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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.
❄️ With this week's forecast, you'll hope your shovel is still in reach. Our latest winter storm system will bring a mix of precipitation to southern Minnesota with heavy snow in central and northern parts of the state.
Latest winter storm to bring a wintry mix and heavy snow to Minnesota
Our latest winter storm system will bring a mix of precipitation to southern Minnesota with heavy snow in central and northern parts of the state. Colder air follows for later in the week.
www.mprnews.org
December 9, 2025 at 3:49 PM
❄️ With this week's forecast, you'll hope your shovel is still in reach. Our latest winter storm system will bring a mix of precipitation to southern Minnesota with heavy snow in central and northern parts of the state.
Property taxes are going up next year. In Blue Earth, the county board votes next week on a proposed property tax increase. Officials say it is needed to pay for the rising costs of administering SNAP, Medicaid and other federal programs that federal legislation has shifted onto local governments.
Federal SNAP, Medicaid changes force Minnesota counties to raise property taxes
The Blue Earth County Board votes next week on a proposed property tax increase that officials say is needed to pay for the rising costs of administering SNAP, Medicaid and other federal programs that...
www.mprnews.org
December 9, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Property taxes are going up next year. In Blue Earth, the county board votes next week on a proposed property tax increase. Officials say it is needed to pay for the rising costs of administering SNAP, Medicaid and other federal programs that federal legislation has shifted onto local governments.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon will try next year for a fourth term in charge of an office that oversees elections and business registrations. He told MPR News in an interview that threats and challenges to elections are too great for him to step away.
Democrat Steve Simon will try for fourth term as Minnesota secretary of state
Steve Simon was the top vote getter for partisan office in Minnesota’s 2022 election. He’s trying for a fourth term for a post he says is his “center of gravity.”
www.mprnews.org
December 9, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon will try next year for a fourth term in charge of an office that oversees elections and business registrations. He told MPR News in an interview that threats and challenges to elections are too great for him to step away.
An apparent ICE arrest in Rochester has stirred fear in the city's Somali community and raised concerns about operations across the state.
Community sounds alarm after apparent ICE arrest in Rochester
An apparent arrest of a Rochester man has stirred fear in the Somali community as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s recent surge of arrests expands beyond the Twin Cities.
www.mprnews.org
December 9, 2025 at 1:42 AM
An apparent ICE arrest in Rochester has stirred fear in the city's Somali community and raised concerns about operations across the state.
Minnesota immigrant-rights groups say they’re being inundated with alerts as ICE steps up arrests and enforcement operations, stretching volunteer networks and heightening fear in local communities.
Minnesota immigrant-rights groups report surge in ICE alerts as federal arrests climb
Minnesota immigrant-rights groups say they’re being inundated with alerts as ICE steps up arrests and enforcement operations, stretching volunteer networks and heightening fear in local communities.
www.mprnews.org
December 8, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Minnesota immigrant-rights groups say they’re being inundated with alerts as ICE steps up arrests and enforcement operations, stretching volunteer networks and heightening fear in local communities.
A neighbor reported the fire at the Masjid Hamza Al-Mahmood Foundation just before 2:30 a.m., according to a news release from the Prior Lake Fire Department. The building — located just off of State Highway 13 — also houses a school, Baitul Hikmah Academy.
Fire causes major damage at mosque and school in Prior Lake
A mosque in Prior Lake was severely damaged in a fire early Monday morning. State and federal officials will investigate the cause.
www.mprnews.org
December 8, 2025 at 5:14 PM
A neighbor reported the fire at the Masjid Hamza Al-Mahmood Foundation just before 2:30 a.m., according to a news release from the Prior Lake Fire Department. The building — located just off of State Highway 13 — also houses a school, Baitul Hikmah Academy.
This beloved piece of land is at the center of a fierce debate in a community proud of its abundance of wild green spaces, over whether the course should be sold and developed into badly needed housing, protected as public parkland, or some combination of the two.
