Episodes

5h ago

Minnesota state agencies are now required by law to report instances of suspected fraud to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. That's one of the new steps to crack down on schemes targeting human services programs, which are largely federally funded. One of the busiest times for air travel at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is coming up this week. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

15h ago

3d ago

State officials say they've not seen evidence to substantiate estimates from federal prosecutors that billions of dollars in Medicaid funds have been subject to fraud. The comments come a day after the U.S. Attorney's Office announced charges against people alleged to have defrauded state housing and autism programs. It’s flu season, and with end-of-year celebrations happening, health officials are reminding Minnesotans to get vaccinated. This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music is by Gary Meister. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or RSS .

3d ago

Blizzard conditions are impacting much of the Red River Valley today. Snow, falling heavily at times this morning, will total 3-4 inches, with totals closer to 2 inches for the Fargo-Moorhead area and Fergus Falls. Expect high winds gusting to 50-60 mph along the western edge of Minnesota as temperatures drop into the single digits. There’s a chance of snow statewide Thursday. The first person charged in a scheme to defraud a state program for children with autism is expected to plead guilty Thursday morning. Asha Hassan is also charged with ripping off taxpayer-funded child nutrition programs. The 29-year-old is alleged to have bilked Minnesota's Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention program out of more than $14 million and used some of that to pay kickbacks to the parents. Six Minnesotans are suing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, alleging that federal agents violated their rights while they were observing immigration arrests. The ACLU and several law firms filed the lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of the plaintiffs. They say federal agents detained or threatened people who were not breaking any laws. One of the men arrested by ICE agents at a construction site in Chanhassen last weekend has filed a petition in federal court seeking release.

4d ago

The gusty winds that caused today’s blizzard conditions in northwest Minnesota also brought much colder air across the entire state. The Department of Homeland Security says federal agents have not broken the law in their treatment of observers during immigration arrests in Minnesota. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

4d ago

Blizzard conditions are impacting much of the Red River Valley today. Snow, falling heavily at times this morning, will total 3-4 inches, with totals closer to 2 inches for the Fargo-Moorhead area and Fergus Falls. Expect high winds gusting to 50-60 mph along the western edge of Minnesota as temperatures drop into the single digits. There’s a chance of snow statewide Thursday. The first person charged in a scheme to defraud a state program for children with autism is expected to plead guilty Thursday morning. Asha Hassan is also charged with ripping off taxpayer-funded child nutrition programs. The 29-year-old is alleged to have bilked Minnesota's Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention program out of more than $14 million and used some of that to pay kickbacks to the parents. Six Minnesotans are suing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, alleging that federal agents violated their rights while they were observing immigration arrests. The ACLU and several law firms filed the lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of the plaintiffs. They say federal agents detained or threatened people who were not breaking any laws. One of the men arrested by ICE agents at a construction site in Chanhassen last weekend has filed a petition in federal court seeking release.

5d ago

A winter storm will bring accumulating snow, gusty winds and possibly blizzard conditions to parts of Minnesota over the next 24 hours. A mix of rain, snow and maybe some freezing rain will spread across the state through tonight. It’ll change over to all snow most quickly across the north... with more than a half-foot possible in the far north by late tomorrow. A dusting to maybe an inch for central and southern Minnesota. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

5d ago

6d ago

Gov. Tim Walz signed two executive orders today to try to address gun violence in Minnesota. One order establishes a statewide safety council to develop an action plan to prevent mass shootings and other violence. The council will make policy and funding recommendations to the governor. The other order promotes safe firearm storage and authorizes the state to collect data from insurance companies on claims involving firearms for data analysis.

6d ago

Dec 15

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, or DEED, says the state gained about 40,000 jobs in September compared to the same time a year ago. With the federal government shutdown now over, more current data will be released in the coming weeks. Olmsted County authorities today identified the person who shot and wounded a student in the Stewartville High School parking lot Friday as a man who graduated from the school last year. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Dec 15

Dec 12

A Stewartville high school student is in critical condition after being shot outside the school early this morning. And Minnesota fraud investigations are piling up as the Department of Human Services is more aggressively examining possible abuses. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Dec 12

A man and a woman are facing charges after allegedly driving away with a federal agent trapped in their vehicle. It’s been six months since Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in a political assassination. Legislative leaders say they’ll keep Hortman’s seat as a memorial to the slain lawmaker next year. The Minneapolis City Council Thursday passed a measure that includes restrictions on where federal agents can stage their operations. The council unanimously passed changes to the existing separation ordinance which prohibits city employees from enforcing federal immigration law. The ordinance codifies the mayor’s executive order that forbids federal immigration agents from using city owned parking lots, ramps, vacant lots and garages as part of their operations.

Dec 11

The already crowded race for Minnesota governor got more so today. MyPillow executive Mike Lindell 's formal entrance pushes the Republican field above a dozen candidates. An NBC report says ICE has arrested more than four hundred people in Minnesota since December 1, when the Trump administration stepped up immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities. Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Music by Gary Meister.

