MPR NewsMPR News
A sign reads vote

What does voter turnout in the primary election say?

Overall voter turnout for Minnesota’s primary election this year was around 18 percent, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office. What can we find out by looking behind that number?
  • ResultsMinn. incumbents mostly prevail but some have close calls
  • APM Research LabPoll watch Minnesota 2022
US Afghanistan

Bill would give Afghan evacuees in Minnesota a path to citizenship

One year after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Afghan community in Minnesota has faced uncertainty around their ability to stay in the United States long term.
  • 2021In Rochester rental crunch, Afghan refugees struggle to find housing
  • Sahan JournalMinnesota’s embrace of Afghan refugees has turned into a crisis
  • How we can helpThe simple steps you can take right now to help Afghan refugees
A sign reads "Welcome. Clean your hands. Take a clean face mask."

CDC raises COVID risk ratings in Minnesota, eases national guidance

On Thursday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance on “minimizing the impact of COVID-19.” As widely reported, the new guidance eased recommended restrictions by lifting quarantine requirements for those who have been exposed to COVID-19 without feeling symptoms. This week’s CDC map for Minnesota shows many more counties at high risk — 22 up from nine the previous week. But case and wastewater data shows that the increasing rates seen in the last few weeks may be slowing.
  • COVID-19Coverage of the pandemic from MPR News
A photo of a yellow crime scene tape with police cars in the background.

BCA report shows violent crimes rose in 2021

The annual crime report show a rise in murders, assaults and car thefts and a decrease in some property crimes between 2021 and the previous year.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., talks to reporters on Friday during her weekly news conference ahead of the House vote on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Despite not achieving everything Democrats wanted, the $737 billion act will focus on slowing climate change, lower health care costs, a 15% corporate minimum tax, a 1% fee on stock buybacks and enhancing IRS enforcement.

Democrats passed a major climate, health and tax bill. Here's what's in it

On Friday, the House sent to President Biden's desk what Democrats call a historic piece of legislation, but it's still a much smaller version of what they — and Biden — originally called for.
Sen. David Tomassoni

Iron Range Sen. Tomassoni, diagnosed with ALS, dies at 69

Accolades poured in from across the political spectrum Friday for longtime state Sen. David Tomassoni of Chisholm, Minn., who died Thursday night after more than a year of battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
  • In 2021Sen. Tomassoni on figuring out how to move forward with ALS
A man poses for a photo.

Ben Percy jumps to the big screen to honor his daughter

After a career of writing science fiction, horror novels and comic books, Minnesota-based Benjamin Percy is trying something new — a coming of age movie called “Summering” about a group of middle school girls.
  • 2021Benjamin Percy novel re-imagines Minnesota as meteor-strewn center of geopolitics
  • Art HoundsPuppets, song, stories, laughs and clay
Brad Finstad poses during a ceremonial swearing

Finstad takes 1st District seat in Congress

Republican Brad Finstad took the oath of office Friday morning in Washington after winning a special election in Minnesota’s 1st District on Tuesday.
  • InterviewBrad Finstad following his special election win
  • Primary election 2022Incumbents mostly prevail but some have close calls
Three people walk down a skywalk.

Monday hearing set for 2 ex-cops in George Floyd's killing

A judge has scheduled a hearing for Monday on the “status of plea negotiations” for the two remaining officers awaiting trial on state charges in the killing of George Floyd. 
  • Full coverageThe murder of George Floyd
  • George Floyd killingEx-cops' state trial moved to October
  • Thao and KuengFormer officers intend to appeal federal convictions
A member of law enforcement talks on the phone

Mall of America gunfire: Suspected gunman, accomplice arrested

Alleged gunman Shamar Alon Lark, 21, was arrested in Chicago along with Rashad Jamal May, 23, following a nationwide manhunt, the Bloomington police chief told reporters Thursday.
  • EarlierGunfire scatters shoppers at Mall of America; 2 suspects at large
A man speaks at a podium

State patrol, Metro police step up efforts to reduce violent crime

The escalation of state and metro police crime fighting efforts come as a report from the Minneapolis Police Department highlights troubling gun violence trends in the city.
  • WalzLegislature needs to spend more to fight crime
  • ListenMinneapolis Council member: State Troopers will bolster Minneapolis Police
A close up view of a dam

Rapidan community campaigns to preserve aging dam

Blue Earth County is deciding what to do with the huge Rapidan Dam. Over a century old, it suffered damage during recent flooding. If the county board votes to take it down it will be the largest-ever dam removal project in state history. However some local residents say the huge structure is vital to attract visitors, and to the town’s identity.
  • MoreRock rapids replace aging dams to let Minn. rivers flow
Sylvia Fowles flanked by players

Flowers for Fowles in Lynx home finale

Fowles was honored in a post-game ceremony in front of a packed Target Center crowd by Minnesota Lieutenant Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Lynx owner Glen Taylor, former players Rebekkah Brunson and Lindsay Whalen, and coach Cheryl Reeve.
The sign on the front of a Best Buy store

Best Buy trims jobs after it cuts sales and profit outlook

The job cuts come after Best Buy reduced its annual sales and profit forecast late last month, citing surging inflation that has dampened consumer spending on gadgets. The Richfield-based company echoed Walmart, which a few days before cut its profit outlook.
A new poll finds white adults are more than twice as likely as others to get sizable financial help from parents or grandparents. By contrast, Black adults are more likely to give money to elders.

Here's one reason why America's racial wealth gap persists across generations

A new poll finds white adults are more than twice as likely as others to get sizable financial help from parents or grandparents. By contrast, Black adults are more likely to give money to elders.
Former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Florida was searched by the FBI earlier this week. A federal judge has now unsealed the warrant used for that search.

FBI collected multiple sets of classified documents from Trump's Mar-a-Lago home

The search warrant and property receipt from Monday's FBI search of former President Trump's Florida home have been unsealed by a federal judge. Trump said Thursday he encouraged the release.
After the project cavers found Abby, they left a light for her while Gerry Keene went to get help to get the dog out.

A caving project became a rescue mission after a dog was found 500 feet down

What was supposed to be a caving excursion in Missouri turned into a rescue mission after a dog was found curled up and malnourished about 500 feet into the cave system.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins

Vikings: Cousins has COVID, will miss Sunday's preseason game

Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Kirk Cousins has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not play in Sunday's opening preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, the team said Friday.
A man uses a microphone to speak to a crowd.

Author Salman Rushdie attacked on lecture stage in New York

Salman Rushdie, the author whose writing led to death threats from Iran in the 1980s, has been attacked and apparently stabbed in the neck by a man who rushed the stage as he was about to give a lecture in western New York.
Lynx Fowles Farewell Basketball

Farewell, Syl: Fowles exit fueling Lynx in push for playoffs

Sylvia Fowles is nearing the end of her 15-year WNBA career. The Minnesota Lynx have been leaning hard on their 6-foot-6 center as they push for a spot in the playoffs. They host Seattle on Friday. That could be the last game for Fowles at Target Center. 
COVID-19 Right
North Star Journey Right
Racial Justice Right
Providing Support for MPR.
Learn More
Program ScheduleStation Directory