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'I got the hang of it': Checking in with Twin Cities freshmen, one semester in

January 15, 2023

Young people are settling back into school after the holidays and a few snow days for many of them last week. Last August, MPR News spoke with five incoming ninth graders about their hopes, fears and dreams about starting high school. Now they’re one semester in. MPR News producer Gretchen Brown caught up with a few of them to see how things have been going as they begin the second half of the school year.

Nine Minnesota destinations for winter hiking

January 14, 2023

With a good pair of snowshoes and lots of willpower, one can hike most trails in Minnesota year-round. Luckily for the rest of us, there are also options either paved or packed down enough to not require fancy footwear or an emergency beacon.  Here’s a list of nine trails to try out this winter, many of which offer other winter activities as well. Note that sometimes, it snows 15-plus inches, and trail conditions change. Double-check conditions on the park website the day of your outing and, if possible, bring boots with good traction. More: 89 Days of Winter '22-'23

Conductor Matthew Halls makes his Minnesota Orchestra debut with MLK Jr. tribute

January 13, 2023

British conductor Matthew Halls makes his Minnesota Orchestra debut this weekend with a program that opens with composer Adolphus Hailstork’s homage to Martin Luther King Jr. for the 94th anniversary of the civil rights leader's birth — plus Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 and Schumann’s Cello Concerto, featuring German cellist Alban Gerhardt. Join host Melissa Ousley and listen to YourClassical MPR's live broadcast at 8 p.m. Friday.

The Next Challenge for Media & Journalism

January 9, 2023

The Next Challenge for Media & Journalism is a national startup competition seeking groundbreaking for-profit and nonprofit startups that will reinvent media in the coming decade. Eight prizes totaling $130,000 will be awarded to early-stage media startups in three divisions. One grand prize winner will receive a grant of up to $50,000. Apply today! For eligibility and award details visit our FAQ page and official rules

The Current 89 Days of Winter

January 6, 2023

The calendar is filled with exciting things happening — indoors and outdoors — around the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. The Current shares things you can do during these 89 Days of Winter.

COVID learning loss in Minnesota schools: Five things you should know

January 5, 2023

The pandemic had a devastating effect on everyone involved in Minnesota education. Teachers are burned out, staff shortages abound, and students are years behind where they should be in crucial subjects. How do we support the education system and catch kids up? A group of education professionals shared what they are seeing at school with MPR News host Angela Davis. Together they explored what to do to confront the challenges.

Snow — and travel headaches — keep piling up across much of Minnesota

January 4, 2023

Steady light snow continued falling across much of Minnesota on Wednesday, the second part of a multi-day winter storm causing treacherous road conditions across the region — if drivers were even able to dig out their vehicles and reach a cleared road. - Weather Find your forecast - Radar Live updates - Yes and no Are Minnesota's winters getting snowier?

Your Classical Daily Download

January 4, 2023

Don’t miss out on the YourClassical Daily Download! You can get a free, downloadable piece of classical music every weekday. Learn more and subscribe to the email newsletter

MPR News: Politics and Government

January 3, 2023

Follow MPR News coverage of the 2023 Minnesota Legislative Session! Capitol will be abuzz in new session even as remote options remain When the legislative session starts Jan. 3, more people are expected to be around the Capitol. While some remote options will remain for lawmakers and their constituents, key legislators anticipate much more in-person activity. What Minnesota's most diverse Legislature means for policy Minnesota convenes its most diverse Legislature to-date in January, with some of its newest members saying they plan to use their history-making elections to pass policies to protect the minority communities they represent. Women carve historic path as Legislature opens with DFL in charge For the first time, the top two posts in Minnesota’s Legislature will be occupied at the same time by women. A third seat at the negotiating table will be, too.