1...
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MPR News reporters share 14 of their most memorable stories from 2024
What do state flags, an heirloom rifle and Dragon Divas have in common? They’re all in stories our reporters recommend you revisit in a review of the news from 2024.
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/12/23/mpr-news-reporters-best-stories-of-2024
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Kirsti Marohn
MPR News
about 1 year ago
When the Blue Earth River created a new channel around the Rapidan Dam, it unleashed more than a century’s worth of sediment downstream. The surrounding community is still coming to terms with the damage and its longer term implications.
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Impacts of Rapidan Dam breach on Minnesota is likely to be long-lasting
Six months after the Blue Earth River carved its way round the Rapidan Dam near Mankato, the surrounding community is still coming to terms with the damage and its longer term implications. Sediment l...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/12/18/impacts-of-rapidan-dam-breach-on-minnesota-is-likely-to-be-longlasting
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I've covered this case for a while, and it's finally reaching an end. Anyone who's lost property to tax forfeiture since June 2016 (or Aug 2012 in Hennepin Co) should submit a claim now. Average payments will be in the tens of thousands, with some in the 6 figures.
www.mprnews.org/story/2024/1...
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Judge OKs $109 million settlement in Minnesota property forfeiture case
It’s the final step in a legal battle that stretched on for five years, and clears the way for some former homeowners whose property was seized due to delinquent taxes to claim money.
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/12/17/judge-oks-109-million-settlement-in-minnesota-property-forfeiture-case
about 1 year ago
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Kirsti Marohn
MPR News
about 1 year ago
The class was led by Evan Larson, who required the gingerbread architects to sketch a blueprint of their house and apply for a building permit. He checked each design before stamping it. Then, the builders got to work constructing their houses.
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A sweet lesson: History museum teaches appreciation for buildings, design through gingerbread
The Stearns History Museum sponsors community classes that aim to teach concepts of architecture and design using an unusual medium: gingerbread. Its organizers say if people know more about how build...
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/12/03/history-museum-teaches-appreciation-for-buildings-design-through-gingerbread
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Kirsti Marohn
MPR News
about 1 year ago
Hudda Ibrahim’s appointment is a sign of the growing political clout of St. Cloud’s Somali American community, which has grown significantly over the past two decades.
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St. Cloud appoints first Somali American to city council
On a unanimous vote, the city council appointed Hudda Ibrahim to fill a vacancy on the seven-member board. She replaces Jake Anderson, who was elected St. Cloud mayor last month.
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/12/03/hudda-ibrahim-st-cloud-city-council
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