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📷: The Minnesota Capitol building just after sunset on a spring evening, by Brian Bakst | MPR News.
📷: The Minnesota Capitol building just after sunset on a spring evening, by Brian Bakst | MPR News.
“It’s Brown and Gravitte’s work as the older Allie and Noah that stays with me — a reminder of how rarely actors their age get roles this rich,” writes arts and culture reporter Jacob Aloi in his review of “The Notebook” at The Ordway. The musical runs through Nov. 30.
In ‘The Notebook,’ the smallest moments of recognition hit hardest
At the Ordway, “The Notebook” becomes a vivid study of love that endures even when memory doesn’t.
www.mprnews.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:30 PM
“It’s Brown and Gravitte’s work as the older Allie and Noah that stays with me — a reminder of how rarely actors their age get roles this rich,” writes arts and culture reporter Jacob Aloi in his review of “The Notebook” at The Ordway. The musical runs through Nov. 30.
Minnesota state and Twin Cities metro REALTOR Associations report more homes were listed last month at lower rates but fewer sales were made compared to October 2024. Pending sales fell both in the metro and statewide during the same timeframe.
Realtor groups report softer demand in October home sales data
The groups attribute the softer demand to several factors, including a weakening labor market and rising inflation.
www.mprnews.org
November 20, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Minnesota state and Twin Cities metro REALTOR Associations report more homes were listed last month at lower rates but fewer sales were made compared to October 2024. Pending sales fell both in the metro and statewide during the same timeframe.
Three ex-Clear Lake employees are accused of embezzling over $200,000 - nearly half of the town's annual property tax revenue - by overstating work hours and misusing city-issued credit cards.
Charges: Ex-employees embezzled a fifth of town's revenue
Three former municipal employees in Clear Lake, Minn., are charged with embezzling $201,000, or nearly half of the city’s annual property tax revenue and a fifth of its entire budget.
www.mprnews.org
November 20, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Three ex-Clear Lake employees are accused of embezzling over $200,000 - nearly half of the town's annual property tax revenue - by overstating work hours and misusing city-issued credit cards.
Research by the University of Minnesota's Mapping Prejudice Project has uncovered hundreds of racist property deeds in Sherburne County. Nearly all the properties were clustered around lakes, and 90 percent were added after 1948. Racial covenants became illegal in Minnesota in 1953.
U of M’s Mapping Prejudice Project reveals racist deeds around Sherburne County lakes
Researchers found 356 properties with racial covenants in Sherburne County, nearly all clustered around lakes. Most were added after 1948, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled such restrictions were unen...
www.mprnews.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Research by the University of Minnesota's Mapping Prejudice Project has uncovered hundreds of racist property deeds in Sherburne County. Nearly all the properties were clustered around lakes, and 90 percent were added after 1948. Racial covenants became illegal in Minnesota in 1953.
Erik Alarcon, whose uncle and cousin were detained in Tuesday's operation, says the family had planned to gather for Thanksgiving next week. Now, they’re trying to figure out where their relatives were taken and whether they can contact them.
'We’re very in the dark': Families say they can’t reach loved ones detained in St. Paul ICE operation
Families and advocates say they’re trying to reach their loved ones who were detained at a St. Paul manufacturer during a federal law enforcement operation on Tuesday.
www.mprnews.org
November 19, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Erik Alarcon, whose uncle and cousin were detained in Tuesday's operation, says the family had planned to gather for Thanksgiving next week. Now, they’re trying to figure out where their relatives were taken and whether they can contact them.
Tomso worked previously as vice president of academic engagement and student affairs at the University of West Florida. He was one of 99 applicants for the St. Cloud State position and beat out three other finalists.
New president chosen for St. Cloud State University
Gregory Tomso is on sabbatical from his previous role as vice president of academic engagement and student affairs at the University of West Florida. He will take over on Jan. 5.
www.mprnews.org
November 19, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Tomso worked previously as vice president of academic engagement and student affairs at the University of West Florida. He was one of 99 applicants for the St. Cloud State position and beat out three other finalists.
