Recent content from Erin Adler
Xcel fixing control valve problem at its Monticello nuclear power plant
In the meantime, company officials said, electrical service shouldn't be affected.
Faculty and students surprised at Hamline proposal to sunset Minnesota's oldest creative writing program
A growing petition urges Hamline University leaders to reconsider cuts to the creative writing program and a literary journal.
University of Minnesota's Board of Regents approves controversial policy on faculty speech
The board approved the resolution 9-3. Some faculty say it will limit their academic freedom and speech.
Some University of Minnesota faculty oppose regents' resolution limiting public statements
Universities nationwide have been debating issues related to academic freedom.
More high school seniors finding out which Minnesota colleges they're admitted to — before they apply
Lawmakers want to expand the Direct Admissions program, which tells seniors about their college options, encouraging them to go to college in state.
Hundreds of Minnesota researchers and scientists protest Trump cuts
The "Stand Up for Science" rally in St. Paul was one of more than 30 protests nationwide.
St. Ben's and St. John's alumni are helping revitalize their central Minnesota town
The once-quiet city of St. Joseph is growing, in part because of alumni opening new businesses, from a brewery and distillery to new shops.
Federal task force will visit University of Minnesota to investigate claims of antisemitism
The U, which said it "continues to stand firmly against antisemitism," is among schools facing probe tied to pro-Palestinian protests.
St. Thomas loses second grant for aspiring teachers amid federal DEI cuts
The St. Paul university lost a $6.8 million federal grant for teacher preparation earlier this month.
St. Thomas loses grant to bolster state's teacher supply after Trump labels it a 'DEI initiative'
The $6.8 million grant funds scholarships and stipends for 185 students. The St. Paul university said it doesn't view it as a DEI initiative.
University of Minnesota researchers, lawmakers decry Trump's proposed cuts to medical research grants
The U could lose up to $150 million in funding, which would jeopardize many researchers' work.
College bookstores are changing dramatically in the digital era
More textbooks and course materials are digital and more stores are managed by outside vendors.
University of Minnesota 'firmly against antisemitism' after new federal investigation is announced
The U.S. Department of Education is investigating the U of M and four other universities for antisemitism.
Affordable housing co-op on U's fraternity row tries to start fresh after chaos and crime nearly shut it down
Former residents of the Dinkytown co-op have rallied to save the house near the University of Minnesota.
Two schools offer Minnesota's only degrees in the growing field of orthotics and prosthetics
Century College and Concordia University, St. Paul team up on the program, helping staff a growing field as the population ages.
College freshman enrollment increased, not decreased, as researchers initially reported
A national research firm apologized for a data error that mistakenly reported freshman enrollment decreased. Minnesota schools with increasing enrollment had questioned the report.
Are fewer Minnesota 18-year-olds going to college? New data suggest trend.
Minnesota has among the biggest drops in the country in the number of 18-year-olds enrolling in college right away this fall, according to a new report.
Hamline University names new president
Mayme Hostetter will take office July 1, replacing Kathleen Murray, the acting interim president since early 2024.
Inauguration for new University of Minnesota president cost nearly twice as much as predecessor's
The September event for new U of M President Rebecca Cunningham cost $273,000, exceeding estimates by $3,000, according to new data obtained by the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Some University of Minnesota students left without heat in dorms
Maintenance staff was working to fix the problem in Comstock Hall on Wednesday.
Minneapolis college students face pressure to renew leases weeks after moving in. Can a new law help?
A new state law this year aims to curb the aggressive timeline of landlords requiring tenants to renew leases. But students say they still face pressure to act quickly.
Minnesota State Grant program faces $211 million budget shortfall
Financial aid to college students across Minnesota could be reduced because of the shortfall in the state's largest financial aid program.
Two Minnesota colleges explore merging
Will more Minnesota colleges and universities merge as they face financial and enrollment challenges?
How Concordia University has quietly grown to become the second-largest private school in Minnesota
Concordia University, St. Paul has quietly doubled its enrollment in the last decade, bucking national trends of declining college enrollment.
Dorm room in a retirement home? Crowded dorms at Minnesota colleges lead to unusual housing options.
Some Minnesota colleges and universities are turning to unusual housing options, such as Airbnbs or vacant rooms at a nearby senior citizen home, to house students.
Police arrest pro-Palestinian protesters blocking University of Minnesota administrative offices
Pro-Palestinian protesters barricaded Morrill Hall to push the U to divest from companies with ties to Israel.
