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.

Northeastern Minnesotans get first look at burn damage as wildfire threat diminishes
Homes and cabin owners got a first opportunity Friday to view the devastation in areas torched by this week’s massive wildfires in northeastern Minnesota. Meanwhile, cooler, wet weather continued to help firefighting crews make progress in their efforts to contain the blazes.
The odd-looking, prehistoric paddlefish is making a comeback in Minnesota rivers
An odd-looking, prehistoric species of fish appears to be making a comeback in Minnesota. The paddlefish — named for its paddle-shaped snout — is a threatened species here, but now, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeing higher populations of paddlefish.
Why UnitedHealth’s terrible year is dragging down the Dow
The health care giant’s shares are down more than 50 percent in the last month. That’s hurting the powerful U.S. stock-market index.
Minnesotans brace for the worst as they check on their homes in the path of the wildfires
Residents of northeastern Minnesota were able to check on what is left of their homes and properties on Friday. Federal officials say the rebuilding process will be long, but they are ready to help.
Falcon Heights to charge $25 for State Fair parking
The program will use the parking fee app ParkMobile and charge a flat fee of $25 for parking between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. in newly created parking zones in neighborhoods east of Snelling Avenue.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections announced Thursday that state leaders have agreed to a plan to close the Stillwater prison. Lawmakers say the facility is outdated, unsafe and too expensive to maintain.
More crews, milder weather slow growth of northeast Minnesota wildfires
A break in the hot, dry weather is slowing the growth of several wildfires burning in northern Minnesota, which have scorched about 50 square miles and destroyed about 150 structures. More than 200 firefighters are now battling the fires, including four new elite hotshot crews that flew in from other parts of the country. 
DHS ends Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan, raising concerns for Minnesota’s Afghan community
The status allows people fleeing violence, political unrest and instability temporary protection from deportation and immediate work permits. The Department of Homeland Security says Afghanistan is becoming safer and the country no longer meets the requirements, but some community advocates disagree.
As data center concerns heat up, Rochester company develops solutions to keep them cool
The power demands of data centers for cooling have raised concerns about whether utilities and the electric grid will be able to keep up. LiquidCool offers a different solution: covering computer components with fluid, then circulating it to remove heat.