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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.
Munitions like tear gas and pepper spray are often called "less lethal" methods of crowd control, but they can do serious, lasting damage. Here's what to know.
How pepper spray and tear gas used by law enforcement impact human health
Dr. Rohini Haar is a California-based emergency physician and human rights expert who has studied the health effects of less-lethal methods.
www.mprnews.org
December 3, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Munitions like tear gas and pepper spray are often called "less lethal" methods of crowd control, but they can do serious, lasting damage. Here's what to know.
“The inflammatory rhetoric that lifts all Somalis together in Minnesota is both inaccurate, unfair and, I think in the end, mutually destructive,” said Ahmed Samatar, a Somali studies expert at Macalester College.
Escalation of rhetoric from White House targeting Somalis is 'unhinged,' says Somali scholar
President Donald Trump is intensifying his disparaging remarks about Minnesota's Somali community and speaking in xenophobic terms about people of Somali descent.
www.mprnews.org
December 3, 2025 at 1:18 AM
“The inflammatory rhetoric that lifts all Somalis together in Minnesota is both inaccurate, unfair and, I think in the end, mutually destructive,” said Ahmed Samatar, a Somali studies expert at Macalester College.
At least four federal agencies opened investigations into actions by Gov. Walz’s administration or threatened to hold back federal money that would come to the state, amid an increasingly ugly rift between Walz and President Trump.
Minnesota faces weight of Trump administration actions on multiple fronts
At least four federal agencies moved in quick succession to investigate or threaten Minnesota, and an immigration action began as President Donald Trump and Gov. Tim Walz tangle over whose competency ...
www.mprnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 11:40 PM
At least four federal agencies opened investigations into actions by Gov. Walz’s administration or threatened to hold back federal money that would come to the state, amid an increasingly ugly rift between Walz and President Trump.
After reviewing 400 documents over 40 years of hepatitis B implementation, a team of U of M epidemiologists and experts are urging federal health advisors to maintain the longstanding vaccine recommendation.
University of Minnesota researchers say hepatitis B vaccine safe for babies, despite federal concern
A report from the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project maintains the recommendation for newborn hepatitis B vaccination. This contradicts arguments from Trump administration health advi...
www.mprnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 10:22 PM
After reviewing 400 documents over 40 years of hepatitis B implementation, a team of U of M epidemiologists and experts are urging federal health advisors to maintain the longstanding vaccine recommendation.
The U.S. Treasury Department is investigating allegations that tax dollars from Minnesota may have been diverted to the al-Shabaab militant group in Somalia. The Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office, however, has aggressively prosecuted fraud in the state and not made such links.
Treasury investigating tax fraud allegations in Minnesota, Bessent says
The U.S. Treasury Department is investigating allegations that tax dollars from Minnesota may have been diverted to the al-Shabaab militant group in Somalia, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on M...
www.mprnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 8:57 PM
The U.S. Treasury Department is investigating allegations that tax dollars from Minnesota may have been diverted to the al-Shabaab militant group in Somalia. The Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office, however, has aggressively prosecuted fraud in the state and not made such links.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development said it would open a portal for parents to pre-apply for paid family leave in 2026 if they welcomed a child this year.
Parents who welcomed children this year can soon apply for 2026 bonding leave
The Department of Employment and Economic Development said it would open a portal for parents to pre-apply for paid family leave in 2026 if they welcomed a child this year.
www.mprnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 8:08 PM
The Department of Employment and Economic Development said it would open a portal for parents to pre-apply for paid family leave in 2026 if they welcomed a child this year.
Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse will be representing Team USA at the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February as mixed doubles partners in curling.
“Surrounding myself with people that are so accomplished in the sport has really helped me to believe in my dreams,” said Thiesse of the curlers she has met.
“Surrounding myself with people that are so accomplished in the sport has really helped me to believe in my dreams,” said Thiesse of the curlers she has met.
Team Cory and Korey: Minnesota curlers preparing for 2026 Winter Olympics
Three years after teaming up to chase their shared Olympic dream, Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse of Duluth will represent the U.S. in mixed doubles curling at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy.
www.mprnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse will be representing Team USA at the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February as mixed doubles partners in curling.
“Surrounding myself with people that are so accomplished in the sport has really helped me to believe in my dreams,” said Thiesse of the curlers she has met.
“Surrounding myself with people that are so accomplished in the sport has really helped me to believe in my dreams,” said Thiesse of the curlers she has met.
Four men were wounded in a shooting in St. Paul on Monday afternoon. St. Paul police said the victims suffered injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Four people wounded in St. Paul shooting
Four men were wounded in a shooting in St. Paul on Monday afternoon. St. Paul police said the victims suffered injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
www.mprnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Four men were wounded in a shooting in St. Paul on Monday afternoon. St. Paul police said the victims suffered injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
China said it would purchase 12 million metric tons of American soybeans by the end of the year, but so far it's only bought around 1.5 million. Some Minnesota farmers are wondering if the country will follow through.
