MPR News Update

The U.S. House will hold a hearing on fraud in Minnesota's social service programs in early January and again in February. The Republican-led House Committee on Oversight and Government will hear from three GOP state legislators from Minnesota Jan. 7. The Initiative Foundation in central Minnesota is providing financial support to Somali American nonprofit organizations facing harassment and threats.This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music is by Gary Meister.  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS. 

The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it's freezing child care funds to Minnesota amid accusations of fraud.Jim O'Neill is Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services. He announced in a social media post that the move is in response to, “blatant fraud that appears to be rampant in Minnesota and across the country.”Gov. Tim Walz's office called the move “a transparent attempt to politicize the issue to hurt Minnesotans and defund government programs that help people.”Minnesota workers gain new benefits around breaks, wages and leave policies starting this week. New laws spell out that employees are entitled to a rest break of 15 minutes or enough time to seek out the nearest convenient restroom for every four hours worked. And they'll have a 30-minute window for a meal break for every six consecutive hours they work. That's different than the “adequate time” standard currently on the books.People who make minimum wage will see a slight bump in pay after an adjustment for inflation. Statewide, the hourly wage will tick up to $11.41 per hour. Workers inside Minneapolis and St. Paul city limits have even higher minimum wages because of rules that call for increases in 2026.More Minnesota workers also qualify for paid family and medical leave starting the first of the year.And the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has given the green light to additional mineral exploration near Ely, just outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.Go deeper with the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.These new laws take effect in Minnesota as 2026 arrivesTrump administration says it's freezing child care funds to Minnesota after series of fraud schemesMinnesota DNR approves mining exploration plan just outside the Boundary WatersSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.

A federal judge has approved a preliminary order that could pave the way for the government to take cash, property and a luxury vehicle from the ringleader of the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme.The Anoka-Hennepin teachers union says a mediation session with the school district yesterday failed to produce a contract agreement as a planned strike date nears. And State Senator John Hoffman says he'll pursue another term in 2026. Hoffman and his family survived an assassination attempt in their home over the summer.

An MPR News-APM Reports investigation found that a Feeding Our Future defendant is connected to taxpayer-funded group homes in the Twin Cities. Prosecutors claim Gandi Abdi Kediye set up GAK Properties and used the company to launder money. He was indicted in 2024.A viral video has been circulating about alleged fraud at some Minnesota day care sites. Minnesota Republicans say they tipped off the independent journalist, YouTube video creator Nick Shirley. Snow plow operators will be out clearing drifts from highways and roads, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation is asking drivers to take their time and give some space around trucks.Bemidji State University has received more than $900,000 from the Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network to develop a framework for Ojibwe language teachers working in K-12 classrooms. Ojibwe is spoken by tribal nations in the northern half the state. The need for licensed Ojibwe teachers is growing. Two and a half years ago, state lawmakers passed a bill requiring the state's elementary and secondary schools to offer American Indian culture and language classes.

MnDOT has lifted no-travel advisories across southern Minnesota in the wake of blizzard conditions yesterday and overnight.And air traffic is running more smoothly today out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as the weather improved. Metropolitan Airports Commission spokesperson Jeff Lea says ground crews have been clearing runways.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The puck drops Friday on the first of 29 games that will played in the 10-team World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, which is hosted in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The tournament will showcase the best players in the world under the age of 20. Games will be played at Grand Casino Arena and 3M Arena at Mariucci.If you've got flight plans coming up, head's up — the next few days are expected to be extremely busy at the Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport.A reduction in federal funding has limited the ability of a local faith-based nonprofit to place refugees in the state. The Minnesota Council of Churches lost the majority of its funding after the Trump administration halted federal support for refugee resettlement last January.

Very mild temperatures persist through Saturday with falling temps Sunday as arctic air moves in, producing some snow showers. Hundreds gather in Mankato today to honor 38 Dakota men hanged there 163 years ago.This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music is by Gary Meister.  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS. 

The puck drops Friday on the first of 29 games that will played in the 10-team World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, which is hosted in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The tournament will showcase the best players in the world under the age of 20. Games will be played at Grand Casino Arena and 3M Arena at Mariucci.If you've got flight plans coming up, head's up — the next few days are expected to be extremely busy at the Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport.A reduction in federal funding has limited the ability of a local faith-based nonprofit to place refugees in the state. The Minnesota Council of Churches lost the majority of its funding after the Trump administration halted federal support for refugee resettlement last January.

Dreams of a white Christmas are fading for parts of the state as fog, drizzle and warmer temperatures set the stage for a tricky Christmas Day forecast. Minnesota's Supreme Court has reinforced a standard barring vehicle searches solely due to marijuana odor.Minnesota is joining 18 other states and the District of Columbia in challenging a federal declaration aiming to pull Medicare and Medicaid funding from medical providers that offer gender-affirming care for minors.This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music is by Gary Meister.  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS. 

A St. Paul legislator with Somali heritage says someone tried to break into his home last week.And state leaders say they're receiving complaints about federal immigration authorities taking evasive actions to hide their identities.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota's largest school district is staring down a walkout in the new year. The Anoka-Hennepin teacher union says it has filed an intent to strike. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Education is asking Minnesotans for public feedback on its new K-12 health education standards — which go into effect in 2028. Advocates say the currently drafted standards introduce much-needed education on abuse prevention as a part of broader sex education curricula and they do a better job in helping students understand consent, puberty and pregnancy.A Hennepin County judge has sentenced a Minneapolis man to life in prison with no possibility of release for planning the murder of a real estate agent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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