Minnesota
Minnesota has a new state flag. What other flags should change? Here’s a look at all 50
New Minnesota state flag, seal chosen
The State Emblems Redesign Commission has made its decision, but it will still need approval from the Minnesota Legislature.
Fox – Fox 9
Minnesota has a new look.
The State Emblems Redesign Commission announced it approved the new state flag design in December.
According to the commission, the panel tasked with redesigning the flag and seal narrowed down more than 2,600 designs submitted from the public to a final few.
Designers were tasked with crafting a layout that “accurately and respectfully reflect Minnesota’s shared history, resources, and diverse cultural communities,” according to the state commission.
‘Unity and pride’
The person who helped design the flag said he was speechless when he learned his sketch had been selected as the winner.
“This is one of those moments where it’s hard to express the sheer gratitude and amazement I’ve felt at this whole opportunity,” Andrew Prekker of Luverne, a city in southwest Minnesota, released in a statement. “It’s such a rare privilege to be able to contribute to our state’s history in such a special way like this… It’s an achievement that I hope brings a lot of unity and pride to our land, and I will hold that fact with great honor for the rest of my life.”
What does the new Minnesota state flag look like?
Here’s what the new flag looks like:
What do other flags look like?
While most Americans are familiar with the stars and stripes of the U.S. flag, others may not know the details and symbols of the other 51 flags of the nation.
Each state’s flag is representative of its history and distinct symbols.Here are the 50 official state flags from Alabama to Wyoming, as well as Washington D.C., and their significances.
Here are all 50 U.S. state flags, plus the District of Columbia
Alabama state flag
The Alabama state flag is white with a red cross of St. Andrew. This design was adopted in 1895. The flag’s design was inspired by the Confederate battle flag.
Alaska state flag
Alaska’s state flag features eight gold stars, which form the Big Dipper and Polaris, against a dark blue backdrop.
The Polaris, or North Star, on the flag is a symbol of Alaska’s northern location.The Big Dipper is a symbol of strength, while the blue background represents the night sky.
Arizona state flag
The gold star on this state flag represents one of Arizona’s five C’s: copper. Arizona produces more copper than any other state in the nation. The 13 alternating gold and red stripes symbolize the sun.
Blue and gold, which is featured on the flag, is also Arizona’s state colors.
Arkansas state flag
Arkansas was the first state in the U.S. to produce diamonds, hence the large diamond in the center of its state flag. The 25 white stars represent Arkansas being the 25th state to join the Union.
The three blue stars under the state’s name symbolize represent the three nations Arkansas was part of before officially becoming a state: Spain, France and the U.S.The star above the word “Arkansas” represents the state’s membership in the Confederacy.
California state flag
The California state flag adorns the state’s official animal, the grizzly bear, which represents strength. The grizzly bear imagery was inspired by a 19th century painting by California artist Charles Nahl.
Colorado state flag
The colors of Colorado’s state flag represent the environmental features of the state. The white symbolizes the snowy mountains, gold for sunshine, red for the state’s soil and blue for the sky.
The “C” stands the state’s name, the columbine (the state’s flower) and centennial. Colorado became a state in 1876 — the 100 year anniversary of American independence.
Connecticut state flag
The three grapevines on the Connecticut state flag are believed to represent the three settlements (Windsor, Wethersfield, and Hartford) or three colonies (Connecticut, Saybrook and New Haven) which merged together to form the state.
The state motto, “Qui transtulit sustinet,” is displayed in a white ribbon. It translates to “he who transplanted still sustains.”
Delaware state flag
“December 7, 1787” displayed at the bottom of Delaware’s state flag is the date Delaware became the first state of of the Union.
The coat of arms contains several state symbols. The ship represents the shipbuilding industry and coastal trade. The militiaman symbolize the citizen-soldier who help maintain American liberties. The water represents the Delaware River.
District of Columbia state flag
The flag of Washington D.C. is based on the Washington family’s coat of arms, which has three red stars and two red stripes against a white background.
Florida state flag
The seal represents the state’s environmental features, such as sunshine, palmetto trees, lakes and rivers. There is some controversy over the St. Andrew’s cross on Florida’s state flag.
In the late 1890s, Gov. Francis P. Fleming said a red cross be added to reduce the older flag’s appearance, which was simply white with the seal, to a flag of surrender. However, some believe its addition was based on the saltire in the Confederate battle flag.
