iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

MPR News

@mprnews.org

20K followers 59 following 5.4K posts

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.

Posts Replies Media

MPR News @mprnews.org · 8h

The Lynx's season ended in disappointment — again. Despite having the best regular-season record, the Coach of the Year with Cheryl Reeve and the Rookie of the Year with Oliva Miles, Minnesota was eliminated from the WNBA Playoffs in the first round after a sweep by the New York Liberty.

Minnesota Lynx eliminated from WNBA Playoffs after first-round sweep by New York Liberty

The No. 8 seed New York Liberty beat the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 87-71 in Game 2 of their WNBA playoff series and advanced to the semifinals.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 10h

The new standards, approved Tuesday, apply to students in grades K-12 and focus on topics like mental and emotional health, human growth and development, child abuse prevention, nutrition, sexual health, media literacy and drug and alcohol abuse and prevention.

For the first time, Minnesota has K-12 health standards. Here’s what to know

Minnesota’s first statewide K-12 health standards were approved Tuesday after an earlier version was rejected in July. The standards cover topics including sexual health, mental health, nutrition and ...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 11h

The fraud charges announced Tuesday totaled $3 million. More than $2 million of that is connected to Peter Meilahn of Duluth, who investigators say ran his own psychotherapy practice and worked as an independent contracted therapist for Franklin Family Services.

Attorney general’s office charges 9 people with Medicaid fraud totaling $3M

The attorney general’s office has charged nine people with bilking Minnesota’s Medicaid system through state programs.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 12h

The claim says Williams didn’t threaten or resist agents on Jan. 7 but was held down, slammed into the ground and choked. During the drive to Whipple Federal Building, Williams says agents laughed about Renee Good’s killing earlier that morning and said, “hopefully we don’t have to kill you, too.”

Roosevelt High teacher files federal claim over violent detention by agents

Roosevelt High School teacher Quentin Williams has filed a claim against the federal government alleging agents violently detained him, falsely accused him of assault and violated his civil rights.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 14h

“To hear blatant lies is — I have no words, really. It’s devastating, and he pleaded guilty in federal court. This should be over. This should be done. This is a clown show,” Yvette Hoffman said.

Vance Boelter requests gag order on witnesses ahead of state trial

Vance Boelter’s public defenders filed a motion for a gag order, requesting that all potential witnesses be barred from speaking about the case. Prosecutors said they have no objection — but say a gag...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 15h

Runners can expect seasonably cool temperatures for the 2026 Twin Cities Marathon. But the early October tradition will be moving back a week starting next year. Race officials have stated health concerns due to heat as a reason for the change.

Climate change is reshaping marathon season in Minnesota

A distance runner and the medical co-director of the Twin Cities Marathon explain how a changing climate is impacting long distance runners.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 15h

The new organization would take the HealthPartners name and have about 45,000 employees staffing dozens of hospitals and clinics across Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. It would be one of the largest healthcare systems in the region.

Minnesota health systems HealthPartners, Essentia Health announce plan to merge

Bloomington-based HealthPartners and Duluth-based Essentia Health announced Tuesday that their respective boards of directors have approved a merger plan.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 16h

The new resolution says employees must maintain something called “viewpoint neutrality” and can’t display anything that seems primarily dedicated to a particular identity or viewpoint But, it does not specifically mention rainbows.

Detroit Lakes school board advances new policy amid rainbow sticker fight

The Detroit Lakes school board is moving forward with a broader “viewpoint neutrality” policy that critics say is intended to remove rainbow safe-space stickers from classrooms, despite ongoing lawsui...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 16h

Anyone in the mood for a ghost story? Ghosts narrate Shannon Sanders’ debut novel, “The Great Wherever,” and they have some pretty strong opinions about the living. Victoria Ford of Comma, a bookshop in Minneapolis, recommends it.

Ask a Bookseller: ‘The Great Wherever’ by Shannon Sanders

Victoria Ford of Comma, a bookshop in Minneapolis recommends Shannon Sanders’ debut novel, “The Great Wherever.”

MPR News @mprnews.org · 17h

Railroad fuel surcharges have more than doubled in the past year as diesel prices have reached over $6 a gallon. Railroads carry about 1.6 million carloads of grain each year — that makes up 24 percent of domestic grain movements.

