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MPR News @mprnews.org · 3h

The Trump administration says "substantial" layoffs of federal workers have begun, appearing to follow through on threats to slash the size of government during the shutdown.

White House says 'substantial' layoffs of federal workers have begun, with few details

The Trump administration says it has started the process of issuing reduction-in-force notices to federal employees. It's not clear how many agencies are affected or how many people.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 6h

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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MPR News @mprnews.org · 7h

The St. Paul Downtown Development Corporation announced Friday that it has acquired the Alliance Bank Center building from Madison Equities.

The 16-story building in downtown St. Paul was left vacant by Madison Equities after it stopped paying the building’s utility bills.

St. Paul Downtown Development Corporation acquires vacant Alliance Bank Center building

The 16-story building in downtown St. Paul was left vacant by Madison Equities after it stopped paying the building’s utility bills.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 9h

A new mural is rising on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis, transforming a mistaken paint-over into a bold tribute to coffee, migration and community.

Paint it back: Mural reborn in Minneapolis after erasure

A new mural is rising on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis, transforming a mistaken paint-over into a bold tribute to coffee, migration and community.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 9h

The Climate Prediction Center has officially issued a La Niña advisory, signaling that cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures have returned to the eastern Pacific.

La Niña returns: What it could mean for Minnesota’s winter

The Climate Prediction Center has officially issued a La Niña advisory, signaling that cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures have returned to the eastern Pacific.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 11h

The family of a Cottage Grove man who died after a DWI arrest in Eagan last year has filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit. They're alleging that police and jail staff mistook symptoms of a major stroke for drug impairment and let him languish for hours without medical treatment.

Eagan police ignored man's stroke symptoms during traffic stop, wrongful death suit alleges

The family of a 50-year-old postal worker from Cottage Grove has filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit alleging that Eagan police and jail staff mistook his stroke symptoms for drug impairment after ...

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 13h

The Crosby Fire, burning in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, has prompted the closure of a section of the Superior Hiking Trail along the North Shore. The fire is 160 acres in size and officials said it’s 25 percent contained, as of Thursday evening.

North Shore wildfire prompts closure of part of the Superior Hiking Trail

The Crosby Fire, burning in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, has prompted the closure of a section of the Superior Hiking Trail along the North Shore. The fire is 160 acres in size and officials s...

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 15h

Artificial intelligence–powered cameras to detect wildfires — already in use in the western U.S. — are now operating in Minnesota for the first time. Installed by Xcel Energy in Mankato and Clear Lake, the devices scan for smoke and heat to provide alerts to utilities and first responders.

AI cameras now scanning Minnesota skies for early signs of wildfire

Artificial intelligence–powered cameras to detect wildfires — already in use in the western U.S. — are now operating in Minnesota for the first time. Installed by Xcel Energy in Mankato and Clear Lake...

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 1d

Tribal economic development leaders convened Wednesday and Thursday at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis for a gathering aimed at supporting tribal economies.

Center for Indian Country Development hosts data summit, looks to future of tribal economies

Tribal, economic and Federal Reserve leaders convened in Minneapolis for an event aimed at supporting tribal economies.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 1d

Making fermented foods is easier than you may think. Food writer Beth Dooley invited us to her kitchen to talk about the process for making foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi and yogurt.

Fermentation made easy: Beth Dooley's simple sauerkraut recipe

Making fermented foods is easier than you may think. Food writer Beth Dooley shares her simple sauerkraut recipe.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 1d

The Minneapolis City Council passed a new ordinance that will require landlords who own properties repeatedly flagged for health and safety violations to face a public hearing before their licenses are renewed.

Negligent landlords to face tighter scrutiny in Minneapolis

The Minneapolis City Council passed a new ordinance that will require landlords who own properties repeatedly flagged for health and safety violations to face a public hearing before their licenses ar...

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 1d

In his second term, President Donald Trump has increasingly sought the use of the National Guard — specifically in Democratic-led cities — to address crime, quell protests and support ICE operations. In recent weeks, they have been deployed to prune trees, collect trash and patrolling neighborhoods.

Trump’s use of National Guard strays from role as ‘minutemen,’ military experts say

Military experts say they also worry how these new deployments will affect recruitment and public trust.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 1d

MIGIZI leaders highlighted programming where youth participants take care of sacred sites, such as those along the Minnesota River. And youth involved with MIGIZI showcased robots they had made during the session, moving them around with a handheld controller.