Georgia state flag
The 13 white stars surrounding Georgia’s coat of arms represent the state and the other 12 colonies which originally formed the U.S.
The flag is reminiscent of the Confederate Stars and Bars with three broad red-white-red stripes and a blue a rectangular area.
Hawaii state flag
The eight horizontal stripes on Hawaii’s state flag represent the eight major islands that make up the state. The corner of the flag includes the Union Jack of the United Kingdom since the islands were once under Britain’s control.
It is the only U.S. state flag to include a foreign country’s national flag
Do you know your state’s official nickname?Here’s the story behind all 50 state nicknames.
Idaho state flag
Idaho’s seal in the flag’s center represents the state’s main industries: mining, agriculture and forestry. It is also features the Idaho’s geographic features, including mountains and lakes.
Illinois state flag
The Illinois flag includes parts of the state seal, such as a rock on a stretch of land with water and a rising sun behind it. The seal also includes a shield with the national stars and stripes in the claws of a bald eagle.
The red ribbon has the state motto: “State sovereignty — national union.” The years 1818 and 1868 represent when Illinois became a state and for the first use of the state seal, respectively.
Indiana state flag
The torch on Indiana’s state flag symbolizes liberty and enlightenment. The 13 stars in the outer circle represent the 13 original colonies.
The five stars of the inner semi-circle are for the following five states that joined the Union. The large star above the torch is the 19th on the flag and is representative of Indiana being the 19th state.
Iowa state flag
Each stripe color of the Iowa state flag has meaning. The blue stripe stands for loyalty, justice and truth. The white stands for purity, while the red is for courage.
In the center, an eagle carries blue streamers with the state’s motto: “Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain.”
Kansas state flag
The sunflower is for Kansas’ state flower. The gold and blue bars underneath represent the Louisiana Purchase, of which Kansas was part. The 34 stars in the seal represent Kansas being the 34th state to join the U.S.
The seal tells the history of the state through imagery including agriculture and American expansion.
Kentucky state flag
The frontiersman and statesman in the seal represent the people of Kentucky: country and city inhabitants of 1792, when the state was joined the Union.
The state’s motto is also displayed: “United we stand, divided we fall.”
Louisiana state flag
The Louisiana flag features a pelican nurturing its young by tearing at its own breast, symbolizing sacrifice which is signified by three drops of blood. The ribbon underneath has the state motto: “Union, Justice and Confidence.”
Maine state flag
Maine’s flag features symbols of the state’s nature, including a pine tree. The white pine is Maine’s state tree, and “The Pine Tree State” is Maine’s nickname.
The moose is Maine’s state animal. The farmer represents the state’s agricultural roots, while the sailor is for the state’s ties to the sea.
Maryland state flag
The Maryland flag has the coat of arms of the Calvert and Crossland families. The gold and black coat of arms is for Lord Baltimore of the Calverts, who founded Maryland.
During the Civil War, the Calvert coat of arms represented the people of Maryland who wanted to remain in the Union. The red and white are the Crossland colors and represented those who sympathized with the Confederacy.
Massachusetts state flag
The Massachusetts flag has the state’s coat of arms, including an Indigenous man holding a bow and arrow.
The arrow is pointed down, which symbolizes peace. The white star stands for Massachusetts being one of the original colonies. The ribbon has the state motto, which translates to “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.”
Michigan state flag
The moose and elk represent Michigan, while the bald eagle symbolizes the United States.
The Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” means “From Many, One,” for the U.S. being one nation made of many states. “Tuebor” means “I Will Defend,” which refers to the frontier position of Michigan.
The flag also contains the state motto which translates to “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.”
Minnesota state flag
On Dec. 19, a new state flag for Minnesota was approved. The new design was chosen from over 2,600 submissions from the public.
Minnesota’s new flag features an eight-pointed North Star, in reference to to the state’s nickname — The North Star State. The star is set against a dark blue background with its shape is similar to Minnesota.
The flag will start being used on May 11, 2024, which is Minnesota Statehood Day.
Mississippi state flag
The current Mississippi flag was adopted in 2021, after Mississippi residents voted to replace the 126-year-old Confederate-themed state flag, which featured the Confederate battle symbol.
The flag features a white magnolia blossom, which is the Mississippi’s state flower. The 20 stars, represent Mississippi’s admission to the Union as the 20th state.
