Previous Minnesota Minutes
Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest auditions begin next week
The semifinalists will compete during the first ten days of the State Fair. MNN’s Brent Palm has details:
Twins players look good in MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta
Minnesota Twins players Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan both had strong showings at the 2025 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Atlanta last night. MNN sports director Mike Grimm has details:
Buxton, Ryan representing Twins in tonight’s MLB All-Star Game
The Twins have two players in tonight’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Atlanta. MNN sports director Mike Grimm has more:
Mattel Releases First-ever Barbie® Doll with Type 1 Diabetes
Mattel has introduced the first Barbie® doll representing a person with type 1 diabetes. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
Roll Up a Sleeve this Summer
The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood or platelets now to help maintain strong supplies this summer. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more.
Check Out a 7-Day State Park Pass from Your Local MN Library
For Minnesotans looking to enjoy our state parks but have little to no funds, the Department of Natural Resources offers state park passes at no charge, which can be checked out like a library book. MNN’s Ashley Walker with details:
“Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota”
Nominations are now open for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s “Coolest Thing Made In Minnesota” contest. MNN’s Sean Maloney has more:
Caves and THC at Jordan’s Strains of the Earth
Strains of the Earth in Jordan, Minnesota, offers a unique variety of cannabis products and education, while hosting a free, public access cave that was carved out centuries ago. MNN’s Ashley Walker reports:
DNR proposal would reduce the statewide walleye possession limit
Officials say Minnesota lakes are changing and anglers are getting better. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
“Operation Dry Water”
Expect packed lakes and rivers across Minnesota this Fourth of July weekend, as boaters and vacationers flood the water for the holiday. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
New Law Requires More Minnesotans to Obtain Watercraft Permit
Many Minnesotans will now need a watercraft permit to be on the water. MNN’s Sean Maloney has more:
Lane splitting is now legal for motorcycles on Minnesota roadways
New state law allows motorcyclists to share the lane with a car during highway traffic. MNN’s Brent Palm reports:
Minnesota Medical Association urges residents not to use fireworks this Fourth of July
Doctors say there are too many fireworks-related injuries in the state. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
DNR Working to Link State Park Passes to Vehicle Registration
The Minnesota DNR is working on a project to make it easier for Minnesotans to obtain state park passes. MNN’s Sean Maloney has more:
Foam made from Minnesota soybeans can help put out fires
Minnesota soybean farmers are helping firefighters with an emerging product called soyfoam. Mike Grimm reports:
(stock photo courtesy of MN Soybean)
The Sweet, Salty, and Strange at MN’s Largest Candy Store
Family-run since 1978, the bright yellow building is part roadside attraction, part sugar-fueled dreamscape. MNN’s Ashley Walker takes you there:
North Star Story Map: Telling the Stories of MN’s Places, Buildings
Minnesotans are encouraged to share “stories of place” with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to build the North Star Story Map. MNN’s Ashley Walker:
‘Back to the 50’s Weekend’ takes over State Fairgrounds
The Minnesota Street Rod Association is expecting 10,000 classic cars. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
MNHS Celebrates Pride Months with LGBTQIA Statewide Storytelling Map+
The Minnesota Historical Society is honoring Pride month by highlighting queer resources, history, and contributions of LGBTQ+ Minnesotans statewide. MNN’s Ashley Walker report:
State of Minnesota awards $4 million to 8 skatepark projects
Locations include Brainerd, Northfield, Rochester, and Winona. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
Stepping Back Into Time at Crosslake Log Village
Remember the days before electricity? If you don’t and wonder what a logger’s life looked like, you can jump into a time machine at the Crosslake Log Village. MNN’s Ashley Walker with the details:
Suspect arrested in killings of House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and shootings of Senator John Hoffman and wife
Vance Boelter was apprehended Sunday night in Sibley County. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
Farmers Markets Across the State Get Funding Courtesy of the MDA
Farmers’ markets in every corner of Minnesota will be getting a little financial boost. MNN’s Sean Maloney has more…
Minnesota ranks #5 in nation for child well-being for third straight year
The 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book also reveals some racial disparities in the state. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
Adult-use cannabis won’t be available right away at Minnesota retailers
Businesses awarded state licenses are working to find cannabis products to sell. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
This is Take a Kid Fishing Weekend in Minnesota
Adults and anglers ages 15 and under can fish for free. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
Calling All Loons to the Crosslake for the Summer Season
The National Loon Center hopes to open this month, diving into everything loony—from freshwater science to protecting loon habitats. MNN’s Ashley Walker takes you to the water.
