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.

Portraits of Valor: Dick Kern, 94, Army
Flying has always been the passion of Dick Kern’s life. He started with model airplanes, then manned the tail gun of a B-24 bomber in World War II.
'We’re all one paycheck away': More Minnesotans flocking to food shelves
As more Minnesotans lose their jobs because of COVID-19, local food shelves are seeing a surge in first-time visitors needing emergency food services — and the demand doesn’t look like it’ll let up anytime soon. About 1 in 3 Minnesotans say they’re worried about affording groceries and healthy food.
'I didn't want him to feel alone': A daughter's complicated goodbye to her father
Civil war scattered Mohamed Omer’s family more than 30 years ago. He spent his life trying to unscatter them. Just a few years after finally arriving in Minnesota, on April 29, he died of COVID-19.
May 21 update on COVID-19 in MN: 809 dead; restrictions hurt, frustrations grow
State health leaders faced growing questions over Minnesota’s COVID-19 strategy and the toll it’s taken on religious services, graduations and other life rituals. They acknowledged the cost but cautioned that moving too quickly could worsen the pain.
Walz to give state employees promised raise
Lawmakers can only approve or reject the contracts, not modify them, Walz’s administration said Wednesday in a move certain to rile GOP leaders who wanted a hold on raises they view as unaffordable in the COVID-19 era.
Falcon Heights grounds homeowner's plan for a big front yard garden
Quentin Nguyen thought building a big, front yard garden would be a great community building experience. Some of his neighbors had other thoughts on the matter.
Unemployment claims up — way up — among Asian Minnesotans
At a time when Asian Americans are reporting experiences with bigoted abuse because of COVID-19, they’re also reporting a surge in unemployment. The trend has created uncertainty about how Asian-owned businesses will survive. 
May 20 update on COVID-19 in MN: Walz plan slow-walks bar, restaurant restarts
In moves certain to see pushback, Gov. Tim Walz Wednesday unveiled plans to let bars and restaurants serve sit-down customers beginning June 1 — but only at outdoor tables. He loosened other curbs but wouldn’t put dates to when vital parts of daily life could resume.