Dec 11

Masked immigration agents forcibly arrested a Somali American U.S. citizen in Minneapolis for no apparent reason other than his ethnicity. Authorities held the man for two hours even as he tried to show them his passport. The St. Paul City Council is asking the state to investigate the actions of St. Paul police during an immigration enforcement operation last month. The council is also requesting an audit of city spending on the police response, which drew widespread criticism because of officers’ heavy use of chemical irritants and projectiles. It's been a snowy week across much of Minnesota — with parts of northern and central Minnesota getting more than 6 inches. More snow is expected across the south Thursday. A district court has ruled that the Trump administration can’t block the permitting of wind energy projects. A piece of falling space debris sent social media atwitter in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan this past weekend.

Dec 10

A judge heard arguments today in a federal lawsuit against the state of Minnesota challenging a state law that allows undocumented students to get in-state college tuition. And another long-time legislator says he won't seek re-election in 2026. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Dec 10

Dozens of Minnesota school districts have delayed the start of classes Wednesday as a winter storm continues to cause difficult travel across the region. In addition to the late starts, a handful of school districts have moved to online learning or canceled classes in the wake of the heavy snow and gusty winds. The Minnesota State Patrol reported more than 400 crashes and spinouts on highways across the state between noon and 9 p.m. Tuesday, including at least 5 jackknifed semis. The University of Minnesota has released a new study that shows fungi could help keep the invasive emerald ash borer in check. Researchers found fungi species growing on wood samples of ash trees and discovered many strands were known insect killers.

Dec 9

Driving conditions across Minnesota will worsen through night as snow and freezing rain move across the region . And nine Republican candidates for Minnesota governor gathered last night to debate issues at a Lyon County Republican candidate forum. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Dec 9

Dec 8

Officials at Augsburg University in Minneapolis say federal immigration agents entered a private campus parking lot without a warrant on Saturday afternoon and detained a student. And the Minneapolis City Council this week will consider a new ordinance that its authors say will require a more humane approach to homeless encampments. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Dec 5

The owner of the Lutsen Resort Lodge, which was destroyed in a fire nearly two years ago, has been charged with three counts of arson and one count of insurance fraud. Bryce Campbell was arrested this week in Michigan for allegedly burning down the historic lodge on the North Shore. According to the criminal complaint, Campbell faced serious financial troubles at the time of the fire. The complaint also details suspicious behavior leading up to the fire. Dozens of religious leaders from a wide variety of faith traditions gathered in Minneapolis Thursday night to denounce President Donald Trump’s disparaging comments about Minnesota’s Somali community. Earlier this week, Trump made the remarks in response to a question about fraud in taxpayer-funded social service programs in Minnesota. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has detailed the arrests of 12 undocumented men . The agency says most of them have felony convictions. The others had been arrested on suspicion of crimes including domestic violence and drunk driving. Democrats and Republicans have different takes on the state budget forecast released Thursday. Bloomington police say a man was wounded during an exchange of gunfire with officers during an attempted arrest Wednesday night.

Dec 4

The owner of the iconic Lutsen Resort Lodge along the North Shore of Lake Superior has been arrested and charged in connection with the fire that destroyed the lodge in early 2024. Bryce Campbell was charged with three counts of first-degree arson and one count of insurance fraud. Gov. Walz criticizes Trump's 'vile' remarks about Somali immigrants. This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music is by Gary Meister. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or RSS .

Dec 4

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says President Donald Trump is acting in “flat-out, un-American” fashion by targeting Somali Americans and referring to them as “garbage.” Frey has signed an executive order prohibiting federal, state and local agencies from using city-owned parking lots, ramps, garages or vacant lots to stage civil immigration enforcement operations. The Minneapolis Police Department is reminding people it will not ask them about their citizenship status if they call the police. The department also says residents can call 911 to verify a responding officer is who they say they are. A man faces federal charges for ramming his car into the vehicle of an ICE agent last week in St. Paul. The man was released from jail to home detention after pleading not guilty to assaulting an officer.

Dec 3

Local Somali leaders are urging residents to learn their rights amid reports of federal immigration agents carrying out an enforcement operation in Minnesota. Jaylani Hussein, president of CAIR Minnesota, said he's heard reports of federal agents asking Somali U.S. citizens for their documentation. State lawmakers will receive a key update on Minnesota's economy Thursday. This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Bright. Theme music is by Gary Meister. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or RSS .

Dec 3

Leaders in Minneapolis and St. Paul say they are standing with the local Somali community amid reports federal officials are planning a targeted immigration crackdown. The operation would target a few hundred people with final deportation orders. Most Somali residents in Minnesota are U.S. citizens and city leaders raised concerns they could be caught up in a federal operation. Gov. Tim Walz says he's open to a federal probe focused on whether Minnesota funding went to terrorist groups in Somalia. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent posted on social media he is launching an investigation to determine whether taxpayer money went to al-Shabaab, after allegations were raised by a conservative think tank. Walz says he’s taken action to prevent fraud in state programs after lawmakers gave him broader authority earlier this year. Republicans have criticized Walz over his administration’s response to fraud in Medicaid programs. The Trump administration is threatening to cut off federal administrative SNAP funding to Minnesota over the state’s refusal to share data about beneficiaries. State leaders have declined to share the names, birth dates, addresses and Social Security numbers of food assistance program participants — and won a court order earlier this year to not share that data. The Trump administration says the information is needed to investigate fraud. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has identified the police officer in Plymouth who shot and wounded a man after responding a domestic disturbance call last week. Officer Jacob Coopet allegedly confronted and shot a man with a handgun. The man remains in stable condition.

