News

The Smithsonian Institution will officially begin construction Wednesday on a new museum dedicated to African American culture and heritage -- a complex committed to the celebration and study one of the central components of the American story.

Snow is in the forecast for much of the state, with predictions ranging in depth. In case you’ve forgotten what to do with the white fluffy stuff, here’s a reminder of fun things to do with snow.

Fire up the sled
Eager to climb back on your sled and cruise over a fresh blanket of gleaming snow? The cruising opportunities in Minnesota are just about limitless, and tempt snowmobilers to wander further from home to go exploring.

Be a winter voyageur
Voyageurs National Park cloaked in its winter array is a beautiful, dramatic landscape of glistening snow, frozen lakes, and frost-glazed pines. There are few places to experience a winter vista largely free of roads and buildings, and it’s worth a trip to Voyageurs, along Minnesota’s northern border, to enjoy this captivating, snow-draped panorama. It’s also a great place to play in the snow.

Run with the dogs
If you’re crazy about dogs, love the outdoors and are ready for a thrill, sign on for a trip with a sled dog outfitter. For a taste of real adventure, sled dog excursions can serve up a nibble or a whole banquet of excitement.

Play in a winter wonderland
In case you haven’t discovered it yet, Minnesota State Parks can be pretty enticing in the winter. They show off the special beauty of the season: glistening snow shrouding pine and hardwood trees, frozen water falls, gurgling streams, deer trails and animal tracks in the snow.

Ski down the slopes
The land of 10,000 lakes boasts an abundance of downhill ski areas, from Duluth to Mankato, Bemidji to Rochester. Get the low down on Minnesota ski destinations from Explore Minnesota.

Ski the trails
Minnesota’s cross-country skiing trails offer more miles of skiing than a trek from St. Paul to Los Angeles. It all adds up to an unbeatable variety of cross country skiing experiences. Whether you’re a pro or just getting started, Minnesota has a breathtakingly beautiful trail with you in mind.

Explore Minnesota sledding hills
With fresh snow on the ground, now is the time to enjoy the fun of sledding at one of Minnesota’s ski areas that offer snow tubing.

In case you haven't discovered it yet, Minnesota State Parks can be pretty enticing in the winter. They show off the special beauty of the season: glistening snow shrouding pine and hardwood trees, frozen water falls, gurgling streams, deer trails and animal tracks in the snow.

The land of 10,000 lakes boasts an abundance of downhill ski areas, from Duluth to Mankato, Bemidji to Rochester. Get the low down on Minnesota ski destinations from Explore Minnesota.

Minnesota's cross-country skiing trails offer more miles of skiing than a trek from St. Paul to Los Angeles. It all adds up to an unbeatable variety of cross country skiing experiences. Whether you’re a pro or just getting started, Minnesota has a breathtakingly beautiful trail with you in mind.

Voyageurs National Park cloaked in its winter array is a beautiful, dramatic landscape of glistening snow, frozen lakes, and frost-glazed pines. There are few places to experience a winter vista largely free of roads and buildings, and it's worth a trip to Voyageurs, along Minnesota's northern border, to enjoy this captivating, snow-draped panorama. It's also a great place to play in the snow.

Eager to climb back on your sled and cruise over a fresh blanket of gleaming snow? The cruising opportunities in Minnesota are just about limitless, and tempt snowmobilers to wander further from home to go exploring.

Good news for Twins infielder Luke Hughes. An MRI on his sprained right shoulder shows no structural damage. Hughes is hoping a good spring will land him a full time job in the big leagues.

The latest trend in coffee is on the opposite end of the spectrum from the grab-and-go cup of joe. The Line takes a look at the new breed of coffeeshops and roasters serving customers who are looking for top quality, careful craftsmanship and sustainable ingredients.

Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan says there are plenty of tall tales in Florida and Arizona every February and March, starting with, "If we can stay healthy...."

Drew Butera might not be the greatest hitter in the world, but the Star Tribune reports the Twins might need him as a backup catcher if Ryan Doumit opens the season as the designated hitter.

It’s the Wolves and the Jazz tonight at Target Center as both teams are trying to get back to the .500 mark before the All-Star break. Minnesota is coming off a tough OT loss at Denver, while the Spurs have lost nine of 12.

By Diane Adams Winter reading wraps up in a little over two weeks. If you haven’t gotten your reviews into the library yet, now is the time. We’ve posted a few reviews on our blog at http://ifalls...

The following births have been reported from La Verendrye General Hospital, Fort Frances. Born to: Peter and Nicole Blakeney (nee Armstrong), and sisters Lilly and Irelanck, Rainy River, Ontario, a...

Police called in the Bloomington bomb squad after employees of a real estate company entered the property and found the weapon. The police chief tells the Republican Eagle no laws were broken and no charges will be filed.

“You were born for places like this” — these are the words that God impressed upon Colleen Estes’ heart in 1983 on a one-week mission trip to an isolated northern Canada First Nation, according to ...

By MARGUERITE DAVISON Rainy Lake Medical Center Auxiliary met at 10 a.m. Feb. 7 at the hospital with president Beverly Beck presiding. She led in the prayer for hospital auxiliaries. Hospital liai...

A plan to make broadband more accessible in rural areas is moving forward with a report from Gov. Mark Dayton’s task force laying the groundwork for a broadband action plan. The 14-page report, ca...

The fire also destroyed horse saddles, a manure spreader and other tools and equipment. The cause is unknown.

Jury deliberations are expected to begin Wednesday in the trial of a former University of Virginia lacrosse player accused of fatally beating his ex-girlfriend.