ABOUT THIS SERIES
Frac Sand Fever is an occasional series by Star Tribune reporters on the sand-mining boom that has developed in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as "hydro-fracking" revolutionizes the nation's oil and gas industry.
Sept. 30: A $55 million sand processing plant could make tiny St. Charles the gateway to a new mining frontier in southern Minnesota.
Oct. 28: Mining companies are hiring away county engineers and regulators, raising ethics questions and leaving communities short-staffed in the midst of a burgeoning land rush.
Today: The sand boom is creating sudden wealth -- and new tensions -- for families in Wisconsin and Minnesota whose land is coveted for fracking.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Business
Business
The EU will probe whether China is unfairly denying companies access to its medical devices market
The European Union announced on Wednesday an investigation into whether China is using unfair methods to deprive companies in Europe of access to its market for medical devices ranging from hypodermic needles to high-tech scanners.
Business
Boeing posts a $355 million loss as the plane maker tries to dig out from under its latest crisis
Boeing said Wednesday that it lost $355 million on falling revenue in the first quarter, another sign of the crisis gripping the aircraft manufacturer as it faces increasing scrutiny over the safety of its planes and accusations of shoddy work from a growing number of whistleblowers.
Business
Iran's Raisi inaugurates project in Sri Lanka, says West doesn't hog knowledge and technology
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said his country has proven the West doesn't have a monopoly on technology while inaugurating a hydropower and irrigation project in Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
Business
Surging auto insurance rates squeeze drivers, fuel inflation
Relentlessly rising auto insurance rates are squeezing car owners and stoking inflation.
Local
Two stalled Duluth housing projects move ahead
Together, the projects will add more than 250 apartments to city's inventory.