Minnesota News

MPR News is your go-to source for Minnesota news and stories.

From local stories from your Minnesota neighbors to breaking news updates across the state, we have you covered.

South St. Paul history teacher mourns demolition of stockyard landmark
The Armour Gates that stood in South St. Paul for over a hundred years are coming down despite efforts to save them. Social studies teacher Mark Westpfahl got his students involved in the push for preservation.
Owner of Lutsen Lodge charged with arson in fire that destroyed iconic resort
Bryce Campbell, the owner of the Lutsen Resort Lodge on Lake Superior’s North Shore, has been arrested on charges of arson and insurance fraud for his alleged role in the fire that destroyed the lodge in early 2024.
Mountain lion spotted in Duluth has been wandering across Minnesota for 3 months
DNR officials say they’ve been tracking the mountain lion’s journey across the state. It is originally from Nebraska, but was first spotted in Fergus Falls, Minn. in September.
Lawmakers react to Trump comments about Somali immigrants, ICE confirms arrests
Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s recent disparaging statements about Somali immigrants, calling the remarks “vile, racist lies and slander towards our fellow Minnesotans.”
St. Paul City Council approves budget, property tax increase
The St. Paul City Council has approved an $887 million budget for 2026. It includes a 5.3 percent property tax increase, money for development in cultural corridors and downtown, and funding for immigration legal defense.
‘Creating fear and chaos’: ICE officials target Somali neighborhoods, scoop up U.S. citizens in sweep
Local activists reported a series of arrests across the Twin Cities, including outside Somali housing areas, malls and at a Latino day labor spot, after a contingent of ICE agents descended on the Twin Cities.
‘We are here’: In St. Cloud, Somali community pushes back against Trump’s ‘garbage’ comments
More than 100 people gathered in St. Cloud on Wednesday for an event aimed at showing unity and solidarity. Somali residents and other community members said they felt compelled to speak out against what they call the president’s unfair and divisive rhetoric.
Batteries need manganese but talk of mining the mineral roils northern Minnesota’s lake country
There’s a renewed effort in northern Minnesota’s Brainerd Lakes area to develop an underground mine for manganese, which is coveted to make batteries. Many local residents are uneasy.
Beltrami County Board approves cuts to libraries and other community services
The Beltrami County Board of Commissioners finalized next year's county budget earlier this week. As a result, funding for the county museum, public transit and both Blackduck and Bemidji libraries will be cut by about forty percent.