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.

Duluth wastewater plant captures methane to produce heat, power
A new project at a huge wastewater treatment plant in Duluth creates heat and power from the biogas that’s created during sewage treatment, saving the facility more than $1 million a year in electricity costs.
Longtime All Things Considered host Tom Crann returns to classical music roots
The longtime host of All Things Considered on MPR News is returning to his roots in classical music radio. Tom Crann, who has served as regional host of the station’s flagship evening news program for two decades, announced Friday that he’s moving to YourClassical MPR.
Minnesota license centers see long wait times as Real ID deadline nears
Real ID deadlines came and went for years. But now, with the actual deadline next month, people who weren't sure if the requirement would ever be implemented are now waiting hours to get their new IDs.
Partnerships may pave the way to a more environmentally focused future in the mining industry
Tribal nations in Minnesota have long raised concerns about pollution from taconite mines on the state’s Iron Range. The mining industry has been trying to find ways to produce iron using renewable energy. The University of Minnesota is conducting a study of what it calls ‘next generation steel’ to understand the economic and environmental benefits.
Minnesota baseball lovers make a pitch to honor bygone ballpark, 2 historic St. Paul teams
The St. Paul Saints and St. Paul Colored Gophers played ball in the early 1900s at a tiny ballpark near the Capitol called the Pillbox. The Colored Gophers were a vital piece of Black baseball history nationally. A local historian is lobbying now for a public commemoration of the site.
Health department issues new warning about eating fish from some Minnesota lakes with ‘forever chemicals’
The changes to the fish consumption guidelines affect about 44 water bodies in 10 counties, in both the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals widely used for decades in consumer products to resist water, stains and grease.
In a first, Minnesota prison hosts official chess tournament
On Thursday, for the first time, people incarcerated in a state prison in Minnesota played in an official chess tournament. Organizers and prison officials — and the people playing — say the game teaches and reinforces important life skills.
Train, semi collide in southern Minnesota — again
For the second time this month, there’s been a collision between a semi and a train in southern Minnesota.