Minnesota Now

Wildfires in northeast Minnesota have firefighters and volunteers rushing to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. But it also has people avoiding and canceling trips to the region as well. This is a big problem for the large tourism industry in Cook County. There, North Shore destinations like Grand Marais and recreation destinations like the Gunflint Trail, attract people from all over the country. The county, farther east of the fires, is urging people to still visit the region. Executive director at Visit Cook County and the Cook County Chamber of Commerce, Linda Jurek, joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the effort to bring tourists to northern Minnesota and the wildfire’s impact on the region’s tourism industry.

Netflix has rebooted the 1970s television adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie.It was released this month and the streamer announced it’s renewing the show for a second season that will be set in Walnut Grove in southwestern Minnesota. Wilder’s family lived there in the 1870s and she channeled their time there into her writing.Julien Nolan, director and curator of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove, joined Minnesota Now to talk about the new series.

For weeks, the U.S. has been dealing with an unpleasant public health mystery. The cyclospora parasite has infected thousands of people across the country. The largest cluster of cases is in Michigan and other midwestern states, not including Minnesota. The Food and Drug Administration tracked the outbreak to a lettuce farm that supplies Taco Bell. Taylor Fresh Foods, the lettuce company, recalled several of its salad mix products. But the case isn’t closed, exactly. MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, about the parasite and the public health response.

Minneapolis community leaders will gather Tuesday for a meeting to address a string of gun violence. Thirteen people were shot and one person was killed within 24 hours over the weekend. The shootings took place outside Reign nightclub in Uptown and near the intersection of 19th and Nicollet Avenue in the Steven’s Square neighborhood just south of I-94. Monday night, another person was shot at the same intersection. Tuesday’s meeting will include Minneapolis city council member Elizabeth Shaffer, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt, members of Minneapolis police and staff from the mayor’s office.Council member Shaffer talked to MPR News host Nina Moini ahead of the meeting.

Wildfires are burning more than 60,000 acres and hundreds of firefighters from around the country have come to northeastern Minnesota to try and contain the flames. We got the latest from Ely and spoke to one crew that's helping to contain the fires.The Boundary Waters is a sanctuary to many Minnesotans. One writer shared more about the mental toll of seeing the area go up in flames. Plus, wildfires aren't the only thing impacting the border with Canada. We heard from some border businesses about deteriorating economic conditions. And Spain has won the World Cup! A local soccer reporter talked about the game and how the U.S. did as host. Also, if you're itching for more soccer, Minnesota United is back in action.The Minnesota Music Minute was “Leave No Trace” by Jerry Vandiver. “Call It What It Is” by Beginner's Luck was the Song of the Day.

If there’s a World-Cup shaped hole in your heart this week, you might turn your attention to Minnesota’s professional soccer team. This week, the Loons are headed to Kansas City, which is also getting back to the regular MLS season after hosting some World Cup games. Minnesota Now sports contributors Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson joined to talk more about this and much more.

Spain is the winner of the World Cup 2026, defeating Argentina 1-0 in Sunday’s game that both delighted and frustrated many. Here in Minnesota, hundreds of people gathered to watch the game at the North Loop Green. There, they sported jerseys for their favorite teams, even if they weren’t playing. It wasn’t the climactic end to the World Cup many wanted, but it did draw the eyes of the world, and it introduced many Americans to the excitement of soccer. Minnesota soccer reporter Jon Marthaler joined Minnesota Now to talk about the World Cup’s final game and its impact on Americans.

As wildfires continue to burn across northeastern Minnesota, many people are worried about the smoke and air quality, as well as the danger to communities and the damage left behind.But for many who love the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the north woods, there's another overwhelming feeling: grief. Grief over watching a place filled with memories, traditions and a sense of peace change before their eyes. And not knowing when, or how, it will recover. Duluth-based nature writer Stephanie Pearson experienced that firsthand. She was forced to evacuate a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters because of the fires. She just published an essay about it in Outside Magazine. Pearson spoke to Minnesota Now host Nina Moini about her piece.

