Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now

Special Coverage

Minnesota is armoring its shorelines with rocks, but lakes are paying a price

Minnesota is armoring its shorelines with rocks, but lakes are paying a price

Homeowners increasingly layer rocks on their shores to prevent lake shorelines from eroding. But experts say rock riprap increases pollution and warms lakes, creating conditions that spur algae blooms. And often, it’s not necessary.
by Kirsti Marohn

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Four Minneapolis officers were accused of excessive force — and now train other police

Four Minneapolis officers were accused of excessive force — and now train other police

The Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot Amir Locke and until recently led MPD’s use-of-force training is not the only trainer whose record has raised concerns over the department’s commitment to changing its culture.
by Cari Spencer

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
In new U study, questions resurface over wakesurfing’s impact on Minnesota lakes

In new U study, questions resurface over wakesurfing’s impact on Minnesota lakes

Newly released University of Minnesota research finds wakesurfing in water that’s too shallow can damage lake quality. The study could revive calls for statewide restrictions and may churn the debate over the state’s changing lake culture.
by Kirsti Marohn

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Minneapolis officer who fatally shot Amir Locke heads MPD’s new use-of-force training

Minneapolis officer who fatally shot Amir Locke heads MPD’s new use-of-force training

Police chief Brian O’Hara said Sgt. Mark Hanneman, who’s been with MPD for nearly a decade,  is an “outstanding” trainer committed to bringing positive change to MPD. But Locke’s family and other community members say nothing justifies placing the officer who shot and killed a 22-year-old Black man at the helm of use-of-force training. 
by Cari Spencer

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
‘Sticker shock’: Inflation, Ozempic drive health care costs higher for Minnesota schools

‘Sticker shock’: Inflation, Ozempic drive health care costs higher for Minnesota schools

School districts across Minnesota are struggling to contain double-digit health insurance cost increases. Some officials say inflation and accelerating prescription costs, especially for new weight loss drugs, are to blame. 
by Elizabeth Shockman

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Late DFL leader Melissa Hortman remembered as ‘shining light,’ consensus builder

Late DFL leader Melissa Hortman remembered as ‘shining light,’ consensus builder

During her two decades in elected office, Melissa Hortman positioned herself as a consensus builder and DFLer willing to work with Republicans. “Everybody liked her and respected her on both sides of the aisle,” said former GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
by Tom Scheck and Clay Masters

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
These 11 Minnesotans reflect the richness of Hmong culture in the state

These 11 Minnesotans reflect the richness of Hmong culture in the state

To honor 50 years of Hmong refugee resettlement and immigration to Minnesota, MPR News highlighted Hmong Minnesotans throughout the month who are making a difference in our state. From a park naturalist to a soccer coach, these are our ChangeMakers.
by Lisa Ryan and Kyra Miles

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Photo essay: My five years photographing George Floyd Square

Photo essay: My five years photographing George Floyd Square

MPR News visual journalist Ben Hovland lives minutes from where Minneapolis police killed George Floyd in 2020 and has spent the years since documenting the impact on his neighborhood.
by Ben Hovland

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Many Minneapolis residents near Derek Chauvin‘s old precinct don't trust police. Cops say they are working on it

Many Minneapolis residents near Derek Chauvin‘s old precinct don't trust police. Cops say they are working on it

While the police department works to make court-mandated changes and replenish its ranks with new hires, neighbors anxiously await transformation. But that task is a steeper climb in the 3rd Precinct, where George Floyd was murdered, turning the neighborhood into an epicenter of unrest.
by Cari Spencer

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Red tape, rising costs slow efforts to rebuild businesses burned after Floyd’s murder

Red tape, rising costs slow efforts to rebuild businesses burned after Floyd’s murder

Five years after George Floyd’s killing set off nights of destruction, vacant lots and broken buildings remain along Lake Street and other Minneapolis business districts. Some business owners say money woes and city zoning rules have made it hard to rebuild.
by Estelle Timar-Wilcox

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!