MPR News
Stuck valve drains Lake Alice in William O'Brien State Park
- Title
- Stuck valve drains Lake Alice in William O'Brien State Park
- Runtime
- 0:39
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- A mechanical issue has drained Lake Alice in William O’Brien State Park.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Monday that Lake Alice at William O’Brien State Park, north of Stillwater, “has experienced a near total drawdown of its water level,” leaving only a stream running across the lake bed.
Story by MPR News staff. Video captured by Kerem Yücel, edited by Anne Guttridge.
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- Minnesotan who competed on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ is now competing on ‘Project Runway’
- Runtime
- 1:29
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- In his words, Ethan Mundt already competed on “the queer TV show of the world” during season 13 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Now he’s competing on “the fashion design TV show of the world” in season 21 of “Project Runway.”
Mundt is from Utica, a small town outside of Rochester, Minnesota. His hometown even inspired his drag name, “Utica Queen.” In a conversation with Minnesota Now senior producer Aleesa Kuznetsov, he spoke about how growing up in Utica influenced his designs and the direction of his career.
Interview by Aleesa Kuznetsov, video edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- This is what wakesurfing is doing to Minnesota lakes
- Runtime
- 1:36
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Newly released research from the University of Minnesota offers a deeper look at the trouble below the surface when wake boats pass over at shallower depths.
The findings may revive calls for statewide restrictions on wakesurfing. They’re also likely to churn up the ongoing debate over the state’s changing lake culture and who gets to shape it.
Story by Kirsti Marohn
Video captured by Ben Hovland, video edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- MPR News hunts for viral 'Labubu' plushie
- Runtime
- 1:33
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Rosedale Center's two Pop Mart vending machines went viral in May for carrying a popular plushie keychain called "Labubu." The social media craze for Labubus have created lines outside of the Roseville mall before it opens, with people hoping to score the plushie.
Reporters Kyra Miles and Nicole Ki visited the vending machines on a recent Thursday morning to see if they'd get lucky with a Labubu. Kyra has been searching to get her first Labubu and sadly, wasn't able to find one. But the hunt continues!
Story by Nicole Ki and Kyra Miles, video by Nicole Ki.
- Title
- Leonard Peltier has no regrets, even after nearly 50 years in prison
- Runtime
- 2:21
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- In the final hour of his presidency, Joe Biden commuted Leonard Peltier’s life sentence, releasing him from prison after nearly 50 years. Peltier is an Indigenous activist and member of the American Indian Movement (AIM), which started in Minneapolis in 1968.
AIM led the Indigenous civil rights movement. In 1975, AIM members including Peltier got in a confrontation with FBI agents on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. Shots were fired, agents Ronald Williams and Jack Coler died, Peltier and others were arrested, and Peltier was found guilty of first-degree murder.
Peltier says he was at the shootout but that he acted in self-defense and that his bullets didn’t kill the agents. He believes the FBI and prosecutors were looking for someone to take the blame after his co-defendants were acquitted.
The Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis and other leaders have called for Peltier to be pardoned or granted clemency, while the FBI has al...
- Title
- Minnesota driver who killed 2, injured 12 in Park Tavern crash sentenced to 30 years
- Runtime
- 0:47
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Steven Frane Bailey was sentenced Monday to 30 years in prison for driving drunk into the patio of the Park Tavern last September, killing two people and injuring 12 others.
According to court documents, Bailey, 57, drove from the parking lot into the patio of the St. Louis Park restaurant, hitting several tables filled with people before his car hit a boulder on the other side of the patio.
In May, Bailey pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree murder and three counts of criminal vehicular operation. Under the terms of the plea deal, he was expected to face a sentence of 25 to 30 years along with paying restitution to victims.
Story by Peter Cox, pool video by Fox9, video edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Possible derecho in Minnesota
- Runtime
- 2:04
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- It’s possible that parts of Minnesota will experience a derecho, or a widespread windstorm, on Monday, July 28. The sheer size and duration of these storms pose a significant risk to people and property. Unlike tornadoes, which are more localized, derechos can impact entire regions and span multiple states.