Housing or parkland? Duluth debates future of long-closed golf course amid housing crunch
The Duluth City Council will vote Monday night on whether to transfer the long-closed Lester Park Golf Course to its economic development arm to pave the way for a possible housing development. Critic...
www.mprnews.org
December 8, 2025 at 3:46 PM
This beloved piece of land is at the center of a fierce debate in a community proud of its abundance of wild green spaces, over whether the course should be sold and developed into badly needed housing, protected as public parkland, or some combination of the two.
With a reprieve from the cold air, Monday and Tuesday's highs will be in the 20s across southern Minnesota with teens north. However, snow is likely Monday into Tuesday, with more possible later this week.
Warmer Monday and Tuesday with a couple rounds of snow ahead
The week starts warmer but ends colder. The pattern also remains active with disturbances bringing snow chances late Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this week.
www.mprnews.org
December 8, 2025 at 2:29 PM
With a reprieve from the cold air, Monday and Tuesday's highs will be in the 20s across southern Minnesota with teens north. However, snow is likely Monday into Tuesday, with more possible later this week.
An ICE operation focused on Somali immigrants in Minnesota has led to at least 19 arrests in its first week, but federal agents are mum on the exact scope. Somali Minnesotans, most of whom have U.S. citizenship, say it’s creating fear and anxiety in their communities.
A week into immigration operation, Minnesota Somalis remain on edge but vow resilience
An ICE operation focused on Somali immigrants in Minnesota has led to at least 19 arrests in its first week, as federal agents are mum on the exact scope. Somali Minnesotans, most of whom have U.S. ci...
www.mprnews.org
December 8, 2025 at 12:55 PM
An ICE operation focused on Somali immigrants in Minnesota has led to at least 19 arrests in its first week, but federal agents are mum on the exact scope. Somali Minnesotans, most of whom have U.S. citizenship, say it’s creating fear and anxiety in their communities.
According to a county health department statement, 65 percent of the water samples tested in Mower County had high levels of arsenic. Elevated levels of manganese were identified in nearly a third of the samples.
Mower County water wells show elevated levels of arsenic and manganese
State health officials report that private well water testing has detected high levels of arsenic and manganese in the wells of some homes in southeast Minnesota’s Mower County. The levels are not hig...
www.mprnews.org
December 7, 2025 at 9:39 PM
According to a county health department statement, 65 percent of the water samples tested in Mower County had high levels of arsenic. Elevated levels of manganese were identified in nearly a third of the samples.
Emerald ash borers are invasive beetles responsible for killing millions of ash trees across Minnesota and the country.
One possible line of defense? Fungi.
One possible line of defense? Fungi.
U of M scientists find fungi can fight emerald ash borers
University of Minnesota researchers say they’ve discovered several naturally occurring parasitic fungi that could be weaponized against the invasive beetles responsible for killing millions of ash tre...
www.mprnews.org
December 7, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Emerald ash borers are invasive beetles responsible for killing millions of ash trees across Minnesota and the country.
One possible line of defense? Fungi.
One possible line of defense? Fungi.
White House border czar Tom Homan said ordinances in Minneapolis and St. Paul barring police from cooperation with immigration authorities are one catalyst for the operation.
“It takes a whole team to find somebody in a community where it would take one agent to arrest one bad guy in a county jail.”
“It takes a whole team to find somebody in a community where it would take one agent to arrest one bad guy in a county jail.”
More ICE arrests in Minnesota disclosed as White House, Democrats spar over operation
Immigration authorities have released details of the arrests of 19 people since a stepped-up operation in Minnesota began last week, although the full scope of the surge remains a point of dispute.
www.mprnews.org
December 7, 2025 at 7:14 PM
White House border czar Tom Homan said ordinances in Minneapolis and St. Paul barring police from cooperation with immigration authorities are one catalyst for the operation.
“It takes a whole team to find somebody in a community where it would take one agent to arrest one bad guy in a county jail.”
“It takes a whole team to find somebody in a community where it would take one agent to arrest one bad guy in a county jail.”
🏀 Reid's big shot capped a 19-point night off the bench, including 5 of 8 from three-point range. McDaniels then made two free throws with 4.8 seconds left, and the Timberwolves held on.
