Minnesota Now

A group documenting human rights abuses around the world released a report Thursday focused on Operation Metro Surge. It found violations that took place in Minnesota and shared recommendations for state and federal officials. We spoke with the leader of the research team.Federal prosecutors say 15 Minnesotans conspired against federal agents during this winter's immigration surge. We took a look at what conspiracy means under the law and how it applies to protests.And Annunciation Church and School parents are hosting a public conversation along with the creator of an Oscar-winning film about the impact of school shootings. Plus, we heard about a Juneteenth play that's been showing since before it was a federal holiday.The Music Minute was a performance by the Minnesota Orchestra of “Worship: A Concert Overture for Orchestra.” The Song of the Day was “Don't Leave” by Peter Wolf Crier.

For the better part of 2026, Annunciation Church and School parents were engaging with lawmakers to advocate for policy change following a mass shooting in their community. The legislative session has ended, but the work of the Annunciation Light Alliance has not. They are now turning to public engagement. On Monday, the group is partnering with CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman to show his Oscar-winning documentary “All the Empty Rooms,” followed by a panel discussion with Hartman and Annunciation parents at the Main Cinema in Minneapolis. Kristen Neville, co-chair of the Annunciation Light Alliance, and Steve Hartman spoke to MPR News host Nina Moini about the event.

The federal government has indicted 15 Minnesotans on charges of conspiracy, among others, for efforts to allegedly “violently oppose immigration law enforcement” during the immigration surge this winter. To take a closer look at the case being made against these individuals, MPR News spoke to Richard Painter, a professor of law at the University of Minnesota, about what conspiracy means under the law.

For 30 years, Rose McGee has celebrated Juneteenth by sharing her stage performance of “Kumbayah: The Juneteenth Story” across Minnesota. To mark this special anniversary, the performance will include special guest appearances from cast members from previous years who grew up as a part of this important story about the emancipation of African Americans. McGee joined Minnesota Now to talk more about the play and memorable moments from the last three decades.

An international human rights watchdog released a report Thursday on the surge of federal agents to the state this winter. Human Rights Watch interviewed 136 Minnesotans and analyzed visuals and court documents surrounding arrests and detentions.The report alleges federal agents used racial profiling and excessive force, and detained people unlawfully in facilities with poor conditions and insufficient access to lawyers. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson denied the report's findings in an email to MPR News.Ida Sawyer leads a team of Human Rights Watch researchers as the director of the group's Crisis, Conflict and Arms Division. She joined Minnesota Now to share more about the findings.Read more: Report authors say feds violated Minnesotans' human rights during ICE surge

Fifteen people have been charged by the federal government for anti-ICE actions this winter. Prosecutors allege they are part of antifa, a left-wing political movement. A history professor explained what antifa is and how it fits into this moment. The U.S. Supreme Court will soon rule on how law enforcement can track people's locations through their cell phones. We talked to a legal expert.Plus, for the first time in 20 years a new ingredient can go into sunscreen. Doctors say it's better than current options.There wasn't much sunshine Wednesday. We took a look at the rainy forecast with Chief Meteorologist Ben Cathey. This weekend is the 50th annual Grandma's Marathon in Duluth. One runner is preparing to have run all 50. The Minnesota Music Minute was “Everything At Once” by Hippo Campus and “Cherry Picking” by Jumpsuit was the Song of the Day.

A grand jury indicted 15 people Tuesday in connection to anti-ICE protests this winter.The charges include “conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers” and stalking. Federal prosecutors say these individuals are members of Direct Action Minnesota, which has ties to antifa — or anti-fascist — groups.To help us better understand what antifa is and what these charges mean, Minnesota Now spoke to Mark Bray. He's a history professor at Rutgers University and leading expert on antifa.

Americans will soon have a new option for sun protection. The FDA gave the green light to bemotrizinol, the first new ingredient approved for sunscreen in the U.S. in over 20 years. Minnesota has the nation's second-highest rate of skin cancer. University of Minnesota dermatologist Dr. Ingrid Polcari considers this development to be a win for local public health. She talked to MPR News host Nina Moini about it.

When thousands of runners line up in Two Harbors on Saturday for the 50th annual Grandma's Marathon, only one will be running his 50th Grandma's too. John Naslund, 76, was one of about 150 runners when he ran the very first Grandma's in 1977. Now it's grown to more than 9,000 participants and come Saturday Naslund hopes to be the sole person who can say he's ran all 50. He spoke to Minnesota Now host Nina Moini about his streak.