According to National Weather Service, there may be winds up to 80 mph but not everyone who sees the storms will experience the peak strength. Here's what to know if you live in southern Minnesota.
For more information visit https://www.mprnews.org/weather-and-climate/updraft
Video by Anne Guttridge
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- MPR’s parent company announces layoffs due to federal funding cuts
- Runtime
- 1:22
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- MPR News’ parent company announced July 24 that it will be laying off 5 to 8 percent of its staff and making other cost reductions after state and federal funding cuts led to a $6 million budget gap.
American Public Media Group leadership informed staff of the upcoming reductions at a meeting and confirmed the cuts in a statement to MPR News.
Go to mprnews.org to read more.
Story by Estelle Timar-Wilcox, video by Anne Guttridge and Feven Gerezgiher
Disclosure: When reporting on the business of MPR and public media, we do so independently from news executives and do not let them review material before it runs.
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- Music camp empowering youth strikes a chord with the Lower Sioux Indian Community
- Runtime
- 1:19
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Rock the Rez aims to empower Indigenous girls, and LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit youth, one jam sesh at a time. The program, which started in South Dakota in 2016, came to Minnesota for the first time this year, collaborating with the Lower Sioux Indian Community. There will be two more camps in Minnesota, in St. Paul and Bemidji.
Campers at the Lower Sioux Indian Community recently worked together to write and perform original songs while also participating in creative workshops and making new friends. Applications for the free program are still open for the two remaining camp sessions in August.
Follow the link in our bio for the full story. Story by Chandra Colvin. Video by Anita Li.
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- DFL state Senator Nicole Mitchell guilty of two counts of burglary
- Runtime
- 0:56
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Minnesota State Sen. Nicole Mitchell (DFL - Woodbury) was found guilty on two charges: guilty of first-degree attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools.
Mitchell broke into the Detroit Lakes home of her stepmother in the early morning hours of April 22, 2024, dressed in black and equipped with a flashlight covered with a sock.
Her defense had argued that Mitchell was trying to do a welfare check on her stepmother, who has Alzheimer's. But the prosecution took issue with the idea that Mitchell was conducting a welfare check, noting that she had never requested an official one.
Republicans and DFLers have called for her resignation. The DFL has a slim 34 to 33 majority over Republicans. The parties would be tied if Mitchell steps down until a special election for her seat would be held.
Video captured by Mitchell Klein, pool video by Fox9, video edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- More than 500 veterans gather in Minneapolis for the 44th National Veterans Wheelchair Games
- Runtime
- 3:06
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the largest annual wheelchair sporting event for veterans in the world. The games bring together hundreds of veterans from across the country for a week of athletic competition and community building.
The 44th games are taking place in Minneapolis from July 17 - 22. Events take place throughout the Twin Cities and the public is welcome to attend.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Closing arguments in Sen. Mitchell's trial
- Runtime
- 3:38:11
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- State Sen. Nicole Mitchell, a DFLer from Woodbury, faces charges of first degree attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools for allegedly breaking into Carol Mitchell’s Detroit Lakes home in April 2024.
Read more here:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/07/17/sen-mitchell-may-testify-in-her-own-defense-in-burglary-trial-as-soon-as-today
- Title
- Here’s how to join Minnesotans for a “morgondopp”
- Runtime
- 1:51
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Brought back by popular demand, the American Swedish Institute is back for another summer of “morgondopp” or “morning dip.” Anyone is welcome to join for a free morning swim on Fridays from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. through August 1 at Cedar Lake East Beach in Minneapolis.
