MPR News
@mprnews.org
Minnesota news. Independent + nonprofit. Free thanks to members. Listen on air, read online or follow here ❤️
📷: 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.
Saturday's game was the fourth game this season and second in a row in which Anthony Edwards scored 20 points before halftime.
Edwards and Reid combine for 62, Timberwolves win 125-115 to snap Heat's 4-game winning streak
Anthony Edwards scored 33 points, Naz Reid had 20 of his 29 in the second half and the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat Miami 125-115 on Saturday night and snap the Hea...
www.mprnews.org
January 4, 2026 at 9:18 PM
Saturday's game was the fourth game this season and second in a row in which Anthony Edwards scored 20 points before halftime.
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families said in a release that it followed up with nine child care centers featured in a viral video last week, and all were "operating as expected."
Minnesota investigators say child care centers captured in viral video were operating as expected
A video by a right-wing content creator accusing several Somali-owned child care centers in Minnesota of fraud went viral and led to compliance checks by Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth, and...
www.mprnews.org
January 4, 2026 at 7:57 PM
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families said in a release that it followed up with nine child care centers featured in a viral video last week, and all were "operating as expected."
“For every person who dies, there’s dozens of family members and loved ones who are left behind whose lives are irrevocably altered,” said Meggie Royer, senior communications manager for Violence Free Minnesota. “It is really overwhelming and devastating.”
At least 31 Minnesotans died of intimate partner violence last year, advocates say
Violence Free Minnesota, a statewide coalition seeking to end relationship abuse, has tracked victim deaths since 1989.
www.mprnews.org
January 4, 2026 at 6:30 PM
“For every person who dies, there’s dozens of family members and loved ones who are left behind whose lives are irrevocably altered,” said Meggie Royer, senior communications manager for Violence Free Minnesota. “It is really overwhelming and devastating.”
Tariffs are just one challenge facing Minnesota manufacturers. Tighter immigration policies from the Trump administration have shrunk hiring pools for many firms that previously relied on qualified immigrant labor.
Minnesota’s manufacturing sector slumped in 2025
A plurality of manufacturing managers surveyed showed resistance against tariff increases, which hurt smaller companies most.
www.mprnews.org
January 4, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Tariffs are just one challenge facing Minnesota manufacturers. Tighter immigration policies from the Trump administration have shrunk hiring pools for many firms that previously relied on qualified immigrant labor.
On the social platform X, Gov. Tim Walz called President Donald Trump's sharing of the false claims “Dangerous, depraved behavior from the sitting president of the United States."
"In covering for an actual serial killer, he is going to get more innocent people killed," he added.
"In covering for an actual serial killer, he is going to get more innocent people killed," he added.
Trump circulates false claim about Hortman killing; Democrats condemn post as ‘dangerous, depraved’
President Donald Trump recirculated a social media post pushing a false conspiracy about the assassination of Minnesota Democratic Rep. Melissa Hortman.
www.mprnews.org
January 4, 2026 at 4:18 PM
On the social platform X, Gov. Tim Walz called President Donald Trump's sharing of the false claims “Dangerous, depraved behavior from the sitting president of the United States."
"In covering for an actual serial killer, he is going to get more innocent people killed," he added.
"In covering for an actual serial killer, he is going to get more innocent people killed," he added.
Hermantown boasts more than 40 teams with players ranging from three years old to high school age, and those teams are constantly jockeying for indoor ice time. So a new sheet of ice was badly needed for this hockey-crazed town neighboring Duluth.
Hermantown celebrates opening of $25 million new hockey arena
The new facility was built with state bonding money, proceeds from a local sales tax increase and more than $6 million in donations and sponsorships, including a naming rights deal with a local car de...
www.mprnews.org
January 4, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Hermantown boasts more than 40 teams with players ranging from three years old to high school age, and those teams are constantly jockeying for indoor ice time. So a new sheet of ice was badly needed for this hockey-crazed town neighboring Duluth.
A southern Minnesota nonprofit has purchased a former convent in Mankato and its extensive grounds in order to redevelop the historic site as affordable housing.
Housing nonprofit purchases former Mankato convent for affordable housing, community events
The Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership closed on the nearly 100-acre property known as Our Lady of Good Counsel at the end of December.
www.mprnews.org
January 3, 2026 at 9:48 PM
A southern Minnesota nonprofit has purchased a former convent in Mankato and its extensive grounds in order to redevelop the historic site as affordable housing.
Moves to freeze child care assistance and small business loans are the latest in an ongoing federal action intended to ‘dismantle the massive fraud empires’ in the state. Minnesota officials say they’re already working to root out fraud and the Trump administration’s efforts are purely political.
Trump administration heightens focus on alleged fraud in Minnesota
Moves to freeze child care assistance and small business loans are the latest in an ongoing federal action intended to ‘dismantle the massive fraud empires’ in the state. Minnesota officials say they’...
www.mprnews.org
January 3, 2026 at 7:42 PM
Moves to freeze child care assistance and small business loans are the latest in an ongoing federal action intended to ‘dismantle the massive fraud empires’ in the state. Minnesota officials say they’re already working to root out fraud and the Trump administration’s efforts are purely political.
The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a military operation. President Trump announced the news on social media.
U.S. strikes Venezuela, captures Maduro and his wife
The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a military operation. President Trump announced the news on social media.
www.mprnews.org
January 3, 2026 at 5:09 PM
The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a military operation. President Trump announced the news on social media.
Nearly 12,000 people have applied for paid family and medical leave in the ramp up by the first couple days of the program’s rollout.
www.mprnews.org
January 3, 2026 at 2:26 PM
Nearly 12,000 people have applied for paid family and medical leave in the ramp up by the first couple days of the program’s rollout.
A recent viral video of a YouTuber with conservative ties has dominated political discourse for over a week. Media literacy expert and University of St. Thomas assistant professor Yayu Feng explains why.
Media expert explains how YouTuber Nick Shirley's viral video dominated the political conversation
A recent viral video of a YouTuber with conservative ties has dominated political discourse for over a week. A media literacy expert explains why.
www.mprnews.org
January 2, 2026 at 10:53 PM
A recent viral video of a YouTuber with conservative ties has dominated political discourse for over a week. Media literacy expert and University of St. Thomas assistant professor Yayu Feng explains why.
A new exhibition at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum reveals winter as a season of vivid color and quiet beauty, through the eyes of artists who venture into Minnesota’s cold to capture snow not as white, but as a mirror of light.
'Snow is a giant mirror' — an art exhibition captures the color and quiet of peak Minnesota winter
A new exhibition at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum reveals winter as a season of vivid color and quiet beauty, through the eyes of artists who venture into Minnesota’s cold to capture snow not as w...
www.mprnews.org
January 2, 2026 at 9:23 PM
A new exhibition at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum reveals winter as a season of vivid color and quiet beauty, through the eyes of artists who venture into Minnesota’s cold to capture snow not as white, but as a mirror of light.
JUST IN: Kaohly Her has been sworn in as St. Paul's first woman, and Hmong-American mayor.
📸 Ben Hovland (@benjovland) | MPR News.
📸 Ben Hovland (@benjovland) | MPR News.
January 2, 2026 at 8:22 PM
JUST IN: Kaohly Her has been sworn in as St. Paul's first woman, and Hmong-American mayor.
📸 Ben Hovland (@benjovland) | MPR News.
📸 Ben Hovland (@benjovland) | MPR News.
At the Guthrie Theater, “Somewhere” follows a gifted dancer who gives up his own ambitions to support his family, tracing the fragile balance between artistic dreams, responsibility and sacrifice.
Review: In the Guthrie’s ‘Somewhere,’ one artist stops dancing so others can dream
At the Guthrie Theater, “Somewhere” follows a gifted dancer who gives up his own ambitions to support his family, tracing the fragile balance between artistic dreams, responsibility, and sacrifice.
www.mprnews.org
January 2, 2026 at 8:14 PM
At the Guthrie Theater, “Somewhere” follows a gifted dancer who gives up his own ambitions to support his family, tracing the fragile balance between artistic dreams, responsibility and sacrifice.
Since March, Minnesota schools have been required by law to implement strong cellphone policies. It comes from an omnibus education bill passed in May 2024.
However, schools like Mounds View got ahead of the curve and started regulating phones the same summer.
However, schools like Mounds View got ahead of the curve and started regulating phones the same summer.
Mounds View High School principal says restricting cell phones has increased connection
A principal at a high school in Arden Hills said they’re a year into a new cellphone policy that has had a positive impact on learning.
www.mprnews.org
January 2, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Since March, Minnesota schools have been required by law to implement strong cellphone policies. It comes from an omnibus education bill passed in May 2024.
However, schools like Mounds View got ahead of the curve and started regulating phones the same summer.
However, schools like Mounds View got ahead of the curve and started regulating phones the same summer.
Minnesotans and players on Minnesota's pro teams made Team USA's hockey rosters for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Minnesota Frost players Kendall Coyne Schofield and Lee Stecklein and Wild players Brock Faber, Matt Boldy and Quinn Hughes are all in.
Olympic rosters for ice hockey include a slew of Minnesotans
With the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan just weeks away, the rosters for U.S. ice hockey and Paralympic Sled hockey have been announced. The ice hockey teams host a slew of Minnesotans and...
www.mprnews.org
January 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Minnesotans and players on Minnesota's pro teams made Team USA's hockey rosters for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Minnesota Frost players Kendall Coyne Schofield and Lee Stecklein and Wild players Brock Faber, Matt Boldy and Quinn Hughes are all in.
What was your most memorable 2025 Minnesota weather moment? Weather watchers from the State Climatology Office, University of Minnesota and National Weather Service picked their top five, including days of heat, slush and thunder.
Minnesota's top 5 weather events of 2025
The Minnesota State Climatology Office has released the results of voting for the top five weather events of 2025.
www.mprnews.org
January 2, 2026 at 5:51 PM
What was your most memorable 2025 Minnesota weather moment? Weather watchers from the State Climatology Office, University of Minnesota and National Weather Service picked their top five, including days of heat, slush and thunder.