The U.S. Supreme Court is nearing the end of its current term. By late June or early July, the justices will announce decisions in a handful of high-profile cases. One of those has to do with how law enforcement uses location data collected by tech companies. Minnesota's Supreme Court decided a similar case back in April.Investigators have used a tool called geofencing to draw a virtual boundary around an area where a crime was committed and find out from tech companies which phones were nearby. Law enforcement needs a warrant to access this data, but critics say the tactic violates privacy rights. University of St. Thomas law professor Julie Jonas joined MPR News host Nina Moini to explain the main questions before the Supreme Court, and what its decision could mean for Minnesotans.

On Tuesday morning, federal prosecutors announced charges against 15 anti-ICE protestors. Reporter Matt Sepic joined us with details. A new report finds progress is stalling on the Minneapolis Police Department's court-ordered reforms. Federal loan programs for higher education are going through some major changes starting July 1. We heard what this means for students, especially those going into nursing and other healthcare professions. A dispute over a big solar project in southwestern Minnesota is closer to resolution. We found out how the case fits into the state's energy landscape. Saturday Nigh Live cast member Tommy Brennan is coming back home to Minnesota to help open a new venue in Shakopee.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Here Comes the Sun” by Motion City Soundtrack, and our Song of the Day was "Luna" by Thomas and the Rain and Studio Z.

Shakopee's new outdoor summer concert venue is the Mystic Lake Amphitheater. It's opening season has a stacked lineup, including Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews Band, Mumford and Sons and Guns N' RosesThe new venue will open with an event called “Setting the Stage: An Evening of Minnesota Music, Comedy & Community,” on Saturday, June 20. St. Paul native, comedian and Saturday Night Live cast member Tommy Brennan will host the event.Brennan joined The Current's Jill Riley to talk about his Minnesota ties, his work in comedy and the upcoming event at Mystic Lake Amphitheater.

Students taking out loans or tapping into aid for college or graduate school will see major changes starting July 1.It's a result of major changes to social safety net programs, including the federal financial aid system, in the 2026 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”Rachel Sherlock is the associate director of financial aid at Minnesota State University Mankato and she joined MPR News host Nina Moini to sort through the changes, like what students should know about new borrowing limits and what repayment options will look like going forward. Chris Rubesch, president of the Minnesota Nurses Association, also joined host Nina Moini to talk about why he thinks these changes to the financial aid system could have a negative impact on the health care sector.

A tribal nation is one step closer to switching on a large solar project in southwestern Minnesota. The Upper Sioux Community installed rows of solar panels to power its casino in 2024. The project means the tribe plans to buy less electricity from its local utility, the Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light and Power Association. The cooperative then threatened to cut off power to the casino. A judge ruled in favor of the tribe in early June. Now, the dispute is up to state regulators to decide. A spokesperson with the Public Utilities Commission said a public comment period is open through July 22 and the commission is likely to take up the issue this fall.Gabriel Chan is a University of Minnesota professor focused on energy policy. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about how the case fits into the landscape of efforts to transition to renewable electricity across the state.

A new progress report finds the Minneapolis Police Department is falling behind on court-enforced reforms. It's the fourth report over two years from the independent evaluator, Effective Law Enforcement for All. Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero helped create the court agreement and walked MPR News host through it.

ICE and Border Patrol are getting another massive budget boost after President Donald Trump signed off on a package last week directing $70 billion to these agencies over the next three years. We'll get a break down on plans for this money.A look inside a new clinic in Minneapolis trying to create an alternative, healing-centered response to sexual assault.Plus, a Minneapolis diner that shifted to a fully donation-based model during the federal surge this winter is continuing to operate under this unconventional approach. We'll check in with the owner of Post Modern Times about why he hasn't put prices back on the menu.And more Minnesota students are getting a chance to get outdoors thanks to some new state funding.And another former Minnesota athlete has gone on to win a championship after leaving the state. Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Down Home Blues” by Selby Ave Brass Band and our Song of the Day was “Just Go Home” by Nephuncle.

It was an incredibly busy weekend for sports. The NBA and NHL have their 2026 champions. The Twins have a series win. And the Lynx had fans on the edge of their seats with a close loss to the Aces. Minnesota Now sports contributors Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson joined the program with the latest sports headlines and a remembrance of legendary colleague Larry Fitzgerald Sr.