Jessie Diggins has won three Olympic medals, three World Cup titles and seven world championship medals in her career — most of which the 34-year-old won while competing with glitter on her cheeks.
Minnesotan Jessie Diggins announces upcoming retirement from ski racing
Diggins has won three Olympic medals, three World Cup titles and seven world championship medals in her career — most of which the 34-year-old won while competing with glitter on her cheeks.
www.mprnews.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Jessie Diggins has won three Olympic medals, three World Cup titles and seven world championship medals in her career — most of which the 34-year-old won while competing with glitter on her cheeks.
The new song “Caroline” by Sleeping Jesus evokes the feeling of real heartbreak but it’s built from imagination, not experience. Lead singer Nick Elstad says after decades of making music, the process still astonishes him.
Sleeping Jesus turns imagined heartbreak into song
Behind Sleeping Jesus’ new track “Caroline” is a surprising twist: the heartbreak is imagined, but the emotion is real.
www.mprnews.org
November 19, 2025 at 6:20 PM
The new song “Caroline” by Sleeping Jesus evokes the feeling of real heartbreak but it’s built from imagination, not experience. Lead singer Nick Elstad says after decades of making music, the process still astonishes him.
The BCA said it’s initial investigation found that a deputy attempted to arrest Hoie on an outstanding warrant, while Joie was at a gas station along U.S. Highway 2 in Bagley. There was an altercation, and Hoie fled in his pickup truck.
Authorities ID man fatally shot by sheriff’s deputy in Bagley
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has identified the man who was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy in Clearwater County last week.
www.mprnews.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:40 PM
The BCA said it’s initial investigation found that a deputy attempted to arrest Hoie on an outstanding warrant, while Joie was at a gas station along U.S. Highway 2 in Bagley. There was an altercation, and Hoie fled in his pickup truck.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said 75-year-old Dennis Hoie of Bagley was shot and killed last Thursday by Clearwater County Deputy Noah Hallman.
Authorities ID man fatally shot by sheriff’s deputy in Bagley
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has identified the man who was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy in Clearwater County last week.
www.mprnews.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:40 PM
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said 75-year-old Dennis Hoie of Bagley was shot and killed last Thursday by Clearwater County Deputy Noah Hallman.
Minnesota seniors have a little less than three weeks to find and enroll in a Medicare health plan, and there's a lot of chaos in the marketplace right now. Navigating those changes? Here's advice.
Expert advice to navigate UCare and Medicare changes while buying health insurance
“The perfect storm has really hit us this year when it comes to Medicare and all the changes that are happening,” said Kelli Jo Greiner of the Minnesota Board on Aging.
www.mprnews.org
November 19, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Minnesota seniors have a little less than three weeks to find and enroll in a Medicare health plan, and there's a lot of chaos in the marketplace right now. Navigating those changes? Here's advice.
Minnesota lawmakers are deciding which projects to include in an upcoming public construction bill after they received more than $6.5 billion in requests. While there are dozens of appeals, there’s not enough money for all of it. The ultimate bill will include a small fraction of the requests.
Water pipes, fire stations, rec centers: Billions in project requests await Minnesota lawmakers
Lawmakers are weighing which projects to include in a public construction project bill after receiving more than $6.5 billion in requests from cities, public colleges and state agencies.
www.mprnews.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Minnesota lawmakers are deciding which projects to include in an upcoming public construction bill after they received more than $6.5 billion in requests. While there are dozens of appeals, there’s not enough money for all of it. The ultimate bill will include a small fraction of the requests.
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said there is additional public pressure to add restrictions on guns. That comes after the shooting death of a House DFL leader and wounding of a state senator and the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and Church that left two children dead.
Minn. Senate leader can’t imagine ‘26 session ending ‘without taking a vote’ on gun restrictions
Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says the Senate is expected to take a vote on proposals to ban assault-style weapons and add firearm restrictions next year.
www.mprnews.org
November 19, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said there is additional public pressure to add restrictions on guns. That comes after the shooting death of a House DFL leader and wounding of a state senator and the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and Church that left two children dead.