National conference brings together Native scientists, engineers and educators

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society hosted its national conference in Minneapolis, bringing together Native scientists, engineers, educators and students.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 1d

A storytelling festival in Winona, a Pulitzer-winning play about caregiving and a Prince-inspired fashion show - here's what's on the Art Hounds' radar this week.

Art Hounds: A storytelling road trip, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play and vintage fashion flair

Art Hounds recommend the Sandbar Storytelling Festival, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Cost of Living” and the vintage fashion show Glam Jam.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 1d

NHL right wing Vladimir Tarasenko played his first 10 and a half seasons for St. Louis. Tonight, he'll make his return to the city - this time as one of the Minnesota Wild's newest players.

Vladimir Tarasenko has found a fresh start and a warm welcome with the Minnesota Wild

Not that long after he regularly ruined their nights while playing a leading role for the St. Louis Blues, Tarasenko will make his Wild debut in the opener on Thursday in, fittingly, the city where he...

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 1d

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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MPR News @mprnews.org · 1d

According to police, their investigation began after a White Bear Lake resident reported on Sept. 29 that her daughter saw a mugshot circulating on social media. She recognized the 22-year-old man as a fellow student at White Bear Lake Area High School, albeit with a different name.

Man enrolled as White Bear Lake student investigated for ‘possible sexual assault’

Charges have not yet been filed against the 22-year-old man who enrolled at White Bear Lake Area High School as police say they’re investigating the complicated case.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 1d

Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, paving the way for a pause in the fighting and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Palestinians greeted the news cautiously as a possible breakthrough in ending the 2-year-old war.

Israel and Hamas agree to 'first phase' of plan to end fighting and release hostages, Trump says

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza. That paves the way for a pause in the fighting and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners...

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 2d

Authorities in northeastern Minnesota apprehended a man on Tuesday, two weeks after he walked away from a work farm near Duluth.

Authorities arrest man who escaped from work farm near Duluth two weeks ago

Authorities in northeastern Minnesota apprehended a man on Tuesday, two weeks after he walked away from a work farm near Duluth.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 2d

The statement Wednesday seemed to walk back prior comments the DFLer made about bringing lawmakers back to St. Paul with or without an agreement on a special session.

In reversal, Walz says he needs deal with top lawmakers to call special session on guns

The statement Wednesday seemed to walk back prior comments the DFLer made about bringing lawmakers back to St. Paul with or without an agreement on a special session.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 2d

The suspect admitted in federal court Wednesday that he made nearly two dozen videos in 2023 and shared at least one through the Telegram messaging app. He was wearing his state trooper uniform and sidearm in some of the videos.

Trooper admits to sexually assaulting baby, creating videos

A Minnesota state trooper pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges of producing and distributing child sex abuse images. In April, FBI agents identified Jeremy Francis Plonski as the person seen in...

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 2d

A Catholic priest in the Diocese of St. Cloud has been charged with sexually abusing a woman for several years.

The criminal complaint alleges that Aaron Kuhn sexually abused the woman multiple times while he was providing her with spiritual advice over nearly three years, from 2019 to 2022.

Charges: Catholic priest in central Minnesota sexually abused woman he was advising

The criminal complaint alleges that Aaron Kuhn sexually abused the woman multiple times while he was providing her with spiritual advice over nearly three years, from 2019 to 2022.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 2d

Minneapolis police have revised the total count of victims in the August shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church to 30. Authorities had previously reported 23 victims. Police said Wednesday they’ve increased their count, as more people have reported injuries.

Authorities increase count of injured in Annunciation shooting

Minneapolis police say 30 people total were injured in the Annunciation shooting — revised from their previous count of 23 victims.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 2d

One person died and three other people were injured in a shooting late Tuesday night inside a bar in downtown Minneapolis.
It happened just before midnight on Fourth Street, about a block east of the federal courthouse and Minneapolis City Hall.

1 person dead, 3 injured in downtown Minneapolis shooting

One person died and three other people were injured in a shooting late Tuesday night in downtown Minneapolis.

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 2d

President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill that passed this summer ended several clean energy incentives, including tax credits that helped lower the cost of installing solar panels, heat pumps or windows for insulation. But some Minnesotans are continuing the work to make their homes greener.

Clean energy tax credits are ending, but higher electricity costs still driving interest in solar

President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill did away with several clean energy incentives, including tax credits that helped lower the cost of installing solar, batteries, heat pumps and making hom...

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