Dec 2

President Donald Trump is intensifying his disparaging remarks about Minnesota's Somali community and lobbing criticism at Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. According to reports, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is beginning an operation targeting undocumented Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities. Tens of thousands of Somali immigrants live in Minnesota, and most are U.S. citizens. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey raised concerns that citizens will be caught up in a federal operation. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

Dec 2

The quick change from mild fall to winter cold means an increasing need for shelter beds across the Twin Cities. A Duluth nonprofit that operates the largest homeless shelter north of the Twin Cities is getting the largest gift it has ever received. The former leader of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce has pleaded guilty to embezzling money from the organization. Minneapolis attorney Chris Madel has announced he’s running for governor. He’s competing for the Republican endorsement against eleven other candidates. The Minneapolis Poison Control Center says there’s been a 176-percent increase in reports about potential cannabis poisonings in children and pets since 2021.

Dec 1

Today is the first day of meteorological winter ... this fall turned out to be our 4th warmest ... and very dry. The cold and the snow mean it's snowmobile season. In Minnesota, the season can start as early as December 1 — if conditions are right. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

Dec 1

Nov 26

A federal operation yesterday in St. Paul ended with at least two people taken into custody. And authorities in northeast Minnesota say a man died after being struck by a falling tree while clearing snow this morning amid the winter storm. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Nov 26

Just in time for holiday travel, a snow storm impacting much of Minnesota has left several inches of snow in a swath from southwestern Minnesota to the northeast . Roads were slick and snow covered Wednesday morning. I-94 was closed for a time due to jack-knifed semis. The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport says Wednesday is one of the busiest travel days of the year. Federal authorities on Wednesday took at least two people into custody in St. Paul during an operation that drew protesters . St. Paul Police confirmed their officers used chemical irritants. Police chief Axel Henry says his department did not violate the city ordinance that prevents it from assisting with federal enforcement. Police officers used chemical irritants and less lethal projectiles on protesters and the press. MPR News photojournalist Kerem Yucel was hit by the chemical irritants. Best Buy is reporting a strong third quarter in its latest earnings report — and the company also is raising its sales and profit forecasts for the year. The Richfield-based electronics retailer says comparable-store sales rose nearly 3 percent in the last quarter — its biggest gain in three years. As Minnesotans get ready for a holiday that revolves around a large meal, people who work in hunger relief are asking people to remember food shelves and those in need. A family from the Red Lake Nation will represent three generations in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York this year.

Nov 25

There is a winter storm warning for northeast into southern Minnesota going into effect for Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday. There is a winter weather advisory for northwestern Minnesota spreading south for the same time period. Fog will turn to rain and snow. Some areas could get several inches in northern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has announced the U.S. will end temporary protected status for migrants from Myanmar in January. Minnesota is home to about 22,000 people from Myanmar. Most arrived as refugees in the early and mid-2000s and would be unaffected by the policy change. Meanwhile, the temporary protected status for Somalis in Minnesota is still up in the air. The latest defendant to be sentenced in the Feeding Our Future case is headed to federal prison for 10 years. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office will charge the man accused of shooting his ex-girlfriend 10 times in Minneapolis in September with an additional two counts of first degree murder. A central Minnesota man charged with killing his coworker appeared in court Monday. Forty-year-old David Delong faces second-degree murder charges for allegedly killing 20-year-old Amber Czech with a sledgehammer while working at a manufacturing facility in Cokato. A judge ordered an evaluation of Delong's mental condition and competency to stand trial at the request of his attorney.

Nov 24

Snow is expected tomorrow and Wednesday across much of the state... with several inches of accumulation possible in northern Minnesota ahead of the holiday weekend. The Twin Cities could get 1 to 3 inches. An immigration judge today ordered the deportation of a Northfield man who was detained by ICE earlier this month. Somali community leaders and Democratic lawmakers rallied at the Capitol today to oppose a proposal to end temporary protected status -- or TPS -- for Somali people in Minnesota. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Nov 24

Nov 21

Donors gave more than $37.8 million to Minnesota nonprofits and schools on Give to the Max Day yesterday. That's according to an update from Give M-N, the nonprofit behind the event. It's a record amount for the annual giving day, which started back in 2009. And Waymo announced yesterday that it will start testing its autonomous taxis in Minneapolis, though the service won't be available to the public just yet.

Nov 21

Nov 20

A 3-month-old baby is in the hospital in Minnesota after consuming formula linked to a nationwide botulism outbreak. The family filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the company that makes ByHeart formula. A Capitol event Thursday marked Transgender Day of Remembrance. This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Theme music is by Gary Meister. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or RSS .