Afterwards the group partakes in a “fika” (coffee break) before heading out to begin their workdays.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Press conference on updates for charges in Boelter case
- Runtime
- 21:36
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Federal prosecutors will speak to the press regarding the charges for 57-year-old Vance Boelter. Boelter currently faces charges including second-degree murder in the deaths of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and second-degree attempted murder charges in the shootings of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Read more here:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/06/17/the-timeline-of-events-leading-up-to-and-following-boelters-attacks
- Title
- Researchers explore new ways to rid Minnesota lakes of pesky common carp
- Runtime
- 1:12
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Common carp are a common problem in Minnesota lakes. The invasive fish species can be extremely destructive, damaging the habitat needed by native species such as bass and walleye.
They’re native to eastern Europe and Asia and were introduced into Midwest waters as a game fish in the late 1800s. They spread rapidly and are now a problem species in 48 U.S. states, including Minnesota.
Researchers are working to gather information to help create a longer-term plan for managing the carp in Lake Fremont in Sherburne County. The plan will include ongoing removal and prevention of future spawning. The hope is that the carp management can be implemented in other Minnesota lakes and make a difference long term.
Story by Kirsti Marohn. Video captured by Paul Middlestaedt for MPR News, edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Powwow honors Native American Two-Spirit gender, spiritual identities
- Runtime
- 1:03
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Two-Spirit is an umbrella term for nonbinary definitions of gender, sexuality and spirituality within Native American traditions. Two-Spirit identity can take on various meanings and cultural contexts depending on the tribal community.
New Native Theatre held its fourth annual Two-Spirit Powwow at the Minneapolis American Indian Center recently. Attendees gathered for an evening of celebration, community and support.
Video captured by Chandra Colvin and Kerem Yücel
Video edited by Chandra Colvin
- Title
- Bon Iver's Justin Vernon on his love for the Lynx and their new partnership
- Runtime
- 18:26
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Bon Iver and the Lynx have joined forces to create a new gender equity program, the first of its kind for the WNBA. The project launched at the beginning of the season and will focus on a collaboration between the team, Bon Iver and several nonprofits Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Thirteen organizations including the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, She Rock She Rock and Girls Taking Action will receive $250,000 in grants.
The organizations’ goal — simply stated — is for the world to be a better place for girls and women. Together, they think they can lead Minnesota and western Wisconsin into change.
To talk about the new partnership, Justin Vernon sat down with MPR News’s Sam Stroozas. Read more about the partnership on mprnews.org.
Video and audio captured by The Current staff including Evan Clark and Ruben Schneiderman
Video edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Justin Vernon of Bon Iver on his love for the Lynx and their new partnership
- Runtime
- 3:00
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Bon Iver and the Lynx have joined forces to create a new gender equity program, the first of its kind for the WNBA. The project launched at the beginning of the season and will focus on a collaboration between the team, Bon Iver and several nonprofits Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Thirteen organizations including the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, She Rock She Rock and Girls Taking Action will receive $250,000 in grants.
The organizations’ goal — simply stated — is for the world to be a better place for girls and women. Together, they think they can lead Minnesota and western Wisconsin into change.
To talk about the new partnership, Justin Vernon sat down with MPR News’s Sam Stroozas. Find the full interview on YouTube and read more about the partnership on mprnews.org.
Video and audio captured by The Current staff including Evan Clark and Ruben Schneiderman
Video edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark remembered for their humanity and humility at their funeral
- Runtime
- 2:32
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Hundreds of mourners, including former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris, came to the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis on Saturday, June 28 to remember Minnesota DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.
The funeral came two weeks after Mark and Melissa Hortman were shot and killed in their home by a gunman authorities say posed as a police officer and who is accused of targeting multiple lawmakers. Walz and law enforcement officials described the killings as a politically motivated assassination.
The day before, thousands paid their respects at a Capitol tribute where the Hortmans had lain in state. Melissa Hortman was the first woman to lie in state in Minnesota — as well as the first lawmaker to lie in state after solely serving in the state House.
