Previous Minnesota Minutes
MN’s Annual “Name a Snowplow” Contest is Here!
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has officially reopened its beloved “Name a Snowplow” contest for the 2025-26 winter season, inviting residents to submit witty, state-themed names. MNN’s Ashley Walker has the details:
Protecting Your Skin During the Cold Winter Months
Minnesota winters can be brutal on our skin. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
Motorcycle fatalities on Minnesota roads fall in 2025
MNN’s Brent Palm reports preliminary totals show a 25 percent decline:
98-yard TD drive sparks Vikings to 31-0 blowout win over Washington
A 98-yard touchdown drive in the first half set the tone for the rest of the day, as the Minnesota Vikings whipped the Washington Commanders 31-0 on Sunday. MNN sports director Mike Grimm has more:
(image courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings)
Vikings hoping simplification can help QB McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings are hoping to simplify things for quarterback JJ McCarthy when he returns to the starting lineup in Sunday’s home game against Washington. MNN sports director Mike Grimm has more:
(image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings)
Fungi Grown from MN Ash Trees Can Kill Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive insect that has killed over a billion ash trees in Minnesota so far, may have met its match. MNN’s Ashley Walker with details…
US Small Business Administration’s Minnesota District had a strong year
MNN’s Brent Palm reports SBA-backed lending increased by 90 million dollars:
MN Holiday Lights Guide Maps Out Stunning Shows for 9th Year
The Minnesota Holiday Lights Guide is a free, online, interactive map of light displays across the state for families to visit this holiday. MNN’s Ashley Walker…
Above normal November in Minnesota ends with two snowstorms
MNN’s Brent Palm reports that snowfall brought badly needed moisture to the state:
Mistake-prone Vikings lose in Seattle 26-0
The Vikings fell victim to a “pick six” that changed the game in a 26-0 loss in Seattle on Sunday. MNN sports director Mike Grimm has more:
Vikings star Jefferson discusses QB situation
The Vikings are in limbo on what guy will start at quarterback for Sunday’s game in Seattle. MNN sports director Mike Grimm has a Thanksgiving Day update:
Gopher Football Team Holds Annual Turkey Drive Ahead of Thanksgiving
Members of the Golden Gopher football team took part in their annual Turkey Drive Tuesday night on the U-of-M campus, handing out turkeys and other food items to those in need. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
‘Heavy hitter’ snowstorm moving across the state
Forecasters expect 5 to 8 inches in parts of central Minnesota. MNN’s Brent Palm has the latest:
Vikings star WR Jefferson frustrated after loss to Packers
“Frustration” is the word for Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson after a second straight loss to a division opponent. MNN sports director Mike Grimm has more:
“Minnesotans opened their Hearts, and their Wallets”
“Give to the Max” Day 2025 was another success for non-profits and schools around the state. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
Professional Women’s Volleyball Coming to MN in 2027
League One Volleyball (LOVB) is deepening its connection to Minnesota by creating the state’s very first professional women’s team. MNN’s Ashley Walker…
New Supportive Housing Community for Metro Native Americans
The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) and UnitedHealthcare are celebrating the opening of a 24-unit permanent supportive housing community in Minneapolis. MNN’s Ashley Walker…
Vikings suffer loss on final play of game
The Vikings nearly pulled off a come-from-behind win with a late TD against the Bears yesterday in Minneapolis. But, Chicago kicked a field goal on the final play to beat Minnesota 19-17. MNN sports director Mike Grimm has more:
(photo courtesy of Vikings)
New Tree Disease Detected in Minnesota
A pathogen that causes sudden oak death has been discovered in Minnesota for the first time. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
Grants Available for MN Communities Negatively Affected by Cannabis
$10.9 million in grant funding is now available through the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to fund an array of community projects fostering development and safety across the state. MNN’s Ashley Walker with details:
Beacon Memorial Lighting at Split Rock Lighthouse draws 2000
MNN’s Brent Palm reports the program marked the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald:
Vikings have too many miscues in Sunday loss to Ravens
A mistake-filled game led to a 27-19 home for the Minnesota Vikings. MNN sports director Mike Grimm has more:
(image courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings)
Viral Campaign Targets Utility Scammers
Utility scammers are becoming increasingly clever. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
Minnesota DNR studying bear movement and reproduction
MNN’s Brent Palm reports researchers are looking for bear dens this winter:
Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Nears