Nov 20

Families and advocates Thursday said they were still trying to reach loved ones detained during an ICE operation at a St. Paul manufacturer this week. Three former employees of a Sherburne County town are charged with e mbezzling 20 percent of the community’s budget . Twin Cities-based Target is partnering with Open AI to allow people to find and buy Target merchandise through ChatGPT. The retailer issued its latest earnings report Thursday showing a drop in sales, and a challenging outlook for the holiday shopping season. The White House has announced six new interagency agreements intended to break up the federal Education Department. One of those agreements will move Native American programs to the Department of the Interior. There are now at least five candidates in next year’s election for Hennepin County Attorney. St. Cloud State University will have a new president starting in early January . The Minnesota State board of trustees agreed to name Gregory Tomso for the open position.

Nov 19

Target says it’s facing a challenging outlook for the holiday shopping season. But the Minneapolis-based retailer also outlined more steps today to try to reverse its recent struggles. One of Minnesota's largest health insurers, UCare, is shutting down at the start of next year. Another nonprofit insurer will be taking over its members. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Nov 19

A federal law enforcement operation Tuesday drew a large protest to St. Paul. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said agents were serving a search warrant at Bro-Tex Inc. as part of a federal criminal investigation. They didn’t provide further details and didn’t say whether anyone was detained. An employee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is among 16 men arrested on suspicion of soliciting a minor after a sting operation in suburban Minneapolis. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have just released findings showing hundreds of racist housing deeds in Sherburne County. Minnesota REALTORs say October data shows seller activity is up in the state while buyer activity is down. That's even though mortgage rates touched their lowest level in a year last month. Two new professional women’s volleyball teams announced expansion teams in Minnesota in the last week.

Nov 18

Federal agents clashed with protesters during an operation at a St. Paul manufacturer today. Agents from the FBI, DEA and ICE carried out a search warrant at Bro-Tex Incorporated, according to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson. And the entire Minnesota delegation in the U.S. House voted in favor today of forcing the release of investigative files involving sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Nov 18

A Minneapolis business consultant has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for a a $3.5 million scheme to defraud government pandemic aid programs. A St. Paul man is charged with vehicular homicide and fleeing the scene after allegedly killing a woman who was out walking her dogs last week. Minnesota hasn’t elected a third-party governor since 1998, but Mike Newcome hopes that will change in 2026. Newcome has launched a campaign as an Independence party candidate. Newcome says he's a fiscal conservative and a social liberal. He says he'd like to break up the partisan divide in St. Paul. Nonprofit housing providers are warning 3,600 Minnesotans who have overcome homelessness could be at risk of losing their homes. That's because of new rules from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, that cut funding for permanent housing by nearly 70 percent. Eighty years after his death, federal investigators have identified the remains of a Minnesota man killed during World War II.

Nov 17

State Rep. Sandra Feist announced today that she'll leave the Legislature when her term runs out next year. And it's open enrollment season for many people who get health insurance through their employer. A recent survey found the average cost per employee will go up 7 percent. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

Nov 17

Local officials are denouncing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement over the detention of a Northfield man who, according to court records, has no criminal history. Adan Nunez Gonzalez was detained by ICE agents last Tuesday on his way to work and is now being held at Kandiyohi County Jail. Nunez Gonazlez is a father of four and has lived in Northfield for more than a decade. The demand for food assistance continues even with the restoration of SNAP benefits last week. Jessica Sund is director of development and communications at the Channel One Food Bank, which serves southeastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Sund says the organization had 800 more people visit the Olmstead County shelf in October compared to September. The company pursuing an underground mine for copper and nickel near Ely has submitted a plan to the state to conduct more exploratory drilling. Go deeper with the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter . 'That's my dad': Northfield man's detention by ICE concerns local officials Even with shutdown over, Minnesota's food shelves brace for surge in need as holidays near Twin Metals seeks to continue copper exploration near Boundary Waters

Nov 14

A DFL state lawmaker is running for Congress in an attempt to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach in a district representing a wide swath of western Minnesota. And Minneapolis climate advocates face a Monday deadline to complete the purchase of a site for an urban farm project... and they're short several million dollars. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Nov 14

The Clearwater County Sheriff's Office reports one of its deputies shot and killed a man following a car chase in Bagley Thursday. The developer of a controversial proposed data center in the northeastern Minnesota city of Hermantown has paused the project to gather more community input. Gov. Tim Walz Thursday told an audience in Texas he won’t relent on his campaign for new gun laws even if it costs him politically next year. The second-term DFL governor spoke at the Texas Tribune Festival. His push for a special session has stalled, but the issue could be on the agenda for the Legislature next year. Walz and a delegation of business leaders are bound for Germany and Switzerland this weekend as part of a trade mission. A long stretch of I-494 in Bloomington will be closed this weekend. The westbound lanes will be closed between Highway 77 and Highway 100. Eastbound drivers will experience closures between I-35W and Highway 77. Go deeper with the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter . Clearwater County Sheriff's deputy shoots and kills man following police chase Developer of controversial Hermantown data center plans public meeting, weighs changes

Nov 13

Property owners across Minnesota could be asked to come up with nearly one billion dollars more for city, county and other local government operations. Minnesota police groups say a judge set bail far too low for a man accused of assaulting an Anoka County sheriff’s deputy. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Nov 13