All hands have been on deck to contain more than a dozen wildfires across northeastern Minnesota. That includes young adults who are members of the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, who usually spend their service term restoring habitat and managing natural resources in the region.Brian Miller, field programs director with the Conservation Corps, joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about what the Conservation Corps crew is up to and how they’re managing this difficult time in northern Minnesota.

Wildfires burn on in parts of northeast Minnesota. The resulting smoke has reached much of the state, creating hazardous air quality for millions. We have the latest on the fires, plus the smoke forecast for the rest of Thursday and Friday.Minnesota is home to thousands of immigrants from all over the continent of Africa. A new coalition is working to unite the African diaspora in the region.Plus, residents of St. Paul's west side neighborhood are working on a new name for César Chavez Street after women alleged he sexually assaulted them. We learned about the renaming process.And the Minnesota Orchestra is diving into a wide-ranging festival. We listened to some music with an organizer.The Minnesota Music Minute was “Never Right” by Faith Boblett. And “This Just In” by Dilly Dally Alley was the Song of the Day.

Four months ago when a New York Times investigation alleged that César Chavez – an icon of the Latino civil rights movement – had sexually assaulted young girls, the Latino community began to contend with his legacy. In St. Paul’s West Side, which is a vibrant Mexican neighborhood, that means renaming César Chavez Street. Some of that work begins Thursday. The West Side Community Organization is hosting its first of three community input sessions to rename the street. West Side Community Organization Executive Director Monica Bravo spoke to Minnesota Now host Nina Moini about the renaming process.

If you think an orchestra only plays Beethoven and Brahms, think again. The Minnesota Orchestra's festival called "Summer at Orchestra Hall" opens Thursday night with a lineup that stretches far beyond the classical canon — from Grammy winning bluegrass musician Chris Thile to jazz singer John Holiday to movie scores from Star Wars and E.T. Grant Meachum is the orchestra's director of productions and engagement and joined MPR News host Nina Moini with details on the festival.

Many Minnesotans woke up to a smoky sky Thursday morning with much of the state blanketed under unhealthy levels of wildfire smoke. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has categorized most of the state’s air quality as hazardous and unhealthy. To cope, some people are wearing N-95 masks or breaking out air filters to circulate fresh air. But is that enough? Should we avoid going outside? And how much smoke is too much for the body? For more on the best ways to handle the smoke, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with Dr. Dylan Wyatt, chair and medical director of the emergency department at Aspirus St. Luke’s in Duluth.

A new coalition has launched to bring together members of the African diaspora in Minnesota. The Pan-African Leadership Coalition will work to address challenges that affect Pan-African communities.For more on the effort, MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with the group’s president and chair, Habon Abdulle, who is also the founder of the nonprofit Ayada Leads.

Wildfire smoke is nearly inescapable across most of Minnesota today. Fires burning on the northern edge of the state and in Canada have filled the air with particles, not only down to the Twin Cities, but as far as Detroit and Toronto. Northern Minnesota has broken previous records for poor air quality by a long shot. MPR News host Clay Masters joined Minnesota Now from Ely. The town is a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which paddlers have been evacuating due to the fires. MPR News reporter Dan Kraker spoke to outfitters about the impact on the local outdoor industry. And Chief Meteorologist Ben Cathey shared the latest on fire and air quality conditions as well as possible rain in the forecast.

Wildfires in northeast Minnesota have exploded in size. We'll get the latest update from our reporter Dan Kraker in Ely. We'll also hear from an outfitter that sends people on trips to the Boundary Waters and normally counts on big summer business.The wildfires are bringing smoke and unhealthy air quality to much of the state. MPR's chief meteorologist, Ben Cathey, will share when and where smoky skies are spreading.We'll learn about a different approach to criminal justice called mental health court.A local chef is planning a special dinner to bring relief to Venezuela after back-to-back earthquakes.This weekend brings a big celebration for St. Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood: Rondo Days.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Tears in Voice” by Why Cry and our Song of the Day was “Don’t Leave” by Peter Wolf Crier.

