Homepage

In Duluth, free water safety classes pay off for preschoolers and parents
Water is important to Minnesota’s identity, but for some in the land of 10,000 lakes it can bring more dread than joy. An effort in the Duluth Public Schools to teach preschoolers to swim is helping ease water fears and even coaxing some parents into the pool.
Minnesota sees decline in flu and COVID-19 hospitalizations, RSV cases climb
Statewide data released Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Health indicates that hospitalizations for influenza and COVID-19 have slightly declined for the first time in over a month.  
St. Paul arts organization builds virtual Winter Carnival ice castles in Minecraft
Community arts organization 825 Arts in St. Paul will host an ice castle contest online through the video game Minecraft on Saturday, partnering with a local historian to share history and creativity of ice sculptures at the Winter Carnival.
Trump orders release of JFK, RFK and MLK assassination records
President Donald Trump has ordered the release of thousands of classified governmental documents about the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which has fueled conspiracy theories for decades.
Walz proposes $887 million bonding bill for infrastructure projects, not worried about Capitol impasse
Using the breached Rapidan Dam as a backdrop Gov. Tim Walz pitched his $887 million bonding bill. As well as funding for infrastructure, Walz wants to fund a new state patrol headquarters, and address housing and environmental needs.
Proposed high-voltage powerline gets state regulators’ approval
Minnesota Power and Great River Energy jointly plan to build the 180-mile project, which could cost upwards of $1 billion. The utilities say the new high-voltage line is needed to help maintain a reliable power grid, as they transition away from fossil fuel plants to renewable energy such as solar and wind. 
Critical DMs: Staging hockey at Theater in the Round
Critical DMs are lightly edited Slack conversations by members of the MPR News arts team about Minnesota art and culture. This week, arts editor Max Sparber and arts reporter Jacob Aloi discuss a play about Canadian women’s hockey.