Recent content from John Reinan
'My heart is literally broken in 1,000 pieces,' Daunte Wright's mother says
He was a young man with a big personality and a smile that could light up a room.A day after Daunte Wright, 20, was shot…
Change is coming to Mankato property
School Sisters of Notre Dame selling campus on Good Counsel Hill
Preservationist, builder saved a stone house as old as Minnesota
The small Mankato house, built in 1858, was slated for demolition.
Rooftop preaching helps bring Hopkins congregation together during COVID-19 pandemic
Rooftop preaching helps bring Hopkins congregation together during pandemic.
After a roller-coaster year, Minnesota food shelves hope crisis is behind them
Pandemic was a heavy blow, but longtime leaders navigated it
Pam Blixt, champion of Twin Cities lakes and streams, dies at 67
Pam Blixt was a force of nature.And a force for nature.In a lifetime of environmental activism, Blixt was instrumental in helping to protect and enhance…
Range war on the prairie: Rural Minnesota residents fight gun range
Neighbors say the shooting range is a hazard; Meeker County calls that "bunk."
N.D. first responder gets call to her own home where young son is badly burned
The 2-year-old boy was airlifted to the Twin Cities for medical care.
Review: 'Three Ordinary Girls,' by Tim Brady
NONFICTION: The true story of three Dutch teenagers who boldly fought the Nazis through subversion and violence.
Cabin vs. development battle heats up in Wis. lake country
Burnett County, long a favorite vacation spot of Twin Cities residents, has become a focal point in a push by developers to build large campgrounds that critics say will damage the natural resources that are the area's main attraction.
Buffalo residents grapple with bitter truth: It can happen here
The day after a mass shooting left one dead and four wounded at an Allina Health clinic, people were trying to make sense of the senseless.
Shutdown of biomass plant left small business in the lurch
After Xcel was able to buy its way out of the contract in 2017, small businesses that served the Benson, Minn., plant are facing losses they say are in the tens of millions.
One of Minnesota's oldest bridges will get new life in Mankato recreation area
Span dating from 1873 will link two of Mankato's largest parks.
Minnesota town is flummoxed by resident who claims he's above law
Despite dozens of police visits and citations, Elbow Lake man says city ordinances don't apply to him.
Judge rejects plea to return horses to Sleepy Eye trainer
He ruled against the trainer accused of mistreatment.
Battles over seizures of Minnesota horses being fought over social media
Investigators say those involved must keep quiet, while those accused of mistreatment tout their innocence.
Did Ford make millions of windows from sand mined beneath its plant?
Henry Ford chose the St. Paul site carefully. Minnesota was a central location, and the plant was sitting on a mine — not of gold, but of pure, white silica sand.
Oldest North Dakotan is dead at 115
Iris Westman, who taught for many years in Worthington, was the world's seventh-oldest person.
Minnesota restaurant owner has creative solution for outdoor dining: Fish houses
Verndale restaurant owner gets creative to cope with COVID-19
Gnome hunt brings holiday fun to St. Paul parks
Guided by rhyming clues, families can search for tree gnomes for about two more weeks..
Retired professor fights to keep his North Mankato yard natural
N. Mankato man's natural yard attracts insects, wildlife, complaints
Experts: Anonymous vote on white supremacist church violated open meeting law
Murdock City Council granted the church a permit without revealing how each council member voted.
East Grand Forks bar opens in defiance of Minnesota's closing order
Owner calls Walz order closing drinking and dining establishments "a slap to our face."
Anonymous City Council vote allows white supremacist church in Minn. town
Anonymous City Council vote gives Asatru Folk Assembly a Midwest hub in the Swift County town of 275 residents.
East Grand Forks bar to open today in defiance of Minnesota's closing order
Owner calls Walz order closing drinking and dining establishments "a slap to our face."
Majestic southern Minnesota courthouse is getting a 'once-in-a-lifetime' renovation
Ornate dome and tower clocks are being restored on Fairmont landmark.
