Minnesota in Photos

Minnesota in Photos: Dancing with the Spin Collective

The sun is setting on Lake Superior as members of the Spin Collective dancers soak small kevlar orbs in fuel and set them afire. Then, wielding them at the end of chains or long metal arms, they begin twirling the orbs in what's called a poi dance.

Photos: School trust land inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Exploration for copper, gold, and other precious metals in northeastern Minnesota has drawn attention to school trust lands created 150 years ago when Minnesota became a state. Millions of acres could be sold, with the proceeds deposited in a trust; or they could be managed by the state, which earns money by leasing logging and mining rights.

Photos: Syttende Mai, Norway's Constitution Day

The Norwegian culture was on display across the Twin Cities on May 20, as churches and communities celebrated Syttende Mai, Norway's Constitution Day. ("Syttende Mai" translated means May 17 in Norwegian.) In Minnesota, the holiday is often commemorated on the Sunday closest to that date. Each year, one of the biggest celebrations takes place at Mindekirken, the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church in Minneapolis.

Photos: Mud, electric shocks and more test athletes in Tough Mudder Minnesota

Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed to test strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie, the organization's website says. Athletes took up the challenge over the weekend in Somerset, Wis.

Photos: Minn. Republicans gather in St. Cloud

About 2,200 Republican delegates gathered in St. Cloud Friday to endorse a candidate for U.S. Senate. They will also vote on Saturday to parcel out the remaining 13 delegates that will represent Minnesota at the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

Photos: The Highway 1 Fire near Ely

Firefighters were able to stop a fast moving wildfire just outside the town of Ely on Thursday. The Highway 1 Fire started when a power line snapped. Several small fires quickly grew into a 216-acre blaze and homes were evacuated as the blaze neared town. By Friday morning, fire crews began to get the upper hand.

Photos: BP oil spill residue found on pelicans in Minn.

Researchers are trying to determine whether pelicans carry residue from the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

MPR News photos of the week

A Minnesota soldier is laid to rest, Vikings fans invade the Capitol, the Legislature wraps up business, Onamia braces for the walleye opener and the Catholic church organizes a pro-marriage amendment rally. All that and more in our photos of the week.

Photos: Local shop readies for fishing season opening weekend

Get ready for this weekend's walleye opener, when thousands of anglers take to the lakes.

Photos: Vikings fans invade state Capitol

After more than eight hours of often impassioned debate Monday night, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved funding for a $975 million Vikings stadium at the site of the Metrodome in Minneapolis. A loud and colorful contingent of Vikings fans were on hand as lawmakers deliberated.

Photos: Catholics march from Capitol to Cathedral in support of marriage amendment

Thousands of Catholics joined together at the Capitol on Sunday to walk in a rosary procession in support of the marriage amendment. The amendment would define marriage as between one man and one woman, making it impossible for same-sex couples to marry.

MPR News photos of the week

National Guard members came home this week, Morris Dancers celebrated spring and Amy Senser was found guilty of killing in a hit and run crash. All that and more our photos of the week.

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