MPR News Update

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he's vetoing the 2025 budget approved by the city council last night. In a statement this afternoon, the mayor said he WILL approve the property tax levy, an increase of just under 7 percent.And the authors of Minnesota's cannabis law are expressing disappointment over procedural delays that will push a retail market rollout into spring or summer.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minneapolis City Council has passed a 2025 budget. The $1.88 billion budget passed after the council added more than 70 amendments to Mayor Jacob Frey's proposed budget — a process which began last week.  At the state level, the Office of Justice Programs is sending out $4.5 million to local police agencies around the state to train more officers. Gov. Tim Walz says the funding will cover the cost of training and salaries for 94 candidates transitioning from other fields.And state Senate leaders again are sparring over the membership of a lawmaker arrested for burglary. This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.As session nears, status of a Minnesota lawmaker facing criminal charges remains a flashpointRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

A strong cold front is bringing snow showers to Minnesota today — and a blast of arctic air tomorrow into Thursday.And Republican lawmakers in the Minnesota House are surveying state agencies ahead of the 2025 legislative session about areas for budget reductions. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The arrest of a suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is a relief for people who worked with Thompson. A 26-year-old man, Luigi Nicholas Mangione, has been charged with murder after a quick-thinking McDonald's customer in Pennsylvania recognized him from a surveillance photo and police officers found a gun, mask and writings linking him to the ambush.St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter says he wants to raise taxes. Some homeowners say they can't afford it. Carter is proposing a nearly 8 percent increase in the city's 2025 budget.And Frank Paro, a prominent figure in the American Indian Movement, has died. Paro was a tribal citizen of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.New York prosecutors charge suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing with murderRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Police have arrested a man they believe was involved in the fatal shooting of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.And more than seventy hospital and long-term care workers at Deer River Essentia Health began an open-ended unfair labor practice strike today.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Music by Gary Meister.

Hundreds of law enforcement leaders will meet in downtown Minneapolis this week for a Justice Department summit on crime reduction.Two people were shot in Robbinsdale shortly after midnight Sunday morning. Police have released few details about what happened, but say both shooting victims were juveniles. One person is in critical condition while the other has non-life-threatening injuries.And Minnesota DNR officials were busy this fall apprehending people for illegally cutting the tops off of spruce trees.This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.‘Green Gold': Booming demand for holiday greenery sparks illicit trade in northern MinnesotaRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

The investigation into the fatal shooting of a Minnesota corporate executive in New York City is now in its third day.The St. Paul Public School district has named three finalists for its next superintendent. The district began its search after Joe Gothard left the post for a job in Wisconsin this spring. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Officer Jesse Branch, who died as a result of a two-vehicle crash on Nov. 27, will have a funeral held for him Saturday in Red Lake. The driver of the other vehicle, Alan Lussier Jr., a Red Lake band member, also died. The 35-year-old officer was a father of six.Minnesota's top federal law enforcement official says he'll step down before Inauguration Day. Andy Luger is wrapping up his second stint as the state's U.S. Attorney after serving under President Barack Obama, as well. It's custom for political appointees to resign during presidential transitions. This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Alexander Simpson. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger to step down ahead of Trump transitionRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

The search for the gunman who fatally shot a Minnesota corporate executive continues today in New York City.And the Minneapolis City Council fell one vote short of overriding Mayor Jacob Frey's veto of a labor standards board.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

New York City authorities report no new details in the shooting death Wednesday of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He was gunned down by a person who fled the scene on foot, and then may have used an electric bike to ride through Central Park. NYPD chief of detectives Joe Kenny said the assailant waited for Thompson before shooting him multiple times.Minnesota U.S. Rep. Angie Craig on Wednesday offered her condolences to Thompson's family and his colleagues, during a gathering of Minnesota health professionals.Minneapolis City Council Member Emily Koski has announced she's running for mayor. She joins Minnesota DFL Sen. Omar Fateh and Rev. DeWayne Davis in challenging Mayor Jacob Frey in his bid for reelection.This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.Police hunt for the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO in ManhattanMinneapolis City Council member Emily Koski joins mayor's raceRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Brian Thompson, the CEO of Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed this morning.The state of Minnesota has released an economic forecast this morning that is $1.1 billion less than its prior estimates. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