Minn. businesses say more COVID stimulus desperately needed
Small-business owners in Minnesota say federal stimulus programs kept them alive. But with money from the programs spent and COVID-19 raging stronger than ever, more federal help is needed, they say.
Enlightened Equipment of Winona is a heavyweight player in lightweight outdoor gear
Outdoor enthusiasts praise Enlightened Equipment of Winona
Minnesotans react to Biden win with protest and celebration
Minnesotans on both sides of the political divide held out hope that President-elect Joe Biden can help America come together again.
Review: 'Fossil Men,' by Kermit Pattison
NONFICTION: In this brilliant book of reportage by a St. Paul writer, the discovery of a 4 million-year-old skeleton threatens to upend the world of science.
Willmar celebrates five-year effort to build healthy community
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN invested $2 million in the project
Perham's problem: Too many jobs, not enough workers
Thriving Perham, Minn., is building amenities to attract more workers.
After dodging worst of COVID, rural Minn. 'lit up with cases'
Case counts are surging in rural communities like never before. Since the beginning of October, the 10 Minnesota counties with the fastest case growth are all in rural parts of the state.
Former Chisago County sheriff pleads guilty, claims 'hero syndrome' in bizarre stalking case
Rick Duncan says job trauma and stress were factors in "Control Freak" incidents.
Waseca officer shot in the head gets hero's welcome home
The 33-year-old officer waved from a squad car to hundreds cheering and clapping as he returned for the first time since he was shot in the head last winter as he responded to a call about a prowler.
North Dakota legislative candidate dies of COVID-19, will still be on November ballot
As COVID-19 cases surge in North Dakota, the disease has claimed a candidate for state Legislature touted as a “Trump Republican.” But he’ll still be…
Former Chisago County sheriff offered no-jail plea deal in bizarre stalking case
Rick Duncan already turned down one plea deal.
Big crowd in western Minnesota town grills controversial Nordic heritage church
Nearly 50 people filled the hall for a special City Council meeting. No decision was made.
Phillip Radford, avid gardener and cheerful optimist, dies of COVID-19 complications at 77
You could have excused Phillip Radford for being gloomy. At age 12, his father died, and the boy went to work to help support his…
Minnesota's dry autumn has foresters on edge over fire danger
Field conditions are great for farmers, but the risk of fires looms Up North.
Minnesota college is home to elite program in musical instrument repair
Minnesota State College Southeast offers a rare chance to learn these special skills.
Rival small-town Minnesota publishers battle over the revived Chatfield News
After the paper closed, it was brought back to life. But was it legal?
Residents of Minnesota town band together to save iconic water tower
Saved from demolition, the smiley-faced tower along Interstate 94 is being refurbished.
Minnesota Navy veteran could lose his home in dispute over a flagpole
A homeowners association has foreclosed on the St. Michael home and scheduled a sheriff's sale for it.
Trump Shops pop up in rural Minnesota, owned by Florida entrepreneur
Owned by an entrepreneur, they're not part of the president's campaign.
Iconic Minnesota gift shop Treasure City is for sale: 'We have stuff you won't find in most stores'
After nearly 50 years of selling items you can't find anywhere else, the owner is ready to retire.
Iowa still cleaning up a week later from terrifying derecho
Rare "inland hurricane" caused $4 billion in damage in eastern Iowa
Minnesota sports fan becomes pals with player he idolized 70 years ago
What fan hasn't dreamed of being buddies with one of his or her idols? For one Minnesota fan, that dream has come true. But it took a long, long time.
With only $400 in the bank, new owner brings a small-town Minnesota newspaper back from the dead
When the 164-year-old Chatfield paper closed, one loyal employee brought it back to life.
In rural western Minnesota, divided they stand each week
It's a microcosm of what's happening in America, with both sides passionately proclaiming their views and neither side appearing to make much headway in convincing the other.