Gov. Tim Walz is extending the peacetime emergency for wildfires in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for 30 more days. The extension allows the state to continue assisting communities impacted by wildfires in northern Minnesota.As many as 17 fires continue burning in the region. Paddlers have been evacuating, some in dramatic fashion from their campsites in the one million acre wilderness.Covering it all is MPR's Dan Kraker. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about it along with Ryan Kari, owner of Ely Outdoors Company, who talked about the strain of the fires on his business.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/61oEbjIMX0lVNvf0MyrEX8" class="apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link apm-link ap

A group of Minnesotans with ties to Venezuela is working to send aid to people facing an ongoing humanitarian emergency. It's been three weeks since back-to-back earthquakes struck the country's northern coast. At least 4,500 people have died, and thousands more are missing. Many others lost their homes and are staying at displacement sites, where illness is widespread.To help with relief and rebuilding efforts in her home country, Chef Soleil Ramirez is hosting a sold-out fundraiser Wednesday evening at her St. Paul restaurant, Crasqui. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the event, "Taste of Hope: Venezuela."

One of St. Paul's longest-running community celebrations returns Saturday. Rondo Days began in the 1980s as a way to celebrate the historic Rondo neighborhood, honor the families who built it and preserve the community's history after residents were displaced by the construction of Interstate 94.Saturday's celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center in St. Paul will feature live music, local food, art and sports. Merina Neal and Gayle Smaller, organizers of the event, spoke with MPR News host Nina Moini about why the day means so much to them.

You may have heard of a drug court, a route through the criminal justice system focused on treatment for substance use disorder. A county just south of the Twin Cities recently opened a similar pathway for people with serious mental illness. Rice County’s mental health court joins five other courts like it around the state. Community corrections manager Angela Brewer is a leader of the effort. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about it.

A wildfire spreading northeast of Ely led to evacuations of homes, camps and lodges this morning. More than a dozen fires are burning in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and hot, dry conditions are adding to the danger. Reporter Dan Kraker has the latest. The fires are causing dismal air quality in northeast Minnesota. We'll get the smoke forecast for the next couple days.And the heat poses risks to outdoor workers. We'll meet someone helping contruction companies protect employees from heat-related illness.Plus, there's new research on getting rid of buckthorn, for good.And a new library is opening in St. Paul this week. We'll learn more about plans for this space — and two more libraries that will soon get renovations. Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Salesman” by Yazmin and Beat Zero and our Song of the Day was “Ain't Wastin' Time No More” by The Allman Brothers Band.

The Hamline Midway neighborhood in St. Paul will soon have a new library after 3 years without one. The 92-year-old building was decommissioned in 2023. And construction began in 2025. The library is the first to be completed, out of three that are slated for renovations in St. Paul. This Saturday, the new building will have a grand opening. Maureen Hartman, director of Saint Paul Public Library and Beth Burns, executive director of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the new library and the plans to continue to grow St. Paul’s library system.

If you’ve ever tried to remove buckthorn, you know it's a stubborn battle. There’s even an entire group of singles, looking to meet potential partners by removing buckthorn together. Elsewhere, homeowners, forest managers and volunteers spend countless dollars and hours cutting and spraying the invasive shrub, only to watch it grow right back.University of Minnesota researchers recently published new data that shows there's a better long-term strategy. They found that planting native grasses and wildflowers immediately after removing buckthorn is remarkably effective at keeping it at bay. Mike Schuster is on the research team and joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to explain.

Just before 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning, the temperature was already pushing 80 degrees near downtown St. Paul, where Michael New was working on construction at the John Ireland Bridge. He wears long sleeves, a face mask and sunglasses on days like this. “I would recommend keeping your skin covered so the sun isn’t beating on your skin, wear wicking material, I prefer a face mask just to keep the sun off me,” said New. New says he plans to drink a lot of water and get in the shade when he can. He and other outdoor workers in farming, forestry, delivery and construction will be outside in extreme heat this week. Stacy Arnold is director of safety for the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota. She spoked with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini about how she works to help employers in construction adopt safer practices around heat and other hazards.

