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Snow covers trees and homes form above

Blizzard knocks out power to tens of thousands across Minnesota

An April Fools’ Day blizzard knocked out power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses across central and southern Minnesota early Saturday, and made for treacherous travel conditions across the region.
  • Forecast detailsMPR Weather's Updraft blog
A sketch of a man in a courtroom

Jury finds ex-GOP operative Lazzaro guilty in federal sex trafficking case

The one-time Minnesota Republican political operative and top donor faced federal charges of giving five girls, who were 15 and 16, cash and gifts in exchange for sex. Following the verdict the prosecutor described him as “Minnesota’s Jeffrey Epstein.”
People sit on the floor of a record store

A safe space for ‘sad girl’ music fans: Inside Electric Fetus’ boygenius listening party

Fans gathered at Electric Fetus Tuesday to soak in the first listen of boygenius’ highly anticipated album — “the record.” While the pandemic made in-person music gatherings nearly impossible, listening sessions are having a resurgence three years later.
Activists and community members march

'Like a deep breath': Transgender Day of Visibility rally celebrates, supports trans youth

For one mother, the rally presented a chance to show her trans daughter that people are fighting for her.
Basketball players in purple jerseys guard player in white jersey

Lakers overtake Timberwolves in standings with 123-111 win

The Lakers are in seventh place at 39-38. The Timberwolves are in ninth at 39-39.
Brian O’Hara fields questions and speaks to community members

Minneapolis, state agree on police operations overhaul, 3 years after Floyd's murder

Changes include limits on the use of Tasers and other nonlethal weapons, restrictions on when officers can conduct traffic stops and examining use of force. The state launched its probe following the May 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis officer.
Person smiles

6 things to know in the Twin Cities art world this week

The American Swedish Institute has named a new CEO; New Arab American Theater Works is hosting a showcase April 1 and 2; and more.
A close up of a hand holding a gun.

Federal judge: 18-20 year-olds can get Minnesota gun permits

A judge has sided with gun owners in a case that challenged age limits around Minnesota permits to carry guns. An appeal is possible.
Dark tanker cars lie crumpled on top of snow

Cleanup continues at scene of train derailment in Raymond

Cleanup will continue Friday at the scene of Thursday’s train derailment and fire in the western Minnesota community of Raymond. Crews have started moving some of the 22 derailed cars to better access the handful still burning.
  • RelatedWhat to know about what spilled, burned in the Raymond train derailment
  • PreviouslyEvacuation ends after train cars derail, catch fire in western Minnesota
Homes damaged by a tornado are seen on Friday in Little Rock, Ark. Tornados damaged hundreds of homes and buildings Friday afternoon across a large part of Central Arkansas.

Multiple tornadoes sweep across the South and the Midwest, killing at least 11 people

The powerful storm system spread destruction in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama and Mississippi. In Illinois, one person died and 28 were hurt after a theater roof caved in during a concert.
Basketball players04

Students, alumni celebrate UMD Women's Hoops title game appearance

Students and alumni are traveling to Dallas this weekend for the University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team’s first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II National championship.
A nurse gives a Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot

New research suggests Minnesota's COVID outcomes may not have been as good as they seemed

While the state had the sixth lowest unadjusted COVID-19 death rate, once that rate is adjusted for age and the presence of key comorbidities, Minnesota’s death rate shifts to exactly the middle of the pack.  
five bunnies lay on a colorful mat with rainbow eggs

Where to celebrate Easter weekend in Minnesota

Whether you are religious or not, Easter can be a holiday that brings families and friends together. Here’s a round up of egg hunts and events for Easter weekend.
President Joe Biden

Biden's Minnesota visit Monday will be at Fridley factory

President Joe Biden will visit Cummins Power Generation Facility in Fridley, Minn. on Monday as part of his Administration’s “Investing in America” tour.
two people playing hockey

Gophers gear up for Frozen 4, with title drought at 20 years

One of the most driven and talented teams to take the ice for Minnesota in decades is seeking to bring a national championship back to the program for the first time in 20 years.
Google raters get ready for a rally at the company's Silicon Valley headquarters on Feb. 1, 2023.

Google's 'Ghost Workers' are demanding to be seen by the tech giant

Google has a massive workforce of subcontractors to help maintain its search engine and now they're asking for more labor rights.
Former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Waco Regional Airport on March 25 in Waco, Texas.

Trump uses indictment to unify GOP, even as his vulnerabilities are glaring

After the indictment news broke, the Trump GOP machine rolled out a political playbook meant to insulate him with his base. It may work, but his brand is toxic with much of the rest of Americans.
  • PreviouslyDonald Trump indicted; 1st ex-president charged with crime
Officials announced Thursday plans to return Lolita — an orca that has lived in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium for more than 50 years — to its home waters in the Pacific Northwest. Here, trainer Marcia Hinton pets Lolita, a captive orca whale, during a performance at the Miami Seaquarium in Miami, March 9, 1995.

After 50 years, a Florida aquarium plans to return Lolita the orca to her home waters

The 57-year-old orca was captured over 50 years ago at the age of 4 from the Pacific coast near Seattle. She retired last spring from performing in exhibition shows.
Train cars pile up, surrounded by snow

What to know about what spilled, burned in the Raymond train derailment

The train cars that ran off the tracks contained ethanol and corn syrup. What dangers do they pose?
Aerial view of train cars piled up on the snow and vehicles passing by

Evacuation ends after train cars derail, catch fire in western Minnesota

Cars carrying ethanol and corn syrup left the tracks early Thursday, leading officials to evacuate the small town of Raymond, about 90 miles west of the Twin Cities. People were being allowed to return home as of noon. No injuries were reported.
  • Ask MPR NewsWhat to know about what spilled, burned in the Raymond train derailment
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