It’s one of the sure signs the holiday season is near: the Salvation Army’s “Red Kettle” campaign. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
Vikings pull off big upset in Motown
A team meeting on Saturday night may have spurred the Vikings to Sunday’s upset win in Detroit. MNN sports director Mike Grimm explains:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Annual Screenings, Tips
Awareness, prevention, and early detection are the best ways to get ahead of breast cancer and keep yourself healthy. MNN’s Ashley Walker with specifics…
Winter walleye limit on Upper Red Lake unchanged from last year
The four-fish limit is one fewer than the open water season. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
Love Your Melon Relaunches, Continues Mission Donating Beanies to Kids with Cancer
Love Your Melon is rising from the ashes with a renewed passion for helping kids with cancer. MNN’s Ashley Walker with the details…
Prince drummer Bobby Z. and keyboardist Morris Hayes are collaborators on Purple Rain the musical
They’re both happy the production is opening in Prince’s hometown. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
Minnesota Hunters Gearing Up for 2025 Firearms Deer Season
This season, the hunt isn’t just for deer—it’s for answers. With Chronic Wasting Disease still a threat, Minnesota hunters in designated zones will be required to submit samples, helping track and contain the spread. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
Food banks brace for halt of SNAP benefits in November
450 thousand Minnesotans could lose food assistance if federal government shutdown continues. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
Minnesota Timberwolves open season tonight in Portland
The Wolves have made back-to-back Western Conference Finals. MNN’s Brent Palm has a preview:
Minnesota Millionaire Raffle tickets on sale Tuesday
One million tickets are being sold for the New Year’s Day drawing. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
High school football postseason starts tonight
A big night of high school football tonight….the postseason gets underway. Ryan Phelps has more:
New Women-Led, Grassroots Fund Works to Help MN Nonprofit Sector
The Matriarch Giving Circle is a new grassroots fund created to boost the state’s nonprofit sector after cuts at the federal level. MNN’s Ashley Walker…
MEA 2025, Educators Gather in St. Paul
From AI in the classroom to student mental health, Minnesota educators will dive into some of the biggest issues facing schools at the 2025 Minnesota Educator Academy, taking place today at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
Big night of high school football tonight in Minnesota
It is the annual midweek schedule for high school football in Minnesota, with 174 games across the state tonight. Ryan Phelps has more:
Pre-Broadway stage production of Purple Rain opens Thursday at the State Theatre
Prince fans from all over the world have purchased tickets. MNN’s Brent Palm has a preview:
13th Annual Governor’s Pheasant Opener
Hunters from across Minnesota are flocking to Ortonville this weekend, as the 2025 Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener kicks off the season with two days of festivities, food, and over 25,000 acres of prime public land. MNN’s Tasha Redel:
Anoka Social District gets approval to stay open all year
MNN’s Brent Palm reports there will be ‘sipping and strolling’ in downtown Anoka this winter:
30th annual Walk to School Day in Minnesota
There will be more students on the streets and sidewalks today. MNN’s Brent Palm reports:
October is Minnesota State Month
October is Minnesota State Month, and the 26 colleges and seven universities that make up the system are helping students save on their higher education journey. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
World’s Largest Ballet Scholarship Competition in Burnsville
Hundreds of dancers ages 9-19 from across Minnesota and the surrounding area will be in Burnsville this weekend to compete in the Youth America Grand Prix ballet scholarship auditions. MNN’s Ashley Walker:
Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule goes into effect October 1st
The state’s Energy Assistance Program helps thousands pay heating bills. MNN’s Brent Palm has details:
Humphrey School Offers Peace Corps Volunteers Accelerated Master’s Program
Fall 2026 will mark the first group of Peace Corps volunteers to enter the Humphrey School of Public Affairs’ new Peace Corps track. MNN’s Ashley Walker with the details…
MN’s 1st Vet Neurology Center Opens
Today, the state’s first and only veterinary neurology center opens to the public. MNN’s Ashley Walker with more:
“Be Cannabis Aware”
State health officials have launched a new cannabis campaign. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service is Sunday
Six fallen firefighters will be added to the memorial during the service. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
MDH Issues Standing Order to Access COVID Vaccines
State health officials are endorsing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, breaking from federal guidance. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more: