Play2min 09secMinnesota semiconductor manufacturer awarded nearly $200 million in state, federal funding for expansionMay 13, 2024 9:18 AMBy Estelle Timar-WilcoxBloomington's Polar Semiconductor is beginning a $525 million expansion that it says will double its output and create 160 new jobs. It’s slated to receive nearly $200 million in state and federal funding for the project.
Local governments struggle to distribute their share of billions from opioid settlementsMay 12, 2024 11:45 AMBy The Associated PressSettlement money to help stem the decades-long opioid addiction and overdose epidemic is rolling out to small towns and big cities across the U.S., but advocates worry that chunks of it may be used in ways that don't make a dent in the crisis.
Otter Tail County proposes restrictions on vacation home rentalsMay 12, 2024 8:00 AMBy Dan GundersonOtter Tail County is considering a new ordinance designed to reduce noise and large gatherings at vacation home rentals. The proposed ordinance is in response to complaints from lake property owners.
Target to reduce number of stores carrying Pride-themed merchandise after last year’s backlashMay 10, 2024 1:08 PMBy The Associated PressTarget, which operates roughly 2,000 stores, said decisions about where to stock Pride-themed products, including adult apparel, home goods, foods and beverages would be based on “guest insights and consumer research.”
Play4min 12secRideshare drivers find themselves at similar crossroads 1 year after Walz vetoMay 10, 2024 12:35 PMBy Clay MastersRideshare drivers have been pushing for urgent action on driver pay and job security protections for the last year and a half. Lawmakers and the governor are facing pressure to strike a statewide deal or risk losing Uber and Lyft service starting in July.
Minneapolis approves plan to redevelop area where Kmart store blocked Nicollet Ave. for decadesMay 10, 2024 10:51 AMBy MPR News StaffThe 10-acre project area will become the site of mixed use buildings, a park and new bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
Plug your nose! Malodorous corpse flower to bloom soon at Como Park Zoo and ConservatoryMay 8, 2024 1:40 PMBy Ellie RothA rare and stinky corpse flower is about to bloom at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul.
Biden heads to Wisconsin to laud a new Microsoft facility, meet voters — and troll TrumpMay 8, 2024 5:46 AMBy The Associated PressPresident Joe Biden is racing into yet another battleground state. Biden on Wednesday is traveling to Racine, Wis., where he’ll highlight a decision by Microsoft to build a $3.3 billion data center that is expected to create roughly 2,000 jobs.
Gov. Tim Walz signs ‘Taylor Swift bill’ into law, requiring more regulation in the ticketing industryMay 7, 2024 2:54 PMBy Ellie RothThe law requires ticket sellers to list the full price, including fees, up-front on their website. It also bans speculative ticketing, where tickets are sold before they are actually available. And it will prevent ticket companies and resellers from using deceptive practices.
Play6min 19secAhead of Tuesday address, Minneapolis mayor discusses housing and homelessnessMay 6, 2024 5:51 PMBy Megan Burks and Tom CrannAhead of his State of the City address Tuesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke with MPR News host Tom Crann in a wide-ranging interview. On the agenda: a tough 2024 budget year, potentially steep property tax increases, homeless encampments and the city’s housing wins.