2025 was a big year for tribal-state cannabis agreements. Seven tribal nations have entered into government-to-government cooperative agreements or compacts with the latest signed by Bois Forte Band and Red Lake Nation in December.
Bois Forte Band, Red Lake Nation agreements cap a big year for tribal cannabis
The cannabis market expanded through seven tribal-state agreements in 2025, the latest signed by Bois Forte Band and Red Lake Nation in December.
www.mprnews.org
January 2, 2026 at 2:55 PM
2025 was a big year for tribal-state cannabis agreements. Seven tribal nations have entered into government-to-government cooperative agreements or compacts with the latest signed by Bois Forte Band and Red Lake Nation in December.
History will be made in St. Paul Friday when Kaohly Her becomes the city’s first Hmong mayor and the first woman to hold the title. With her inauguration, all of St. Paul’s elected city leaders will be women.
Kaohly Her makes St. Paul mayoral history as she looks toward the future
History will be made in St. Paul on Friday when Kaohly Her becomes the city’s first Hmong mayor and the first woman to hold the title. On top of all that, St. Paul’s entirely elected leadership is now...
www.mprnews.org
January 2, 2026 at 1:04 PM
History will be made in St. Paul Friday when Kaohly Her becomes the city’s first Hmong mayor and the first woman to hold the title. With her inauguration, all of St. Paul’s elected city leaders will be women.
Minnesota has a half-century-old law in place that allows people to vouch for their neighbors' residency during elections. Elon Musk called the system "made for fraud."
But the Minnesota secretary of state says it's more secure than what other states have in place.
But the Minnesota secretary of state says it's more secure than what other states have in place.
Minnesota's 'vouching' voting system more secure than other states', state's top election official says
MPR News host Clay Masters spoke with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon about the fraud allegations.
www.mprnews.org
January 1, 2026 at 9:51 PM
Minnesota has a half-century-old law in place that allows people to vouch for their neighbors' residency during elections. Elon Musk called the system "made for fraud."
But the Minnesota secretary of state says it's more secure than what other states have in place.
But the Minnesota secretary of state says it's more secure than what other states have in place.
According to a recall notice, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found rodent and bird droppings in areas where drugs, food and cosmetics were being stored. Products were mostly sent to stores in the Twin Cities, but stores in Rochester and St. Cloud may have received them as well.
Minnesota grocery distributor recalls hundreds of products
A Minnesota grocery distributor has recalled hundreds of products sent to dozens of stores in the state, after unsanitary conditions were found in the company’s facility in Minneapolis.
www.mprnews.org
January 1, 2026 at 8:40 PM
According to a recall notice, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found rodent and bird droppings in areas where drugs, food and cosmetics were being stored. Products were mostly sent to stores in the Twin Cities, but stores in Rochester and St. Cloud may have received them as well.
Recent data released by the Minnesota Department of Health indicate that influenza cases nearly tripled between Dec. 7 and Dec. 21.
Flu positivity rates and hospitalizations increase in Minnesota
Recent data released by the Minnesota Department of Health indicate that influenza cases nearly tripled between Dec. 7 and Dec. 21.
www.mprnews.org
January 1, 2026 at 7:38 PM
Recent data released by the Minnesota Department of Health indicate that influenza cases nearly tripled between Dec. 7 and Dec. 21.
“I think the people of Minnesota have a true treasure in the wild elk herds we have in Minnesota,” said Doug Franke, an area wildlife supervisor with the DNR. “If you don’t know that they’re there, stay tuned.”
DNR will survey elk, educate Minnesotans about the ‘treasure’ of wild herds
Last year, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources aerial survey found stagnating elk populations in the state.
www.mprnews.org
January 1, 2026 at 6:36 PM
“I think the people of Minnesota have a true treasure in the wild elk herds we have in Minnesota,” said Doug Franke, an area wildlife supervisor with the DNR. “If you don’t know that they’re there, stay tuned.”
Federal funding for day care centers in Minnesota is under the microscope this week. So Maria Snider, vice president of the Minnesota Child Care Association, joined Minnesota Now to talk about just how that funding works.
A look at how Minnesota child care centers receive federal funding
The federal government pause on child care funding could be detrimental to families and centers who rely on it. An industry leader says the process to disperse the money is thorough, but she’s open to...
www.mprnews.org
January 1, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Federal funding for day care centers in Minnesota is under the microscope this week. So Maria Snider, vice president of the Minnesota Child Care Association, joined Minnesota Now to talk about just how that funding works.
Increased scrutiny on Minnesota in the past week has meant a new wave of conspiracy theories on the internet. GOP state Sen. Julia Coleman says she's working to snuff out misinformation, despite some of the biggest figures in her party fanning the flames.
Minnesota Republican tries to quash conspiracy theories fueled by fraud probe
Some people have taken to social media to opine that Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman's assassination is somehow connected to the fraud scandal. That's led some Minnesota Republicans, i...
www.mprnews.org
January 1, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Increased scrutiny on Minnesota in the past week has meant a new wave of conspiracy theories on the internet. GOP state Sen. Julia Coleman says she's working to snuff out misinformation, despite some of the biggest figures in her party fanning the flames.