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.

How ‘virtual’ power plants could help Minnesota charge toward a clean energy future
As it gets more expensive and costly to build traditional power plants and electric distribution systems, so-called “virtual power plants” could play an increasingly important role in meeting Minnesota’s clean energy goals.
First Avenue workers ratify first union contract
More than 200 workers at First Avenue and all of the music venues it owns and operates have ratified their first union contract.
Minnesota nonprofits ride waves of tumult from Trump's spending freeze attempts
President Donald Trump’s federal spending freeze was recently blocked by a judge, but the tumult leaves Minnesota’s nearly 9,000 nonprofits and tax-exempt entities that receive federal money wondering what’s next.
Minnesota weighs cell phone ban, restrictions in K-12 schools
The law would require all elementary and middle schools to prohibit cell phones and high schools to restrict cell phone usage in classrooms.
From territory to today: Mapping Minnesota’s Black history
In celebration of Black History Month in February, MPR News is highlighting Black history throughout the state. From a fur trader believed to be one of the first African descendants in a territory that is now Minnesota, to streets and parks renamed in 2024 after Black community leaders, these sites span the state and the centuries.
Minneapolis moves forward on proposal to shift violence prevention programs to the county
After a long and sometimes heated discussion Monday afternoon, the Minneapolis City Council agreed to move forward with a controversial proposal to shift around $1.2 million to Hennepin County so that it can temporarily take over the management of two city violence prevention programs. 
Weekend fires in Minnesota leave four people dead
Two people died Sunday in a midday garage fire in St. Paul, and two people died in a late-night house fire near Pine City.
NASCAR on ice? Cars, community drive Minnesota’s frozen lake racers
Cars traveling at high speeds on glare ice might sound like a disaster in the making. But for dozens of drivers in Otter Tail County, it’s a recipe for winter fun. Meet the Bass Lake racers.