State economic officials release a key budget forecast on Wednesday. The projection of either a surplus or deficit will provide lawmakers and the governor an idea of how to proceed when crafting a new two-year budget.A Ramsey County judge heard arguments Tuesday in an election challenge that could alter a party tie in the Minnesota House next year. And the Minnesota Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday about whether USA Powerlifting discriminated against a transgender woman when it refused to allow her to take part in women's competition in 2018.This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.Minnesota economic forecast will set fiscal tone at newly configured state CapitolTransgender powerlifter asks Minnesota Supreme Court to let her compete in women's eventsRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Minnesota-based Cargill will lay off about 8,000 employees worldwide this winter, including 475 positions from its Minnetonka headquarters. And Minnesota state investigators say they have retrieved video from the phone of a man killed in a federal operation in 2021. It would be the only video that captures the confrontation between Winston Smith and members of a U.S. Marshals Service task force. Reports that people had seen the video prompted the BCA to do more to crack into the encrypted phone. This is the MPR News afternoon update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music by Gary Meister.

In 2005, a pair of ruby slippers were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids. The slippers were on loan to the museum by a collector. The FBI recovered the "Wizard of Oz" shoes in 2018. This week, they go up for auction. The museum has been fundraising to purchase the slippers valued anywhere form $2.9 to $4.8 million.Authorities in Woodbury say two people, including a teenage boy, were pulled from a lake Monday after breaking through thin ice. It happened during the late afternoon at Markgrafs Lake near Woodbury Drive, just south of I-94. Police say the teen was the first to break through the ice. Others tried to rescue him and one of those people also broke through and was rescued by first responders. A dive team later located the teenager and both people were taken to Regions Hospital. This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.Ruby slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz' are for sale nearly 2 decades after they were stolenRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

The trailing candidate in a narrowly decided Minnesota House race is asking a court to declare the seat vacant after 20 ballots were discovered missing. Republican Aaron Paul has formally filed his legal challenge of the November election in the Shakopee area, which resulted in DFL Representative Brad Tabke prevailing by 14 votes. Also, state Sen. Omar Fateh has entered the field of candidates opposing Mayor Jacob Frey who is seeking re-election. This is the MPR News afternoon update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music by Gary Meister.

The Hennepin County Jail faces a Thursday deadline to reduce its population amid a staffing shortage. And Ken Martin — Minnesota's top Democratic Party operative — is facing competition from a neighbor to become the chair of the Democratic National Committee. Ben Wikler of Wisconsin announced Sunday he wants to become the chair of the DNC.This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Gracie Stockton. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.Minnesota DOC orders Hennepin County to reduce jail population after finding staff negligenceWisconsin Democratic leader Ben Wikler enters the race to lead the national partyRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Minnesota Republicans say it's impossible to definitively say who won a pivotal state House race after officials detailed an absentee ballot mishap. Scott County officials disclosed today that 20 absentee ballots were accidentally discarded in October and are unlikely to be retrieved. That's more than the 14-vote margin for the declared winner, Democrat Brad Tabke, over Republican Aaron Paul.And the Minnesota Court of Appeals is the next stop for a challenge to the Office of Cannabis Management's handling of social equity license applications.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

A judge this week denied a former St. Paul police officer's request for early release from federal prison. In late 2019, a jury convicted former officer Brett Palkowitsch for a 2016 incident where he kicked Frank Baker and allowed a K-9 to maul him when officers mistook Baker for a robbery suspect.And tensions bubbled between a Red Lake tribal official and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources last week over how to combat invasive species like zebra mussels at Upper Red Lake. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.Red Lake Nation and Minnesota DNR disagree on how to combat zebra musselsRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Gov. Tim Walz says he does not regret being part of the Democratic presidential ticket. Walz is back to his routine and carrying out traditions of the governor's office after he and Vice President Kamala Harris lost the presidential race. And two nursing home providers in Minnesota are suing the state's Department of Labor and Industry in an attempt to stop a holiday pay rule from taking effect in the new year.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz has announced $5 million in new funding for Minnesota food shelves. The $5 million is part of leftover money the state received from the American Rescue Plan, President Joe Biden's COVID-19 stimulus package.Hundreds of social equity applicants hoping for a cannabis business license will have to wait longer to set up shop. A lottery originally scheduled for Tuesday morning was put on hold by a Ramsey County judge.And some Medicare Advantage plans are no longer being accepted by some Minnesota health care providers. Attorney General Keith Ellison is warning Minnesotans on Medicare who use advantage plans to double check their coverage and provider acceptance of those plans before open enrollment ends on Dec. 7.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Gracie Stockton. Music by Gary Meister.Find more headlines at mprnews.org.Judge halts cannabis license lottery that is precursor to Minnesota marijuana retail launchRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

