Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Stories from December 17, 2021

Minn. judge allows enforcement of law requiring justification of police use of force

Minn. judge allows enforcement of law requiring justification of police use of force

Ramsey County District Court Judge Leonardo Castro had previously put the law on hold. His latest ruling declines to toss the law entirely. Instead, he struck five words that he says will remove an expectation that officers outline why they used force.
by Brian Bakst

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Five tornados touched down during Wednesday's historic storm

The National Weather Service has confirmed an E-F-2 tornado with winds up to 115 miles per hour caused major damage to buildings in the community of Hartland this week. It was one of at least five twisters that touched down in southern Minnesota Wednesday night. This is an MPR News evening update for Dec 17, 2021. Hosted by Nathan Stevens Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Researcher: Better response needed to school threats

Researcher: Better response needed to school threats

Several Minnesota school districts closed buildings Friday in response to unspecified threats of school violence on the social media platform TikTok.
by Dan Gunderson

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Capitol rioter who attacked police is sentenced to more than 5 years in prison

Capitol rioter who attacked police is sentenced to more than 5 years in prison

The judge said she wanted to make clear with the sentence that "trying to stop the peaceful transition of power and assaulting law enforcement officers is going to be met with certain punishment."
by Ryan Lucas

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Weather Service confirms at least seven tornadoes touched down in Minnesota

Weather Service confirms at least seven tornadoes touched down in Minnesota

The National Weather Service says the tornado that caused major damage in the southern Minnesota community of Hartland on Wednesday night was an EF-2, with estimated peak wind speeds of 115 mph. It was one of at least seven tornadoes to hit the state.
by Andrew Krueger

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
What’s your favorite holiday movie?

What’s your favorite holiday movie?

It’s cold outside, but you can stay warm with your favorite movies. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with MPR’s Cube Critics about what makes a great holiday movie, their personal favorites and what else is on their end-of-year watch list.
by Angela Davis and Samantha Matsumoto

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
U of M settles harassment claim, will pay student $75K

U of M settles harassment claim, will pay student $75K

In an agreement facilitated by the state’s Human Rights agency, the University of Minnesota will pay a graduate student and allow her to finish her degree tuition-free. She had accused a professor of sexual harassment.
by Brian Bakst

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Light snow Friday, then Minnesota sees a quieter trend

Minnesota’s recent active weather pattern turns quieter in the coming week, following a light dusting for most on Friday that could bring up to 4 inches of snow along the western edge of the state.
by Nicole Mitchell

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Climatologist Mark Seeley on 'historic' December storm

Climatologist Mark Seeley on 'historic' December storm

An unprecedented December thunderstorm storm made landfall Wednesday night, bringing unseasonably warm temperatures, severe thunderstorms, and tornado warnings to much of Minnesota. Two tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service — the state’s first December tornadoes on record.
by Cathy Wurzer and Mark Seeley

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Light snow moves across Minnesota Friday

A weather disturbance brings a dusting of snow to most of Minnesota Friday, but a few spots could see up to 4 inches, causing travel impacts.
by Nicole Mitchell

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Proposed change to MN's sentencing guidelines draws flak

A proposal to reduce prison sentences for felons who commit new offenses while in custody, on probation or supervised release is drawing harsh criticism. Several people — including some politicians — told the sentencing guidelines commission it would be a bad move, especially with reports of violent crime on the rise in the state. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, December 17, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
COVID-19 fears dash hopes for the holiday season — again

COVID-19 fears dash hopes for the holiday season — again

This year’s holiday season was supposed to be a do-over for last year’s subdued celebrations. Instead it’s turning into a redux of restrictions, cancellations and rising angst over the never-ending pandemic. 
by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Judge rejects Purdue Pharma’s sweeping opioid settlement

Judge rejects Purdue Pharma’s sweeping opioid settlement

A federal judge rejected OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy settlement of thousands of lawsuits over the opioid epidemic Thursday because of a provision that would protect members of the Sackler family from facing litigation of their own.
by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
David Hockney returns to the Walker Art Center

David Hockney returns to the Walker Art Center

This weekend, David Hockney returns to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Not in person, but through an exhibit of well over 100 paintings and prints, many of which are in the museum's collection. The show includes much more than pictures of swimming pools by the prolific artist. 
by Euan Kerr

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Potter expected on stand as trial in Wright death nears end

Potter expected on stand as trial in Wright death nears end

A compressed defense case for Kimberly Potter appeared likely to wrap up after just two days, with jurors also expected to hear from an expert on how such errors can occur. 
by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Proposed change to MN's sentencing guidelines draws flak

Proposed change to MN's sentencing guidelines draws flak

A proposal to reduce prison sentences for felons who commit new offenses while in custody, on probation or supervised release is drawing harsh criticism. Several people — including some politicians — told Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission it would be a bad move, especially with reports of violent crime on the rise.
by Tim Pugmire

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
More than 20 feared dead in building fire in Osaka, Japan

More than 20 feared dead in building fire in Osaka, Japan

The fire started on the fourth floor of an eight-story building in the major business and entertainment area of Kitashinchi, fire officials say. Police are investigation arson as a possible cause.
by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
New legal battle over predator killing in Nevada wilderness

New legal battle over predator killing in Nevada wilderness

Conservationists are suing three federal agencies over an environmental review the government says satisfies requirements to resume killing wildlife in federally protected wilderness areas in Nevada.
by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Mpls. police, mayor say they'll focus on juvenile offenders to curb robberies, carjacking

Mpls. police, mayor say they'll focus on juvenile offenders to curb robberies, carjacking

Mayor Jacob Frey and incoming interim police Chief Amelia Huffman unveiled their first major public safety initiative, saying they plan to redouble efforts to reduce carjacking and robberies.
by Tim Nelson

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
The scientist in Botswana who identified omicron was saddened by the world's reaction

The scientist in Botswana who identified omicron was saddened by the world's reaction

He and his team were stunned by the number of mutations. They felt they'd made a contribution by alerting the world to a dangerous variant. Then came the travel bans for residents of southern Africa.
by Melody Schrieber

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
At least 5 dead as Midwest rocked by hurricane-force winds

At least 5 dead as Midwest rocked by hurricane-force winds

Authorities say at least five people died when a powerful storm system swept across the Great Plains and Midwest, spawning hurricane-force winds and likely tornadoes in Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota. 
by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!