Video and thumbnail captured by Tim Evans, pool video courtesy of Twin Cities PBS, video edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Rep. Melissa and Mark Hortman funeral at St. Mary's Basilica
- Runtime
- 2:30:41
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Title
- Minneapolis cat fans celebrate at cat tour
- Runtime
- 1:25
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- A record number of cat fans from Minnesota and beyond gathered to view, pet and admire the feline residents of the Wedge neighborhood of Minneapolis.
This was the event’s 8th year, hosted by hyper-local publication Wedge LIVE. Attendees strolled through the neighborhood and visited designated stops on the cat tour. This year, the event collaborated with Minneapolis Animal Care & Control by offering kittens up for adoption during the evening.
Video by Anita Li.
- Title
- Biden pays respects as Melissa and Mark Hortman lie in state at Minnesota Capitol
- Runtime
- 0:46
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Thousands of Minnesotans visited Melissa and Mark Hortman at the state Capitol in St. Paul on Friday. Former President Joe Biden came to the Capitol after 4 p.m. to pay his respects.
He spent about 90 seconds in front of the caskets, made the sign of the cross and knelt quietly. He later spoke with the handlers of some service dogs nearby. A private funeral service for the Hortmans will take place Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
📸 Video by Ellie Roth and Kerem Yücel | MPR News, edited by Sam Stroozas.
- Title
- Tornado crosses road in Hartland, Minn.
- Runtime
- 1:10
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- A small tornado that formed in Hartland in south-central Minnesota on Wednesday caused debris to be seen swirling in the air. A driver captured footage on their cell phone as the tornado crossed a rural road.
📹 AP
- Title
- Candlelight vigil attended by hundreds offers communal chance to grieve killing of Hortmans
- Runtime
- 0:44
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Lowered flags waved above the Minnesota Capitol as hundreds gathered Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil in honor of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and husband Mark.
They were killed early Saturday by a gunman targeting Democratic lawmakers. The vigil is the first of a series of public remembrances to the Hortmans before they are laid to rest.
It drew people of various political backgrounds and stature and included those who knew the Hortmans personally or through her work. There were those who called the 11-term legislator a friend, colleague, ally or a combination of those.
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said many current and former House members gathered privately beforehand to grieve together and share stories.
“It really is a family, and Melissa was such an important part,” Flanagan said. “A lot of laughs, a lot of stories, a lot of swears. So today, I have tremendous gratitude for her life and everyone who’s here t...
- Title
- U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith honor Melissa Hortman on Senate floor
- Runtime
- 3:04
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith delivered remarks on the Senate floor on Tuesday honoring the life and legacy of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.
Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot Saturday morning, June 14 at their home in Brooklyn Park. Another Democratic lawmaker, state Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife Yvette, were also shot at their home in Champlin.
The suspect, Vance Boelter, was captured on June 15 after an extensive manhunt.
Video courtesy of United States Senate, edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Devastated by wildfire, northern Minnesota’s forests are already recovering
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- It’s only been a little over a month, but the forest in northern Minnesota are already recovering from the Camp House Fire near Brimson.
MPR News correspondent Dan Kraker visited the site of the fire to see how signs of life are returning in the forest.
Story by Dan Kraker, video captured by Erica Dischino and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- ‘It feels different in here’: Walz returns to the Capitol after death of friend and colleague
- Runtime
- 1:23
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Gov. Tim Walz returned Monday to the Minnesota Capitol for the first time since a gunman fatally shot Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and seriously injured Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
In his first interview since the shootings, Walz previewed a much larger remembrance to come. He told MPR News that he’s notified his team to prepare for the possibility of Hortman and her husband to lie in state at the Capitol.
"She brought a work ethic that was second to none, and she was always committed on moving things forward. And in today's world, people get chastised because they’re willing to compromise. Nothing that I’ve done as governor would have gotten done without Melissa Hortman, and I’ve never worked closer with someone than with her," he said.
Video captured by Nicole Ki and Tom Baker, edited by Nicole Ki.