The U.S. Forest Service has closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for at least the rest of this week, authorities have issued evacuation orders for the BWCA and some nearby areas, and MPR News is hearing reports about some dramatic rescues of paddlers and campers.MPR News reporter Dan Kraker joined Minnesota Now from Ely, where he spoke to officials leading the firefighting and rescue efforts and to people affected by the fires.

The worst air quality in the country Tuesday is in northeastern Minnesota. It’s led the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to issue an air quality alert for that part of the state, due to smoke from wildfires. And now, that alert has expanded to central Minnesota and the Twin Cities. Matt Taraldsen, a meteorologist for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, joined Minnesota Now to talk about when you could see smoky skies and what precautions to take.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is closed after more than a dozen wildfires sparked in the surrounding region over the weekend. We'll hear from an outfitter and get the latest on efforts to control the fires as hot, dry weather continues. There have been several drownings and boating accidents in recent weeks. We'll go to Otter Tail County to learn about safety in lakes and streams. State law enforcement say they have physical evidence in three shootings by federal immigration agents. We'll have an update. Plus, nearly a year after losing federal funding, a public radio station in northern Minnesota is expanding its local news coverage. And, the Twins are aiming for the playoffs. We'll have the latest in sports.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Top of the World” by Kodj, and our Song of the Day was “Burning Sunbeams” by Red Eye Ruby.

This week marks the one year since Congress rolled back funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The move left radio stations across the country scrambling to find funding to help cover their communities like KAXE in Grand Rapids.But thanks to a $4.2 million grant from the Bush Foundation, the northern Minnesota news station is now planning to expand news coverage, help create an ambassador program, and strengthen partnerships with regional newsrooms. Sarah Bignall, CEO and general manager of KAXE, joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the donation and the news station.

The Minnesota Twins are on a hot streak. This weekend they won their fifth series in a row. It’s quite a turnaround from the start of the season, when the Athletic’s annual “hope-o-meter" poll found Twins fans were the least optimistic about their team’s chances. Minnesota Now sports contributors, Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson, spoke more about the Twins, the Timberwovles and more.

Minnesota is baking under a mass of hot, dry air this week. Few things bring relief from extreme heat like wading or swimming out into the cool water of this region’s lakes and streams. But that’s also part of the danger of a heat wave. Drownings spiked when temperatures soared in Europe earlier this summer. This was also true during an infamously hot summer in North America 90 years ago.Today, swimming lessons are more common. And sheriff's departments across the state have staff dedicated to water safety. Troy Lee, water patrol officer for Otter Tail County joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about staying safe while out on the water.

The U.S. Forest Service has announced it is closing the entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, after more than a dozen wildfires ignited around Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Governor Tim Walz has called on the National Guard to help. The fires are in remote areas, though some residents of St. Louis County were notified they should be prepared to evacuate. Karen Harrison, a wildfire prevention specialist with the Department of Natural Resources, joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk get an update on the fires and how they’re being fought.

The City of St. Paul announced it will clear a homeless encampment in Pigs Eye Park next month. Mayor Kaohly Her joined MPR News to talk about the camp's conditions, where people living there will go and the state of homelessness in the city.A Minnesota Congresswoman says medical students in states with strict abortion laws are missing out on important training. A doctor weighed in on her proposed bill to help them travel. Plus, the list of new Minnesota State Fair foods dropped today! We met one vendor that might already be familiar to some Twin Cities listeners.And we learned about the one-of-a-kind, sustainable clothing that local textile artists are selling this weekend. They're calling it "slow fashion."Our Minnesota Music Minute was “by my side” by SoulFlower, and our Song of the Day was "The Authority Song” by John Mellencamp.

Thrift stores and clothing swaps have grown in popularity in recent years, as shoppers look for deals or sustainable alternatives to the fast-fashion industry. At an event happening Thursday through Saturday at Textile Center in Minneapolis, they can find homemade pieces knit, crocheted, woven, sewn or otherwise made by hand. Textile Center Director of Operations Erin Husted joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the Slow Fashion Sale.