A Ramsey County District Court judge has ordered the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management to postpone a lottery for social equity licenses that had been set for tomorrow. And Minnesota's laws on abortion access are being challenged in federal court by a contingent of groups opposed to the procedure.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar wants President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks to undergo FBI background checks.  Klobuchar, a Democrat who was re-elected earlier this month, serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee. And the newest member of the Minnesota Senate is set to be sworn in Monday and restore the chamber to full force.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Find more headlines at mprnews.org.Read the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

The jury in the federal human smuggling trial in Fergus Falls today returned guilty verdicts on all counts against Hari Patel and Steve Shand. The four Republican members of Minnesota's U.S. House delegation hope to influence President-elect Donald Trump's choices for federal appointments in the state. And another legal challenge looms over a Minnesota House race in the knotted-up legislative chamber.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The Democratic incumbent in a Shakopee-area legislative race is the likely winner after a recount Thursday. Rep. Brad Tabke led his Republican challenger, Aaron Paul, by 15 votes. And after three days of testimony, a federal human smuggling trial is drawing to a close in Fergus Falls. The jury will receive final instructions before beginning deliberations Friday.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.Tabke wins Shakopee-area legislative race after recount, House control still unknownClosing arguments delivered in federal human smuggling caseRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Legislative leaders met with Gov. Tim Walz today for the first time since voters broke up DFL control of the Legislature in this month's election.And the Minnesota Lottery needs to strengthen its internal controls to ensure that it meets all its legal obligations, according to a new report from the Minnesota Legislative Auditor.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The Robbinsdale school district held a town hall Wednesday night to discuss its budget. A counting error left the district with a $20 million shortfall. And two former St. Paul school district employees are filing a lawsuit against the district, claiming they were fired after raising concerns about how district leaders were handling finances. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.Robbinsdale schools to make budget cuts to address $20M shortfall errorTwo former St. Paul school employees file lawsuit, alleging they were fired for raising financial concernsRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

On the second day of a human smuggling trial in Fergus Falls, U.S. Border Agents told a federal court the harrowing story of when they learned a family had frozen to death trying to enter the United States. Two men faces charges linked to the deaths.Police in Eagan say a recent report of a sexual assault at Lebanon Hills Park was false. A woman reported an assault on Nov. 7, and police began an investigation and stepped up patrols at the park. Police now say the woman admitted it never happened.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.Border agents lay out a day of horror leading to the discovery of a frozen familyEagan police say report of assault at Lebanon Hills Regional Park was falseRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Minnesota DFL Party Chair Ken Martin is hoping to become the next leader of the Democratic National Committee. Rain is changing over to snow this evening across the region, with several inches possible in northwest Minnesota by late tomorrow. Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

A new report from the state Department of Health finds most Minnesota schools are not completing recommended radon level tests. The odorless, colorless gas found in two out of five Minnesota homes is the second leading cause of lung cancer.An E. coli outbreak linked to beef and carrots has led to at least 15 cases in the state. The beef has been linked to 10 cases of E. coli from burgers sold at multiple locations of Red Cow restaurants in the Twin Cities area and the Hen House eatery in Minneapolis. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.E. coli outbreak in Minnesota: How to stay safeRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Elections officials across the state are spot-checking the November election results. And two Ramsey County races are headed for a recount tomorrow.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Jury selection is set to begin Monday in Fergus Falls for two men facing human smuggling charges. The men are accused of smuggling Indian nationals across the U.S. border from Canada. A family of four perished in a snowstorm two years ago after they got separated from a larger group and froze to death. And real estate sales in Minnesota last month were up considerably from the year before.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.Jury selection begins in Fergus Falls for two men charged with human smuggling that resulted in deathsRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Arctic Cat has cut more than five dozen jobs at its plant in Thief River Falls amid a downturn in the market for snowmobiles. And Anheuser Busch will close a large malting facility in Moorhead and move the work to a plant in Shakopee.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