“I would say it's definitely not ideal to be going head-to-head in new markets, but I would also say that this group, this arena, you really can't, in my opinion, compete with what they offer,” said Scott Gorsline, co-chair of the Major League Volleyball Board of Directors.
Two professional women's volleyball leagues announce new Minnesota teams
Major League Volleyball announced Tuesday that a Minnesota team will join the indoor volleyball league. League One Volleyball revealed its new Minnesota team on Friday. Both leagues will start in 2027...
www.mprnews.org
November 19, 2025 at 1:49 AM
“I would say it's definitely not ideal to be going head-to-head in new markets, but I would also say that this group, this arena, you really can't, in my opinion, compete with what they offer,” said Scott Gorsline, co-chair of the Major League Volleyball Board of Directors.
Bloomington Police partnered on “Operation Creep” with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and police from Eden Prairie, Roseville and Richfield, as well as MSP Airport Police. The man arrested is a civilian ICE employee.
Twin Cities ICE employee among 16 arrested in child sex trafficking sting
A Twin Cities-based employee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is among 16 men arrested on suspicion of soliciting a minor following a sting operation by police in suburban Minneapolis.
www.mprnews.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Bloomington Police partnered on “Operation Creep” with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and police from Eden Prairie, Roseville and Richfield, as well as MSP Airport Police. The man arrested is a civilian ICE employee.
A St. Cloud police officer briefly chased the vehicle as it sped through the city. He ended the pursuit, but the vehicle crashed into a parked truck and a light pole.
Man dies in crash following police pursuit in St. Cloud
A St. Cloud police officer briefly chased the vehicle as it sped through the city. He ended the pursuit, but the vehicle crashed into a parked truck and a light pole.
www.mprnews.org
November 18, 2025 at 10:44 PM
A St. Cloud police officer briefly chased the vehicle as it sped through the city. He ended the pursuit, but the vehicle crashed into a parked truck and a light pole.
To find out what people should know about getting the COVID, flu and RSV vaccines ahead of the holiday season, Cathy Wurzer talked to Ann Philbrick, a doctor of pharmacy and professor in the University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy.
Vaccines before the holidays? It's not too late, pharmacist says
To find out what people should know about getting the COVID, flu and RSV vaccines ahead of the holiday season, Cathy Wurzer talked to Ann Philbrick, a doctor of pharmacy and professor in the Universit...
www.mprnews.org
November 18, 2025 at 9:02 PM
To find out what people should know about getting the COVID, flu and RSV vaccines ahead of the holiday season, Cathy Wurzer talked to Ann Philbrick, a doctor of pharmacy and professor in the University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy.
The beef checkoff fee hasn’t been raised since 1986 when Minnesota’s producers first started paying the $1 fee for every head of cattle they sell, but it may be a tough sell to farmers and ranchers.
Minnesota cattle producers to vote on proposed increase in beef checkoff fees
The Minnesota Beef Council has proposed a 50-cent increase to the $1 fee charged to cattle producers on every head of cattle sold. The checkoff fee hasn’t been raised in nearly 40 years, but to make i...
www.mprnews.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:21 PM
The beef checkoff fee hasn’t been raised since 1986 when Minnesota’s producers first started paying the $1 fee for every head of cattle they sell, but it may be a tough sell to farmers and ranchers.
Federal agents wearing clothing marked “FBI” and “DEA” were seen at Bro-Tex Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of cloth and paper wipes. It was not immediately clear what prompted the operation.
Federal law enforcement operation draws protests in St. Paul
A federal law enforcement presence at a St. Paul manufacturer prompted a large response by observers and protesters on Tuesday morning.
www.mprnews.org
November 18, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Federal agents wearing clothing marked “FBI” and “DEA” were seen at Bro-Tex Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of cloth and paper wipes. It was not immediately clear what prompted the operation.