Many survivors of sexual violence receive what's called a sexual assault forensic exam to collect evidence for law enforcement. These exams can take hours and they usually happen in an emergency room... which can be a harsh environment to spend the hours after a traumatic experience. A new clinic in Minneapolis will be the first in the Twin Cities to provide an alternative, with more focus on healing and follow-up treatment. Sahan Journal recently reported on the effort by Southside Community Health Services. And the organization's medical director Sheila Kennedy joined Minnesota Now to talk about it.

Earlier this year, a longtime south Minneapolis restaurant stopped putting prices on its menu. The diner formerly known as Modern Times rebranded itself as Post Modern Times and shifted to a donation-based model during the Minnesota ICE surge. Owner Dylan Alverson said he wanted to create a place where anyone could get a meal, regardless of their ability to pay. Months later, the restaurant is still operating on donations and drawing national attention for its unconventional approach. Dylan Alverson, owner of Post Modern Times in Minneapolis, spoke to Minnesota Now host Nina Moini about why he's sticking with the approach and how he's getting neighborhood input.

President Donald Trump has signed off on a massive increase in funding for U.S. immigration enforcement. The legislation, called the Secure America Act, was approved by Congress last week, after a standoff between lawmakers. Democrats said they didn't want to give more funding to the Department of Homeland Security after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis this winter. But those negotiations fell apart, and now $70 billion will go to ICE and Border Patrol. Supporters say the investment will help the federal government enforce immigration laws and secure the border. Critics argue it gives too much power to the agency and not enough oversight. Heidi Altman is vice president of policy at the National Immigration Law Center. She joined Minnesota Now to talk about the bill and her concerns about what was left out.

We're marking one year since the tragic killings of DFL state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. A look at their legacy and how DFL state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife — who were injured in the attack — are recovering. We'll also talk another lawmaker who was targeted that night, state Rep. Kristin Bahner, on how she's grappling with safety and running for office.Then, the man who allegedly carried out the attacks pleaded guilty Thursday morning. We'll have the latest on the case.And we'll talk to two experts studying an uptick in political violence.Plus, the Hortmans' children share one of their parents' favorite songs.And we'll meet some puppies who are training to be service dogs in the Hortmans' honor.

It's been one year since the killing of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark and their golden retriever, Gilbert.Gilbert started out as a service dog in training through Helping Paws, the Eden Prairie nonprofit that trains assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities, veterans and first responders living with PTSD. But Gilbert was ultimately deemed a little too friendly for the job, and the Hortmans adopted him as their own.In the months following their deaths, thousands of people donated to Helping Paws in their memory. That support helped create the Hortman Heroes Fund, which will train future service dogs for veterans and first responders with PTSD.MPR News host Nina Moini got a tour of the Helping Paws facility from executive director Alyssa Golob.

As Minnesotans were waking up to the news of the attacks on state Rep. Melissa Hortman and state Sen. John Hoffman on June 14, 2025, some of the state's political leaders were also learning they might have been targeted. Authorities say they found writings by the gunman that included the names of dozens of politicians. They also say that between the attacks on the Hoffmans and Hortmans, he went to the homes of two other DFL lawmakers. One of them is Maple Grove and Osseo Rep. Kristin Bahner.A year later, like Sen. John Hoffman, she has decided to run for reelection, despite the terrifying events of last summer. Minnesota Now host Nina Moini spoke with Rep. Bahner about her decision to run again, in part, to carry on the legacy of her late colleague.

In the aftermath of the shootings that left state Rep. Melissa Hortman dead and state Sen. John Hoffman injured, we spoke to several experts who called it part of the rise in political violence they have been observing for some time across the country. Minnesota Now host Nina Moini spoke again with two of those experts a year after the attacks on how this uptick in political violence has continued to unfold.Jillian Peterson is a professor at Hamline University and executive director of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center. Larry Jacobs is a political science professor at the University of Minnesota and founder of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Sunday marks one year since the deadly shootings of DFL Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Authorities say the alleged assassin also shot state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home and targeted others. The violent acts shook the state and the country. Thursday on Minnesota Now, we spent the hour looking at how people are keeping Melissa Hortman and her family's legacy alive – and how the attack is affecting political life. Our politics correspondent Dana Ferguson covered Hortman in the Minnesota Legislature and has been following the assassination, as well as steps at the Capitol to mitigate future incidents of political violence. She joined to share more about what's unfolded over the last year.