University of Minnesota confronts growing backlog of building repairs
The U is asking the Legislature for $200 million for repairs as the number of crumbling, outdated buildings reaches a crisis point.
St. Olaf debuts on-campus barbershop to provide haircuts, sense of community
The Shop 1500 offers haircuts and braiding services to all students but specializes in Black and textured hair.
'Life-changing' college financial aid program North Star Promise helps boost student enrollment
The program provides free tuition and fees at public colleges in Minnesota for residents from families making less than $80,000.
Minnesota colleges weigh effects of affirmative action ruling on enrollment
This is the first admissions cycle after the Supreme Court's mid-2023 ruling that limited colleges' ability to consider race in admissions. But some say it's too soon to tell the effects.
Twin Cities YMCA lays off 69 employees amid tightening finances
The YMCA of the North has reported deficits every year since 2020. Leaders say the nonprofit is facing rising expenses and changing consumer behaviors.
St. Thomas receives largest scholarship gift to a university in state history
The Schoeneckers Foundation isn't sharing how much it is giving, but it's larger than $50 million.
University of Minnesota inaugurates new President Rebecca Cunningham with ceremony, protest
Cunningham, formerly a vice president at the University of Michigan, said she will make college affordability a priority.
Bethel University cuts undergraduate tuition by $18K starting next year
Tuition will be cut to $25,990 — about a 41% reduction — for the 2025 academic year, though room and board isn't included in that total.
Is it better to burn or bury trash that can't be recycled?
Waste experts and activists want a zero-waste future, but until then, the debate over how to deal with trash involves immediate harms vs. longer-term risks.
Investigation grows contentious between Minnesota attorney general, Somali housing developer
A Hennepin County judge intervened this week in the Minnesota Attorney General's Office investigation of a housing development by Nolosha aimed at Minnesota's Somali community in Lakeville.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency fines Sanimax over air permit violations
The MPCA found that Sanimax, an animal byproduct recycler, took a required piece of pollution control equipment out of service at its South St. Paul location.
Apple Valley residents boosted the city parks budget. Now they're worried about losing playgrounds.
A preliminary plan drafted after voters approved a $73 million parks referendum last fall would replace some playgrounds with basketball courts, nature play areas and gardens.
Invasive wildflower found in Lakeville
Tansy has fernlike leaves and deep yellow flowers that look like buttons and "quickly becomes the dominant plant," the city said in a newsletter.
Voters decide dozens of nonpartisan primary races across metro, from city councils to school boards
From Northfield to Anoka County, voters in Tuesday night's primary elections chose who will appear on ballots in November.
What voters should know about local Twin Cities races on the primary ballot
The primary Tuesday isn't just for sorting out partisan contests. Minnesota voters will also narrow the field of candidates in some county, city and school board races.
Minnesota Zoo sets all-time annual attendance record after popular new attraction opens
Nearly 1.5 million people visited the Apple Valley zoo in fiscal year 2024, beating a 2012 record, thanks to the Treetop Trail, officials say.
Eurasian eagle owl at Minnesota Zoo flies away from handler, is eaten by tiger
The bird was staying at the zoo temporarily to participate in outdoor bird shows.
Tenants in Minnesota gain long list of new rights, protections
A new law prohibiting landlords from retaliating when tenants want to create a tenant association is just one change passed in 2024.
Middle schoolers are a tough crowd. Inver Grove Heights found a way to entertain them.
The city's Parks and Recreation Department recently won an award for the "5th Quarter" lock-in event held after a Simley High School football game.
It could cost Burnsville $300K to let citizens spend $100K, and some council members are concerned
The suburb's pilot will let neighborhoods propose projects to spend city money, but the administrative costs could be a multiple of that.
Want to work out in a park? Shakopee has a new outdoor fitness court and studio space
The new attraction at Scenic Heights Park has permanent fitness equipment and space for group exercise classes like yoga.
Proposed Lakeville housing aimed at Somali families under investigation
Nolosha Development says it has done nothing wrong and that planning for the project continues.
Eagan grants permit for church's move to former Kowalski's space
River Valley Church's planned move to the former grocery store space at Diffley and Johnny Cake Ridge roads raised objections from some neighbors with concerns about traffic, parking -- and the church's positions on social issues.
Animal Humane Society no longer sterilizes feral cats for free. Rescuers fear a population surge.
The nonprofit says it can no longer afford to spay or neuter community cats for free, prompting concerns that the feral cat population will rise.
