Recent content from Reid Forgrave
20 years later, Iraq war resonates with Minnesotans who deployed
The war also changed the role of the National Guard, from a strategic reserve force typically used for domestic emergencies to a force regularly called up for overseas deployments.
Minnesota briefs: New UMD report suggests larger incentives for film industry
Plus: April 1 deadline for philosophy contest entries; Twin Cities-based LGBTQ mentoring program expanding to St. Cloud.
Minnesota's pregnancy resource centers under microscope in abortion debate
The centers are at risk of losing state funding in the aftermath of the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Saving the Dakota language, and saving a worldview
A teaching specialist at the University of Minnesota serves as project director for the first comprehensive Dakota-language dictionary app.
This again? 2023 blizzard lockdown brings déjà vu from 2020 COVID lockdown
A few days stuck at home during a historic snowstorm? Piece of cake.
Minnesota briefs: Tribes receive more than $1 million to improve roads on reservations
Duluth police department forms Behavioral Health Unit.
At Camp Ripley, Minnesota National Guard trains Norwegian soldiers in life-saving combat medicine
The training was part of a longstanding exchange with the Norwegian Home Guard.
As wife lobbies for colonoscopy bill, Army vet battles cancer while on religious pilgrimage
Amanda Barbosa will be Sen. Amy Klobuchar's guest at Tuesday's State of the Union address.
Minnesota and Norway celebrate a half-century of military connection
Norwegian troops will be in the state to train, while leaders officially recognize the partnership.
Minnesota briefs: New tool provides water health information for thousands of Minnesota lakes
Plus: St. Louis County Sheriff's Office launches crime-mapping site; USDA pursuing applications to improve rural transportation.
For Black Minnesota leaders and activists, Memphis death recalls trauma of 2020
George Floyd's death less than three years ago informs how Black Minnesotans are digesting the nuances of the death in Memphis.
Minnesota prosthetics project for Ukrainian soldiers seeks to be 'lights in this world'
The donation-funded Protez Foundation has been flying groups of Ukrainians to the Twin Cities for treatment since summer.
Minnesota native feels called to help Ukraine: 'Logistics wins wars'
Mark Lindquist's hope-filled childhood on a Minnesota farm led him to help in a war zone.
Military recruiters face new challenges by focusing on people
Despite being one of only nine states without an active duty military base, the Minnesota National Guard fares better than most.
'True American hero': Major in Minnesota Guard bestowed top military honor
Katie Lunning was awarded the fourth-highest medal in the U.S. military for heroics during the 2021 humanitarian evacuation of Kabul, suicide bombing.
Red Wing aiming to better recognize landmark's Native American history
An official hopes it will be easier for future visitors to He Mni Can-Barn Bluff Regional Park to recognize the totality of the site's historic significance.
Minnesota briefs: Thief River Falls is state's newest Bicycle Friendly Community
Plus: USDA funding to help expand market opportunities in rural Minnesota; St. Cloud recognized for conservation efforts at wastewater facility.
Duluth couple make it home after harrowing week stuck in Peru
A Duluth couple finally got home Sunday night after being stranded for nearly a week in Peru as the country was embroiled in violent protests.Matt…
A model of redemption: John Turnipseed, VP at Urban Ventures, dies at 68
Artence Turnipseed still loves telling the story of her courtship with her husband, John Turnipseed, an executive vice president at Urban Ventures who died last…
Vikings take fans on emotional roller coaster with biggest comeback in NFL history
Some fans left U.S. Bank Stadium when the Vikings were down by 33 points, missing the team's record-breaking comeback win.
Duluth couple stuck in Peru amid violent protests, national emergency
"We have no idea if this is the beginning, the middle or the end of what we're doing here," said firefighter Matt Johnson.
Minnesota briefs: Hwy. 14 from New Ulm to Nicollet getting a $98 million redo
St. Cloud looks to revitalize depleted downtown.
What's a 65-year-old retiree to do? Hike the Appalachian Trail
Cory Kolodji grew up in Baltimore, it had been his dream to hike the trail that covers 2,194 miles and traverses 14 states. But then things got in the way.
For abortion, Minnesota-North Dakota border is a divide
The distance between the Red River Women's Clinic's old location and new location is barely 2 miles, but the abortion climate in the two states is worlds apart.
Chaplain's mission: Help Ukrainian children — and bring meds in case of nuclear attack
On Thanksgiving, Howard Dotson is going to fly to Ukraine again. He'll try to help reunite a separated family he met in July in Lviv. This time, though, he has a new mission: to deliver a cache of potassium iodide pills.