Missouri state flag
The colors of Missouri’s flag have different meanings. The red stripe is for valor, the white stripe for purity and the blue stripe for justice, vigilance and permanency.
The center features Missouri’s state seal encircled by 24 stars, representing Missouri being the 24th state to join the Union.
The two grizzly bears symbolizes the state and its residents’ courage and strength. The state motto is featured, translating to “Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law.” The helmet represents the power of the people of Missouri.
Montana state flag
The state seal on Montana’s flag features symbols of Montana’s history and environment. The pick, shovel and plow, represent the state’s mining and farming history. A ribbon displays the state motto in Spanish, which translates to “gold and silver.”
Nebraska state flag
Nebraska’s state flag has its seal against a blue background. The seal features imagery that represents agriculture. The train cars on the flag are meant to head toward the Rocky Mountains. The state motto, “Equality Before the Law,” is featured.
Nevada state flag
The Nevada flag features a silver star to symbolize the state’s metal: silver. The star is between branches of sagebrush, the state’s flower. The phrase “Battle Born” refers to Nevada joining the Union during the Civil War.
New Hampshire state flag
New Hampshire’s state flag features the state seal with the frigate Raleigh surrounded by laurel leaves. The nine stars symbolize New Hampshire being the ninth state to join the Union.
New Jersey state flag
The colors of the New Jersey state flag, buff and Jersey blue, represent those chosen by George Washington during the Revolutionary War for the state’s military.
The state’s seal is featured in the center. Its symbols represent agriculture and sovereignty. The horse head is for New Jersey’s official state animal.
The women on the flag are Liberty and Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain and a symbol of fruitfulness.
New Mexico state flag
The New Mexico state flag has a modern interpretation of the ancient Zia sun. Four is the sacred number of the Zia, representing the four points of the compass, the four seasons of the year, the four periods of each day and the four stages of life.
The colors on the state flag are the red and yellow, similar to the Spanish flag as New Mexico was part of Spanish Empire until the 19th century.
New York state flag
The New York state flag features its coat of arms. Lady Liberty and Justice support the shield, and Liberty’s left foot stands on a crown to represent freedom from Great Britain. Justice is blindfolded to symbolize impartiality and fairness. The state motto is displayed Latin, which means “ever upward.”
North Carolina state flag
The date May 20, 1775 refers to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. The second date April 12, 1776 commemorates the Halifax Resolves, which was one of the first official calls for independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution.
North Dakota state flag
The olive branch on North Dakota’s state flag symbolizes peace. A ribbon features the state motto in Latin, which translates to “out of many, one,” in reference to the U.S.
A shield with 13 stripes represents the original colonies. The state flag conforms to the color, design and size of the regimental flag used by North Dakota Infantry in the Spanish-American War in 1898.
Ohio state flag
The Ohio state flag is the only non-rectangular U.S. state flag. Its unique swallowtail design was by John Eisemann.
The blue triangle represents the state’s hills and valleys. The red and white stripes symbolize the roads and waterways of the state. The 13 white stars around the circle represent the original colonies and four at the apex of the triangle bring the total to 17, representing Ohio as the 17th state to join the Union.
Oklahoma state flag
The blue background of Oklahoma’s state flag symbolizes devotion and loyalty. The traditional Osage buffalo-skin shield represents defensive or protective warfare.
The olive branch, stands for the settlers, and the peace pipe, for Indigenous people, appear on top of the shield.
Oregon state flag
Oregon’s flag is the only state flag to have different designs on each side. Navy and gold are Oregon’s state colors. The front of the flag features the state seal. The year 1859 represents when Oregon was admitted to the Union. The 33 stars signify Oregon being the 33rd state to join the Union.
The back of the flag has a beaver, the official state animal.
Pennsylvania state flag
Pennsylvania’s flag features its coat of arms, which represents commerce and agriculture. The two horses symbolize strength. The state motto “Liberty, Virtue, Independence” is on a red ribbon at the bottom.
Rhode Island state flag
The 13 stars on Rhode Island’s flag represent the 13 original colonies and Rhode Island being the 13th state to enter the Union. A gold anchor and blue ribbon withthe state motto, “Hope,” are featured in the center.
South Carolina state flag
South Carolina’s state flag is based on the blue uniforms and white crescent badges crescent worn by its troops during the Revolutionary War. The flag also features the state tree: the palmetto.