Railroads are charging more to ship grain. U.S. farmers may have to pick up the tab

Harvest season is nearing for many farmers. But the railroads that transport their harvested grain have raised their shipping costs with record-high diesel prices. That could mean lower grain prices f...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 19h

While all 201 legislative seats will be on the ballot, only a small fraction are considered truly competitive.

All 201 Minnesota legislative seats are on November’s ballot. These are the most competitive

The House and Senate contests in these competitive districts could decide which party wins control of the Minnesota Legislature next year.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 20h

Three people are dead and four injured after a crash involving a car and a semitrailer early Tuesday near Interstate 35W in Minneapolis. The crash left the car wedged beneath the semitrailer near the Southeast Fourth Street bridge over I-35W, just north of the Mississippi River.

Minneapolis crash leaves 3 people dead, 4 injured

The crash happened just after 4 a.m. Minneapolis police said a semitrailer was exiting Interstate 35W and crossing Southeast Fourth Street when it was hit by a car.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 22h

Remember your umbrella. Rain will continue to expand and develop east Tuesday morning. We’ll see showers Tuesday afternoon into overnight with more rain for southern and southeastern Minnesota Wednesday.

Rain expands east Tuesday into Wednesday

Rain will continue to expand and develop east Tuesday morning. We’ll see showers Tuesday afternoon into the night with more rain Wednesday for southern and southeastern Minnesota.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 29/09/2026

About 75 to 80 percent of homes in New Richland have been affected by flooding. Residents are still trying to clean up their properties and figure out where to go from here.

New Richland flood damage assessment begins this week before seeking Trump administration aid

As the small southern Minnesota town of New Richland continues to recover from severe flooding, teams of state and federal officials will start assessing the damage later this week by visiting every h...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 29/09/2026

Come November, lawmakers will ask taxpayers to vote to change the calculation of how much money is distributed to schools. Denise Dittrich is the director of government relations for the Minnesota School Board Association. She joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to break it down.

On your ballot: A constitutional amendment that could increase school funding

The Permanent School Fund was established upon Minnesota statehood in 1858. It operates like a private trust, sending dollars to public schools districts for every student. A constitutional amendment ...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 29/09/2026

In Minnesota sports this week, the Vikings made a massive trade while the Lynx are on the ropes in the WNBA playoffs. Minnesota Now sports contributors Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson joined the show for the latest.

The Vikings make a trade move at quarterback, look to continue 3-0 winning streak

The Vikings have traded quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants. The Vikings will take on the Miami Dolphins at home on Sunday next.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 28/09/2026

Pao Yang, 41, of Isanti faces six charges, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping and robbery. Authorities said he abducted a woman on Wednesday outside of her Roseville office, where he also works as a cleaner.

Isanti man charged in kidnapping, sexual assault outside of Roseville office

Authorities say Pao Yang, 41, abducted a woman outside of her Roseville office, where he also works as a cleaner, then sexually assaulted her and held her captive for eight hours.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 28/09/2026

While fall may have just started, it's never too early to think about winter. Snowplow drivers in the Twin Cities region would rather be ready for the snow. To get ready, many took part in a training last week to prepare for the snowfall.

Twin Cities snowplow drivers get some early practice for winter roads

Training sessions hosted by city and county officials let drivers safely practice maneuvering the big plows around obstacles and avoiding mailboxes.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 28/09/2026

The mill is being built by Mesabi Metallics, a Minnesota company owned by India-based Essar Group. Mesabi has hired more than 200 workers so far, out of a planned 350 full-time employees at the mine near Nashwauk.

Trump to announce $15 billion steel mill planned for Iowa, using ore from Minnesota mine

Reuters reported that the new steel mill would use iron ore from Mesabi Metallics’ new mine on the Iron Range, which officially opened earlier this month. It’s the first new iron ore mine in the state...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 28/09/2026

Reeve received 40 of 74 votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. It’s her record fifth time winning the award. Miles, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, was the unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year.

Lynx honors: Reeve named 2026 WNBA Coach of the Year; Miles is top rookie

Head coach Cheryl Reeve led the Lynx to a No. 1 seed in the playoffs this year following a 33-11 regular season, while point guard Olivia Miles shattered WNBA rookie records.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 28/09/2026

The longtime St. Paul factory behind Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll is shutting down for good Monday.

