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.

New tools, old ways help Duluth violin builder create an ancient sound
From a modest workshop, Dan Larson turned his love of music, history and woodworking into a life building violins, lutes and and other stringed instruments. He’s known internationally for creating sounds that reach back to the 16th century.
Red River Valley woman helps immigrants chase the American dream
Fowzia Adde knows inspiration can come from the darkest times. Seven years spent in a refugee camp in Kenya as a teenager fuels her drive to help immigrants succeed in Fargo-Moorhead. 
Guinness World Records certifies Eagan ice maze as world’s largest
Eagan’s Minnesota Ice Festival is now home to the world’s largest ice maze, according to the Guinness World Records organization. The 18,000-square-foot ice maze was certified in its category during a wintery ceremony Friday at TCO Stadium.
Investigation clears Duluth mayor’s campaign manager and partner
An external investigation commissioned by the city of Duluth has found Mayor Roger Reinert’s partner and campaign manager Amber Gurske did not act improperly through her communications with city staff early in his administration.
Lack of snow has some northern Minnesota businesses struggling
A second consecutive wimpy winter in northern Minnesota is hurting small businesses that rely on snow to drive winter tourism, especially those that cater to snowmobilers.
Ahead of federal decree, policing alternatives moved forward in Minneapolis in 2024
The federal consent decree, which contains many of the same proposed mandates as the city’s agreement with the state, requires the city of Minneapolis to consider policing alternatives meant to reduce racial disparities. The city made progress along those lines in 2024, but challenges remain.
Minneapolis man charged with stealing $7.3 million in Medicaid fraud scheme
Investigators allege the Minneapolis man billed Medicaid through his company, 1-0 Granny’s Helpful Hands, for services it did not actually provide. The charges follow a similar case last month and come as the state looks to clamp down on entitlement program fraud.