Minn. horse breeder fears she's being pushed out because of age
After allegations of mistreatment, the Humane Society questioned whether the 75-year-old rancher should have such a large herd. The investigator "kept telling me I was old," Ann Bowman said. "Over and over and over."
Minn. family's grief grows after funeral leads to an outbreak of coronavirus
Thirty people were infected after services for a northern Minnesota man in July.
East Gull Lake is abuzz over proposal to allow helicopter pads
Community abuzz over request to allow private helicopter pads
Minnesota seeks to punish rodeo organizers who bucked governor's safety order
North Star Stampede in Effie was warned to limit spectators but didn't comply, complaint says. Also one spectator tested positive for COVID-19.
Brooten, Minn., divided and devastated after alleged pulltab swindle
A business leader has been charged with stealing gaming proceeds, leaving a trail of debt and broken trust.
Fans threatening to buck virus rules at Minnesota's largest outdoor rodeo
The plans come after the Minnesota Department of Health and the state attorney general, citing COVID-19 concerns, imposed a spectator limit.
White heritage religious group takes root in Minnesota
For $45,000, the Asatru Folk Assembly bought an abandoned Lutheran church in Murdock and is creating its third "Hof," or gathering hall to serve believers throughout the Midwest. Religious scholars have identified the Nordic heritage group as a white supremacist organization.
Review: 'The King of Confidence,' by Miles Harvey
NONFICTION: The fascinating story of a 19th-century cult leader — part pirate, part politician, 100% con man.
Man shot at Powderhorn Park encampment in Minneapolis
Injuries are not life-threatening in the latest incident in the tent community that has sprung up in Minnesota's largest city.
Authorities identify man killed by deputies as he held woman hostage on Mendota Bridge
Arlan Kaleb Schultz, 31, of Richfield died of a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office.
New policy: Minneapolis police must report efforts to de-escalate
Police also must report whenever they draw a gun.
Review: 'A Most Beautiful Thing,' by Arshay Cooper
NONFICTION: An inspiring underdog tale set in a world that few readers have seen.
Pork producer will donate $3.5 million to 3 Minnesota communities
Company says gifts are a response to COVID-19 and an investment in future.
In danger of losing its grocery, small Minnesota town worked to land a new store
Clara City saw the potential loss of its local market as a danger sign.
Minnesota veterinarian's bill for rescued miniature horses nears $1.5M
Shirley Kittleson has cared for the herd since it was seized from a pony farm two years ago.
Mankato's massive silo mural is finished and 'really inspiring people to think big'
Children of Mankato inspired Australian's 135-foot-tall work
Rural Minnesota uneasily ponders systemic racism
MONTEVIDEO, MINN. – When the Rev. Jeff Fitzkappes is preaching about social justice in this western Minnesota city, he knows when he’s pushing the limits.…
Where did the terms 'outstate' and 'Greater Minnesota' originate?
A reader wonders: Where are "instate" and "Lesser Minnesota" located?
'Redneck' bar sues St. Cloud social justice group, claims protests hurting business
Sauk Rapids establishment claims protests led by UniteCloud are hurting business.
Willmar's Kandi Mall offering free rent to lure new businesses
After losing several large anchor tenants, Kandi Mall looks for boost
'Enough talk, we need action': Many call for drastic reform
The May 25 police killing of George Floyd, and the demonstrations that followed, represent a breaking point between citizens and police. While recognizing the need to maintain public safety and protect the city from danger, many say drastic change is desperately needed.
Bar's Confederate displays push Minnesota tourism agency back and forth
Sauk Rapids bar delisted twice from state tourism website
Minnesota bar is delisted – again – from state tourism website
After criticism, area visitors bureau says it's committed to "eliminating hate."
Edina Realty agent terminated after tearing down Black Lives Matter posters
Edina Realty's director of marketing confirmed the company ended its relationship with Babette Gillet Bean after being made aware of the Facebook posts.
Minnesota bar delisted from tourism website over Confederate displays, then relisted
After objections from area residents, the head of the local tourism organization said nothing in the displays is against the group's policies.