Vows plus funnel cakes? Dakota County Fair to offer free weddings
Couples interested in getting married at the fairgrounds need to register in advance with court administration.
Settlement would give $13 million to University of Minnesota for UMore pollution cleanup
UMore Park was briefly a smokeless gunpowder plant during WWII; heavy metals and other pollutants have since been found in soil there.
Two Amur tiger cubs born at Minnesota Zoo
The cubs, born May 23, now have their eyes open and are exploring their indoor habitat.
New affordable apartments proposed for Burnsville's Heart of the City
The new building would replace two office buildings on Burnsville Parkway; the developer hopes to complete the project over the next two years.
Rice County approves gravel mine near Nerstrand Big Woods State Park despite residents' environmental concerns
Neighbors hoped the County Board would do an environmental assessment; county officials say the mine will reduce the environmental impact of trucking in gravel for local projects.
Twin Cities suburbs face expensive repairs, replacement costs as midcentury pools age
Municipal pools are a sought-after amenity, but cities from Shakopee to Crystal to South St. Paul are finding they must find creative solutions to operate, repair or replace them.
Dakota County will use sales tax bump to get homeless families a place to live
The Family Housing Voucher program will provide an average of $1,100 to families leaving the county's shelter.
Sip-and-stroll 'social districts' approved for Shakopee, Stillwater
State lawmakers have given both cities the OK to begin planning for the dedicated areas where adults of legal age can stroll city streets while drinking alcohol.
New owners breathe signs of life back into Burnsville Center
New owners are infusing the south metro shopping center with building updates, new tenants and high hopes for a mall that had emptied out in recent years.
Two first-ring St. Paul suburbs look to improve rental housing quality
West St. Paul and South St. Paul — both areas with many units — are making changes so properties are kept up and renters have a better experience.
Northfield City Council will change comment period to 'listening sessions,' echoing a broader trend at public meetings
The city is one of several Minnesota government bodies that has shifted or scaled back public comment sessions in recent years.
Mall of America water park plan prompts climate change concerns
The Bloomington Sustainability Commission has asked for more features to mitigate high energy and water use, but the developer says standards for "green" water parks don't exist yet.
Apple Valley Police Department relaxes strict vehicle-pursuit policy
Officers can now chase vehicles involved in more felonies, including robbery, sexual assault and aggravated assault, along with homicide.
Project will light up Rock Island Swing Bridge
The historic bridge once linked Inver Grove Heights and St. Paul Park and is now a public pier. New lighting will highlight the bridge and allow it to be lit in different colors.
Mobile home explosion near Princeton kills 2, leaves 'mass destruction'
There was no immediate word on what caused the blast, which was reportedly heard up to 23 miles away.
Lakeville teachers file intent to strike, picket outside school board meeting
The district has more than 12,000 students enrolled.
Shakopee Mdewakanton tribe applies to put 815 acres in southwest metro into trust
The arrangement allows the tribe to keep the land forever and lowers local property tax collections, prompting questions from some local government leaders.
'No Mow May' eases to 'Less Mow May' in some Twin Cities suburbs
Rosemount, Roseville and New Brighton, among others, advocate mowing less but not abstaining entirely in the spring to help support pollinator-friendly plants.
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district selects new superintendent
Michael Bolsoni, a longtime teacher and administrator in the south metro district, will start in his new role July 1.
Lakeville public safety training facility gets $800K in federal funding
The planned facility, which could cost up to $23 million, would provide space for south metro law enforcement, fire departments and other first responders to train.
Six southwest Twin Cities area newspapers will publish last issue this week
The Southwest News Media publications are part of MediaNews Group, which is owned by Alden Global Capital, an investment firm known for gutting and then closing local papers.
Several south metro cities tackling elevated radium levels
Inver Grove Heights, Savage and South St. Paul are dealing with high radium in their water supply, using a range of short-term fixes and expensive solutions.
South St. Paul considering 'one last hurrah' for its well-loved Northview Pool
The city eventually plans to close the pool, first opened in 1956, because of the cost of repairs -- but may keep it open for a final summer.
Bill to allow duplexes across Minnesota is likely doomed this session
Affordable housing advocates hope to find other roads to make it easier to build small apartment buildings across Minnesota.
Eden Prairie Schools plans to turn UNFI office into a school building
The Eden Prairie City Council must still approve a development agreement before plans are final; the district hopes to start using the building this fall.