Did you know most states have an official dinosaur or fossil?It’s true! Here’s yours.
South Dakota state flag
South Dakota’s flag features its state seal, which symbolizes the state’s commerce, agriculture, industry and natural resources. The state motto, “Under God the People Rule,” appears on a ribbon.
The year 1889 stands for when South Dakota officially became a state.
Tennessee state flag
The stars on Tennessee’s flag represent the state’s “grand divisions”: East, Middle and West Tennessee. They are placed in a circle to symbolize unity.
Texas state flag
The Texas flag is the same as the 1839 Republic of Texas flag, from when the state was an independent nation. The single white star gave rise to Texas’ nickname, “The Lone Star State.”
The red, white and blue of the state flag represent bravery, purity and loyalty, respectively.
Utah state flag
The historic Utah state flag featured a bald eagle, the state motto and two dates: 1847 when Mormon pioneers first came to Utah and 1896: When Utah became the 45th state.
The state’s new flag will be adopted as of March 9, 2024, after Utah legislature approved its bill for the governor’s signature. The beehive flag is blue for the state’s lakes and skies, red for the state’s red rocks and white for its snowy mountain peaks.
The beehive stands for Utah’s history and community. The hexagon surrounding it represents strength and unity. The white star symbolizes hope and 1896, the year of Utah’s statehood.
Vermont state flag
The coat of arms on Vermont’s flag represents the state’s agriculture. The two pine needle branches symbolize those worn by the soldiers of Vermont during the Battle of Plattsburgh during the War of 1812.
The deer head signifies the state’s wildlife. The state motto “Freedom and Unity” is also featured.
Virginia state flag
The Virginia flag features its official state seal. The seal depicts the goddess Virtus, who represents Virginia. She is standing over a defeated tyrant.
The state’s motto is shown in Latin, which means “Thus always to tyrants.”
Washington state flag
Washington’s flag is the only state flag to display an actual person: George Washington. Additionally, Washington is the only state with a flag that has a green background.
West Virginia state flag
The West Virginia flag has its state motto in Latin, which translates to “Mountaineers are always free.” There is a wreath of rhododendron, which is the state flower, featured. June 20, 1863 represents when West Virginia became a state.
Wisconsin state flag
The Wisconsin flag features the state’s seal. The sailor and miner symbolizes the workers in the state. The tools signify the important trades: agriculture, mining, manufacturing and navigation. The badger, Wisconsin’s state animal, is also shown.
The year 1848 refers to when Wisconsin was joined the Union. The state’s motto “Forward” is displayed.
Wyoming state flag
On Wyoming’s flag is a bison, which is the state’s official animal. The red border symbolizes the Indigenous people who first lived in the region. It also symbolizes the blood of those there.
White represents purity, while blue stands for the state’s sky and mountains and signifies fidelity, justice and virility.
Minnesota
Why Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes may not be the safest option for cooling down this summer
MINNESOTA (Valley News Live) – As we head into the holiday weekend, new numbers show drownings surged during the pandemic. The highest rates happened among children under five. Researchers blamed the shortage of swimming lessons during the pandemic.
Minnesota, of course, has about 10,000 options for swimming in the summer, but lakes are lot bigger and deeper than pools. That makes them more dangerous. New research from the CDC shows the number drownings in the U.S. are going back up after decades in decline.
On average, roughly 4,000 Americans drowned every year, but after the pandemic that surged to 4,500. The highest rates of death were among young children, but the data also showed more than half of adults surveyed never took swim lessons.
In Minnesota specifically, state officials reported 48 drownings last year, most of the victims were over 18. A stark reminder to even the best of swimmers to always practice their skills.
Those 48 drownings in Minnesota last year do not include anyone killed in boat crashes. According to the DNR, nine people were killed in boating-related incidents in 2023. More than half of them were not wearing life jackets.
The Fargo Park District is hosting water safety day at several pools on June 7th. It’s a free event and will have activities for adults and kids to learn water safety skills.
Copyright 2024 KVLY. All rights reserved.