Grab your forks and bibs, because the Minnesota State Fair has just announced new food vendors! The Great Minnesota Get Together is well-known for its tasty and sometimes controversial treats. This year’s list of new foods includes Pickle Pies, Honey Brisket Battered Potatoes, and, from new vendor Saturday Dumpling Company, Ube Cheesecake Wontons. Saturday Dumpling Company owner, Peter Bian, joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about being a new vendor at the Minnesota State Fair.

Medical doctors don’t always train in the states where they end up working. And for OB-GYNs in particular, that can mean navigating conflicting state laws around which procedures are allowed. Democrat U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison is an OB-GYN who represents Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District. She has introduced a bill that would provide funding to help medical residents in states with strict abortion bans travel for some of their training. For more on the proposal, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with Dr. Erin Stevens, legislative chair of Minnesota’s section of the American College of OB-GYNs, or ACOG.

The city of St. Paul plans to clear a homeless encampment at Pigs Eye Park along the Mississippi River on August 5. Until then, city and county staff will regularly visit the site to try to help the people living there find shelter, according to an announcement the city released Wednesday. The city plans to clear at least two other encampments using what they are calling a “coordinated transition process.” For details on these plans, MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her on Minnesota Now.

This week marks six months since an ICE officer shot and killed Minneapolis resident Renee Good. The shooting shoved the Twin Cities’ response to the ICE surge into the international spotlight. Half a year later, the residents of the Central and Powderhorn neighborhoods in south Minneapolis are still processing the events of the shooting and everything that followed it. A group of artists has invited residents of the area to express grief by constructing what they're calling "street altars" to be placed on street corners around the city. One of the organizers, Conor Cusack, spoke to MPR News producer Ellen Finn as community members in Powderhorn Park.

President Donald Trump shared a video on social media of girls wearing hijabs at a St. Paul kindergarten graduation ceremony. We'll hear from an Imam who is speaking out against Islamaphobia and anti-Somali rhetoric coming from the White House. It's summertime and for ER doctors, the livin' is not-so-easy. We'll talk about how to stay safe from the many, often preventable injuries that can happen in the summer. The values of many commercial properties have plummeted. You may not think that affects you, unless you're selling an office building. We'll find out what it means for local taxes. Plus, we'll get a preview of the 20th annual Rhythm of the River Music Festival in southern Minnesota. Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Old Lady Truth” by Teague Alexy, and our Song of the Day was "Good Things” by Senn Hollow.

In southern Minnesota, along the Des Moines River, is the small town of Jackson. Soon, the town will come alive with the Rhythm of the River Music Festival. And this year is more than a musical celebration, it’s the festival’s 20th anniversary.Rhythm of the River Music Festival founder and organizer, Kathy Fransen, joined MPR News guest host Catharine Richert to talk about the micro-festival.

The value of commercial spaces, like office buildings, are shrinking in the Twin Cities. That became apparent last week, when the city of Richfield shared that Best Buy’s headquarters building dropped nearly 50 percent in value in its most recent assessment. But how was that office building’s value decided? And how does it affect your tax bill? Josh Hoogland, assessor for Hennepin County, and Laura Russ, executive director for the Shenehon Center for Real Estate at the University of St. Thomas, joined MPR News guest host Catharine Richert to talk about commercial spaces and the impact their value has on cities.

The Fourth of July may be over, but summer is just getting started. And for emergency rooms, this is one of the busiest times of the year. From fireworks injuries to boating accidents to dehydration to bike crashes, the heat brings emergency physicians a predictable wave of injuries that are often preventable. Dr. Jim Miner, chair of emergency medicine at the University of Minnesota, joined MPR News guest host Catharine Richert to talk about ways to stay safe this summer.

Somali American and Muslim community members in Minnesota are raising concerns about safety and Islamophobia after President Donald Trump posted a video showing children at a St. Paul kindergarten graduation ceremony. It included several young girls wearing hijabs. And its caption was from an account called “End Wokeness.” It said, “Public school in St. Paul, Minnesota. Every girl is in a hijab… in kindergarten.” Somali community leaders gathered for a press conference to condemn the post. Imam Yusuf Abdulle, executive director of the Islamic Association of North America, joined MPR News guest host Catharine Richert to talk about the press conference and the impact the President’s rhetoric has on the Somali community.

