Author | Lightnews

Reposted by Anika Besst

MPR News @mprnews.org · 3d

Hiahli’s latest single, born from one broke week and a van jam session, turns struggle into a celebration.

From a rough week to a good party: Hiahli turns hard times into joy

Hiahli’s latest single, born from one broke week and a van jam session, turns struggle into a celebration.

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Reposted by Anika Besst

MPR News @mprnews.org · 14d

Fans across the WNBA have shown an outpouring of support on social media for players and coaches since recent press conferences have emphasized disparities in the league. And in Minnesota, Lynx Forward Napheesa Collier and head coach Cheryl Reeve have reignited calls for change.

Calls for changes in the WNBA follow a history of advocacy in women's sports

Fans across the league have watched the press conferences from players and coaches, and there has been an outpouring of support on social media. Their concerns echo long-held qualms players and coache...

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Reposted by Anika Besst

MPR News @mprnews.org · 13d

There’s a new polar bear at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. The zoo announced Friday that Astra, the 4-year-old female polar bear from Washington state, arrived at the zoo Thursday evening.

Polar bear arrives at Como Park Zoo in St. Paul

The arrival of the 700-pound, 4-year-old female polar bear is part of a plan to support the threatened species.

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Reposted by Anika Besst

MPR News @mprnews.org · 11d

Two thousand people are expected to turn out next month when Split Rock Lighthouse and the Minnesota Historical Society host a memorial to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Nov. 10.

Huge crowd expected for 50th anniversary memorial of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald

Two thousand people are expected at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald at Split Rock Lighthouse on the North Shore of Lake Superior on Nov. 10.

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Reposted by Anika Besst

MPR News @mprnews.org · 10d

The exhibition features artists — all based in Minnesota — who offer perspectives on gender, sexuality and queerness, drawn from their experiences as trans and queer people or as caregivers within those communities.

Lowertown St. Paul gallery spotlights Minnesota artists exploring gender and identity

A new Lowertown St. Paul exhibit brings together artists from across Minnesota whose work examines gender, queerness and the fight for justice — inspired by one family’s personal story.

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Anika Besst @anikabesst.bsky.social · 6d

The Voter Guide is live! Check it out. And remember, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4 (with early voting happening now).

MPR News @mprnews.org · 8d

Election Day is quickly approaching. With municipal races happening across Minnesota, MPR News has a voter guide to help with your candidate research.

Get a customized look at what is on your ballot for the Nov. 4 general election and learn more about the candidates seeking your vote here:

Build Your Ballot 2025: What will you be voting on?

MPR News surveyed candidates in local and state races to hear about their background and interest in the office they are running for. Voters in Minnesota can use our Build Your Ballot tool to get info...

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Reposted by Anika Besst

MPR News @mprnews.org · Sep 2

There’s four games remaining in the league’s regular season, and while the Lynx were the first team to clinch a playoff spot, the team remains committed to closing the season off strong. Monday night, the Lynx rallied against the Dallas Wings for a 96-71 win beating Minnesota-native Paige Bueckers.

Minnesota Lynx top Dallas Wings 96-71, begin prep for postseason run with Phee's return

There’s four games remaining in the league’s regular season, and while the Lynx were the first team to clinch a playoff spot, the team remains committed to closing the season off strong. Monday night,...

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Reposted by Anika Besst

MPR News @mprnews.org · Aug 21

It's called fashion.

Ben Maas @masbenmaas.bsky.social · Aug 21

I *might* be a @mprnews.org (and The Current and MPR Classical) fan...

MPR mosquito hat, MPR tote bag, and a MPR nature print shirt. Even the MPR booth staff commented on my swag.

The MPR News fan is sadly at home.

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Reposted by Anika Besst

MPR News @mprnews.org · Aug 18

Twin Cities musicians Jackie Rae Daniels and Nate Baker’s new EP “Amerikinda Minnesorta Folk” showcases some of their favorite numbers and the depth in their rich sound that enhances the duo’s acoustic storytelling.

Settled sounds from old guitars: How Daniels & Baker found joy in the familiar

Twin Cities musicians Jackie Rae Daniels and Nate Baker’s new EP “Amerikinda Minnesorta Folk” showcases some of their favorite numbers and the depth in their rich sound that enhances the duo’s acousti...

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Reposted by Anika Besst

APM Reports @apmreports.org · Aug 7

Nursing homes are designed to care for patients with physical infirmities. But nationwide, 1 in 5 residents has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness — conditions few of the facilities are equipped to handle.

By @egawthrop.bsky.social: www.apmreports.org/story/2025/0...

‘We did not want to take this guy’: Abuse rates higher at nursing homes with more mental illness

Nursing homes are designed to care for patients with physical infirmities. But nationwide, 1 in 5 residents has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or psychosis — condi...

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Reposted by Anika Besst

MPR News @mprnews.org · Aug 7

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.

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 ...

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Reposted by Anika Besst

MPR News @mprnews.org · Jul 24

MPR News’ parent company to lay off 5–8% of staff amid $6M budget gap tied to state and federal funding cuts.

MPR’s parent company announces layoffs due to state and federal funding cuts

American Public Media Group leadership announced Thursday that it will be laying off employees and making other cost reductions after state and federal funding cuts led to a $6 million budget gap.

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Reposted by Anika Besst

MPR News @mprnews.org · Jul 17

The Senate voted to approve a $9 billion rescission package aimed at clawing back money already allocated for public radio and television. In Minnesota, that funding totals $17,228,752 across 16 organizations.

