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.

Sid Hartman turns 100: Milestone birthday for Minnesota newsman
“I have followed the advice that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” longtime Star Tribune sports columnist Sid Hartman wrote in Sunday’s paper. “Even at 100 I can say I still love what I do.”
Walz announces temporary closure of Minnesota K-12 public schools
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Sunday that he is ordering K-12 public schools across the state to close by Wednesday and remain closed through March 27 in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Freeport asks travelers to help save smiling water tower
Freeport’s smiling water tower is a landmark along Interstate 94 in central Minnesota. But it’s in need of repairs, and a local group is spearheading a GoFundMe fundraiser to "Save the Smile."
Number of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota grows to 21
The Minnesota Department of Health on Saturday reported that 21 Minnesotans have now tested positive for COVID-19, up from 14 on Friday.
Minnesota Opera postpones premiere of 'Edward Tulane' due to coronavirus
Opera leader says the organization found itself in a precarious balance as it weighed going ahead or shutting down a production, years in the making.
Minneapolis City Council OKs deal to close Minnesota's last Kmart
The Minneapolis City Council on Friday approved the termination of its lease agreement with Kmart. The city will pay more than $9 million to end the contract the city signed more than 40 years ago.
Minnesota DNR: Wild deer in Dakota County tests positive for CWD
A wild deer in Dakota County has tested positive for chronic wasting disease, the first case of the fatal brain disease discovered in that area of Minnesota, state wildlife officials said Friday.
Census 2020: Minn. cities move to make sure renters get counted
State officials say renters are the most under-counted group in Minnesota. And those residents could make the difference in determining whether the state holds on to an eighth Congressional seat.
St. Paul educators reach tentative contract deal, call off strike
The union representing and the district announced they had reached a tentative settlement at about 3 a.m. this morning. The union told members to report to work this afternoon, although schools will remain closed Friday.
Rural towns insulated from coronavirus now may take a harder hit later
The coronavirus will likely take longer to reach remote rural communities but may be more devastating. Though there may not be public transit or big crowds, rural areas are vulnerable in other ways.