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From MPR News, Minnesota news on your schedule.

Minnesota Public Radio


    • Jun 4, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 5m AVG DURATION
    • 2,722 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The MPR News Update podcast is a valuable source of information for me, even though I live in Singapore and cannot access the radio. In the last couple of weeks, I have encountered some issues with downloading episodes, but overall, this podcast is a great way for me to keep up with events in Minnesota. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic passes, I hope this podcast continues to be regularly available.

    One of the best aspects of The MPR News Update podcast is its ability to provide me with the information I want without overwhelming me with unnecessary details. With so much pandemic news available, it can be easy to feel inundated and overwhelmed. However, this podcast strikes the perfect balance by delivering just the right quantity of information in a concise and clear manner. The tone of presentation is also noteworthy, as it manages to convey important news without sensationalism or unnecessary drama.

    Unfortunately, there have been some recent issues with downloading episodes. On multiple occasions, I have encountered an "episode unavailable" message that prevents me from being able to listen to certain episodes. This has been frustrating as I rely on this podcast to stay informed about events in Minnesota. Although I am still able to download other NPR podcasts without any issues, it seems to be specific to The MPR News Update podcast.

    In conclusion, despite the occasional difficulties with episode downloads, The MPR News Update podcast remains an invaluable resource for me as someone living overseas who wants to keep up with current affairs in Minnesota. It delivers the perfect amount of information in a well-presented format and has become an essential part of my daily routine. I sincerely hope that this podcast continues long after COVID-19 is no longer a predominant topic and that these technical issues are resolved soon because those working at MPR are doing an excellent job providing relevant and important news updates.



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    Latest episodes from MPR News Update

    Officials say large federal law enforcement presence in Minneapolis was not related to immigration

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 5:16


    Minnesota Legislature moves to special session. 2 new measles cases in the Twin Cities

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 5:32


    Shooting at Boom Island Park; Air quality alert extended

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 5:12


    Minneapolis police are investigating after a shooting at Boom Island Park last night left one person dead and five more injured. And more rounds of smoke from Canadian wildfires are forecast to move across Minnesota over the next couple of days. That's prompted officials to extend an air quality alert for the entire state through midday Wednesday.Those stories and more in today's evening news update. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

    Wildfires in Canada continue to send smoke into Minnesota

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 5:14


    Smoky air is forcing air quality alerts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 4:19


    An air quality alert is now in effect for all of Minnesota through Monday evening, as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to stream across the state. That's an expansion of earlier alerts, as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says reinforcing waves of smoke are expected Saturday, Sunday and again on Monday.Listen for more on the MPR News afternoon update for Friday, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music by Gary Meister.

    State trooper pleads not guilty in fatal crash case

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 5:21


    Layoff notices for state employees expected; Wildfires mostly contained

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 5:20


    Layoff notices will begin going out tomorrow as lawmakers work on unfinished pieces of the state budget.And major wildfires burning north of Duluth for nearly three weeks are now nearly fully contained. But state officials expect the risk for more severe wildfires to remain, possibly all summer long.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Bright. Music by Gary Meister.

    Timberwolves' season ends in semifinals. Convicted human smugglers get prison sentences

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 4:57


    The Minnesota Timberwolves' season is over. They were beaten by the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday night 124-94. The Thunder jumped out to a 30 point lead in the first half and were never threatened. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points. OKC won the best-of-seven series 4 games to 1. They play next for an NBA championship.A federal judge in Fergus Falls sentenced two men Wednesday in a human smuggling operation that led to the deaths of an Indian family on the Minnesota-Canada border. The family was trying to cross illegally from Canada in January 2022 when a blizzard hit and they froze to death. Harshkumar Patel, a native of India, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the smuggling ring. Steve Shand, a Florida resident, was sentenced to 6.5 years. The Minnesota Frost celebrated another championship Wednesday night in St. Paul. It's the second year in a row the Professional Women's Hockey League team won the Walter Cup trophy.A Minneapolis gang member convicted at a trial last fall is headed to federal prison for life.

    Wildfire in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness doubles in size

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 5:04


    A wildfire burning in the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota is growing, leading authorities to close off a part of Superior National Forest land in the Horse River area. The Horse River fire is still relatively small, but it has more than doubled in size in recent days to nearly 25 acres, and it's burning completely uncontained.This is the evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Bright. Music by Gary Meister.