- Title
- Federal charges in Boelter case
- Runtime
- 43:46
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Late Sunday night, authorities found and arrested 57-year-old Vance Boelter after a massive, two-day manhunt. He faces charges of second-degree murder in the deaths of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and second-degree attempted murder charges in the shootings of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Read more here:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/06/16/vance-boelter-charged-murder-after-capture-minnesota-manhunt
- Title
- Vance Boelter charged with murder after capture in Minnesota manhunt
- Runtime
- 21:11
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Late Sunday night, authorities found and arrested 57-year-old Vance Boelter after a massive, two-day manhunt. He faces charges of second-degree murder in the deaths of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and second-degree attempted murder charges in the shootings of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Read more here:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/06/16/vance-boelter-charged-murder-after-capture-minnesota-manhunt
- Title
- Vance Boelter, suspect in shootings of Minnesota lawmakers has been arrested
- Runtime
- 1:41
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and law enforcement authorities briefed reporters on June 15 just before 11 p.m. following the capture of Vance Boelter.
Boelter had been the subject of an extensive, multiday manhunt after he allegedly shot and killed Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, early Saturday morning at the Hortmans’ home in Brooklyn Park. He is also believed to have shot and wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home in Champlin.
Video captured by Nicole Ki and Tom Baker for MPR News, edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of Minnesota lawmakers, taken into custody in Sibley County
- Runtime
- 49:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Vance Boelter, the 57-year-old man suspected in the targeted shooting of two Democratic Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, has been taken into custody, according to a law enforcement source.
A man being arrested
Vance Boelter was arrested and is in custody on Sunday, June 15, 2025.Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher
Boelter had been the subject of an extensive, multiday manhunt after he allegedly shot and killed Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, early Saturday morning at the Hortmans’ home in Brooklyn Park. He is also believed to have shot and wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home in Champlin.
Read more here:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/06/15/manhunt-vance-boelter-suspect-shootings-minnesota-lawmakers-melissa-hortman-john-hoffman
- Title
- Authorities to provide update on search for shooting suspect in lawmaker's death
- Runtime
- 39:16
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- A manhunt continued Sunday for the man suspected in the targeted fatal shootings of Minnesota House DFL leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, early Saturday at their home in Brooklyn Park, and DFL state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home in Champlin.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced in a press release on Sunday they would provide an update on the search for Vance Boelter at 5:30 p.m. DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson and BCA Superintendent Drew Evans are expected to speak at the press conference.
Read more here:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/06/15/manhunt-vance-boelter-suspect-shootings-minnesota-lawmakers-melissa-hortman-john-hoffman
- Title
- Breaking News: Two Minnesota lawmakers were shot in their homes
- Runtime
- 16:31
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Title
- Police name suspect in killing of Minnesota's democratic House leader Melissa Hortman
- Runtime
- 1:13
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Authorities say a 57-year-old man from Green Isle is a suspect in the shooting deaths of Minnesota DFL House Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shootings of DFL Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
Vance Luther Boelter was confirmed by Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension as a person of interest.
Law enforcement personnel said during a Saturday morning press briefing that the alleged shooter impersonated a police officer and drove a vehicle that looked like a police vehicle.
Video captured by Tom Baker, edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Breaking News: Update on shootings of MN state lawmakers
- Runtime
- 14:46
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Officials to provide information about the suspected shooter.
- Title
- Minnesota House democrat leader, husband killed in apparent 'politically motivated' shooting
- Runtime
- 2:13
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addressed the media after Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot Saturday morning, June 14 at their home in Brooklyn Park.
Another Democratic lawmaker, state Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife Yvette, were also shot at their home in Champlin.
As of mid-morning, officials were still searching for the suspect in the shootings, who authorities said was impersonating a law enforcement officer.
Pool video by KARE11, edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Why are Mayo Clinic doctors doing improv comedy?
- Runtime
- 2:03
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Mayo Clinic medical residents are using improv comedy workshops to be comfortable using humor, curiosity and empathy in their interactions with patients and each other.
