Nearly $33.8 million sought to handle Olmsted County's growing trash needs

ROCHESTER — Olmsted County is seeking nearly $33.8 million in state support to continue efforts diverting trash from its landfill. A pair of pitches were made Thursday morning, Nov. 6, as state lawmakers visited Rochester as part of a two-day...

Xcel Energy aims to boost central Minnesota's power with new battery site

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Xcel Energy plans to construct the Midwest’s largest battery energy storage site at the Sherco Energy Hub in central Minnesota. The company says this initiative is part of a broader investment strategy to enhance energy...

Can Your Attachment Style Change?

Key Takeaways You can change your attachment style by becoming aware of your behaviors and deliberately working towards healthier patterns. Therapy can help you change your attachment style by providing a consistent, safe environment to learn...

More than 20 states will have chance to see northern lights tonight

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

County supports repeal of nuclear energy moratorium

Pipestone County Commissioners during their Oct. 28 meeting approved a resolution joining the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance (MNEA) in supporting the repeal of Minnesota’s moratorium on nuclear energy production. According to state statute, the...

Xcel Energy expands massive solar + storage project to offset retiring Minnesota coal plant

An aerial view of the existing Sherco Solar facility. Xcel Energy plans to build the Midwest’s largest battery energy storage site at the Sherco Energy Hub in central Minnesota. This follows Xcel’s proposal to build out a battery storage network...

Zebra mussels found on boats leaving local lakes, says Hubbard County AIS coordinator

Aaron Anderson, Hubbard County aquatic invasive species (AIS) program coordinator and an environmental specialist with the Hubbard County Environmental Services Office, recently recapped the results of the 2025 season with the Hubbard County...

Far-right podcaster sues MyPillow’s Mike Lindell after $3 million loan goes unpaid

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

Art: Pressed, Painted, Preserved

Art: Pressed, Painted, Preserved November 6, 2025 - January 31, 2026 - Free – $20 The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is home to archives of plants: living, preserved, and artistically rendered on the page. Explore the intersection of...

Evelyn Alexander Wildlife: Get to Know the Amazing Peregrine Falcon

Millennium the peregrine falcon. Nine years ago, a peregrine falcon arrived at the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center (EAWRC) with injuries too severe for release. Illegally shot, and maybe hunted, near Montauk, he was one of three falcons...

Midwest's largest battery energy storage site to be built in central Minnesota

BECKER, Minn. (KVRR) — Xcel Energy has announced plans to build the Midwest’s largest battery energy storage site. It’ll be at the Sherco Energy Hub in Becker in central Minnesota. The proposal, filed with Minnesota Public Utilities Commission...

Flight cancellations start to soar as airports comply with cuts over government shutdown

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

Badgers skunk Minnesota for first time in 42 years amid hockey sweep

The last time a University of Wisconsin men’s goaltender blanked Minnesota in Madison, the Border Battle between these old rivals was more personal than it is today. On Nov. 12, 1983, Gary Baxter recorded 33 saves in shutting down the high-scoring...

Local View: Co-op model making a difference in Northeastern Minnesota

October was National Co-op Month, a time to celebrate the power of cooperatives and their impact on communities across Northeastern Minnesota and beyond. This year’s celebration was especially significant as the United Nations designated 2025 the...

Minnesota Organic Conference returns to St. Cloud with new format in January 2026

Dr. Joel Gruver, Professor of Soil Science and Sustainable Agriculture | Official WebsiteDr. Joel Gruver, Professor of Soil Science and Sustainable Agriculture | Official Website Registration has opened for the Minnesota Organic Conference,...

2 Fights Break Out at Closing Day of Minnesota Amusement Park. Multiple Guests Removed by Police By Natalia Senanayake

NEED TO KNOW Two fights reportedly broke out at Valleyfair amusement park in Shakopee, Minn., over the weekend The Nov. 1 incident occurred on the last day of the park's 2025 season, during its Halloween-themed event dubbed “Valleyscare” Police...

Breaking This Minnesota Leaf Law Could Get You Fined $1,000

I was chatting with some fellow dads the other day about how the trees in our neighborhood are holding their leaves longer than usual. Minnesota's fall colors used to peak in late September, but due to climate change, they're now peaking in...

Why local officials in Minnesota are signing nondisclosure agreements

A tool to keep information from the public is being normalized in local government. In the interest of economic development, and at the behest of corporations, elected and appointed officials across the country are making ample use of...

What Does November Weather Look Like In Minnesota This Year?

November in Minnesota can bring some dicey weather. One week we’re crunching through leaves on a crisp fall day, the next we’re wondering if it’s time to dig out the snowblower before Thanksgiving. SEE ALSO: Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule -...

Why 650 Minnesota Doctors May Go on Strike

On November 5, 650 medical doctors, physicians assistants, and nurse practitioners with the Doctors Council-SEIU may go on a one-day Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike. The strike would impact over 60 Allina clinics across Minnesota. The workers...