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A man stands for a photo on a bridge-1

‘I chose community’: Stone Arch Bridge musician reflects on the magic of the Minneapolis landmark

Clawhammer Mike and his banjo are Stone Arch Bridge fixtures. In 2022, he played at the Stone Arch over 100 times. Last year, 75. He’s exchanged life stories with people more times than he can count. But this week, with the two-year bridge construction beginning, Clawhammer had to say his temporary goodbye. It was a tough one. 
Two women pose for a photo

Caitlin Clark taken No. 1 in the WNBA Draft, Minnesota Lynx pick Alissa Pili of Utah

Caitlin Clark has been selected with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever. Minnesota, which had swapped picks with Chicago, drafted Alissa Pili of Utah eighth.
A view of a lake from a rock outcropping

Two popular trail loops on Minnesota’s North Shore will close for repair work this year

Two popular segments of the North Shore’s Superior Hiking Trail will be closed for at least part of this year, as crews work to repair damage caused by years of heavy use.
The Minnesota Capitol2

Republicans criticize, state DFL disavows candidate in Minnesota House race with criminal past

DFL candidate with violent past won a local party endorsement, prompting outrage from Republicans and a move by the Minnesota DFL to seek to rescind the backing.
Students on the move

Minnesota says 4-year graduation rates slipped, but that’s not the case

The Minnesota Department of Education last month reported graduation rates dipped in 2023, renewing concerns around the state’s public schools. But a closer look at the data finds graduation rates are actually climbing. Here’s what happened.
A sign reads "Minnesota's Largest Candy Store"

Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store will become even larger with new location

The iconic yellow barn on Highway 169 will be razed as Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store moves less than a mile away from St. Lawrence Township to Jordan.
Children sit in a circle and sing a song at a child care center

Push for more Minnesota child care funding falls short as legislative session winds down

DFLers seeking a $500 million spending deal to help limit child care costs to no more than 7 percent of family income conceded that won’t happen this session and are focusing instead on securing $36 million for kids and families in a supplemental budget.
woman waves Palestinian flag in downtown Mpls

Twin Cities anti-war group demonstrators call on U.S. to avoid retaliation against Iran

Twin Cities anti-war groups say the U.S. should not take part in any retaliatory strikes on Iran following its drone and missile attack on Israel Saturday, which followed Israel’s airstrikes on Iran’s embassy in Damascus. More than 100 people took part in a demonstration in downtown Minneapolis Monday evening.
water flowing out of a faucet

Local governments look to state to help foot PFAS bill

The Environmental Protection Agency set enforceable drinking water standards for so-called “forever chemicals” last week. Several Minnesota communities impacted by high levels of PFAS are asking the state to help pay for remedies.

Court says private vehicle is ‘public place’ under Minnesota gun law

The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Monday that a person’s vehicle is a public place under the state’s permit-to-carry law. The case involves the 2022 arrest of a man who was allegedly carrying a BB gun in his car without a permit.

Wright County deputy shoots man outside Dollar General in Montrose

The sheriff’s office said the man refused to comply with commands and brandished a firearm. It’s the second officer-involved shooting in Wright County this year.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the former armorer of the movie Rust, during her trial in Santa Fe, N.M., on March 6, 2024.

‘Rust’ armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed sentenced to 18 months in prison

Gutierrez-Reed has been in custody since she was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in March by a New Mexico jury. Her attorney asked for probation and will appeal the case.
A man looks at the smoke rising next to the Army General Command in Khartoum, Sudan, on April 16, 2023.

Photos: A year of war in Sudan

A year of war has torn through Sudan, causing devastation and more than 8 million people to be displaced.
The exterior of a government building

Lawsuit accuses Anoka County of keeping withdrawal medication from jail inmate

On Feb. 12, 2022, Deyonta Green was found in his cell, covered in vomit, after an apparent fall. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors determined he had suffered a fractured skull, brain bleeds and acute kidney failure, according to the lawsuit.
An artist's rendering shows the T Coronae Borealis star system, which contains a white dwarf and a red giant.

Never seen an exploding star? This year, you’ll have your chance

A nova of the T Coronae Borealis star system is expected to happen at some point through September, and will make it as bright as the North Star for several days.
Shalela Dowdy, a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging Alabama's Congressional districts, poses for a portrait on Government Street in Mobile, Ala., on April 1.

In new Congressional district, Black voters weigh what representation really means

Alabama could soon have a U.S. House delegation that more closely matches its diversity after a redistricting lawsuit. For Black voters, the change has greater significance than who holds the seat.
Elite athletes from around the world joined Nike to unveil the latest Nike Air footwear and team kits at the "Nike On Air" event at the Palais Brongniart in Paris earlier this month.

Why Nike’s new Olympic track uniform for women is stirring controversy

One of the options for women runners is a bodysuit that is noticeably cut high on the hips. Critics say the outfit looks uncomfortable, revealing — and problematic.

Authorities: Driver dies by suicide after lengthy police pursuit in southern Minnesota

A lengthy police pursuit Sunday night in southern Minnesota ended when the driver took his own life in a hospital parking lot in Cannon Falls, authorities said.
Maryland Bridge Collapse

FBI opens criminal investigation into Baltimore bridge collapse, AP source says

The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into the deadly collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge that is focused on the circumstances leading up to it and whether all federal laws were followed. 
Suns Timberwolves Basketball

Suns skip play-in by toppling T-wolves 125-106 to set up 1st-round rematch

Bradley Beal scored 36 points on 6-for-6 shooting from 3-point range and the Phoenix Suns beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-106 to stay out of the play-in tournament and set up a rematch in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
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