Minnesota lawmakers voted with their parties on the bill to end the federal government shutdown. The U.S. House passed the bill last night that replenishes government funds for agencies shut for more than seven weeks. Republicans Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, Brad Finstad and Pete Stauber backed the bill. Democrats Angie Craig, Betty McCollum, Kelly Morrison and Ilhan Omar voted against. The University of Minnesota is raising concerns about an agreement between Fairview Health Services and a group of physicians at the University of Minnesota Medical School. In a unanimous vote, the St. Paul city council has passed a ban on military-style assault rifles in the city. The ordinance also prohibits large-capacity magazines, binary triggers that increase the rate of fire, and home-assembled firearms known as ghost guns that lack serial numbers. The measure is unenforceable because Minnesota law does not allow local governments to regulate firearms. Gun rights supporters say the measure is illegal and have said they plan to sue the city.

Nov 12

Federal prosecutors said today that they're still deciding whether to seek the death penalty against the man accused of killing former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. A one-year contract between a key Minnesota agency and a consulting firm will cost the state $2.3 million. Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Nov 12

An independent evaluator will spend the next several months reviewing the law enforcement response to the shootings of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. Several law enforcement agencies in the state requested the review and said they want analysis of what worked, and what they could have done better. Minneapolis police have arrested two teens suspected of carjacking Minneapolis City Council member Jamal Osman earlier this week. Police say the teens threatened Osman while he was parked near a Lake Street coffee shop, then took his car. Police discovered and arrested them shortly after. In the aftermath, Osman is calling on parents and the city to better support youth. Former state Senator Nicole Mitchell's restitution hearing is set for today in Becker County. Mitchell was convicted on two felony counts of burglary earlier this year for breaking into her stepmother's home. Two people were taken to hospitals yesterday following a house fire in New Hope. Police say the fire happed at a home on 38th Avenue North. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Authorities on the Iron Range say there were NO injuries from an explosion and fire at a metal recycling business yesterday. The Saint Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the fire was at Holmes Recycling Services along Highway 37 near Iron Junction. Authorities say there was an explosion as a car was being crushed.

Nov 11

Veterans and their families in Minnesota who are experiencing hunger will get food support from the state. And a Ramsey County judge won't let Minnesota keep a binary trigger ban in effect as a case challenging goes through appeals. Those stories and more in today’s evening from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Nov 11

The state’s official Veterans Day program is at the National Guard Armory in Mankato. Officials from the Minnesota National Guard and the state Department of Veterans Affairs will join elected officials and others for the event. Minnesota has begun distributing SNAP benefits to recipients — but there continues to be widespread confusion over whether that will continue as the Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to again freeze the payments. County administrators are struggling to keep up with the constant changes to the status of the program. A deal to reopen the federal government could imperil Minnesota's hemp-derived products industry. Wayzata-based Cargill is one of four meatpacking giants under investigation by the U.S. justice department . The City of St. Paul is the one of the lead plaintiffs in a new lawsuit against the Trump administration over the cancellation of clean energy grants. The city is part of a coalition that said Democratic-led states were unfairly punished with the cancellation of $7.5 billion in projects for things such as electric vehicle charging stations, solar energy incentives and measures to prevent methane leaks. Teachers have reached a tentative contract contract agreement with the Minneapolis school district avoiding a strike that was scheduled to start Tuesday. The union wanted smaller class size caps and pay increases for teachers, adult educators and support staff. A spokesperson said the new contract includes agreements on those demands. Teachers will vote on whether to officially accept the contract on Thursday and Friday.

Nov 10

Minneapolis teachers have reached a tentative agreement with the district, averting a strike that was scheduled to begin tomorrow. And GOP gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth is the first in the race to announce her running mate . Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Nov 10

Nov 7

Nov 6

The Minneapolis-St. Paul airport expects to see canceled flights starting Friday after federal officials said they're cutting back air traffic by about 10 percent due to the government shutdown. Patrick Knight, a businessman and former Marine, has joined the race to be the Republican candidate for Minnesota governor. This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music is by Gary Meister. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or RSS .

Nov 6

After a second round of ballot counting on Wednesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey won a third term in office. Frey surpassed the needed 50-percent threshold of ranked choice votes to claim the win. His closest challenger, Sen. Omar Fateh, earned a little more than 44 percent of the vote. In St. Paul, the capital city's new mayor will be state Rep. Kaohly Her. She ousted two-term incumbent Melvin Carter. Her says she will seek legislative support for St. Paul projects. Her term as mayor begins in January. The St. Paul City Council is expected to vote next week on a measure to ban military-style rifles and guns without serial numbers.

Nov 5

Election results: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has been narrowly elected to a third term at City Hall. And in St. Paul, state Rep. Kaohly Her will be the next mayor, unseating incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter.

