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.

Minnesota's year in photos: Pandemic, protests, people
The state faced COVID-19, racial reckoning and record-setting weather in 2021. Photojournalists working with MPR News captured a lot of hardship, happiness and hope. Here’s a look at what they saw.
The first renovated 'living building' in the world is here in MN
A lodge at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minn., is the first renovation project in the world to receive full Living Building Challenge certification. The executive director of Wolf Ridge told host Cathy Wurzer more about the unique, cutting-edge sustainability features of the building.
Winter storm drops 18 inches of snow on parts of Minnesota
Snow totals reached 18 inches in parts of Minnesota on Monday morning, as a winter storm continued to drop snow and freezing rain on the region.
Jury finds Potter guilty of manslaughter in Daunte Wright killing
A Hennepin County jury on Thursday found ex-Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter guilty of first- and second-degree manslaughter in the April 11 traffic stop killing of Daunte Wright. She was led out of the court in handcuffs.
A Norwegian Christmas Eve tradition rings on in Renville County
At the center of Wang Township, you’ll find a small, white clapboard church called Vestre Sogn. It means “Western Parish” in Norwegian. For more than 50 years, a man named Robert Lerohl has walked over to the small, unpretentious church to ring in the Christmas holiday.
Squirrels force St. Paul park to scale back holiday lights
Hungry squirrels are forcing a downtown St. Paul park to scale back its Christmas lights display. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the Friends of Mears Park had to reduce and reconfigure its display this year because a troop of squirrels chewed through the wires last year and the vendor refused to go through the ordeal again this year. 
Vigil, march highlight Minnesota’s homeless struggles as winter begins
Homeless advocates in Minnesota say there aren’t enough resources across the state to provide shelter for everyone who needs it. A recent Minneapolis march remembered those who died too young in 2021.