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.

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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says that the standards haven't changed much since the 1960s, and are based on outdated science.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.
Minneapolis council approves $27M Floyd family settlement
It’s a record payout for the city. George Floyd was killed in May while in police custody. “If I could get him back, I would give all of this back,” Philonise Floyd, George’s brother, said of the settlement. “America, we need to heal. This nation needs healing. Our family needs healing.”
March 12 update on COVID-19 in MN: Vaccinations up; U campuses to reopen fully in fall
New numbers show vaccinations heading in the right direction. The University of Minnesota said Friday it will return to full on-campus operations for the fall semester as Gov. Tim Walz eases COVID-19 restrictions. Other schools are likely to follow.
Planners rethink Bottineau light rail line in wake of rail dispute
The reconsideration comes after years of haggling over the initially preferred alternative for the line. It also follows the death of George Floyd, which turned international focus on racial equity in Minnesota and helped spur new calls for the light rail line to provide better service to the heart of north Minneapolis.