A new suicide prevention tool for veterans: gun locks
More than 100 Minnesota veterans die by suicide annually. Suicide-prevention advocates see gun locks as a last-resort way to prevent struggling veterans from taking their own lives.
Minnesota National Guard appoints first Air Guard leader to senior enlisted position
Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson ascended to the role Thursday.
Minnesota briefs: Paul Bunyan Communications completes $3.2 million broadband project in Arrowhead
Paul Bunyan Communications recently completed an expansion of high-speed broadband to nearly 600 homes, businesses and community institutions in rural areas of northeastern Minnesota.The majority…
In New Ulm, culture wars at forefront in school board race
Fiery conservative candidates are attempting to shift the discussion away from typical school board issues.
Minnesota briefs: St. Cloud mayor names new assistant police chief
St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis announced Thursday the appointment of St. Cloud Police Cmdr. Brett Mushatt as assistant police chief effective Nov. 30. Mushatt will…
Nearly 80 years later, a WWII hero comes home to Minnesota
Staff Sgt. Donald Robert Duchene's plane went down in 1943 during a World War II bombing mission in Romania. On Friday, the St. Paul native's remains came home.
Minnesota briefs: DNR announces annual land sales
And the Fond du Lac Reservation improves its water system with a $1.2 million upgrade.
At historic country church, fiery fundamentalists pitted against old guard
In the past few years, a conservative pastor has taken over the church and divided this lakeside town of about 600 people.
Capitol memorial recognizes Medal of Honor recipients
The memorial, which incorporates the "Promise of Youth" statue, cost just shy of $1 million, mostly from private funds.
Homeless veterans in Twin Cities suburbs a more hidden problem
Those in exurban and suburban counties come with their own challenges.
Minnesota briefs: Biden announces tens of millions in infrastructure money for Minnesota
President Joe Biden this week announced two Minnesota grant winners from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.One of the grants will be for $25 million and…
Minnesota briefs: Water levels being drawn down at Lake Christina in western Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is lowering the water level of Lake Christina in west central Minnesota.Drawdowns are part of an adaptive management approach…
Veterans organization to connect the disconnected at Saturday event
The goal of R & R on the Lawn at Magnus Veterans Foundation Wellness Campus in Dayton is simple: Connect those disconnected veterans to each other, and to resources that can help.
Man shot outside State Fairgrounds just before closing
Monday's shooting came two days after a person was shot in the leg near the entrance to the Mighty Midway.
Staff member drowns during school retreat in Brainerd
A staff member from Maplewood Academy, a private Christian high school in Hutchinson, drowned Monday afternoon during a retreat for students, according to a release…
Howard Mohr, author of 'How to Talk Minnesotan,' dies at 83
The book was considered an essential look at what makes Minnesotans Minnesotan.
Teenage Eagle Scout designs, builds veterans memorial in Olivia, Minn.
Dom Claseman installed pavers and plants, flag poles and statues to honor veterans.
Controversy over pride flag leads to surprising shifts in Marshall
Hanging a rainbow flag disrupted the life of a local middle school principal. But in the aftermath, a community found its voice.
George Wise, Air Force veteran and Renaissance man, dies at 88
George Wise, a longtime Bloomington resident who died this summer at 88, did not live a life easily summed up in a sentence or two.Sure,…
Minnesota National Guard's first female general retiring
Tuesday ceremony will recognize her service.
Minneapolis woman has the world's longest fingernails. Here's the story behind her nails
Diana Armstrong's fingernails — 42 feet, 10.4 inches —contain a lifetime of pain as well as a life lesson Armstrong teaches her six grandchildren: "Don't judge people. Because you never know what somebody went through."
Injured in Iraq, Minnesota soldier has reclaimed his life
Dan Schroeder, who left the Army with a Purple Heart, has a new career at age 49.
Burned by the Army, Iraq vet confronts cancer battle
Rafael Barbosa, who served 23 years in the U.S. military, has Stage IV colon cancer believed to be due to burn pit exposure. Doctors guess he has two years to live. He and other vets wonder: Why isn't the military admitting fault?
What you need to know about burn pits
Burn pits were large ground pits during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, where government contractors burned waste such as batteries, medical waste, rubber, plastics, ammunition…
Ukrainian soldiers come to Minnesota for prosthetics, hope
A Ukrainian prosthetic limb specialist in Minneapolis sought a way to help amid despair over Russia's invasion.
Veterans advocates celebrate passage of federal burn pits legislation
Sen. Amy Klobuchar held a news conference Wednesday with state and national veterans advocates to celebrate passage of the Honoring Our PACT Act.
