Minnesota Power

Minnesota Power and American Transmission Co. LLC are proposing to construct approximately 67.5 miles of transmission line between Grand Rapids and Hermantown.

Permit conditions require a detailed plan to address visual impacts to neighboring properties, and engagement with the Leech Lake Band on economic and workforce development opportunities.

Environmental organization CURE is asking the Public Utilities Commission to investigate the Minnesota Power sale further, given new information about data centers in the region.

KAXE covered natural disasters, federal funding chaos, Eichorn's arrest and resignation, mining permits and wild rice, library budget cuts, sheriffs teaming with ICE and more.

The sale of ALLETE closed Dec. 15, 2025. The Public Utilities Commission approved the controversial move in October.

As part of its approval of Minnesota Power's sale, the Public Utilities Commission said the utility must come up with an alternative resource plan with less natural gas.

The 180-mile electrical transmission line from Grand Rapids to St. Cloud will reportedly boost grid reliability and resilience in Northern and central Minnesota.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved the sale to BlackRock-owned Global Infrastructure Partners and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board on Oct. 3, 2025.

The proposed sale to a private equity firm is seen as a possible roadmap for complying with clean energy laws. Opponents say the deal is riddled with transparency issues and conflicts of interest.

Plus: Leech Lake Tribal Council members and Itasca County Commissioners entered into a new memorandum of understanding after breaking ground on a new community and wellness center in Ball Club.