The group of doctors recently had a workshop where they learned improv comedy games and exercises with improv comedy coach and Mayo Clinic Artist in Residence Tane Danger.
Story by Catharine Richert, Video captured by Catharine Richert and Ken Klotzbach, edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Answering your Minnesota maintenance season questions
- Runtime
- 2:13
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Minnesotan’s least favorite fifth season is in full swing and with it comes orange construction cones, “work zone” signs and road closures.
This year, 180 road and bridge projects are happening across the state. Drivers have already been frustrated with traffic congestion around bigger construction projects, like the bridge repairs on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis and the Interstate 35 bridge work in Hinckley.
We asked our readers to send us questions about construction zones in Minnesota and had Minnesota Department of Transportation spokesperson Anne Meyer answer them.
Story by Nicole Ki, video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Tour some of Minneapolis’ hand-painted signs with local designer Kelsi Sharp
- Runtime
- 1:53
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Designer and sign painter Kelsi Sharp says Minneapolis is one of the biggest in the U.S. in terms of hand-painted signage. She recently took MPR News on a driving tour to show off some of her favorite signs in the Twin Cities including Hard Times Cafe and Annie’s Parlour.
Sharp has also curated a collection of her favorite signs across Minnesota in her show “Greetings From” at Augsburg University. The show is on view through June 30.
Story by Alex V. Cipolle, video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Man found guilty of murdering 5 women in Minneapolis crash
- Runtime
- 1:19
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- A Hennepin County jury on Friday, June 6, found Derrick Thompson of Brooklyn Park responsible for a violent crash that killed five young women as they drove along Lake Street in Minneapolis.
On June 16, 2023, Thompson had just rented a Cadillac Escalade at the Twin Cities airport and was driving it northbound at more than 100 miles per hour along Interstate 35W before exiting at Lake Street.
He sped through a green light at 31st Street, the first intersection past the exit, but ran a red light at Lake and slammed the three-ton SUV into the driver’s side of a much smaller Honda Civic, killing everyone inside.
Pool video via Fox 9, edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Chet Holmgren’s former coach on the Minnesotan’s rise to NBA stardom
- Runtime
- 9:50
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Even though the Minnesota Timberwolves won’t be in the NBA finals this year, a Minnesotan will be on the court.
Before he was a starter for the Western Conference Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnehaha Academy graduate Chet Holmgren was just a tall kid in youth basketball learning the game with guidance from his coach, Larry Suggs.
Suggs coached Holmgren on a club team starting in elementary school, a team that also included Suggs’ son, Jalen, now a point guard for the Orlando Magic. Suggs joined Minnesota Now to talk about Holmgren’s childhood and his NBA success.
Interview produced by Alanna Elder. Video edited by Matt Mikus
- Title
- Why did Minnesota experience the worst air quality in the country?
- Runtime
- 1:35
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Much of Minnesota was blanketed in thick haze Tuesday, June 3, as the sight and smell of smoke from Canadian wildfires spread across the state. That smoke led to the worst air quality the state has seen since 2023. And the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said it was among the worst conditions seen since the agency started issuing air quality alerts in 2008.
Depending on the weather, we may see more smoke from Canadian wildfires throughout the rest of spring and summer. Stay tuned to the end of the video for tips on how to minimize your exposure to wildfire smoke.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Federal law enforcement presence draws protests in south Minneapolis
- Runtime
- 1:13
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- A large federal law enforcement presence drew protests in south Minneapolis on Tuesday.
The operation happened amid heightened concerns about federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and across the country — concerns that prompted protesters to gather in the area. But officials said the incident was not related to immigration enforcement and instead was part of a criminal investigation.
Video captured by Kerem Yücel, edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Chenue Her is the first and only Hmong male news anchor in the country
- Runtime
- 2:11
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- In 2021, Chenue Her made history by becoming the first Hmong male news anchor in the U.S. when he joined “Good Morning Iowa” in Des Moines.
