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.

Prosecution of man accused of shooting neighbor paused after 2nd incompetency finding
The Hennepin County Attorney’s office announced Thursday it is pausing prosecution against John Sawchak, who allegedly shot his next door neighbor last October.  Sawchak, who is white, allegedly used racial slurs to harass and threaten his neighbor, Davis Moturi, who is Black. 
After federal firings, officials worry about program that helps many Minnesotans pay for heat
Minnesota was scheduled to receive an additional $12 million to $13 million in LIHEAP funds to help another 10,000 households. If that payment is delayed, the program could run out of money by mid-April.
April storm leads to second day of school delays, e-learning days across Minnesota
Many school districts across central and northern Minnesota are starting classes late Thursday morning — or moving to online learning — to give crews more time to clear streets and highways, after a spring storm dropped more than a foot of snow.
Unemployment extension for laid-off mine workers gets tangled up at Capitol
Two proposals include unemployment insurance benefit extensions. The Republican-sponsored one would tie the unemployment benefits to environmental regulation changes. A more-compact version has advanced, however.
Fired or frustrated federal workers may have eager employers waiting for them in Minnesota
For federal workers, the past few months have been filled with uncertainty as the Trump administration pushes ahead with efforts to reduce the size of government agencies. But whether they are forced or choose to leave, those workers may find employers eager to hire them.
Unusually high amount of cattail mosquitoes expected this summer
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District predicts there will be four times as many cattails this summer compared to last year.
St. Paul closes Alliance Bank Center skyway
St. Paul city officials announced in a Wednesday press release that connections through Osborn370 and Treasure Island Center on the building’s southwest end will remain open. The remaining connections have been shut down. Drivers can still enter one of the building’s parking ramps from its Cedar Street Entrance.