DNR Offers I Can! Programs Across the State
The Minnesota DNR is offering up its I Can! programs to teach you everything you need to know about enjoying the outdoors. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
Grandma’s Marathon is less than three weeks away
Officials say 23,000 runners are registered for race weekend in Duluth. MNN’s Brent Palm has a preview:
May weather extremes in Minnesota include heat wave, wildfires and needed rainfall
MNN’s Brent Palm has more on this month’s active weather:
Finch proud of his team after season-ending Game Five loss in OKC
It was a painful night last night for the Minnesota Timberwolves after seeing their season end with a 124-94 loss in Game Five at Oklahoma City. MNN sports director Mike Grimm has more:
Emmaville, MN: Population of 2
MNN’s Ashley Walker visited the Emmaville Inn, a one-stop shop that sits on a 4-acre “township” with a population made up of one couple.
Timberwolves drop Game Four, must-win tomorrow in Game Five in OKC
The Timberwolves will try to stave off elimination tomorrow night in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals after losing a mistake-filled Game Four last night to the Thunder 128-126 in Minneapolis. MNN sports director Mike Grimm:
Timberwolves looking to even the Western Conference Finals tonight
The Minnesota Timberwolves can tie their best-of-seven N-B-A Western Conference Finals series against Oklahoma City at two-games apiece if they win tonight’s Game Four in the Twin Cities. MNN sports director Mike Grimm previews:
City of Anoka breaks ground on municipal cannabis dispensary
The Anoka Cannabis Company is expected to open in late November or early December. MNN’s Brent Palm covered the groundbreaking ceremony:
Memorial Day Road Trips
Triple-A Minnesota says nearly 90% of Minnesotans plan to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
Thunder top Wolves in Game 1 of Western Conference Finals
Oklahoma City outscored Minnesota 70-40 in the second half. MNN’s Brent Palm has a recap:
Timberwolves and Thunder tip off NBA Western Conference Finals
Games 1 and 2 are in Oklahoma City. MNN’s Brent Palm has a preview:
State Officials Disappointed in Latest Distracted Driving Campaign
Thousands of Minnesotans were cited during the latest distracted driving enforcement campaign. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
Timberwolves advance to NBA Western Conference Finals for 2nd straight season
Minnesota knocked off Golden State in Game 5 Wednesday night at Target Center. MNN’s Brent Palm has more:
Salvation Army Honoring Donors and Volunteers
It’s National Salvation Army Week. MNN’s Tasha Redel has more:
Fallen Minnesota officers will be honored during candlelight vigil in Washington, DC
Large group from Burnsville is attending Police Week events and the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service. MNN’s Brent Palm has details:
Gov. Walz Celebrates Successful 77th Fishing Opener
Crosslake hosted the 2025 Governor’s Fishing Opener this weekend, kicking off the state’s vibrant fishing season. MNN’s Ashley Walker reports:
Detroit Lake Trolls: Turning Trash Into Art
The Detroit Lakes area forests hold five secret trolls, three magic portals, and one golden rabbit. MNN’s Ashley Walker with their story:
Wolves fall flat in Game One, Conley expects bounce back in Game Two
It was an ugly night of basketball for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. MNN sports director Mike Grimm has more:
Minnesota cannabis business license lottery set for June 5th
Licenses will be awarded for manufacturing, cultivation, retail, and mezzo business. MNN’s Brent Palm has details:
MN Tick Season in Full Force
The U of M has tips on how Minnesotans can avoid ticks as the weather gets nicer and they spend more time outdoors. MNN’s Ashley Walker:
Extra Law Enforcement Watching for Dangerous Drivers Through September
Each year from May 1st through September 2nd, extra officers, deputies, and troopers will watch the roads for dangerous drivers. MNN’s Ashley Walker:
Timberwolves knock Lakers out of the NBA playoffs in 5 games
Minnesota will face Houston or Golden State in the Western Conference semifinals. MNN’s Brent Palm reports:
Bakery, Cafe, and More Makes New Home in Old Elementary School
Sugar Mama’s Bakery and Cafe in the tiny town of Hendrum is making its mark as an innovative way to recycle old resources. MNN’s Ashley Walker: