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.

Boundary Waters designated a dark sky sanctuary
Late last month the International Dark Sky Association designated the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as a dark sky sanctuary — one of only 13 in the world. It's part of a broader effort to promote the region along the border between northeastern Minnesota and Canada as a mecca for stargazers, and to protect its dark skies. 
Sept. 11 update on COVID-19 in MN: 13 deaths; moderate new case growth continues
Friday’s data release shows a significant jump in testing reported from the prior days — without an accompanying spike in new cases. If this proves to be more than a one-day outlier, it may suggest a real decline in new COVID-19 cases in Minnesota.
Students step in to refurbish computers as school needs rise
A middle school IT club has found a way to use their skills to revamp old computers at a time when distance learning has made such technology indispensable.
Photos: What going back to school looks like in a pandemic
It was an untraditional first week of school for thousands of students across Minnesota. Some returned to school buildings — wearing face masks and social distancing — for the first time since the spring, when the state suspended in-person learning as the pandemic took off. Others logged on to their laptops from home for distance learning. 
Sept. 10 update on COVID-19 in Minnesota: 15 deaths; moderate growth in new cases
Recent testing numbers remain low, which likely explains the moderate case growth. “We’re still likely seeing depressed numbers from over the holiday weekend,” Kris Ehresmann, the state’s infectious disease director, told reporters.
Trump, Biden surrogates bring campaign messages to Minnesota
Minnesota is getting extra attention from the campaigns of Donald Trump and Joe Biden this week. Donald Trump Jr. led a “Make America Great Again” rally in Duluth on Wednesday night. Jill Biden spent about an hour Wednesday morning touring an elementary school in Prior Lake and meeting education leaders in Minnesota.