Nov 5

State Rep. Kaohly Her made history early this morning by becoming the first Hmong American and first woman elected to lead the city of St. Paul. Her defeated incumbent mayor Melvin Carter after a second round of tabulation of ranked choice ballots. Her campaigned on revitalizing the downtown and Midway neighborhoods, and working to make the city more business-friendly and responsive. There was no winner declared in the race for Minneapolis mayor Wednesday morning. With 99 percent of precincts reporting, no candidate reached the threshold needed to be declared the winner after first choice ballots were tallied. Incumbent Jacob Frey received nearly 42 percent of first choice votes. That's about 10 percentage points ahead of his closest opponent state Sen. Omar Fateh. Tabulation resumes at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Minnesota Democrats will maintain a narrow edge in the state Senate after the DFLer won a suburban special election and Republicans won a seat in Wright County. And a longtime St. Cloud nonprofit leader has won a special election for Stearns County commissioner. Voters in Duluth approved a ballot initiative that allows tenants to pay for minor repairs and then deduct the cost from their next month’s rent. The initiative passed overwhelmingly with about 69 percent of people voting in favor of it. The measure is the first of its kind in Minnesota. Primary care nurse practitioners, doctors and physician assistants at Allina Health are on a one-day strike Wednesday. A St. Paul-based home health care company is shutting down and laying off about 400 employees. Dependable Home Healthcare has notified the state its client care services will end in January. Staff and clients were notified Tuesday. The company employs hundreds of personal care assistants and support staff who work with people with disabilities. Hormel Foods Corporation is reducing its workforce. The Austin-based company is cutting around 250 jobs as part of a restructuring. The reductions will come through layoffs, reducing open positions and buyouts.

Nov 4

Today is Election Day. There are races for mayor, city council and school board in communities around the state, as well as ballot questions. A report released today flags issues related to internal controls in the governor's office. And Austin-based Hormel Foods Corporation announced it would cut around 250 jobs as part of a restructuring. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Nov 4

It's Election Day across the state. Voters are selecting school board members, county commissioners and deciding other local races. In St. Paul, there's a mayoral election. Minneapolis voters also selecting a mayor today — and all 13 members of the City Council. Six candidates are facing off today over three seats on the Anoka-Hennepin school board, which oversees the state’s largest school district. Two slates of candidates — one conservative and one progressive — are vying to claim those seats. Groups have poured nearly half a million dollars into the races, far outpacing normal spending for a down-ballot election. Dozens of Minnesota school districts are asking taxpayers to OK operating levies. Former Minneapolis police officer Tou Thao is returning to Minnesota. Thao was released Monday from a federal prison in Kentucky after serving time for his role in the murder of George Floyd. Despite last week's deal with China, U.S. soybean farmers are still having to turn to domestic processing plants — including a handful in Minnesota — to offload their harvests.

Nov 3

Tomorrow is Election Day for many communities across Minnesota. Most polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Minnesota offers same-day registration, as long as you have proof of residence. Open enrollment for state health care plans started Saturday, and many Minnesotans are seeing steeper prices for coverage next year. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Nov 3

House Speaker Lisa Demuth is running for governor. In an interview with MPR News ahead of the announcement, the Cold Spring Republican described herself as being best positioned among a crowded Republican field to take on DFL Gov. Tim Walz, who is seeking a third term. Demuth climbed to the role of speaker earlier this year under a power-sharing deal in the tied House. Six other Republicans are in the governor's race so far. Demuth’s entrance into the race is drawing sharp reaction in both political parties. Tuesday is Election Day, but voter turnout is expected to be low. For presidential elections, Minnesota typically ranks as No. 1 in voter turnout. But for local elections — even with this year’s high-profile mayoral races in Minneapolis and St. Paul — fewer people will cast ballots. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says it’s important to vote in local elections because they tend to have a more-direct impact on people's lives. As the federal shutdown continues to jeopardize food assistance programs, local nonprofits are stepping in to help low-income Minnesotans. The Greater Twin Cities United Way has launched an emergency food relief campaign. And it is asking Minnesotans to donate or volunteer. The number of grey wolves around Voyageurs National Park has dropped significantly over the past two years, according to a new report by researchers with the Voyageurs Wolf Project.

Oct 31

Many Medicaid service providers have been scrambling this week to understand how a new Minnesota audit will play out. And China has agreed to buy soybeans from the United States again, ending its boycott of the American crop. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Oct 31

Oct 30

Some Minnesota disability service providers are concerned about the state's plan to pause payments during an audit of Medicaid program billings. And a closely watched case involving a Minnesota gun law won't get sped up to the state's top court. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Oct 30

The federal government shutdown could mean more than 440,000 Minnesotans will lose their SNAP food assistance benefits in a matter of days. That loss also will hurt the more than 3,600 retailers across the state that accept SNAP, including grocery stores, convenience marts and farmers markets. Officials say every dollar in SNAP benefits generates up to $1.50 in local economic activity. Minnesota is preparing to lay off around 100 state health workers amid the government shutdown. The Minnesota Association of Professional employees union says notices are going out Thursday at the health department with layoffs of workers in the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program. Eleven people were arrested in a sit-in at Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's office on Tuesday. They stayed in the building several hours after closing and were arrested around midnight for trespassing. Protesters are asking Frey to enact several policies strengthening the city's separation ordinance which bars local police from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement. They want a citywide ban on law enforcement officers wearing face coverings and arrests of federal officers who break that rule.

