September 28, 2011
The northern lights have been especially visible in Minnesota and surrounding regions this week.
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The northern lights as seen from Grand Portage, Minn. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are a luminous glow of the upper atmosphere which is caused by energetic particles that enter the atmosphere from above, according to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. (Photo courtesy Travis Novitsky) link to this photo
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The northern lights as seen from Grand Portage, Minn. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. (Photo courtesy Travis Novitsky) link to this photo
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Cloud cover allows a slice of northern lights to shine over Devil Track Lake near Grand Marais, Minn. early on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011. (Photo courtesy Bryan Hansel, www.bryanhansel.com) link to this photo
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Northern lights as seen near Grand Rapids, Minn. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. (Photo courtesy Wes Bailey) link to this photo
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The northern lights as seen over Lake Michigan, near Manistee, Mich. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. (Photo courtesy Gordon McLellan) link to this photo
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Northern lights seen from Kennebec, S.D. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. (Photo courtesy Randy Halverson) link to this photo
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Northern lights seen from Kennebec, S.D. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. (Photo courtesy Randy Halverson) link to this photo
Mud, electric shocks and more test athletes in Tough Mudder Minnesota
Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed to test strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie, the organization's website says. Athletes took up the challenge over the weekend in Somerset, Wis.
The Highway 1 Fire near Ely
The fast-growing wildfire briefly threatened the town of Ely.
Republicans gather in St. Cloud
Republican delegates gather in St. Cloud to endorse a candidate for U.S. Senate.
BP's drilling disaster stretches north
Minnesota pelicans carry pollution from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
Onamia braces for the opening day
Lake Mille Lacs can't wait for fans of the walleye.
Vikings fans invade Capitol
A colorful contingent of fans demanded a new Vikings stadium.
Marriage amendment march
The Catholic Church engages in an emotional constitutional battle.
Morris Dancers welcome spring
It's a 500 year-old folk tradition from England that has sunk deep roots here in Minnesota.
MPR News photos of the week
National Guard members come home, Morris Dancers celebrate spring and more.
Smelt return for a fishy tradition
It's springtime in Duluth and the smelt are running. But not the way they used to.