Minnesota briefs: DNR restoring fish and wildlife habitat near Duluth
WEST DULUTHDNR restoring fish and wildlife habitatThe Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Land Trust are beginning work to restore fish and wildlife…
Mounds View native is first female Blue Angels pilot
Lt. Amanda Lee will be first female pilot in history of Navy's elite aerial demonstration team.
Frey, Vetaw back Holton Dimick in crowded Hennepin County attorney race
Two of the seven candidates will advance to the November election after Aug. 9 primary.
Plainview woman dies in motorcycle accident
The one-vehicle accident in Wabasha County happened when the driver swerved to avoid a deer.
Pileup involving truck in Jordan sends woman to hospital with serious injuries
Eight-vehicle crash involving semi truck in Jordan closes Hwy. 169, sent woman to hospital Saturday with life-threatening injuries
Housing shortage creates opportunity for New Brighton building company to help veterans
YardHomes' accessory dwelling units — tiny modular homes — are an innovative way to house the homeless.
North Dakota's only abortion clinic files lawsuit to block enforcing trigger ban
The Red River Women's Clinic filed a lawsuit in state court alleging state's abortion ban, due to take effect July 28, is unconstitutional.
Post-9/11 vets eligible for one-time service bonus
Minnesota has a centurylong tradition of offering cash bonuses to veterans who served during conflicts.
Iraq War veteran uses art to cope with PTSD
Jeffrey Stenbom, an art instructor at Normandale Community College and an Iraq War veteran, wove an enormous American flag out of historical military uniforms. His piece will be displayed at the San Antonio International Airport before its permanent home at USAA headquarters.
Minnesota National Guard vaccination rate high as deadline hits this week
More than 95% of the nearly 13,000 soldiers and airmen in the Minnesota National Guard have received COVID-19 vaccinations.
How the 'Sesame Street Live' estate became an oasis for veterans
Dr. Shawn Alderman spent 31 years in the Army. After his retirement, his aunt donated her $4 million estate for his newest mission.
Abortion ban looms large in Wisconsin and the Dakotas
North and South Dakota are among more than a dozen where trigger laws were set to make abortion illegal once Roe v. Wade was overturned. Wisconsin has a law that bans abortion on the books dating back to 1849.
North Dakota's only abortion provider scrambles to move to Minnesota
The Red River Women's Clinic in Fargo has been North Dakota's only abortion provider for more than two decades.
Minnesota native honors fallen Afghan war buddy with memorial in Blaine
Specialist Eric "Finn" Finniginam died in Afghanistan shortly after achieving U.S. citizenship. His war buddy, Eric Bakken of Blaine, wants to be sure you never forget his friend's sacrifice.
St. Paul woman arrested in Friday homicide
Sunday's arrest came in connection with the shooting death of man at a senior living apartment in Dayton's Bluff.
Finding the story behind what may be Minnesota's oldest rifle
Ray Nelson has been on a decades-long quest to learn the story of what may be the oldest rifle ever found in Minnesota.
Fourth-grade class in Austin makes a difference — with trees
Students at Southgate Elementary School, who were inspired after reading a book, raised money, got the City Council on board, then planted a community orchard.
North Dakota's only abortion clinic plans to move to Minnesota if Roe v. Wade is overturned
The Red River Women's Clinic has secured a new space in Moorhead, where it could continue providing abortions.
'Absolutely unbelievable' new center opens to help veterans in south Minneapolis
A few blocks from the VA parking lot where the organization began, Every Third Saturday opened a $2 million space dedicated to helping military veterans.
Agape Movement aims to change hearts in south Minneapolis
Steve Floyd has been a street outreach worker in Minneapolis since the 1980s. With the Agape Movement, Floyd has embarked on one of his most ambitious missions yet: To use their African heritage to help ex-gang members fully realize their identity in America.
'Just a normal kid going to a different school': 13-year-old U student earns physics degree
St. Louis Park's Elliott Tanner is one of the youngest college graduates in American history. He starts post-graduate studies in the fall at the U.
Red Wing woman charged with murder in 2003 death of infant
Police used DNA evidence to determine Jennifer Matter, 50, was the mother of infant boy found on river bank.
In rural Minnesota town, COVID quickly was the devil they knew
Minnesota's first rural COVID hotspot reflects on how its early outbreak shaped its views, changed its pandemic narrative.
When Harry Met Kathy: Husband and wife score double honor as heroes of the game
When the St. Paul Saints approached the disabled veteran from Burnsville about being honored, he asked, "But what about my wife? She should be recognized too."
