"Minnesota's Journey to a New, Inclusive State Flag and the Costs Involved"

Minnesota is adopting a new state flag and seal to replace symbols that were hurtful to Native Americans. The new flag features a dark blue shape of Minnesota with a white North Star, and a light blue field representing the state's waters. The seal will have a loon amid wild rice and the Dakota name for Minnesota. The design, which faced some criticism and misinformation, aims to be more inclusive and representative of all Minnesotans. The change, set to become official on May 11 unless the Legislature rejects it, is part of a broader trend of states reconsidering their flags for simplicity and inclusivity.