If you're thinking about going for a real tree this holiday -- this is the year to do it. The latest report from the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association says the wet spring and summer has resulted in the best growing season the state's ever had.

Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura is no fan of the Republican or Democratic parties and argues there's not much difference between the two. Ventura is on tour promote his latest book, which likens the two parties to notorious street gangs, the Crips and the Bloods.

City workers around Minnesota are routinely planting new trees, which need extra water. And those young boulevard trees have really had a hard time this summer as dry conditions persisted in the state, MPR reports. Officials are pleading for help from homeowners.

Minnesota Public Radio has a few tips for those looking to find and care for a tree.

Fergus Falls-based Otter Tail Power has the support of an administrative judge to add $489 million in new air pollution controls to a South Dakota power plant co-owned by the utility instead of replacing it.