Pearson's Candy Company shuts down St. Paul factory for good

Pearson’s Candy Company said rising production costs and higher prices for ingredients like chocolate made operating the 67-year-old factory unsustainable. The company said it was laying off about 80 ...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 28/09/2026

The Vikings announced the trade Monday pending McCarthy passing a physical.

Giants acquire quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round pick

J.J. McCarthy was selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 28/09/2026

Federal aviation officials said the single-engine aircraft went down shortly after takeoff. City police on Monday confirmed that one man aboard the plane died in the crash. Another was taken from the scene in critical condition.

One man dead, another injured in Sunday small plane crash in Buffalo, Minn.

Federal aviation officials said the single-engine aircraft went down shortly after takeoff. City police on Monday confirmed that one man aboard the plane died in the crash. Another was taken from the ...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 28/09/2026

A new tool built at the University of Minnesota can help detect the DNA of invasive species in lakes, giving officials more time to respond. Across Minnesota, volunteers are putting that science into action.

Citizen sleuths use DNA traces to hunt for zebra mussels in Minnesota lakes

A new tool built at the University of Minnesota can help detect the DNA of invasive species in lakes, giving officials more time to respond. Across Minnesota, volunteers are putting that science into ...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 28/09/2026

The City of Rochester is tearing up chunks of Second Street to create a nearly 3-mile-long rapid bus transit route. The work is taking a toll on many businesses; some have closed, and many of the remaining shops and restaurants say they are just barely hanging on.

As Rochester builds Destination Medical Center, some businesses say they're falling off the map

The construction of Rochester’s new rapid bus transit line is taking a toll on many businesses. Some have closed, and many of the remaining shops and restaurants say they are just barely hanging on.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 28/09/2026

Ron Schutz has blasted DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison for not doing more to stop fraud in the state’s social service programs. Meanwhile, Ellison argues that Schutz would be a rubber stamp for the Trump administration.

Minnesota attorney general race is referendum on fraud, Trump

DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison says his Republican opponent, Ron Schutz, would be a rubber stamp for the Trump administration, while Schutz says Ellison failed to stop fraud.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 27/09/2026

Despite a goal by defender Anthony Markanich, the United came up short, giving Seattle Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer his 150th MLS victory.

Minnesota United fall to Sounders 3-1, giving coach Brian Schmetzer 150th MLS win

Minnesota United (7-12-8) cut it to 2-1 in the 57th minute on a goal by defender Anthony Markanich — his eighth of the season.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 27/09/2026

Coming up at 1 p.m., the Lynx face the New York Liberty in their WNBA playoff opener. It's both a return to the court for rookie phenom Olivia Miles and a rematch of the 2024 WNBA championship, which the Lynx lost in dramatic fashion. Here's how to watch.

Lynx face New York Liberty in playoffs that start Sunday

The Lynx tip off against the New York Liberty for their first playoff game at 1 p.m. Sunday at Target Center. Fans and players alike are excited for this next phase of the W’s season.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 27/09/2026

In the aftermath of the win, Baranowski — who said he was hit by a cleat on the last play — was bleeding red from his mouth. After the two embraced, Fleck grabbed the linebacker's head with two hands then aggressively wiped the blood from Baranowski's mouth and brushed it on his own left cheek.

Blood Brothers: Minnesota's P.J. Fleck and Maverick Baranowski share unique moment

Blood, sweat and tears helped the Gophers (3-1) get their first road win since a 24-7 victory at Wisconsin on Nov. 29, 2024.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 27/09/2026

When HPAI is detected, the response often entails culling bird populations, cleaning the barn where they lived, completely disinfecting the site and waiting weeks before restocking new birds.

An early surge confirms bird flu is back in Minnesota

Minnesota had been bird flu-free for barely over a month and a half. The disease is now back, and it’s here early.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 26/09/2026

The new route extension will include 16 stations from Target Field in Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, including stops in St. Louis Park, Hopkins and Minnetonka.

Green Line Extension to Eden Prairie, southwest Twin Cities begins operation June 2027

The new route extension will include 16 stations from Target Field in Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, including stops in St. Louis Park, Hopkins and Minnetonka.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 26/09/2026

We have a slight change in the Saturday forecast: The rain looks like it will hang out along the Interstate 35 corridor a little longer on a mostly cloudy day. We are still holding for nice weather most of Sunday and Monday.

Rain lingers Saturday, more still on track for Tuesday and Thursday

We have a slight change in the Saturday forecast: The rain looks like it will hang out along the Interstate 35 corridor a little longer on a mostly cloudy day.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 26/09/2026

As respiratory virus season approaches, Minnesota clinics and pharmacies are offering updated COVID-19 and annual flu vaccines. But changing federal guidance has left some people uncertain about who should get vaccinated when.

What to know about COVID-19 and flu vaccines in Minnesota this fall

Medical professionals highly recommend vaccines for both children and adults as respiratory illnesses begin to rise across Minnesota.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 26/09/2026

Adam Abdullah first spoke with MPR News on Sept. 8, during one of the 10-minute calls he was allowed each day from the prison at the U.S. naval base.

Man arrested in St. Paul among 8 deported to Somalia from Guantanamo Bay

U.S. immigration authorities on Thursday deported a group of eight Somali men who’d been held for about a month at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Among them was Adam Abdullah, 31, who has no criminal record an...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 26/09/2026

"It's ridiculous because we're Iron Rangers ourselves," said Bois Forte chair Carlos Hernandez "To think we oppose them is ridiculous when we work there. All we're asking for is for it to be done responsibly."

Two Ojibwe tribes say 45-year timeline for Minntac pollution is too long

A draft permit would require U.S. Steel's Minntac mine to meet Minnesota's wild rice sulfate standard for the first time but gives the company up to 45 years to comply.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 25/09/2026

"Merciless: Indigenous Lands Since 1776” exhibition opens at the Weisman Art Museum, the 15th annual Lake Superior 20/20 Studio & Art Tour, a poetry performance and flag-raising in Minneapolis and Franconia Sculpture Park’s 30th anniversary are among this week’s picks.

MN Shortlist: Sept. 25-Oct. 1: Indigenous exhibition at Weisman, Lake Superior art crawl and more

“Merciless: Indigenous Lands Since 1776” exhibition opens at the Weisman Art Museum, the 15th annual Lake Superior 20/20 Studio & Art Tour, a poetry performance and flag-raising in Minneapolis and Fra...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 25/09/2026

For residents who worked to clean up and discard flood-damaged belongings, they expressed anger and frustration that their city repeatedly floods and that very little has apparently been done to prevent it.

Tempers flare in New Richland as residents air frustrations over repeated flooding

Some New Richland residents disrupted a briefing by the city administrator on flood recovery efforts Thursday, saying they’re frustrated that the community continues to flood during periods of heavy r...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 25/09/2026

As the Minnesota Lynx head to the playoffs after closing a momentous regular season, fans show up for the talent, of course, but also for the heart.

Lynx fans' steadfast support grows with playoffs days away: 'I'm proud to be a Minnesotan, and I'm proud to be a Lynx fan'

As the Minnesota Lynx head to the playoffs after closing a momentous regular season, fans show up for the talent, of course, but also for the heart.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 25/09/2026

Roughly 150 people lined up for the grand opening Thursday morning. It's the first time in over a year downtown St. Paul has had a full-service grocery store, since Lunds & Byerlys closed in March 2025.

Aldi opening restores full-service grocery store access to downtown St. Paul

The area had been without a grocery store since Lunds & Byerlys closed in March 2025. Area leaders say the Aldi opening will support population growth and signals reinvestment in downtown St. Paul.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 25/09/2026

“We need to remind people that we are Arab, we are queer and we are queer Arab, and we exist. This is very important,” filmmaker Hadi Moussally told All Things Considered.

Twin Cities Arab Film Festival celebrates its 20th event

The Twin Cities Arab Film Fest is celebrating its 20th edition with the theme “Looking Forward, Looking Back.” The festival will feature a retrospective of short films by Hadi Moussally, who often exp...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 25/09/2026

Since the surge, some women have become single mothers because the father was detained or deported. Conexión founder Fernanda Honebrink says oftentimes the men were the breadwinners of the house, “so now they're this single woman with a brand new baby that they don't know what to do.”

After nonprofit mobilized to support pregnant immigrants this winter, long-term needs emerge

Fernanda Honebrink, a midwife and immigrant herself, founded Conexión during Operation Metro Surge to support pregnant and breastfeeding immigrants. Several months later, some of the fathers have been...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 25/09/2026

“When it comes to the war and the increased prices that are a result of that, it is hurting Minnesotans, and I absolutely acknowledge that,” Demuth told press Thursday. “I really believe that we know that it is causing more expenses — as I’ve mentioned, groceries and fertilizer in our ag community.”

Lisa Demuth joins other GOP candidates breaking from Trump in call to end Iran war

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth was hesitant to criticize the president earlier this year before locking down the GOP nomination for governor. But she has begun breaking with him as the midterm el...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 25/09/2026

As part of the settlement, Partners in Nutrition will dissolve and pay the state $18.5 million, which will then be returned to the federal government.

Facing claims of fraud, nonprofit agrees to $18.5 million settlement with state of Minnesota

A nonprofit investigated for allegedly stealing millions of dollars from food assistance programs will pay $18.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 24/09/2026

The projected cuts are roughly 12 to 15 percent of its allocated operating revenue, as the University said it faces shifting enrollment trends, unpredictable state and federal funding and rising costs.

University of Minnesota plans $225 million in budget cuts over two years

The University of Minnesota plans to cut $225 million from its budget over two years as it responds to shifting enrollment, uncertain government funding and rising costs.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 24/09/2026

“I love Olivia Miles. I can read her mind, like I can just see her, and I can just see her brain working,” Connie Howe said of the Lynx All-Star rookie point guard that fans hope will be the difference-maker in winning it all this season.

Top cats: Lynx fans stoked for a championship as WNBA playoffs near

The Minnesota Lynx finish the regular season Thursday night against the Indiana Fever then start the playoffs Sunday at home against the New York Liberty. Fans hope point guard Olivia Miles is healthy...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 24/09/2026

“Our report documents a chilling pattern of human rights violations across the U.S. intended to instill fear within migrant, asylum seeker and refugee communities,” said Nadia Daar, executive director of Amnesty International USA. It’s the first time the organization has called to abolish ICE.

Amnesty International calls for the abolition of ICE in new report

The organization documented a pattern of human rights violations in the Twin Cities during Operation Metro Surge. Researchers recommend abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 24/09/2026

If the doctors — including obstetricians, psychiatrists and critical care physicians — vote to ratify the contract, it will conclude three years of 66 contentious bargaining negotiations with Allina.

Unionized doctors reach tentative deal with Allina Health after four-day strike

The agreement follows a four-day strike, believed to be the first by inpatient doctors at a private-sector hospital in U.S. history.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 24/09/2026

At a Thursday news conference announcing the preliminary findings of the months-long investigation, State Fire Marshal Dan Krier said the early-morning fire was caused by overheating electrical equipment in an office.

Officials say fire that killed journalist Jessi Pierce and her 3 children was an accident

At a Thursday news conference announcing the preliminary findings of the months-long investigation, State Fire Marshal Dan Krier said the early-morning fire was caused by overheating electrical equipm...

MPR News @mprnews.org · 24/09/2026

When he was a teen, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Bob the Drag Queen spent nine months in the Twin Cities. The drag star is now an internationally renowned actor, author and comedian, but he credits his professional start to the Twin Cities.

Gay 90s and a 651 number: Bob the Drag Queen recalls youth in South St. Paul

When he was a teen, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Bob the Drag Queen spent nine months in the Twin Cities. Bob will perform Friday at the Fitzgerald Theater for his “Now Clap!” national tour.

MPR News @mprnews.org · 24/09/2026

Art Hounds recommend a new take on "Death of a Salesman" in St. Paul, a community art exhibit in Duluth and a night of jazz in Minneapolis.

Art Hounds: ‘Wife of a Salesman,’ art and healing in Duluth and jazz at Crooners

Art Hounds recommend theater in St. Paul, a community art exhibit in Duluth and a night of jazz in Minneapolis.