    DOJ lawsuit, federal consent decree with Minneapolis Police Department dismissed

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 4:53


    Firefighters closer to containing Minnesota wildfires

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 4:47


    Firefighters are inching closer to fully containing two wildfires that have burned for more than two weeks in northern Minnesota.And funding for the school readiness program Head Start was spared in spending cuts the House passed, but some people who work with struggling families worry cuts could still come as the House bill is considered in the Senate.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

    Minnesota Frost win second consecutive championship. Timberwolves lose Game 4, trailing Thunder 3-1 in best-of-seven series

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 4:55


    A series of events gets underway today in Minneapolis to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd and the racial justice movement that it sparked. A moment of silence will be held this afternoon at the intersection of 38th and Chicago where Floyd was killed.The Minneapolis Park Board is closing some parking areas around Bde Maka Ska earlier in the evening. That change is in response to safety concerns stemming from large groups gathering in those parking lots at night. The Park Board said those groups have engaged in “disruptive, illegal, and sometimes violent conduct.”The Timberwolves lost to the Thunder last night in game two of the NBA's Western Conference championship series 118-103. The Thunder now lead a best-of-seven series 2-0. The Minnesota Frost beat the Ottawa Charge 2-1 last night to knot the PWHL's Walter Cup finals at a game apiece. Britta Curl-Salemme scored both Frost goals.

    This weekend marks five years since George Floyd's murder

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 4:04


    Faith leaders gathered at Minneapolis City Hall today for an interfaith prayer, marking the five-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder by Minneapolis police. And Gov. Tim Walz defended a proposal today to roll back a tax exemption for data centers in the state.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

    Events get underway today remembering the murder of George Floyd five years ago

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 5:18


    A series of events gets underway today in Minneapolis to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd and the racial justice movement that it sparked. A moment of silence will be held this afternoon at the intersection of 38th and Chicago where Floyd was killed.The Minneapolis Park Board is closing some parking areas around Bde Maka Ska earlier in the evening. That change is in response to safety concerns stemming from large groups gathering in those parking lots at night. The Park Board said those groups have engaged in “disruptive, illegal, and sometimes violent conduct.”The Timberwolves lost to the Thunder last night in game two of the NBA's Western Conference championship series 118-103. The Thunder now lead a best-of-seven series 2-0. The Minnesota Frost beat the Ottawa Charge 2-1 last night to knot the PWHL's Walter Cup finals at a game apiece. Britta Curl-Salemme scored both Frost goals.

    International student released from ICE custody. Crews make rapid progress on wildfires

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 4:36


    An international student who's been in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody since March was released under a judge's order Thursday. Firefighting crews are now making quick progress on wildfires that have burned in northeastern Minnesota for nearly two weeks. And lawmakers are expecting to work through the Memorial Day weekend to finalize the bills needed to craft a two-year state budget.

    DOJ drops Minneapolis police oversight agreements. U of M student to be released from ICE custody

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 4:47


    People rally against potential cuts to disability waivers; Police reform advocates speak out against possible end to federal consent decree

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 4:58


    Police reform advocates in Minneapolis are denouncing the Trump administration's attempt to drop the federal consent decree.And a working group on the human services budget bill at the Minnesota Legislature is meeting privately to iron out differences. As they do, advocates for disabled people in the state held a rally this morning to push against possible cuts for disability waivers.Those stories and more in today's evening news update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

    Minnesota lawmakers continue budget work. Timberwolves, Frost both lose opening playoff series games

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 4:47


    Here's what did pass before the Minnesota Legislature's deadline

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 4:18


    While much of the state budget will get sorted out in a special session, lawmakers passed a bill to fund several state government agencies last night. Heavy rains that have fallen in parts of the state today will ease drought and abnormally dry conditions.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

    Minnesota lawmakers will need special session to finish budget

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 5:31


    Wildfire update for northeastern Minnesota

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 4:13


    Crews battling wildfires in northeastern Minnesota have had to contend with windy conditions today. East winds of 15 to 20 miles per hour have been accompanied by gusts of up to 40 miles per hour.And meteorologist Sven Sundgaard says that while a system will bring rain to the state today through Wednesday, it's expected to miss the region where fires are burning.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

    Lawmakers expected to work beyond Monday adjournment deadline

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 4:59


    Minnesota governor says fire-ravaged areas will get help rebuilding

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 5:33


    Gov. Tim Walz is promising residents in the fire ravaged areas in the northeastern part of the state will get help in rebuilding.Public sector unions are expressing frustration over a proposed plan to close the state prison in Stillwater. Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Bright. Music by Gary Meister.

