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.

Intelligence Squared debate: Is it time for slavery reparations?
A top aide to President Joe Biden recently said that the White House will “start acting now” on reparations for African Americans. Some say it’s long overdue. Reparations, they say, are important to start to address the moral injury slavery inflicted. Others say direct payments to African Americans will divide the Black community, exaggerate racial tensions and prove impossible to administer.
March 16 update on COVID-19 in MN: Vaccination pace stumbles; pandemic data stable
Officials believe they’re in a race now to vaccinate Minnesotans quickly enough to avoid another statewide COVID-19 surge. But on Tuesday they reported only about 7,500 more vaccinations, down significantly from the prior week.
Why is it taking so long to get high-speed internet to all of greater Minnesota? 
MPR News host Angela Davis talks to Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove and the president and CEO of the Blandin Foundation about how the pandemic underscored the need for better broadband. 
March 15 update on COVID-19 in MN: Vaccination pace flat; Carver Co. worries grow
Active case counts have been rising slowly over the past week, upping the urgency to get people vaccinated quickly. Officials are increasingly concerned about a Carver County outbreak that includes two deaths and the very contagious U.K. strain.
Pandemic brought more people outdoors — and parks are planning for a busier future
The pandemic has inspired a surge of interest in outdoor recreation. Some in the industry predict lasting interest in being outside, long after the pandemic and its demand for social distancing have passed.
February cold snap likely helped Minnesota's fight against emerald ash borer
A month ago, Minnesota was locked in temperatures well below zero. A silver lining of that February cold snap may be that it caused a big setback for the destructive emerald ash borer's spread across Minnesota forests.
March 14 update on COVID-19 in MN: Vaccination pace rises; uptick in active cases
The pace of vaccinations in Minnesota increased on Sunday, to an average of more than 43,000 doses daily over the past week — the highest on record. At the same time, the number of active COVID-19 cases in Minnesota continued to rise.
Why America is moving: Money, space, family, lifestyle...
2020 made moving a reality for millions. Some moved to be near family. Others achieved their pipe dreams of moving to distant locations in pursuit of a better lifestyle and cheaper cost of living.
MPCA wants to change some clean water rules. What does that mean?
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says that the standards haven't changed much since the 1960s, and are based on outdated science. Environmental groups worry the proposed changes could lead to more pollution.
March 13 update on COVID-19 in MN: 'Normalcy' finally within reach?
If you’re a Minnesotan waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine shot and hoping for a return to pre-pandemic life, this was a pretty good week. Restrictions are easing. The vaccination pace is up and officials expect it will only accelerate.