MPR News Update

Local and state law enforcement officials say there've been arrests this today amid a protest outside the Whipple federal building near the Twin Cities airport.That's in addition to about a hundred clergy members arrested today during a protest at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. A spokesperson for the airport says they worked with protest organizers to accommodate their right to freedom of expression. But he said airport police made arrests when the protest went beyond the agreed-upon terms.

Temperatures Friday morning are largely in the 20s below zero across the state, with wind chills in the 40s to 50s below zero. For some parts of the state, it's the coldest weather in seven years. Temperatures will remain below zero across the state into Sunday.Most Minnesota school districts have canceled classes or moved to online learning Friday amid the dangerously cold conditions across the state. Numerous businesses across Minnesota will take part in a statewide action against federal immigration enforcement Friday. Organizers called on Minnesotans to stop work, school and shopping for the day to create an economic blackout.A coalition of Twin Cities organizations say they will take part Friday in a peaceful rally and march in downtown Minneapolis. The 100 groups — labor unions, clergy, childcare workers, immigrants and more — will call on ICE to leave Minnesota.

Vice President JD Vance met with local leaders and ICE personnel in Minneapolis today and says more cooperation could calm tensions.Federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis may continue indefinitely, according to Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, who spoke at a press conference today.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister

Federal immigration authorities are asserting power to enter private property without a judge's permission in clear violation of the Constitution. It's a bedrock of the Bill of Rights. The Fourth Amendment requires law enforcement to have probable cause — and a judge's OK — before entering someone's home. But in a May 12 memo obtained by the Associated Press from the organization Whistleblower Aid, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons claims that agents only need an administrative warrant signed by another ICE employee.Extreme cold warnings are already in effect for parts of northwest and north central Minnesota and will be in effect statewide by Thursday night. That's as the coldest air in seven years could settle over Minnesota Friday morning.

A federal appeals court today put a temporary hold on a judge's order in a case challenging the actions of immigration authorities in Minnesota. President Donald Trump railed against Minnesota in front of a global audience today over local resistance to his ongoing deportation campaign.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The federal pressure on Minnesota through lawsuits, investigations and immigration actions shows no sign of abating. Federal officials say thousands of immigrants have been arrested in Minnesota for possible deportation. Now several Democratic state officials face federal subpoenas. In court filings and social media posts this week the Trump administration claims at least 3,000 people have been arrested in the ongoing ICE operation in Minnesota since it started December 1. Federal officials point out that some of those people arrested for being unlawfully in the U.S. have criminal records. Critics of the operation note that others with no criminal record and some U.S. citizens have been detained, arrested or otherwise swept up by federal agents.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's office confirmed to MPR News that the mayor's office received a subpoena from the Department of Justice today. Attorney General Keith Ellison told MPR News that he remains critical of the ICE operation.Ellison has sued the Trump administration for many actions over the past year, including the current ICE operation. Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed notice that it's appealing a judge's order setting limits on federal agents' actions against protesters in Minnesota. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez late last week ordered agents involved in the immigration crackdown in Minnesota to not detain or arrest protesters or observers, unless there's reasonable suspicion or probable cause of a crime. The order also bars agents from using nonlethal munitions on peaceful protesters and bars them from stopping drivers who follow ICE to monitor operations.State Sen. John Hoffman is preparing for Minnesota's next legislative session and running for a new term. Hoffman was shot in a June attack on him and his wife at their home. Authorities say the same gunman killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband. But Hoffman won't retreat from public life. He has reemerged for speaking engagements. He will soon preside over Senate committee hearings.

