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.

Behind the MN numbers: What election 2016 says about 2020
President Donald Trump came close to winning Minnesota in 2016. Here’s where his support came from and why he outperformed many previous Republican presidential candidates in the state.
After pledging to defund police, Mpls. City Council still rethinking public safety
While it remains to be seen where those efforts to vastly reimagine public safety will land, an MPR News survey of Minneapolis council members show that there’s still significant common ground among them for changing the city’s relationship with the Police Department, including transferring police responsibilities to social workers, leaving police to focus on responding to and investigating crime. 
Floyd killing: Judge keeps 1 murder charge against Chauvin, drops another
A Hennepin County judge Thursday dismissed the third-degree murder charge against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter remain, as do aiding and abetting charges against three other former officers.
Hotel stays help dozens experiencing homelessness find more permanent homes
Hennepin County moved people, especially those most vulnerable to the worst effects of COVID-19, from shelters into private rooms in five hotels. The plan was to reduce crowding and protect people most at risk. There was another benefit: 56 people have moved into permanent housing since the start of the hotel efforts.
Ramsey County moves forward with converting Bethesda Hospital to homeless shelter
The Ramsey County Board Tuesday unanimously agreed to move forward with an agreement that will allow the county to convert part of the complex into a 100-bed homeless shelter, blocks from the state Capitol.
Justice Department offers assistance to Minneapolis police
Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said he hopes the city takes advantage of the assistance offer, saying it could provide important support for training and policies.
Court hears arguments in suit over Minneapolis police staffing
Residents who brought the lawsuit say the City Council's push to dismantle the Police Department has led to a wave of officers to seek retirement and medical leaves. And they say the lack of officers has made their neighborhoods dangerous. 
Anoka’s huge Halloween festival returns to its roots amid pandemic
This year marks a century of Halloween celebrations for the Twin Cities suburb. While COVID-19 is forcing Anoka to rein in many of its traditions, the 2020 festival has not been canceled. Here’s what the “Halloween Capital of the World” has planned.
Sexual assault charges dropped against Renaissance Festival manager
Jury selection had been set to start Monday in the trial of Carr L. Hagerman, 62. Scott County prosecutors say he raped a freelance photographer on the Renaissance Festival grounds in September 2017.