Looking Back At Headlines That Captivated MN In 2023

MINNESOTA — As 2023 slips away, here’s a look back at some of the stories that captivated Minnesota's Patch readers.

This is not an exhaustive list. Notably, because Patch is a local news organization covering communities and neighborhoods across the state, we did not include some of the major political stories making headlines in 2023.

Ex-Police Officer Kim Potter Released From Prison

Former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter was released from prison in April. She spent 16 months in the state women's prison in Shakopee after fatally shooting 20-year-old Daunte Wright at a traffic stop in 2021.

Twin Cities Sees 8th Snowiest Winter On Record: MN Weather

The 2023-2024 winter season in the Twin Cities metro area has cracked the top 10 for snowiest winters on record.

DFL Chairwoman Beaten, Carjacked In Front Of Her Kids

The second vice chairwoman of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party began calling for tougher consequences for criminals after she was beaten and carjacked in front of her young children at her home in Minneapolis in September.

Suspected MN Killer Mistakenly Released Is Arrested In St. Paul

Following a massive nationwide manhunt, a Minneapolis murder suspect mistakenly released from jail in Indiana in September was eventually arrested in St. Paul.

Charges Could Be Dropped Against Stillwater Bar In Death Of Minor

The Stillwater bar accused in the death of George Musser, a 20-year-old whose body was found on Christmas Day 2022, has reached a "continuance for dismissal" agreement with the state.

The 'Idaho Stop' Legalized In Minnesota

A measure passed within the state omnibus transportation bill will allow Minnesota bicyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield sign, and a red traffic light as a stop sign.

Minnesota Overtakes Texas In 'Top States For Business' Rankings

Minnesota jumped several states — including Texas — to join the top five in CNBC's "America’s Top States for Business" 2023 rankings.

English Men Caught Posing As Local Contractors In Minnetonka: Police

Two men from England were arrested in Minnetonka after intentionally damaging homes and then posing as local construction contractors to secure business, according to authorities.

Where Can Minnesotans Get Marijuana On Aug. 1?

Since Aug. 1, Minnesotans age 21 and older can legally possess or transport up to 2 ounces of cannabis under the state's new recreational marijuana law, thanks to Democrats in the Minnesota Legislature.

'Poop Rain' Mystery Goes Unsolved In Burnsville

There are still more questions than answers in Burnsville's "poop rain" mystery from earlier this year.