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.

Forest Service announces 13 percent cut in Boundary Waters entry permits
About 23,000 fewer people will be allowed to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area each summer starting this year, according to newly released changes the U.S. Forest Service says are needed to relieve crowding and congestion and protect natural resources.
Duluth mayor orders 30-day mask mandate as COVID cases climb
“If you want to be mad at me, be mad at me. That’s what I’m here for. It’s still the right decision,” Emily Larson said Thursday as she announced a mask mandate for indoor public gathering spaces for people older than 5.
What's it like to be in high school during the omicron surge?
As COVID-19 sweeps through schools and some return to distance learning, we heard first-hand accounts of what life is like in school during the pandemic from high schoolers around the Twin Cities.
Remembering environmentalist Sigurd Olson, 40 years after his passing
Forty years ago, on Jan. 13, 1982, environmentalist icon Sigurd Olson passed away in Ely, Minn. To remember Olson, host Cathy Wurzer was joined by biographer David Backes, who recalled how Olson changed his life.
Twin Cities tightening COVID bar, restaurant rules as cases climb
With the virus spreading rapidly, Minneapolis and St. Paul will soon require proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test to enter places serving food and drink. Some worry the plan will spark new confrontations with patrons.
Reporter roundtable: The latest from Austin, Cloquet, Roseau
We're calling reporters from newspapers outside the Twin Cities metro area to hear what's happening in their neck of the woods. Wednesday, host Cathy Wurzer was joined by journalists from the Roseau Times-Region, Pine Knot News and the Austin Daily Herald.
Freeway fighter: A vision to replace I-35 in Duluth gains momentum
What started as one student's seemingly far-fetched idea to remove Interstate 35 from downtown Duluth is picking up momentum. The plan is part of a growing nationwide movement to convert freeways into urban boulevards.
Fire crews are fighting a large fire at a condemned hotel in Duluth in subzero conditions. Fire officials say the roof of the old Seaway Hotel in the Lincoln Park Craft District has collapsed and all firefighters have been pulled out of the building Monday.
New era in Minneapolis as more power shifts to mayor
As Minneapolis elected officials are inaugurated Monday morning, they'll be taking office under a new city governmental structure which gives the mayor more executive authority. But exactly how that new structure is implemented will likely play out over the next few months or years.