Soybean prices rally on China's promise to buy American beans. Some producers worry they won't follow through
Despite underwhelming Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans, soybean prices are rallying.
www.mprnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 12:10 PM
China said it would purchase 12 million metric tons of American soybeans by the end of the year, but so far it's only bought around 1.5 million. Some Minnesota farmers are wondering if the country will follow through.
The study says the pandemic forced health care organizations to offer more competitive salaries in order to keep essential, lower-wage staff.
COVID-19 pandemic narrowed health care industry pay gap, new study finds
A new study finds that the COVID-19 pandemic narrowed the wage gap between high and low paid workers in the health care industry, as the lowest earners saw the biggest boost in pay in the years since ...
www.mprnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 1:46 AM
The study says the pandemic forced health care organizations to offer more competitive salaries in order to keep essential, lower-wage staff.
Chum Executive Director John Cole said the group will likely use the grant to expand its Emergency Family Shelter and to offer more support services for parents — and more programs for children — to provide assistance as they move toward stability.
Bezos foundation gives $2.5 million grant to help fight homelessness in Duluth
Chum, which operates the largest emergency homeless shelter north of the Twin Cities, has been awarded a $2.5 million grant — the largest in its history — to address family homelessness in Duluth.
www.mprnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Chum Executive Director John Cole said the group will likely use the grant to expand its Emergency Family Shelter and to offer more support services for parents — and more programs for children — to provide assistance as they move toward stability.
Demand for real Christmas trees is rising this season as tariffs drive artificial tree prices higher. Minnesota tree growers love the new business but say steeper growing costs are pressuring their prices, too.
Tariffs, input costs put pressure on Christmas tree prices
As artificial Christmas tree prices increase due to tariffs, demand for real trees has grown. But greater input costs and a set supply is pressuring prices up for real trees too.
www.mprnews.org
December 1, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Demand for real Christmas trees is rising this season as tariffs drive artificial tree prices higher. Minnesota tree growers love the new business but say steeper growing costs are pressuring their prices, too.
St. Cloud diocese leaders were told of concerns raised about Joseph Herzing three years ago. After completing treatment, Herzing was allowed to return to active ministry, where he continued to serve until criminal charges were filed last week.
Central Minnesota priest accused of sexually abusing, stalking, threatening woman
St. Cloud diocese leaders were told of concerns raised about Joseph Herzing three years ago. After completing treatment, Herzing was allowed to return to active ministry, where he continued to serve u...
www.mprnews.org
December 1, 2025 at 8:13 PM
St. Cloud diocese leaders were told of concerns raised about Joseph Herzing three years ago. After completing treatment, Herzing was allowed to return to active ministry, where he continued to serve until criminal charges were filed last week.
The Vikings announced Monday that they’ve waived receiver Adam Thielen — at the veteran player’s request. The team said Thielen wanted the chance for more playing time in what he says will be his final NFL season.
Minnesota Vikings waive veteran receiver Adam Thielen — at his request
The Vikings announced Monday that they’ve waived receiver Adam Thielen — at the veteran player’s request. The team said Thielen wanted the chance for more playing time in what he says will be his fina...
www.mprnews.org
December 1, 2025 at 6:28 PM
The Vikings announced Monday that they’ve waived receiver Adam Thielen — at the veteran player’s request. The team said Thielen wanted the chance for more playing time in what he says will be his final NFL season.
The University of St. Thomas women's volleyball team will be the first sport at the university to make an NCAA playoff appearance since moving from Division III to Division I a few years ago.
St. Thomas Volleyball heads to NCAA tournament for first time; U of M also plays later this week
The University of St. Thomas women's volleyball team will face Iowa State in the first round of the NCAA tournament later this week. The University of Minnesota will face off against Fairfield on Frid...
www.mprnews.org
December 1, 2025 at 5:27 PM
The University of St. Thomas women's volleyball team will be the first sport at the university to make an NCAA playoff appearance since moving from Division III to Division I a few years ago.
The southern Minnesota city of Mapleton may have found a unique solution to the difficult problem of finding quality, affordable child care in rural areas by building a "child care house."
New child care house aims to solve vexing small town child care shortage
The southern Minnesota city of Mapleton may have found a unique solution to the difficult problem of finding quality, affordable child care in rural areas by building a "child care house."
www.mprnews.org
December 1, 2025 at 4:20 PM
The southern Minnesota city of Mapleton may have found a unique solution to the difficult problem of finding quality, affordable child care in rural areas by building a "child care house."
❄️ Snow emergencies remain in effect across Minnesota after the weekend's winter storm.
St. Paul, Minneapolis, Mankato, New Ulm, Rochester and Waseca are among the cities that declared snow emergencies or implemented other special parking restrictions.
St. Paul, Minneapolis, Mankato, New Ulm, Rochester and Waseca are among the cities that declared snow emergencies or implemented other special parking restrictions.
Snow emergencies continue in Minneapolis and St. Paul following weekend snow
Snow emergencies continue Monday in St. Paul and Minneapolis in the wake of the weekend winter storm that dropped more than a half-foot of snow on parts of the state.
www.mprnews.org
December 1, 2025 at 3:16 PM
❄️ Snow emergencies remain in effect across Minnesota after the weekend's winter storm.
