Twin Cities News

Stay informed about Twin Cities news with local stories, breaking news, and more from MPR News, your hub for the latest updates in Twin Cities Minnesota.

What to know about the ‘strong mayor’ ballot amendment in Minneapolis
Minneapolis voters in November will have the chance to decide whether the city’s governmental structure needs to be revamped to give the mayor more executive authority over city agencies. 
The Yes 4 Minneapolis charter amendment, explained
Minneapolis will have the opportunity to weigh in on a proposal that would replace the Minneapolis Police Department with a new Department of Public Safety. Here’s what voters should know.
Donated goods for homeless people and trailer storing them disappear
The organizer of the Thanksgiving Day Free Store said someone cut the locks off the trailer and towed it away from the St. Louis Park church where she'd been storing it.
St. Paul police are investigating three separate fatal shootings early Sunday. Authorities said the shootings are the 19th, 20th and 21st homicides in the city this year.
State Fair vendors hope to make lemonade from COVID's lemons
The Minnesota State Fair opens its gates Thursday for the first time since 2019. Many will be glad to get back to the end-of-summer tradition, after one of the most trying years of their lifetimes.
Art Hounds recommend a show on the future without honeybees, touring farms and parks
Plus, the Duluth Superior Film Festival highlights diverse Minnesota filmmakers, and the “Creature Comforts” exhibit at Fresh Eye Gallery offers an encouraging space in stressful times.
Minnesota plans to spend $700 million to reduce ‘forever chemical’ water pollution in east metro
The plan promises to create more water treatment capacity and help homeowners who use wells to address pollution from PFAS — human-made chemicals known for their ability to repel water and tendency not to break down.
State Fair won't mandate masks, receives pushback
Organizers are strongly encouraging people to wear face masks and will require them in some cases. “Mandating masks fairgrounds-wide would be extremely difficult for our organization to enforce, so we are urging you to pitch in and do what’s right,” says health guidance from the fair.
Census data forces Minnesota lawmakers to grapple with remap
New census data has given legislators tasked with redrawing Minnesota’s political map a lot to think about, and they only have a few months to agree or to punt the high-stakes job to the courts.