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.

Winter Play: How polar explorer Ann Bancroft finds magic in the winter
Polar explorer Ann Bancroft might be winter’s biggest champion. But Bancroft, who’s set records traveling to the North and South Poles, and crossing Antarctica, says the key to surviving our coldest months is to tap into your inner child. 
Pain, joy, solitude share the trail in Minnesota's 'world's toughest race'
The Arrowhead 135 winter ultra race tests athletes like no other competition. Some run it to test their survival savvy. Others come to test their spirit in the frozen, lonely North Woods. Every competitor has a story.
Food shelf visits leaped last year in Minnesota, advocates say
Food security advocates were at the Capitol pushing for speedy passage of a state emergency food relief bill, with $5 million to feed Minnesotans in need.
About darn time: Blizzo wins big in MnDOT's 'Name a Snowplow' contest
Blizzo, Clearopathtra, Han Snowlo and five other newly named plows will soon be clearing snow from state highways. The Minnesota Department of Transportation unveiled the winning names Wednesday. Blizzo came in second to “Yer a Blizzard, Harry.”
Slow but 'fruitful' negotiations continue in state consent decree of MPD
Officials with the city of Minneapolis say they’re making progress in negotiations with the state that could lead to a consent decree governing the Minneapolis Police Department’s policies and practices.  
Winter Play: Melting the stress of frigid cold at a Minnesota bath house
As winter cold bites deep, MPR News is celebrating the best of the season through a new series called Winter Play. Our staff across the state set out to try a new-to-them winter pastime. MPR News producer Samantha Matsumoto and reporter Simone Cazares visited Watershed Spa in northeast Minneapolis to take a much-needed break from winter. 
Hibernating bear saved after getting stuck in melting snow near Roseau, Minn.
DNR officials believe the nearly 400-pound bear was hibernating in a culvert when it was forced out by melting snow. It wound up stuck in deep snow beside a road and farm fields. Passersby apparently tried to feed and dig out the bear.
Bill to slow catalytic converter theft races forward at MN Capitol
Minnesota is an attractive target for catalytic converter thieves. A series of proposals to head off their theft and resale is on the move at the Legislature.
Two Black Minnesota police chiefs on what went wrong with policing in Memphis
Calls for police reform have stepped up again after Tyre Nichols was fatally beaten last month by officers in Memphis. MPR News Host Angela Davis talks about the future of policing with two Black Minnesota police chiefs, Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges and Eagan Police Chief Roger New.