Twin Cities News

Stay informed about Twin Cities news with local stories, breaking news, and more from MPR News, your hub for the latest updates in Twin Cities Minnesota.

Holiday Train begins annual journey across Minnesota on Friday
A colorful holiday tradition is set to begin its annual journey across Minnesota on Friday. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway’s Holiday Train has 21 stops planned across the state in the coming days.
Dakota County turning to AI to answer non-emergency calls
When someone calls the non-emergency line in Dakota County, instead of a dispatcher answering, an AI assistant does. The switch to AI technology was made so dispatchers can focus their attention on emergency calls. Dakota 911 is one of the first in the state to implement this type of AI tool.
Anoka-Hennepin teachers set strike authorization vote
Union leaders in the state’s largest school district say more than 90 percent of union members have signed a pledge saying they would vote to strike if necessary. The authorization vote will take place Dec. 17-20.
Minnesota immigrant-rights groups report surge in ICE alerts as federal arrests climb
Minnesota immigrant-rights groups say they’re being inundated with alerts as ICE steps up arrests and enforcement operations, stretching volunteer networks and heightening fear in local communities.
Fire causes major damage at mosque and school in Prior Lake
A mosque in Prior Lake was severely damaged in a fire early Monday morning. As state and federal officials investigate the cause, Twin Cities Muslim leaders are declining to speculate whether the fire was an accident or set intentionally.
‘Tinted windows and out-of-state plates’: How ICE watchers look for agents in their neighborhoods
Across the Twin Cities, ICE agents and activists are playing a high stakes cat-and-mouse game. The goal is to make their job as difficult as possible and protect their immigrant neighbors.
Lawmakers react to Trump comments about Somali immigrants, ICE confirms arrests
Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s recent disparaging statements about Somali immigrants, calling the remarks “vile, racist lies and slander towards our fellow Minnesotans.”
Twin Cities seniors picket Blue Cross and Blue Shield over cuts to SilverSneakers gym program
Steve Brandt organized the picket and told Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer why losing access to local SilverSneakers gym benefits is such a hit to his well-being.