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.

Therapists forge ahead with telehealth — not knowing if they'll be paid
With the stay-at-home order, mental health care has moved from therapists’ offices to the internet or the phone. Private insurance companies are still figuring out exactly what telehealth services they will cover. But when they do, those changes could stick after the coronavirus pandemic ends.
April 7 update on COVID-19 in MN: 34 dead, 64 in ICU; Walz eyes 'refined' stay-home order
Gov. Tim Walz offered a glimmer of hope Tuesday on the arc of COVID-19 even as Minnesota’s total cases jumped above 1,000. The governor signaled he’ll extend his current stay-at-home order, with some tweaks, past Friday.
‘Churches will stay empty until it's safe’: Martin Co. pastor adjusts ministry amid coronavirus
This year, Holy Week comes almost exactly a month after Minnesota confirmed its first case of COVID-19, and several weeks into subsequent social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders. For St. James and many congregations, a time of reunion has become a time of separation.
April 6 update on COVID-19 in MN: 30 dead, 57 in ICU, Walz eyes extending restrictions
As the count of cases, hospitalizations and deaths rose, Gov. Tim Walz said Monday afternoon that he's assessing his two-week stay-at-home order “sector-by-sector,” but he strongly indicated some restrictions will stay in place past Friday.
 Is it safe — and ethical — to send your child to day care?
Parents of Minnesota’s littlest learners are facing a dilemma: Do they continue sending their kids to child care during the COVID-19 pandemic? Minnesota’s stay-at-home order does not prohibit families from taking their kids to day care, but officials note that the goal is to keep providers open specifically for the children of emergency workers.
Even outside on a trail, 6 feet of distance is necessary
While many parks and trails are open in Minnesota, the DNR says people must follow the governor’s rules on social distancing, stay close to home and avoid crowded parks.
Daily dose of sweetness: After season ends, high school robotics team finds new mission to help the community
“We had so many robotics projects that we still wanted to do,” said Northeast Range junior Oskar Koivisto. “We had a little discussion, and we said, ‘what’s a project that we can (quickly) do that would be good for our robotics team as well as benefit our community?’ “
April 5 update on COVID-19 in MN: Death toll now at 29; state releases list of affected long-term care facilities
State health officials reported Sunday that 29 people in Minnesota have died from COVID-19, up from 24 the previous day. Meanwhile the overall number of confirmed cases in the state increased to 935 on Sunday, among the largest single-day increases in cases so far in Minnesota.
Daily dose of sweetness: Church's new bells ring out, offer reminder of community
“We want to remind everybody that’s isolated in their homes or apartments that we are one community … and to ring out hope and courage to our community every day until we get through this,” said Westminster Presbyterian Church senior pastor Tim Hart-Andersen.