Reid makes a go-ahead 3-pointer, McDaniels scores 27 and Timberwolves edge Clippers
Naz Reid made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 13 seconds remaining, Jaden McDaniels scored 27 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Clippers 109-106 on Saturday night.
www.mprnews.org
December 7, 2025 at 5:46 PM
🏀 Reid's big shot capped a 19-point night off the bench, including 5 of 8 from three-point range. McDaniels then made two free throws with 4.8 seconds left, and the Timberwolves held on.
In advance of a new veterans museum being built in Little Falls, an online Pearl Harbor remembrance event will be held today at 4 p.m. Anyone is welcome to participate and share stories about loved ones who were at Pearl Harbor.
Minnesota veterans museum to commemorate Pearl Harbor attack with online event
Next year, organizers hope to hold an in-person remembrance at the new museum near Little Falls, which is scheduled to open next summer. One of the artifacts the museum will showcase is a 50-caliber g...
www.mprnews.org
December 7, 2025 at 4:06 PM
In advance of a new veterans museum being built in Little Falls, an online Pearl Harbor remembrance event will be held today at 4 p.m. Anyone is welcome to participate and share stories about loved ones who were at Pearl Harbor.
State Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, wrote a letter inviting President Donald Trump to join him in meeting with the Somali community, to understand how Somalis are “woven into Minnesota’s fabric.”
Republican state senator to Trump: Somalis are ‘woven into Minnesota’s fabric’
State Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, wrote a letter inviting President Donald Trump to join him in meeting with the Somali community, to understand how Somalis are “woven into Minnesota’s fabric.”
www.mprnews.org
December 6, 2025 at 7:15 PM
State Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, wrote a letter inviting President Donald Trump to join him in meeting with the Somali community, to understand how Somalis are “woven into Minnesota’s fabric.”
People of various faiths, ethnicities and racial backgrounds are gathering in Rochester Sunday in a show of solidarity with the Somali-American community there.
Minnesotans rally, mobilize in solidarity with Somali-Americans after Trump’s xenophobic rant
The Muslim Coalition of ISAIAH will host a community gathering and potluck in northwest Rochester on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 3 to 4 p.m. at 125 LIVE River Rooms on Elton Hill Drive, celebrating and honori...
www.mprnews.org
December 6, 2025 at 4:32 PM
People of various faiths, ethnicities and racial backgrounds are gathering in Rochester Sunday in a show of solidarity with the Somali-American community there.
Ice sailing's Great Western Challenge is being held this weekend on Lake Minnewaska. It offers sailors a chance to fine tune their vessels before the start of competitive racing next weekend.
Ice sailing kicks off in Minnesota on Lake Minnewaska
Ice sailing's Great Western Challenge is being held this weekend on Lake Minnewaska. It offers sailors a chance to fine tune their vessels before the start of competitive racing next weekend.
www.mprnews.org
December 6, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Ice sailing's Great Western Challenge is being held this weekend on Lake Minnewaska. It offers sailors a chance to fine tune their vessels before the start of competitive racing next weekend.
Across the Twin Cities residents are volunteering to make ICE’s job in Minnesota as difficult as possible. ICE watchers say the ultimate goal is to prevent ICE agents from arresting, jailing and deporting their neighbors.
‘Tinted windows and out-of-state plates’: How ICE watchers look for agents in their neighborhoods
Across the Twin Cities, ICE agents and activists are playing a high stakes cat-and-mouse game. The goal is to make their job as difficult as possible, and protect their immigrant neighbors.
www.mprnews.org
December 5, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Across the Twin Cities residents are volunteering to make ICE’s job in Minnesota as difficult as possible. ICE watchers say the ultimate goal is to prevent ICE agents from arresting, jailing and deporting their neighbors.
An 18-year-old Monticello man who was shot by a Wright County deputy on Nov. 25 faces charges of felony assault.