    Health care coverage for undocumented immigrants faces cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 4:54


    Legislative budget deal; U of M to close racial health disparity research center

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 4:37


    Minnesota legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Walz say they have a budget deal. Leaders say the negotiations brought a bipartisan plan that balances the budget into the future. And the University of Minnesota will close a research center focusing on racial health disparities following a plagiarism scandal.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

    Timberwolves and Minnesota Frost both advance in respective playoff series

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 5:33


    Uncontrolled wildfires continue to burn and grow in northeastern Minnesota

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 4:08


    Two large wildfires burning uncontrolled in northeastern Minnesota grew significantly overnight. The Jenkins Creek fire more than doubled in size and has now burned more than 20,000 acres of forest, or about 31 square miles. It's burning north in a long, narrow band east of Hoyt Lakes and south of Babbitt. Meanwhile the Camp House Fire grew modestly to about 15,000 acres. That fire near Brimson has destroyed at least 144 structures.That story and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Music by Gary Meister.

    Wildfires continue to burn and grow in northeastern Minnesota

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 5:19


    burn wildfires northeastern minnesota
    Hot weather, wildfires continue in Minnesota

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 3:47


    It's another hot, dry, breezy day across the region -- creating more challenges for crews battling wildfires in northeast Minnesota. More than 40 homes and cabins have been destroyed by the fast-moving wildfires.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Music by Gary Meister.

    Crews in northeast Minnesota are fighting 3 rapidly-growing wildfires

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 5:05


    Campfire may have caused wildfire north of Duluth. Lawmakers barreling toward budget deadline

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 3:41


    Authorities are still investigating what caused a fast-burning wildfire about 35 miles north of Duluth, but believe a campfire may be to blame. Much of Minnesota is under an air quality alert Monday. And Gov. Tim Walz is urging lawmakers to compromise as their budget deadline quickly approaches.

    Northern Minnesota wildfire prompts evacuations. Air quality alert in effect later Monday

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 5:24


    Rep. Stauber weighs in on Medicaid, Macalester offering international students summer stay

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 4:17


    At a roundtable Friday, 8th District Republican Minnesota Congressman Pete Stauber said Congressional Republicans will not cut Medicaid but, rather, work to make sure people are not abusing government help by implementing a work requirement for medical aid. Some state lawmakers want to repeal a ban on seclusions for children in kindergarten through 3rd grade. Seclusions are forced isolations from the classroom. In Minnesota, 100 percent of children who are placed in seclusion have disabilities. Advocates for the repeal say educators need this option as a last resort, but disability rights supporters like DFL Rep. Kim Hicks argue seclusions don't help anyone.“We have to ask ourselves, do we really support people with disabilities and students with disabilities, if we will not stand up for the basic human right to not be locked in a box at six?” she said. The state Department of Education recommends an "urgent end” to seclusion for all children by 2026.Macalester College in St. Paul says it will house international students over the summer, in light of uncertain immigration rules.In an announcement to students and staff this week, college President Suzanne Rivera said the school is worried about students not being able to get back into the country if visa rules change after they leave for the summer. Go deeper with the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Macalester College offers free summer housing to international students with visa worriesMinnesota disabilities advocates push back on plan to restore school seclusion roomsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

    First U.S.-born pope elected. Summer fishing season opens

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 4:52


    Catholics react to pope news; U of M talks Trump administration grant funding cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 4:41


    Local Catholics are excited about the election of Pope Leo XIV from Chicago. "We have a pope! An American!" said Joan McLeod and Gailyn Ryan. The University of Minnesota says it has lost more than 70 federal grants totaling more than $22 million in Trump administration budget cuts and that it does not know what's coming next. And the first Republican contender has entered the 2026 Minnesota governor's race.Those stories and more in today's evening newscast from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

    Conservation groups gather at Minnesota Capitol to protest mining in the BWCA

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 5:42


    Driver in park Tavern crash pleads guilty; Bill strengthening DWI consequences passes Senate

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 4:34


    The driver charged in a crash that killed two people and injured nine others at a St. Louis Park restaurant last year entered a guilty plea in Hennepin County court this morning.And a bill that strengthens consequences for people with multiple DWIs has passed the Minnesota Senate.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

    Real ID takes effect Wednesday. Timberwolves lose to Warriors 99-88 in Game 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 5:35


    Minneapolis State of the City; First cannabis application lottery date set

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 4:10


    Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's 2025 State of the City address was heavy on public safety improvements. The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management has announced the date for the first lottery to decide who will get cannabis business licenses from the state.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

    Federal judge orders Mankato college student's release from jail

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 5:18


    Minnesota Senate ethics panel won't proceed with complaint against DFL Senate President Bobby Joe Champion

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 4:13


    A Minnesota Senate ethics panel has deadlocked along party lines and won't proceed with a complaint against DFL Senate President Bobby Joe Champion today.The Rochester police department says it's completed an investigation into a video posted on social media that featured a woman calling a child a racial slur at a local park.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

    Suspect charged in Minneapolis shooting that killed 4 makes first court appearance

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 5:07


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