In 2024, Her made a homecoming to Minnesota when he joined the anchor desk at FOX 9. He currently sits behind the desk for FOX 9 Morning News and is still the only male Hmong news anchor in the country.
This year marks 50 years of Hmong refugee resettlement and immigration to Minnesota. MPR News featured Hmong Minnesotans in a variety of careers through the month of May as part of our “ChangeMakers” series. See more stories from the series at https://www.mprnews.org/changemakers
Story by Aleesa Kuznetsov, video by Anne Guttridge, thumbnail photo by Kerem Yücel
- Title
- Five years after unrest, many Twin Cities lots still sit empty
- Runtime
- 1:30
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- More than 1,000 buildings were damaged in the looting and fire-setting following George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police in 2020.
MPR News reporter Estelle Timar-Wilcox looked into why the bounce back has been slow.
Story by Estelle Timar-Wilcox, video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- How a Minneapolis designer branded a movement
- Runtime
- 2:29
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The styling of Terresa Hardaway’s “Stop Killing Black People” type itself can be seen as an act of protest. It breaks the grid with its tightly fit letterforms that seem strange on their own but come together as a unifying message.
Hardaway is an associate professor of graphic design at the University of Minnesota as well as co-founder and creative director of Blackbird Revolt, a social justice-based creative studio in Minneapolis.
Hardaway began designing the typeface after Minneapolis police murdered George Floyd in 2020. In 2021, she and others raised $30,000 to screen print T-shirts, hoodies, waterproof signs and buttons with slogans, and first distributed them for free at the protests in Brooklyn Center, Minn., for Daunte Wright, who was killed by police there.
Today, the design lives on — it’s open source and free to download as a set of graphic elements. It comes with a disclaimer: Hardaway says use the type for “abolitionist purposes ...
- Title
- Five years after George Floyd: The healing and rebuilding that still need to happen
- Runtime
- 1:21:12
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- This weekend, as we mark five years since George Floyd’s murder, we are airing a North Star Journey Live conversation recorded in South Minneapolis earlier in the month. Angela Davis sat down with a cross section of Black community leaders to talk about Floyd’s legacy, the promises made, and the healing and restoration that still need to happen.
- Title
- George Floyd's family holds a moment of silence for him on May 23
- Runtime
- 0:38
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- George Floyd’s aunts Laura Stevens, Angela Harrelson and Mahalia Jones and his cousin Paris Stevens bowed their heads during a moment of silence for him on Friday, May 23. It was held at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, the location where police murdered him in 2020 and which is now home to a memorial called George Floyd Square.
They were joined by a few dozen others including Leslie Redmond, a civil rights activist who organized the Day of Remembrance on Friday ahead of the fifth anniversary of his death on Sunday, May 25.
- Title
- U of M grad student released from ICE custody after judge's ruling
- Runtime
- 1:57
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Doğukan Günaydın, a University of Minnesota graduate student, has been held in ICE custody since late March and was released May 22. A federal judge ruled this week that his detention violated his procedural due process rights under the Fifth Amendment and ordered his release.
The Department of Homeland Security was seeking to deport Günaydın because of a drunk driving conviction. The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to gross misdemeanor DWI last year following a June 2023 incident in Minneapolis.
Günaydın, who is a Turkish citizen, had been detained in the Sherburne County Jail in Elk River, Minnesota since March 27.
Story by Sarah Thamer, video captured by Kerem Yücel (@keremyucel), edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Paige Bueckers’ childhood basketball coach sees her play in WNBA for the first time
- Runtime
- 1:38
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Paige Bueckers’ childhood basketball coach, Tara Starks, got to see her play at her first WNBA game back in her home state of Minnesota.
Starks started coaching Buekers when she was in 5th grade and coached her throughout high school. Starks spoke about her close relationship with Bueckers and about her excitement for Buecker's first hometown game. The Minnesota Lynx took on the Dallas Wings for their home opener in Target Center on May 21.
The Lynx won 85 to 81 and are currently 3 - 0 in their season.