Operation Metro Surge caused more economic damage in Minneapolis than previously estimated, according to new numbers from the city. MPR News reporter Estelle Timar-Wilcox broke down the 700-million dollar figure, which includes everything from lost wages to mental health needs. The governor's truth council has begun collecting stories about how people were impacted by immigration enforcement this winter. Chief Meteorologist Ben Cathey assessed the storm damage from Tuesday night and gave details on another round in the forecast.And a new study has found that mosquitoes could learn to associate the smell of bug spray with dinner. Plus, a new book chronicles a hub of LGBTQ activism in Duluth and Superior in the 1980s.The Minnesota Music Minute was “Lime Habit” by Poliça and “Give it My All” by Ashley Selnes was the Song of the Day.

This weather is the perfect condition for mosquitoes to thrive. Standing water from the rain and warm humid temperatures. That means it's that time of year where you may be lathering up in your bug spray when you're outside. DEET is most commonly used to repel mosquitoes in bug spray, but new research has found that mosquitoes could learn to associate DEET with dinner. Joining Minnesota Now is one of the authors of the research, Clément Vinauger, who is an associate professor of biochemistry at Virginia Tech.

For decades, LGBTQ+ history in Minnesota has often been told through the lens of the Twin Cities. A new book out this month argues that some of the state's most important fights for LGBTQ rights happened more than one hundred miles away in Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin. "Remember the Main: The Gay Bar That Started a Movement in the Northland” tells the story of Bob Jansen, owner of the Main Club, a gay bar that opened in the 1980s. Author Meg Gorzycki told MPR News host Nina Moini the bar served as a refuge and organizing hub for LGBTQ+ people in northern Minnesota during a time when being openly gay often came with significant risk.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has filled all the seats for the truth council he created in March to document the events that unfolded during this winter's federal immigration enforcement surge. Established by executive order, the 15-member body is tasked with collecting stories from the surge and synthesizing the findings into a final report.Jennifer Prestholdt is vice president of the council and deputy executive director of the Minneapolis-based group The Advocates for Human Rights. She talked with MPR News host Nina Moini about the work that lies ahead for the council, which she called “the first public-centered, large-scale, truth-telling process in the United States.”

Minneapolis officials released updated numbers Wednesday on how much the surge in federal immigration officials cost the city. City officials say there was nearly $700 million dollars in damage between December 2025 through April 2026. That total includes revenue businesses lost, wages workers lost and money the city spent responding to the surge.MPR News reporter Estelle Timar-Wilcox joined MPR News host Nina Moini with details from a briefing on the report.

An article out Tuesday morning shows a detailed timeline of the law enforcement response to last summer's attacks on Minnesota lawmakers and the nearly two-day-long manhunt that followed. We'll talk to a Minnesota Star Tribune reporter who wrote the story. We'll go to Newark, New Jersey and talk to a reporter who's covering protests outside Delaney Hall, the immigration detention center that resemble scenes in Minnesota over the winter.Fridley Public Schools' superintendent has been outspoken about the impacts of the surge of federal agents on students. We'll talk to her on the first day of summer. We'll learn about something called Sandbox Classroom, where St. Paul high school seniors can learn how to operate heavy equipment.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “I Can't Fix Your Life” by Mid Dream, and our Song of the Day was “Cover Crop” by Ironstill.

Most classrooms have desks, whiteboards and textbooks. But one new Saint Paul Public Schools classroom has excavators, loaders and piles of dirt.The district's new Sandbox Classroom opened in May, giving seniors hands-on experience operating heavy equipment through a partnership with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49. School leaders say it is the first program of its kind in the Twin Cities, creating a direct pathway from high school into construction and operating engineer careers.Dusty Thune teaches the class for Saint Paul Public Schools and spoke with MPR News host Nina Moini about it.

A situation unfolding at an immigrant detention center in Newark, New Jersey has some drawing parallels to events that unfolded in Minnesota over the winter as federal immigration agents surged into the state.On May 22, hundreds of immigrants inside the Delaney Hall detention center began what advocates call a hunger and labor strike. Protesters have gathered outside the facility, and at times turned into clashes with federal agents. Arya Sundaram has been reporting on the situation at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center for Gothamist, a nonprofit newsroom by WNYC. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk more about it.

A new Minnesota Star Tribune investigation is providing the most in-depth timeline yet of the law enforcement response following the killings of State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and the shootings that injured State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. The shootings led to a 43-hour statewide manhunt for the suspect, Vance Boelter, who is currently in federal custody awaiting potential trial. Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Jeff Day wrote the story and joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about it.