A federal agent shot a man in Minneapolis on Wednesday night. It's the second shooting in the city by a federal agent, one week after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Macklin Good.Here's the latest news on Thursday around the increased federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Find more coverage of ICE in Minnesota here.That story and more on today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

A federal agent shot a man in Minneapolis on Wednesday night. It's the second shooting in the city by a federal agent, one week after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Macklin Good.Here's the latest news on Thursday around the increased federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Find more coverage of ICE in Minnesota here.That story and more on today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

A federal agent shot and wounded a man in north Minneapolis Wednesday night, sparking protests that led to agents deploying tear gas. City officials say the man was shot after a vehicle chase and an apparent struggle with a federal agent near 24th and Lyndale Avenue North.Federal officials say the man and two other people assaulted a federal agent. The man was shot in the leg. The Department of Homeland Security says the wounded man and a federal agent were hospitalized with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.All four Democrats representing Minnesota in the U.S. House have joined a call to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. They are among 70 lawmakers who have signed on to articles of impeachment introduced Wednesday by Illinois Democrat Robin Kelly.

Minnesota leaders are concerned about federal funding freezes for Minnesota in several programs including Medicaid, SNAP and other safety net services for seniors, children, home care workers and families. The Trump administration announced it would withhold $2 billion in funding for those programs, which the state had identified as being vulnerable to fraud.And a federal judge did not immediately grant a temporary halt to ICE's operation in Minnesota in a status conference this morning. The state wants a temporary restraining order on the ICE operation, saying the surge is causing undue cost and disruption to communities. Judge Katherine Menendez says there is no substantial case law basis to make an immediate decision.Those stories and more from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota's top federal fraud prosecutor has resigned along with other experienced attorneys at the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office. Through a spokesperson, First Assistant U.S. attorney for Minnesota Joe Thompson declined to discuss his decision to resign. But the move comes after top officials at DOJ pushed the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office to investigate the widow of Renee Macklin Good, who was killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross last week.The Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota has demanded the Department of Homeland Security release tribally enrolled citizens held by ICE, according to a statement released by the tribe. The tribe learned Tuesday the first names of the four men initially detained in Minneapolis. One has been released.

The lead federal prosecutor in the Feeding Our Future fraud case has resigned. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson is objecting to the Justice Department's response to the killing of Renee Macklin Good by an ICE agent last week. The White House announced today that President Donald Trump is ending Temporary Protected Status for Somalis.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. Cloud strip mall was the center of what one lawmaker called “chaos and aggression” Monday when dozens of ICE agents showed up. Some protesters were hit with pepper spray, and some community members threw snowballs at agents, according to local media reports.Federal immigration agents illegally broke into a man's home in north Minneapolis over the weekend in what attorneys say was a clear violation of the Constitution. As immigration enforcement ramps up across Minnesota, questions are growing about what to do if ICE agents approach you. Immigration attorneys say it's important for people to understand their rights during encounters with federal agents.Attorney Gloria Contreras Edin says if ICE stops you in a car or on the street, stay calm and don't resist. Contreras Edin also suggests U.S. citizens carry copies of their passports. She said those without passports are required to carry original copies of their documents, such as a legal permanent resident card.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson says immigration agents have arrested more than 2,000 people in Minnesota since its enforcement surge began last month. Tribal nations are encouraging citizens in the Twin Cities metro area to carry tribal IDs with them during a surge in ICE operations.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. 

Over the weekend, anti-ICE protests took place across the country in the wake of the killing of Renee Macklin Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. On Saturday, in Minneapolis, thousands demonstrated against ICE and in support of Macklin Good at Powderhorn Park. Dozens of people rallied in Minneapolis Sunday in a separate demonstration to show solidarity for protesters in Iran who are facing a violent government crackdown. For the past few weeks, Iran has been rocked by nationwide anti-government protests and a swift crackdown on demonstrations.Minnesotans are facing a lot of health care challenges, especially in rural parts of the state. Now, as state lawmakers prepare for the legislative session that starts next month, some of them are meeting with rural constituents to hear from them directly about their health care needs.A nonprofit charity inspired by a plucky chicken is helping homeowners in northern Minnesota rebuild from a devastating wildfire. Last May, the Camp House fire swept through the woods surrounding Mikala Schliep's home in Brimson. Firefighters saved her home. Her chicken coop was destroyed, but somehow, one hen named Reba survived.

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.