St. Paul, Minneapolis, Mankato, New Ulm, Rochester and Waseca are among the cities that declared snow emergencies or implemented other special parking restrictions.
St. Paul, Minneapolis, Mankato, New Ulm, Rochester and Waseca are among the cities that declared snow emergencies or implemented other special parking restrictions.
The council says SoyFoam is just as effective as traditional foams without the health and environmental dangers caused by PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," which the older generation products contained.
What do you do with a hill of beans? Fight fires, say Minnesota soybean groups
In a year when soybean markets have been upended by trade wars, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council is running a campaign to add demand and diversify product options for soybeans throug...
www.mprnews.org
December 1, 2025 at 12:39 PM
The council says SoyFoam is just as effective as traditional foams without the health and environmental dangers caused by PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," which the older generation products contained.
With the Timberwolves ahead 115-112 and the shot clock winding down, Anthony Edwards briefly lost his dribble but quickly picked up the ball and lofted a 3-point prayer over the Celtics' Derrick White that went in with 14 seconds left.
Edwards caps 39-point performance with unlikely 3 as Timberwolves hold off Celtics 119-115
Anthony Edwards scored 39 points, including an unlikely 3-pointer that sealed the game, and the Minnesota Timberwolves held off the Boston Celtics 119-115 on Saturday.
www.mprnews.org
November 30, 2025 at 9:39 PM
With the Timberwolves ahead 115-112 and the shot clock winding down, Anthony Edwards briefly lost his dribble but quickly picked up the ball and lofted a 3-point prayer over the Celtics' Derrick White that went in with 14 seconds left.
“That’s Gopher football,” said Minnesota Head Coach P.J. Fleck, “from the weather to the style we played with.”
Minnesota keeps Paul Bunyan's Axe with a snowy 17-7 win over Wisconsin, the 4th time in 5 years
Minnesota scores a 17-7 victory over Wisconsin on Saturday to keep possession of the axe and overtake the all-time series lead at 64-63-8.
www.mprnews.org
November 30, 2025 at 8:20 PM
“That’s Gopher football,” said Minnesota Head Coach P.J. Fleck, “from the weather to the style we played with.”
Minnesota was blanketed in snow over the weekend, with Blue Earth reporting roughly a foot of snow, Winnebago nearly 10 inches and Rochester over 8 inches.
Thanksgiving weekend storm blankets Minnesota in snow
A Thanksgiving weekend snowstorm dumped several inches of snow across Minnesota on Saturday and Sunday. The National Weather Service reported more than 8 inches of snow in Rochester, 6.5 inches in Cha...
www.mprnews.org
November 30, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Minnesota was blanketed in snow over the weekend, with Blue Earth reporting roughly a foot of snow, Winnebago nearly 10 inches and Rochester over 8 inches.
After years of tests and different specialists, the family of a 7-year-old finally received answers when the genetics team at Children's Minnesota solved a medical mystery.
More than a year after negative genetic test, new findings give family long-sought diagnosis
A Wisconsin mother finally got answers about her son’s rare genetic disorder after a reanalysis of earlier tests, giving her family clarity and a roadmap for his future care.
www.mprnews.org
November 30, 2025 at 4:57 PM
After years of tests and different specialists, the family of a 7-year-old finally received answers when the genetics team at Children's Minnesota solved a medical mystery.
If all goes as planned, demolition of the existing chalet is scheduled to start next spring.
Duluth's Chester Bowl plans to open new ski chalet next year
Chester Bowl, a community-run downhill ski hill in a city park in the center of Duluth, plans to finish building a new $3 million-plus chalet by late 2026.
www.mprnews.org
November 29, 2025 at 7:25 PM
If all goes as planned, demolition of the existing chalet is scheduled to start next spring.
“I think we want to win every single night,” Nicole Hensley said. “We know it’s a long season and we try to stack points on top of each other.”
Minnesota Frost shutout new Seattle Torrent team 3-0 in front of historic 16,000 fans
In front of 16,014 fans — breaking the record for the largest crowd for a women’s hockey game in a U.S. arena — the Minnesota Frost shutout the 3-0 Seattle Torrent at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle o...
www.mprnews.org
November 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM
“I think we want to win every single night,” Nicole Hensley said. “We know it’s a long season and we try to stack points on top of each other.”
Round two of winter storms is pushing out of the Rockies into the Central Plains, with its unfortunate timing for holiday travel. A slow-moving low-pressure system will move just to our south on Saturday, bringing heavy, accumulating snowfall and a secondary blast of cold air.
Snowstorm sequel: Heavy snow and difficult travel expected again
A post-Thanksgiving snowstorm is set to move in just as one of the busiest travel weekends of the year continues. Heavy snow and plunging temperatures will cause some travel disruptions and post-holid...
www.mprnews.org
November 28, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Round two of winter storms is pushing out of the Rockies into the Central Plains, with its unfortunate timing for holiday travel. A slow-moving low-pressure system will move just to our south on Saturday, bringing heavy, accumulating snowfall and a secondary blast of cold air.