Oct 29

Gov. Tim Walz says his administration has hired a third-party entity to audit Medicaid programs to make sure money is being spent as intended. And TSA workers are continuing to work without pay during the government shutdown. Oct. 24 marked TSA's first pay period without a check. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Oct 29

Air traffic controllers spoke to travelers at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Tuesday about going unpaid while working during the federal government shutdown. A St. Paul man is charged with threatening to kill U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Notices filed with the state show Minneapolis-based Target is laying off at least 815 of its corporate employees in the Twin Cities. That includes more than 500 workers at Target’s downtown headquarters and nearly 300 workers at its northern campus in Brooklyn Park. Target says the layoffs are set to take effect Jan. 3. Eden Prairie-based UnitedHealth Group reported better-than-expected earnings in its third quarter as it seeks to regain its footing. Last spring, the company suspended its financial outlook for the year amid higher-than-expected medical costs from its customers. UnitedHealth is dropping some of its Medicare Advantage programs next year resulting in about one million fewer customers. Minnesota members of the Caribbean Disaster Relief Fund say they’ve been working nonstop since before Hurricane Melissa made landfall Tuesday as a Category 5 storm. The hurricane brought destructive winds and flooding rain. A community altar honoring the Mexican Day of the Dead opens this evening at the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis. It’s part of a larger project connecting art, ancestry and ancient traditions.

Oct 28

Hundreds of Target corporate employees in the Twin Cities received layoff notices today, part of previously announced plans by the retailer to streamline its operations. And Minneapolis Public Schools educators announced overnight that they've voted to authorize a strike, as contract negotiations stall. More from today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Music by Gary Meister.

Oct 28

Employees at Target’s Minneapolis headquarters are learning more Tuesday about expected layoffs. The company is cutting about 1,800 corporate jobs in an effort to streamline operations. That includes about 1,000 layoffs and closing hundreds of open positions. Next week, voters in two Senate districts will fill two vacancies and possibly flip control of the chamber. State Capitol security leaders are assigning an investigator to exclusively probe threats against elected officials. Threats against lawmakers, state executives and their offices have more than doubled compared to last year. Four Minnesota Head Start programs may not get their federal funding to operate if the government shutdown continues into November. Four Minneapolis mayoral candidates outlined their visions for the city during an MPR News/Star Tribune debate Monday.

Oct 27

Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday $4 million in emergency state funding for Minnesota's food shelves as the federal shutdown continues. Funding comes as the federal government shutdown threatens to halt grocery benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. An old government center in downtown Buffalo could soon make way for new development. This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Elena See. Theme music is by Gary Meister. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or RSS .

Oct 27

A state lawmaker is pushing for laws to protect students from inappropriate relationships in K-12 schools. Two Minnesota women pleaded guilty Tuesday in a scheme to defraud taxpayers by overbilling Medicaid for substance abuse treatment. Minneapolis police have arrested a person suspected of throwing two Molotov cocktails into an ice cream shop. It happened at Fletcher’s Ice Cream and Cafe on East Hennepin Avenue. No one was hurt. Advocates pressuring the state Board of Investment to cut financial ties to Israel staged a sit-in Tuesday at the Retirement Systems Building in St. Paul. The protest was planned for the same day as the board’s quarterly meeting. The protesters refused to leave the building when it closed for the day, and several were arrested. An asphalt and aggregate products business with many locations across Minnesota says it will be closing some of those facilities by the end of the year with nearly 300 employees losing their jobs. Minnesota Paving and Materials sent a notice to the state announcing the permanent closure of 14 of its operations in the state, including quarries in Owatonna and New Ulm and an asphalt plant in Kasota. The company’s notice did not offer any details on why it’s closing those locations.

Oct 24

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem traveled to Minnesota Friday to deliver remarks on the ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Noem’s visit comes at a time of growing tension over immigration enforcement across the country. In Minnesota, immigrant rights groups have urged state and local leaders to push back against expanded federal enforcement. Minneapolis-based Target plans to lay off about a thousand corporate employees as part of an effort to streamline its operations. This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Theme music is by Gary Meister. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or RSS .

Oct 24

The final victim of the Annunciation Catholic Church and School shooting in Minneapolis was discharged from the hospital Thursday. Twelve-year-old Sophia Forchas was shot on Aug. 27 in the mass shooting that left two children dead and 30 injured. Forchas and her father Tom were greeted by a crowd at HCMC after being discharged from Gillette Children's Hospital. The group celebrated her release, sang “Happy Birthday” and presented her with gifts. Forchas turns 13 on Saturday. Minneapolis-based Target is cutting about 1,800 corporate positions, about 8 percent of the retail giant’s corporate workforce. The cuts include about 1,000 layoffs and the elimination of about 800 open positions. Target has reported flat or decreasing comparable sales in nine of its past 11 quarters. The Minneapolis City Council has voted to direct Mayor Jacob Frey's administration to share a report detailing employee compensation with the council. Council members say it's their right under the city's charter to be able to access non-public information as they work on next year's budget. A federal grand jury has indicted the former head of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce on embezzlement charges.