For students at Fridley Public Schools, Tuesday is the first day of summer break. It comes after a tumultuous school year for many districts, including Fridley, which had to contend with the disruption of Operation Metro Surge. Joining Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to reflect on this school year and look at the recovery ahead for students and staff is Fridley Schools Superintendent Brenda Lewis.

Minnesotans will have a chance Monday night to weigh in on the proposed merger between Sanford Health and North Memorial Health. Ahead of it, we'll talk to state Attorney General Keith Ellison about the power he holds to review — and potentially stop —these kinds of mergers.A group of parents affected by the Annunciation Church and School shooting spent the legislative session advocating for more gun control measures. These proposals didn't pass but they say they're celebrating the small wins.And there's been several shifts to immigration policy in the last month. We'll talk to two people who have been supporting people through these shifts.Plus, how the organization River Keepers are tending to the Red River in Fargo-Moorhead. Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Little Time” by Emily Bjorke and our Song of the Day was “Out of Hand” by The Dalmatian Club.

The New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs will play Game 3 of the NBA Finals Monday night. The Knicks have quite a few celebrity fans, so part of the spectacle of the game in Madison Square Garden will be courtside fashion. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves are offering some fashion news of their own in the off-season. The Lynx are just at the beginning of their season. And they've won six of their last seven games by double digits. Minnesota Now sports contributors Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson joined Minnesota Now with the latest sports headlines.

At the edge of Fargo, North Dakota, a metal archway hangs over a walking path. It depicts silhouetted figures passing sandbags and piling them next to a firefighter. This monument is titled "The Spirit of the Sandbagger” is a tribute to the community's response to major floods in the past. Off to its side is a bridge that goes from Fargo to Moorhead over the Red River. The two communities are linked by the river — and its risk of flooding. Recently, the Minnesota legislature approved $10 million for flood mitigation infrastructure. And the area will soon have a massive diversion project built to send floodwaters away from the two cities. But flooding aside, a local group is working to connect people with the river in other ways. Christine Holland is CEO of the Fargo-Moorhead-based group River Keepers. Recently, she helped Minnesota Now learn more about the Red River from the water. Minnesota Now host Nina Moini and producer Alanna Elder climbed into kayaks and paddled out from under the bridge.

On Monday evening members of the public will have a chance to weigh in on a proposed health merger. Sanford Health and North Memorial Health announced last month they'd reached an agreement to combine. Sanford is based in South Dakota and operates in several midwestern states, especially in rural areas. North Memorial runs two hospitals and a network of clinics in the northern Minneapolis suburbs. A merger between California-based Sutter Health and Allina Health is also in progress. Minnesota's Attorney General has the power to review health mergers in the state and potentially sue to stop them, under a 2023 law. Attorney General Keith Ellison is currently running for reelection. His office is hosting Monday's public forum in Robbinsdale. He joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about his office's role in healthcare mergers.

In the last month, there has been a flurry of changes in immigration policies. On Friday, a federal judge ruled the Trump administration must resume processing asylum applications from 39 countries. The administration also sought to make major changes to the green card application process. That's all happening with Operation PARRIS in the background, which is an effort to re-vet the applications of thousands of refugees in Minnesota for potential fraud or other crimes. That launched this past winter.Minnesota Now's next two guests have been supporting people who have been navigating all of these shifts. Corleen Smith is immigration services director at the International Institute of Minnesota and Michelle Drake is a lawyer with Berger Montague.

Deb Jenkins has lived in the Fargo-Moorhead area for more than 50 years. Through that time, Jenkins has witnessed all the changes this place has gone through. She's also changed it in more ways than one — as a nurse, chef, and community member. But many may have known her first as a musician.We talked to Deb about what's kept her in the Fargo-Moorhead area after all these years and how she's found new ways to make it a more vibrant place. She also performed an original song called “Leaves” and a cover of “The Hunter” with her husband Mike on the keyboard for our live Minnesota Now show at the Moorhead Public Library.

In the heat of late spring in western Minnesota, insects buzz around and green sprouts push up from rich, dark soil. This means it's go-time for farmers like Noreen Thomas. Thomas and her family produce vegetables, flowers, grains, eggs and seeds on Doubting Thomas farms near Moorhead. They sell to regional grocers, bakeries, and breweries as well as award-winning restaurants around the country. The farm also makes space for other producers raising honeybees, grazing cattle and harvesting herbs and Thomas mentors other women in agriculture. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini in front of a live audience at the Moorhead Public Library to talk about her journey into farming and her community-centered approach to agriculture.