MPR News Update

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says her office is seeking out evidence to conduct a local investigation into this week's fatal shooting of Renee Macklin Good in Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.She says the office is asking for information, video and photos of the event to be submitted through a link on the office's website. And Minneapolis Public Schools will offer the option for remote learning for a month amid federal immigration enforcement in the city. The remote learning option currently extends until February 12.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good on Wednesday morning has been identified through court documents from a June incident in Bloomington. NPR has confirmed that Jonathan Ross is the ICE officer who shot and killed Good as she was driving away from a group of agents on Portland Avenue.The Department of Homeland Security has not released Ross' name, but DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said that the same agent who killed Good had been dragged by a car in an incident last year. Hundreds of protestors marched down Lake Street Thursday night in a peaceful demonstration against ICE. The shooting this week is just the latest in a series of traumatic events in the state. Daniel Griffith is pastor and rector of the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. He says the Twin Cities are dealing with collective trauma, following the assassination of state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the Annunciation school shooting. But he says it's important to maintain hope.

Federal agencies have taken sole lead of the investigation of a fatal shooting by a federal immigration officer of a woman in Minneapolis, shortly after saying it would investigate jointly with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Gov. Tim Walz criticized the decision by the FBI to take over the investigation.The Minneapolis school district canceled classes today and tomorrow.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 Anoka-Hennepin teachers union and school district have reached a tentative contract agreement, averting a strike that could have started as soon as Thursday.A state audit found a grant program within the Minnesota Department of Human Services is failing to provide adequate oversight. The Behavioral Health Administration is part of DHS and is in charge of disbursing grants to programs that help Minnesotans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. But a new report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor found that BHA does not have adequate controls to make sure the grants are being used as intended.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is calling for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to vacate the city after an agent shot and killed a woman this morning. At a press conference today, Frey angrily condemned the shooting and the ICE operation.That story and more on today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The Anoka-Hennepin teachers union and school district have reached a tentative contract agreement, averting a strike that could have started as soon as Thursday.A state audit found a grant program within the Minnesota Department of Human Services is failing to provide adequate oversight. The Behavioral Health Administration is part of DHS and is in charge of disbursing grants to programs that help Minnesotans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. But a new report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor found that BHA does not have adequate controls to make sure the grants are being used as intended.

Gov. Tim Walz spoke to reporters today about his decision to drop his reelection bid. The decision came amid attacks from the federal government over his handling of fraud in the state.And a Capitol area security panel will meet tomorrow to consider new rules that could improve public safety on the campus.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Music by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday that he's ending his bid for reelection. The Democrat was first elected in 2018 and was running for a third term. Republican candidates for governor and Republican party leaders applauded Walz's decision not to run again, but quickly criticized any Democrat who might step into his place.A hotel in the southern Twin Cities suburbs was criticized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for canceling the reservations of federal agents engaged in an immigration crackdown in the state. Protesters have repeatedly targeted area hotels hosting ICE agents. Homeland Security accused the Hilton Hotels chain of siding with criminals and impeding law enforcement.The Anoka-Hennepin school district and teachers union meets Tuesday in an attempt to settle a contract before a strike date later this week. The teachers union has been in mediation with district leadership since November.

Gov. Tim Walz has dropped out of his race for re-election amid growing federal scrutiny of fraud in Minnesota. Walz announced in the fall that he would seek a third term, but in recent months, fraud in state social service programs has become a national story.Sources told MPR News that Democratic Sen. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is considering a run for governor. Former Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty says Klobuchar would be a challenging opponent for GOP candidates — if she runs.That story and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese.

Gov. Tim Walz has scheduled a news conference for later this morning without a predetermined topic. That's fanning speculation that the two-term Democratic governor may be reassessing his reelection campaign.Walz has faced unrelenting pressure over proven and alleged fraud in Minnesota-run social service programs. More than a dozen Republicans have already entered the governor's race. Walz last appeared before reporters on Dec. 23. Aides to the governor didn't return messages last night. MPR News will carry Walz's 11 a.m. news conference live on the radio and online at MPRNews.org.Walz is condemning conspiracy theories that President Donald Trump is recirculating about the assassination of state representative Melissa Hortman last summer. Trump reposted a video on TruthSocial with false claims about what led to Hortman's death. The post is the latest in Trump's efforts to politically smear Walz.Correction (Jan. 5, 2025): An earlier version of this podcast misstated the Timberwolves' score. The audio has been updated.

St. Paul swore in a new mayor today. Kaohly Her, who has represented part of the city in the Minnesota House since 2019, takes the reins of the capital city.Her is the first Hmong-American and first woman to be St. Paul's mayor. With her election, all elected city leaders will be women. And agricultural lenders are hoping that Congress passes a new Farm Bill this year. The latest version, passed in 2018, got extended to September.

Kaohly Her will be sworn in as mayor of St. Paul on Friday. She's the first woman and first Hmong-American to have the role. Her will make history in the office, but her plans are focused on basics — making it easier to start and run a business in the city of St. Paul. Her also says plans are underway already for addressing some of the empty buildings in downtown St. Paul. She says she plans on restructuring the mayor's office to make it more collaborative among her cabinet members.The Anoka-Hennepin teachers union and school board are set to return to mediation Friday. The district and its teachers union have been negotiating a contract since July. Last month the union filed an intent to strike. Union leaders say the current offer would cost some members pay cuts in the hundreds of dollars per paycheck. They say certain school board members are stalling progress at the bargaining table.Minnesota farmers, cities, businesses and industries will pay higher fees to use the state's water under a law change that took effect Thursday.Representatives of a business targeted in a recent viral video are speaking out to defend their child day care operations. A YouTube influencer traveled to Minnesota and is seen on the video knocking on doors and accusing Somali-owned day care centers of fraud.The latest statewide data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows flu cases nearly tripled between Dec. 7 and Dec. 21. More than 5,000 people in the state have tested positive for the flu. Go deeper with the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Kaohly Her makes St. Paul mayoral history as she looks toward the futureAnoka-Hennepin teachers union fails to reach agreement with district leadership during mediationThese new laws take effect in Minnesota as 2026 arrivesSomali child care providers report vandalism, threats after viral fraud videoFlu positivity rates and hospitalizations increase in MinnesotaSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.

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.