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.

Why a rural energy co-op is getting involved in housing
Affordable housing is in short supply around the state. In a small community a few minutes north of Rochester, one energy co-op is launching a new initiative to add to the supply.
Hundreds of DWI cases in doubt after breathalyzer goof
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has ordered law enforcement agencies statewide to inspect and verify their breathalyzer machines after calibration errors made hundreds of DWI tests inadmissible in court. The agency has also suspended use of the devices until they’re reviewed and will now handle all future maintenance to prevent similar mistakes.
5 candidates vie for St. Paul mayor
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter is facing off against four other candidates who want his job. As Carter seeks a third term at the helm of the city, his record is being scrutinized by three candidates who are newcomers to city politics and a state representative who has represented the city since 2019.
Family sues Crow Wing County over 2024 death of man in jail
Robert Slaybaugh, 57, was booked into the jail in February 2024 on suspicion of drunk driving. He was later found unresponsive in his cell. The lawsuit claims the county ignored red flags that he was at risk of suicide.
MEA school break crowds take off at MSP, with shutdown looming over air travel
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport expects a surge in travelers during this week’s MEA school break, with Thursday expected to be busiest. While staffing is strong locally, officials say that the ongoing federal government shutdown could cause flight delays nationwide.
Lowertown St. Paul gallery spotlights Minnesota artists exploring gender and identity
A new Lowertown St. Paul exhibit brings together artists from across Minnesota whose work examines gender, queerness and the fight for justice — inspired by one family’s personal story.
Minnesota celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day
The second Monday of October is recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day in Minnesota. The day celebrates Indigenous culture, traditions and communities.
Minnesota woman on a quest to preserve stories of disappearing towns
Have you ever been to Basswood, Oylen or Luce, Minnesota? Photographer Laura Grisamore has been to them all. She has pictures, stories and a burning desire to preserve memories of towns in their twilight.
U of M researchers studying how CWD lingers and travels in environment
Four years ago, deer infected by chronic wasting disease were illegally dumped on public land in Beltrami County. Since then, a team from the University of Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach has been studying CWD’s effects on the environment. MNPRO’s study site is in rural Beltrami County, near Hines.