📃 And be sure to check out the MN Shortlist, your weekly curated roundup of
recommended arts events from MPR News highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region.
In central Minnesota, St. Cloud Diocese looks to reduce parishes, close churchesThe St. Cloud Diocese’s plan is a dramatic reshuffling of religious and community life in a part of central Minnesota with deep Catholic roots. Church officials say declining attendance and a shortage of priests are driving the changes.
Floating hot tubs? New Minneapolis attraction debuts on the Mississippi River
A new Minneapolis business is offering a unique way to enjoy the Mississippi River this summer: floating hot tubs. Minnesota Hot Tub Boats launched at Boom Island Park, with electric hot tub boats carrying up to six passengers on 90-minute cruises between Nicollet Island and Broadway Street.
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Pine City is celebrating a unique place in LGBTQ+ history. The town recently unveiled a historic marker honoring what organizers say was the nation's first rural Pride celebration, held in Voyageur Park in 2005.
For almost four decades, Mayo Clinic has raised peregrine falcons as part of a national recovery effort to save what had been an endangered species. Now, the peregrine falcon program is a beloved part of the hospital's offerings.
✈️ Red Lake Nation returns plane to Roseau pilot, reaching resolution after 7-month standstill
The Red Lake Nation has returned a Roseau man's airplane and dropped all charges stemming from an emergency landing last October, ending a dispute that raised questions about tribal authority and airspace regulation.
🐆 Minnesota's Rio the ocelot turns 27, becoming oldest of her wildcat species in human care
Rio the ocelot at a Minnesota sanctuary has reached 27 years old, an unusually long lifespan for her species. Wildcat Sanctuary staff marked the milestone with enrichment treats and a playful box “cake,” celebrating her as the oldest known ocelot in human care.
🏛️ Minnesota lawmakers reject all local sales tax requests, leaving local projects in limbo
Minnesota lawmakers failed to advance any local sales tax requests this session, leaving more than 30 community-backed projects in limbo. Cities had hoped to fund upgrades to fire stations, parks and public facilities through voter-approved sales taxes, but none made it into the final tax bill.
A quirky roadside attraction along Highway 10 continues to draw curious travelers with an eclectic collection of souvenirs, from "alligator heads" to "sharks in a bottle." MPR News stopped by Treasure City for a behind-the-scenes tour.
🎤 Celebrating Prince: The artist and his impact
Minneapolis is marking a five-day celebration of Prince’s life and legacy, featuring tributes, a block party and a singalong honoring the global music icon’s enduring impact.
🧵 Two panels from national AIDS Memorial Quilt on display in Minneapolis
Queermunity in Minneapolis is displaying two panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt through mid-June, honoring Minnesotans who died in the AIDS crisis and offering space for reflection on LGBTQ+ history and ongoing HIV prevention efforts.
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