Read the full story here: www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0...

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Reposted by Anika Besst

MPR News @mprnews.org · Jul 6

Researchers with the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory have discovered a new microbe hidden deep in the oily rudder shaft of its research vessel the Blue Heron.

Duluth scientists discover novel ‘Ship Goo‘ aboard Great Lakes research vessel

Researchers with the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory have discovered a new microbe hidden deep in the oily rudder shaft of its research vessel the Blue Heron.

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Anika Besst @anikabesst.bsky.social · Jun 30

I had the opportunity to catch up with the Twin Cities band Gifted Handz. Hear more about how they met, their music, goals and about their piece “Freedom’s Intro.”

Music as medicine: Gifted Handz and the power of vulnerability

Three childhood friends in the Twin Cities band Gifted Handz created the gospel-fusion song “Freedom’s Intro” — inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech — as a powerful, emotional centerpiece...

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Anika Besst @anikabesst.bsky.social · Jun 12

Creativity + archival material + a beloved game...What do you get? Archival footage bingo at the Minnesota History Center. Read about the new event here:

Relics of Minnesota history play bingo

The Minnesota History Center is holding a new event to showcase archival footage through a bingo game. The Thursday, June 12 event will include segments from KSTP broadcasts, commercials, home videos,...

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Anika Besst @anikabesst.bsky.social · May 22

It was a big day for Minnesota's women's basketball and a fight for home court advantage: the Lynx on their own hardwood and Paige Bueckers back in her home state.

I had the opportunity to chat with her former coach, fans and Lynx fans. Check out what they had to say about the matchup. 🏀🏀

Lynx beat Wings 85-81 for 2nd time in 5 days, spoiling homecoming for Bueckers

Napheesa Collier had 28 points and eight rebounds to lead the Minnesota Lynx to their second victory over the Dallas Wings in five days, an 85-81 decision that spoiled the homecoming for first overall...

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Anika Besst @anikabesst.bsky.social · May 13

St. Paul officials haven’t determined what caused a 35-foot-deep sinkhole on West Seventh Street. They also say the fix could take a couple of months to repair.

Repair on sinkhole near Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul expected to begin Monday

St. Paul officials haven’t determined what caused the sinkhole. They also say the fix could take a couple of months to repair.

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Reposted by Anika Besst

MPR News @mprnews.org · May 13

At last report, the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires had burned nearly 3,000 acres combined and destroyed dozens of structures about 40 miles north-northeast of Duluth. A third fire northwest of Duluth — the Munger Shaw Fire — also prompted evacuations late Monday.

National Guard called in to battle fast-growing northeastern Minnesota wildfires

Scores of residents of northeastern Minnesota have been forced to evacuate their homes as several large wildfires grow and spread. Hot, dry and windy conditions are helping fuel the blazes. Gov. Tim W...

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Reposted by Anika Besst

Kness @kness.bsky.social · May 6

All of the bunnies 🐰🐰🐰

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Anika Besst @anikabesst.bsky.social · May 5

Here we are again. Experiencing Déjà vu? The Timberwolves are chasing their first-ever NBA Finals appearance for a second consecutive time after their failed attempt last season. After knocking out the Lakers, they now face the Golden State Warriors Tuesday in Round 2.

Timberwolves playoff run: Everything to know about Minnesota’s basketball semifinals

The Minnesota Timberwolves are chasing their first-ever NBA Finals appearance. After knocking out the Lakers, they now face the Golden State Warriors Tuesday in Round 2. Many Wolves fans may be experi...

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Anika Besst @anikabesst.bsky.social · Apr 29

Need some mallard magic this morning? Check out this mama who has taken over an unused eagle nest that just so happens to have a DNR cam. 🦆

‘A mansion of a nest’: Mallard mama takes up residence in unused eagle nest

A mallard duck has made her and her handful of eggs at home in an unoccupied bald eagle’s nest. The DNR expects the eggs to hatch around May 15.

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Anika Besst @anikabesst.bsky.social · Mar 29

Varnish has faded its 119-year-old paint, but an artwork at the State Capitol still captures the grim reality of The Battle of Nashville, which involved hundreds of Minnesotans.

Smoke and memory: A Civil War painting endures in Minnesota’s Capitol

At the Minnesota State Capitol, Howard Pyle’s Civil War painting “The Battle of Nashville” stands as a vivid tribute to Minnesota soldiers, preserved through time and restoration as a centerpiece of h...

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Anika Besst @anikabesst.bsky.social · Mar 23

What a group 🎶

Four strings, infinite joy: T.H.U.G. is a ukulele group with a name to remember

The Two Harbors Ukulele Group (T.H.U.G.), a lively ensemble of mostly senior musicians, brings joy through its 400+ song repertoire, performing everywhere from senior living facilities to breweries, w...

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Anika Besst @anikabesst.bsky.social · Mar 6

The provocative comment and amplification by Musk has sparked discussion about the possibility. Trump can pardon Chauvin’s 20-year federal convictions for violating Floyd’s civil rights, but pardoning or commuting Chauvin’s 22 ½ year state sentence is out of his jurisdiction.

There are calls to pardon Chauvin. Here’s why it wouldn’t get him out of prison

Trump can pardon Chauvin’s 20-year federal convictions for violating Floyd’s civil rights, but pardoning or commuting Chauvin’s 22 1/2 year state sentence is out of Trump’s jurisdiction.

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