Monticello man shot by deputy charged with assault
Dwayne Trunnell, 18, was injured and treated at a local hospital. Wright County deputies fired a Taser and a handgun at Trunnell after he reportedly advanced toward them with a knife.
www.mprnews.org
December 5, 2025 at 11:26 PM
An 18-year-old Monticello man who was shot by a Wright County deputy on Nov. 25 faces charges of felony assault.
Federal prosecutors on Thursday charged a Minneapolis man in connection with a string of sexual assaults including of a 15-year-old girl.
After no-prison plea deal in Hennepin County, feds charge man tied to multiple rapes
Federal prosecutors on Thursday charged a Minneapolis man in connection with a string of sexual assaults including of a 15-year-old girl. Abdimahat Bille Mohamed, 28, avoided prison as part of a plea ...
www.mprnews.org
December 5, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Federal prosecutors on Thursday charged a Minneapolis man in connection with a string of sexual assaults including of a 15-year-old girl.
Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Kristoffer Tigue talked on Climate Cast about warmer winters and an increase in precipitation and melting.
Climate change is reshaping Minnesota winters
In Minnesota, climate change is most evident in winter. Reporter Kristoffer Tigue explained that the state is experiencing warmer winters, an increase in precipitation and melting. Tigue wrote about t...
www.mprnews.org
December 5, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Kristoffer Tigue talked on Climate Cast about warmer winters and an increase in precipitation and melting.
Claire McFadden, a Carleton College graduate, is one of the newest “Saturday Night Live” writers. Just two weeks into the new season, McFadden got to write a sketch for comedy legend Amy Poehler.
How a Carleton College alum went from Northfield to ‘Saturday Night Live’
Claire McFadden, a Carleton College graduate, talked with MPR News about how she got started in comedy, her decision to pursue it as a career, and how her time in Minnesota prepared her for this highl...
www.mprnews.org
December 5, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Claire McFadden, a Carleton College graduate, is one of the newest “Saturday Night Live” writers. Just two weeks into the new season, McFadden got to write a sketch for comedy legend Amy Poehler.
In an affidavit, ICE agent Benjamin Jorgenson said Jeffrey Josuee Lopez-Suazo, driving a Toyota Corolla, squeezed past law enforcement vehicles and fled on Nov. 25 after immigration agents were sent to a home in St. Paul to arrest an undocumented person.
St. Paul man accused of ramming ICE vehicle amid immigration arrest attempt
A St. Paul man was charged federally after allegedly ramming an ICE agent’s vehicle during a Nov. 25 operation.
www.mprnews.org
December 5, 2025 at 1:49 AM
In an affidavit, ICE agent Benjamin Jorgenson said Jeffrey Josuee Lopez-Suazo, driving a Toyota Corolla, squeezed past law enforcement vehicles and fled on Nov. 25 after immigration agents were sent to a home in St. Paul to arrest an undocumented person.
For the first time as an independent club program, the U of M Men’s Gymnastics team has its own 14,000-square-foot facility in St. Paul to call home.
Four years after being dropped by the U of M, men’s gymnastics team has a home
In 2021, U of M Men’s Gymnastics was one of several athletic programs the University cut. With no NCAA affiliation or monetary support from the school, the program had to sustain itself. Now, for the ...
www.mprnews.org
December 5, 2025 at 1:18 AM
For the first time as an independent club program, the U of M Men’s Gymnastics team has its own 14,000-square-foot facility in St. Paul to call home.
Minnesota is a state rich in minerals like it's history of iron ore mining. Now, there’s a renewed effort to extract another precious metal that is in high demand - manganese, which is deep underground in the Brainerd Lakes area. But that mining push, too, is being met with resistance.
Batteries need manganese but talk of mining the mineral roils northern Minnesota’s lake country
There’s a renewed effort in northern Minnesota’s Brainerd Lakes area to develop an underground mine for manganese, which is coveted to make batteries. Many local residents are uneasy.
www.mprnews.org
December 5, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Minnesota is a state rich in minerals like it's history of iron ore mining. Now, there’s a renewed effort to extract another precious metal that is in high demand - manganese, which is deep underground in the Brainerd Lakes area. But that mining push, too, is being met with resistance.