Minnesota
Flying Cars Are Now Legal in This State
If you’ve long dreamed of living life like the Jetsons, complete with flying cars, Minnesota might be the perfect destination. KFGO reports that Gov. Tim Walz has signed off on a transportation bill supported on both sides of the aisle that includes language on the use of “roadable aircraft,” aka flying cars. The new legislation—called, naturally, the “Jetson bill”—allows for such vehicles to drive on state roads and highways, though they can’t take off or land on public thoroughfares unless it’s an emergency. Per a release, the flying cars would have to stick to the same rules of the road as other non-air-friendly vehicles.
“Believe it or not, the way things are going with technology, we’re actually looking at flying cars coming maybe as early as 2025,” GOP state Sen. John Jasinski said in March, per the Star Tribune. That outlet notes that multiple companies are working on flying cars, which aren’t yet available for public use. Some say they could reach the market in two years’ time, which may make Jasinski’s prediction overly optimistic. The FAA wields control over the “flying” part of flying cars, while states will have jurisdiction over the “car” part on local roads. Just one other state has made legal provisions for flying cars: New Hampshire, which passed a similar law in 2020. (More flying cars stories.)
Minnesota
Minnesota United FC loon plate likely ready in fall
For Minnesota soccer fans waiting their turn for a specialty sports plate, the time is almost here.
The Minnesota United FC loon plate will likely be ready for drivers Oct. 1, said Greg Loper, the vehicle services program director of the state’s Driver and Vehicle Services.
What’s it going to look like? Well, “there are going to be letters and there are going to be numbers,” he said.
The design isn’t finalized just yet, but it’s a good bet there will be a common loon on it. The plates will help raise money for the Minnesota Loon Restoration Project from the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
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The Major League Soccer team’s plate joins five other sports team plates, which have been available since January: the Vikings, Lynx, Timberwolves, Twins and Wild. And it joins a growing rolodex of specialty plates. Currently, there are 114 specialty plates on the market, according to DVS.
The influx of specialty plate proposals in recent years has been a sore spot for some lawmakers. In Minnesota, it takes legislation for specialty plates to get approved. That’s part of the reason the MNUFC plate was delayed.
A previous law for sports plates said plate-owners must make an annual contribution to the team’s foundation, but MNUFC doesn’t have a foundation. It took revised language in a law for the Loons to have the go-ahead.
State Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL Minneapolis, serves as the transportation committee chair and said that particular tweak wasn’t too much of a hassle, but he’s growing increasingly tired of the process tied to each specialty plate. So much so that he authored a bill creating a committee to explore an administrative process away from the Capitol. The special license plate review committee will start up in 2025.
“It grew out of my frustration with being confronted with several dozen requests — and these all come as separate bills that take time in the committee hearing process,” Dibble said. “We have much bigger issues that we have to spend time on without having all of our time seized up by all these minor issues of these specialty license plates … we need as much time as we can possibly get. Our committees usually go late. We usually have to put in extra hearings to get all the work done.”
He’s also concerned with plates becoming “politically supercharged” and divisive, he said. He brought up the example of anti-abortion advocates wanting a plate, which would direct money to anti-abortion organizations. That’s not something he wants to have to settle.
“Other states have handled this whole process more efficiently and much better, so we’re going to just take a look at what’s going on around the country and see if there’s a better idea,” he said.
As transportation chair, he’s been vocal about trying to keep specialty plates out, he said — partially because he’s concerned the increased plate variety makes it harder to identify cars.
“But last cycle, a couple of them got through,” he said. “Including the Vikings.”
Despite Dibble’s qualms, there’s no denying specialty plates have been popular on the roads. Since January, the DVS has offered five Minnesota sports teams plates, costing drivers $15.50, plus an annual donation. The Vikings plate is the bestseller, with 2,623 sold, according to the DVS.
That’s followed by Wild plates, with 1,144 sold, then plates for the Twins (1,026), Timberwolves (605) and Lynx (56). To keep the plate, those with sports plates have to make an annual $30 donation to each team’s corresponding foundation — or, rather, philanthropy account, since that law was adjusted.
“I think you’re going to see [sports team plates] becoming a part of our culture,” said Loper, with DVS. “And I smile every time I think that the Minnesota United plate is going to support the Loon Restoration Project. If there’s one thing that’s more iconic than our standard blue and white license plate in Minnesota, it’s the call of a loon.”
The Minnesota United $30 donation to the Loon Restoration Project will go toward reducing loon mortality and exposure to lead-based fishing tackle, as well as protecting nesting habitat.
Other specialty plates that hit the market earlier this year are the blackout plate and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office plate.
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