The fund, known as the Rural Health Transformation Program, was added to Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act to appease some Congressional Republicans concerned about how the law’s massive health care funding cuts could disproportionally affect rural hospitals and health care providers.
Minnesota applies for $1B in rural health care funds, but it won’t offset massive Medicaid cuts
Minnesota is applying for $1 billion over five years, but rural health care providers say even if the state gets the funding, it won’t come close to making up for the massive amount that's being cut.
www.mprnews.org
November 18, 2025 at 4:49 PM
The fund, known as the Rural Health Transformation Program, was added to Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act to appease some Congressional Republicans concerned about how the law’s massive health care funding cuts could disproportionally affect rural hospitals and health care providers.
UCare, one of Minnesota’s largest health insurers, is shutting down at the start of next year. According to officials with the nonprofit, its health insurance plans for more than 300,000 members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin will be transferred to Medica.
UCare ending operations, moving all remaining health insurance enrollees to Medica
Minnesota-based health insurance nonprofit UCare is shutting down. The organization said it will transfer health care plans for more than 300,000 members to Medica.
www.mprnews.org
November 18, 2025 at 3:14 PM
UCare, one of Minnesota’s largest health insurers, is shutting down at the start of next year. According to officials with the nonprofit, its health insurance plans for more than 300,000 members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin will be transferred to Medica.
Yoga has many benefits for adults, like finding more focus and balance in life. Can it do the same for kids? One nonprofit is finding yoga is helping some of the Twin Cities youngest learners improve their behavior and schooling at the same time they find their zen.
In this Twin Cities kid yoga class, it’s no stretch helping children to focus, learn
Yoga can help grown-ups find more focus and balance in life. Can it do the same for kids? One nonprofit is finding yoga is helping some of the Twin Cities youngest learners improve their behavior and ...
www.mprnews.org
November 18, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Yoga has many benefits for adults, like finding more focus and balance in life. Can it do the same for kids? One nonprofit is finding yoga is helping some of the Twin Cities youngest learners improve their behavior and schooling at the same time they find their zen.
Mike Newcome filed paperwork late last week to begin building his campaign as a Forward Independence Party candidate. He said Monday that he has already put $100,000 of his own money into the effort and would likely make more sizable infusions next year.
Third-party governor candidate Newcome enters Minnesota race with big personal money infusion
A third-party candidate for Minnesota governor says he believes voters are itching for a big change in 2026.
www.mprnews.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Mike Newcome filed paperwork late last week to begin building his campaign as a Forward Independence Party candidate. He said Monday that he has already put $100,000 of his own money into the effort and would likely make more sizable infusions next year.
A 28-year-old man was sentenced to seven years in prison and to repay $3.5 million after a serious of fraudulent schemes related to pandemic aid programs.
U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez said the man's conduct was “relentless” and reflects “a scale and a depth that’s disturbing.”
U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez said the man's conduct was “relentless” and reflects “a scale and a depth that’s disturbing.”
COVID loan fraudster gets 7 years, ordered to repay $3.5M
Tezzaree El-Amin Champion was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for a $3.5 million pandemic-aid fraud scheme involving phony loans and a fake nonprofit.
www.mprnews.org
November 18, 2025 at 1:53 AM
A 28-year-old man was sentenced to seven years in prison and to repay $3.5 million after a serious of fraudulent schemes related to pandemic aid programs.
U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez said the man's conduct was “relentless” and reflects “a scale and a depth that’s disturbing.”
U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez said the man's conduct was “relentless” and reflects “a scale and a depth that’s disturbing.”
The "10-4" training initiative comes after the retail giant laid off 800 corporate employees in the Twin Cities and reported flat or declining sales in nine of the 11 past quarters.
Target directs store employees to smile, interact more with customers
Target says the change is part of an internal training program called “10-4,” encouraging employees to smile when within 10 feet of a customer and interact when within four feet of a customer. But it ...
www.mprnews.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:39 AM
The "10-4" training initiative comes after the retail giant laid off 800 corporate employees in the Twin Cities and reported flat or declining sales in nine of the 11 past quarters.