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.

A closer look at how the harm reduction strategy plays out in Minneapolis
In Minnesota, deadly drug overdoses doubled between 2018 and 2023. In Minneapolis, those deaths are disproportionately represented. In 2022, Minneapolis had nearly a quarter of the opioid deaths in the state, while the city only makes up eight percent of the population.
Dwindling snowpack causes Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon to move farther north
Warm temperatures and a dwindling snowpack have forced organizers of this year’s John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in northeast Minnesota to move the starting location north of Two Harbors instead of near Duluth.
At Welch Village, people living with disability learn courage through skiing
For decades, people living with disabilities have hit the slopes at Welch Village ski resort. They ski, they snowboard and enjoy being outside — all as students in the Courage Kenny adaptive ski program through Allina Health. 
Northstar commuter trains from Minneapolis to Big Lake could be replaced with bus service
After more than 15 years, the days of Northstar commuter rail service between Minneapolis and Big Lake may be numbered. MnDOT and the Met Council are considering replacing Northstar commuter trains through the northwest Twin Cities metro area with buses.
Competitive swimmers break the ice to create inaugural swim meet at Lake Johanna
In just a few short months, organizers of an ice swimming competition pulled together an event that brought together a hundred swimmers from all over the world. They competed on Saturday in the inaugural ice swimming race on a Minnesota lake, where the water was just 36 degrees.
This Black northern Minnesota inventor changed the world. Many Minnesotans don’t know him
Frederick McKinley Jones invented refrigerated shipping, allowing trucks and trains to move food worldwide. The self-taught engineer who lived in Hallock held dozens of patents that transformed America, yet Minnesotans might be hard-pressed to recognize his name.
Beekeepers say catastrophic honeybee losses are cause for alarm
Commercial beekeepers across the country are reporting sudden deaths of honey bee colonies. One industry official called the losses unprecedented.