It has been six months since the state rolled out paid family leave. And there are new numbers on how many people are taking advantage of the program. Plus, there are newly unsealed documents in a DOJ investigation into the local response to Operation Metro Surge. More kids are turning to AI companions, and the University of Minnesota is looking into why and what impact that could have on mental health and more. Plus, a north Minneapolis public housing development is under scrutiny over deteriorating conditions. We'll get the latest on tornado damage in northwest Minnesota. And, the World Cup has brought a business boom for local bars and breweries. We'll check in with one soccer bar that's been hosting watch parties.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Radio” by Laura Hugo, and our Song of the Day was "Mona Lisa” by Nat King Cole.

A housing development in north Minneapolis was meant to be a better model for public housing. Heritage Park opened in the early 2000s after a legal settlement over housing segregation. It’s a mix of market-rate and subsidized units. Today, many of its units sit vacant. And residents and city leaders say neglected maintenance has caused roof leaks, mold and other problems. City Council member Pearll Warren represents the area. She recently toured a few vacant units. And she led a request from the city council for an audit of how public funds were used on the property. City Council member Pearll Warren joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about what she saw at Heritage Park.

The United States is hosting the World Cup soccer tournament, but Minnesota is not a host city. So instead, fans are flocking to bars and breweries. And new data from the payment company Square found bars and breweries saw an 8 percent increase in revenue, and that was just during the first round of the tournament. Wes Burdine, owner of the Black Hart of Saint Paul, a LGBTQ+ soccer bar, joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the economic moment brought by the World Cup.

A growing number of young people are using AI companions and chatbots for emotional support, friendship and even virtual relationships, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota. Despite the growth, most teens aren’t advertising that they’re using it – for many, it is stigmatized. Researchers at the U of M are exploring teen use of AI companions. Xiaoran Sun, an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development and co-lead at the U of M Teen and A-I Study, joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about what her team is learning about teens and AI companions.

The National Weather Service is surveying storm damage in Becker County after a preliminary assessment found that at least an EF-1 tornado, with wind speeds of 110 miles per hour, touched down north of Detroit Lakes. During the storm, two people were injured and homes, trees and power lines were damaged in the area. Carrie Smith, the Becker County Administrator, and Abby Fostveit, photographer for the Detroit Lakes Tribune, joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the storm and recovery in the area.

Minnesota’s new paid leave program is now six months old. State officials managing the benefit offered some fresh statistics on how many people are using it for family bonding or medical-related time off. They’re also keeping tabs on how that use is lining up with earlier projections. Reporter Kyra Miles joined Minnesota Now with the latest.

Ten years ago, Philando Castile was killed by a police officer in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights. His death led to calls for accountability and change in policing. His mother, Valerie Castile, threw herself into that work.Four Black-led nonprofits in the Twin Cities with a combined 300-plus years of history announced they're coming together to try to have a greater impact. We'll learn more about what they hope to do with a new collaboration. Plus, we'll meet a 14 year old boxer who just won gold at the Junior Olympics. And Mexico is out of the World Cup, but we'll hear about how the team's run inspired fans in the Twin Cities.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Are You Coming Home” by Clovers Daughter, and our Song of the Day was “Naz Reid Book Club” by League Two.

Valerie Castile lost her son ten years ago Monday. Philando Castile was killed by a St. Anthony police officer in a traffic stop in Falcon Heights a few days before his 33rd birthday. A jury acquitted the officer, Jeronimo Yanez, of manslaughter the following year.Since losing her son, Valerie Castile has worked to honor his memory by speaking out about his killing and joining calls for accountability in policing. Valerie Castile has a room in her home dedicated to other tributes to Philando: paintings, photographs and proclamations cover the walls. MPR News host Nina Moini talked with her there about how her life has changed and how she remembers her son now.