Oct 23

The final victim of the Annunciation Catholic Church and School shooting in Minneapolis was discharged from the hospital Thursday. 12-year-old Sophia Forchas was shot on August 27th in the mass shooting that left two dead and thirty injured. A Twin Cities man is the first defendant to plead guilty in a scheme to defraud a Medicaid housing assistance program. This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Bright. Theme music is by Gary Meister. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or RSS .

Oct 23

A state lawmaker is pushing for laws to protect students from inappropriate relationships in K-12 schools. Two Minnesota women pleaded guilty Tuesday in a scheme to defraud taxpayers by overbilling Medicaid for substance abuse treatment. Minneapolis police have arrested a person suspected of throwing two Molotov cocktails into an ice cream shop. It happened at Fletcher’s Ice Cream and Cafe on East Hennepin Avenue. No one was hurt. Advocates pressuring the state Board of Investment to cut financial ties to Israel staged a sit-in Tuesday at the Retirement Systems Building in St. Paul. The protest was planned for the same day as the board’s quarterly meeting. The protesters refused to leave the building when it closed for the day, and several were arrested. An asphalt and aggregate products business with many locations across Minnesota says it will be closing some of those facilities by the end of the year with nearly 300 employees losing their jobs. Minnesota Paving and Materials sent a notice to the state announcing the permanent closure of 14 of its operations in the state, including quarries in Owatonna and New Ulm and an asphalt plant in Kasota. The company’s notice did not offer any details on why it’s closing those locations.

Oct 22

A state lawmaker is pushing for laws to protect students from inappropriate relationships in K-12 schools. Two Minnesota women pleaded guilty Tuesday in a scheme to defraud taxpayers by overbilling Medicaid for substance abuse treatment. Minneapolis police have arrested a person suspected of throwing two Molotov cocktails into an ice cream shop. It happened at Fletcher’s Ice Cream and Cafe on East Hennepin Avenue. No one was hurt. Advocates pressuring the state Board of Investment to cut financial ties to Israel staged a sit-in Tuesday at the Retirement Systems Building in St. Paul. The protest was planned for the same day as the board’s quarterly meeting. The protesters refused to leave the building when it closed for the day, and several were arrested. An asphalt and aggregate products business with many locations across Minnesota says it will be closing some of those facilities by the end of the year with nearly 300 employees losing their jobs. Minnesota Paving and Materials sent a notice to the state announcing the permanent closure of 14 of its operations in the state, including quarries in Owatonna and New Ulm and an asphalt plant in Kasota. The company’s notice did not offer any details on why it’s closing those locations.

Oct 21

A controversial proposed data center in northern Minnesota got some support last night, despite vocal community opposition. A group of people who want the state to cut financial ties to Israel held a sit-in at the Retirement Systems Building in St. Paul today. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

Oct 21

Oct 20

Minneapolis teachers say they plan to vote this week on whether to authorize a strike , if they don’t reach an agreement with the district on a new contract. Users of some popular apps and social media platforms faced headaches as the result of an outage of Amazon Web Services. This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Theme music is by Gary Meister. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or RSS .

Oct 20

Oct 17

Oct 16

Local and state food aid providers warn that there won't be enough money to pay for food assistance benefits if the federal government shutdown continues into next month. And today is one of the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport's busiest days of the fall... as the annual MEA break starts. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Oct 16

Oct 15

Gov. Tim Walz says Minnesota is starting to feel the impacts of the federal government shutdown. A northern Minnesota tribe is suing 3M over pollution from "forever chemicals." And wildland firefighting crews continue working to fully contain the Crosby Fire burning in a remote part of a state park on the North Shore.

Oct 15

Oct 14

Gov. Tim Walz pushed back on the Trump administration's tariffs and the economic setbacks they're causing for Minnesota farmers Tuesday. On a call with other Democratic leaders, Walz said China -- a top trade partner with Minnesota -- is not buying soybeans from the state. The Crosby Fire in Northeast Minnesota is now 85 percent contained . This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music is by Gary Meister. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or RSS .

Oct 14

Oct 13

Families traveling for the annual MEA school break this week might see delays at airports around the country , with impacts from the federal government shutdown. Volunteers have been working to remove an invasive species from the Whitefish Chain of Lakes north of Brainerd. The Crosby Fire is 70 percent contained as of Monday morning. Rain overnight helped firefighting efforts. This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music is by Gary Meister. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or RSS .

Oct 13

Oct 10

Crews continue working to contain a wildfire that’s now burned more than 200 acres in a state park along Minnesota’s North Shore. And University of Minnesota administrators say they're continuing talks with health care companies about possible partnerships with its medical school. Its current partnership with Fairview is set to expire in 2026. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

Oct 10

Oct 9

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon is supporting a new bill before Congress to prohibit removal of people from state voter rolls without evidence of a change in status. And the Minneapolis City Council this morning passed an ordinance that aims to tighten accountability for negligent landlords. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister

Oct 9

Oct 8

Minneapolis police say they've identified more people who were hurt in the August shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, bringing the total count to 30 victims. Gov. Tim Walz is walking back prior remarks that he'd call a special legislative session with or without an agreement with lawmakers. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Oct 8

Oct 7

Tonight could be the coldest night of the fall so far across much of the region. And a former Minnesota Republican consultant and donor will not have his sex trafficking conviction reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Oct 7