George Floyd's murder by Minneapolis police in 2020 started an uprising in Minneapolis and across the country. A new book and accompanying art exhibit spotlights and documents the art from that time period: the plywood murals made by protesters and mourners during the uprising.MPR News host Nina Moini talks with Leesa Kelly, the book's author and founder of the organization, “Memorialize the Movement,” along with Amira McClendon, an artist and curator of the exhibition at the University of Minnesota.

A meatpacking company will pay a $2 million penalty, after reaching a settlement with the state of Minnesota over alleged child labor violations. The state says it found that Smithfield Foods illegally employed 11 teenagers, some as young as 14, at its plant in St. James between 2021 and 2023. Also, Lindsey Vonn says she's ready to compete again. This is the evening MPR News update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music by Gary Meister

Scott County elections officials set Thursday, Nov. 21, as the day ballots will be recounted by hand in the race for House District 54A in Scott County. The county's canvassing board certified the vote count Wednesday which gives Democratic incumbent Rep. Brad Tabke a 14-vote margin of victory over his Republican challenger Aaron Paul.And people in Minnesota can now apply to a state health care program regardless of citizenship or immigration status.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.GOP Minnesota House candidates say they'll ‘fight to make sure every ballot is counted'MinnesotaCare applications now open to Minnesotans regardless of immigration statusRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Emailed bomb threats have been coming into county election offices across the state since last Friday.And President-elect Donald Trump announced Army veteran, Fox News host and Minnesota native Pete Hegseth as his pick to be defense secretary.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday nominated a Minnesota native to serve as his defense secretary. 44-year-old Pete Hegseth grew up in Forest Lake. He's an Army veteran who ran against U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar in 2012. Hegseth is now a co-host of "Fox and Friends Weekend" on the Fox News Channel.And a federal judge recently struck down a Biden administration policy that could impact thousands of Minnesota families with mixed citizenship status.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Alex Simpson. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.Trump nominates Fox News host and Minnesotan Pete Hegseth for defense secretaryJudge strikes down Biden program shielding immigrant spouses from deportationRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says he'll sue if President-elect Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress try to circumvent Minnesota law. And St. Paul officials will erase the medical debt of 32,000 people. Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minneapolis City Council will listen to public input Tuesday afternoon about the shooting of Davis Moturi. Moturi, who is Black, was allegedly shot last month by John Sawchuck, a white neighbor who previously threatened Moturi. City leaders say an independent investigation is forthcoming that will focus on why police didn't intervene before the shooting occurred.And President-elect Donald Trump's victory last week could help ease the path for copper-nickel mines near the Boundary Waters.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Alex Simpson. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.Trump election could reopen path for mining near Boundary WatersMinneapolis city officials plan independent review of police handling of shooting caseRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

It is Veterans Day, and at ceremony in Arden Hills today Gov. Tim Walz thanked veterans and the people who care for them.And Sherburne County says it plans to pay for a hand recount in a few close races to confirm the accuracy of last week's election results.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Veterans Day observances are taking place Monday across Minnesota to thank and honor all veterans for their service to the country.And the Minneapolis City Council will hear a proposal this week for reconstruction of the intersection where George Floyd was killed.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Alex Simpson. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.In Warren, a different kind of veterans memorial draws people nearNative American veterans reflect on military service and family tiesRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

A narrow winning margin for the DFL candidate for a St. Cloud-area seat in the Minnesota House has widened, now that updated figures were released today. And Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz gave his first public speech after being part of the losing Democratic presidential ticket this week. Those stories and more in tonight's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.