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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
President Donald Trump's executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's board of directors to "cease federal funding for NPR and PBS" has local stations trying to figure out how the move will affect them.Rochester law enforcement says it's investigating a video of a local woman calling a child a racial slur. The video surfaced on social media earlier this week.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The Minnesota Senate approved a provision today to boost penalties for drivers who bypass extended school bus arms.Minneapolis police announced an arrest related to a series of shootings in Minneapolis that left five people dead in less than 24 hours.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Changes have been made to a new state remote work policy that begins in a little more than a month. And Minneapolis police say three people are dead and two others injured -- one critically -- following a shooting overnight in the city's Phillips neighborhood.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig is running for a U.S. Senate seat that will be open in the 2026 election.And President Donald Trump signed a new executive order yesterday to identify and cut funding for sanctuary cities, or places that don't fully comply with federal immigration policy.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
A bill that would place stricter rules on those with multiple DWIs is moving to floor votes in both the House and Senate.Lawmakers got their first chance today to ask Minnesota's attorney general about a 2021 meeting he had with business owners tied to the Feeding our Future nutrition scandal. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota senators are considering a change that would force landlords to wait to evict tenants if the federal government suspends housing vouchers. A Minnesotan will be among a congressional delegation visiting the Vatican City this weekend for the funeral of Pope Francis.And state regulators are giving a St. Paul iron foundry a final notice to submit information on its operations... or lose its air quality permit. Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota Democrats are pushing again for new taxes to offset possible federal spending cuts despite Republican opposition. The University of Minnesota announced a new project today that could set up its own system for vaccine evaluation and clinical guidelines — separate from federal agencies.Those stories and more from today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The state of Minnesota is suing the Trump's administration over threats to withhold federal funding because the state has not complied with executive orders regarding transgender people. Maplewood-based 3M said today it's taking steps to mitigate what it estimates could be an $850 million annual impact on the company from tariffs.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
This morning's mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul started with a moment of silence for Pope Francis, who passed away earlier today.St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter says the city is making progress on its goal to bring 20,000 new residents to downtown.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
For the fifth year in a row, more than half of Minnesota's electricity came from carbon-free sources, according to a new clean energy report. The Minnesota Department of Health has updated its advice on how much fish is safe to eat from certain lakes with so-called "forever chemicals."Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
An international student at the University of Minnesota has sued the Department of Homeland security. And St. Paul-based Ecolab says it's imposing a 5 percent trade surcharge on its products and services sold in the U.S. The company says it's making the move to mitigate rising raw material costs as a result of Trump administration tariffs. Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
A man was arrested yesterday after allegedly threatening violence against the United Healthcare corporate campus in Minnetonka.And an oil pipeline that ruptured a week ago in North Dakota is returning to service.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnetonka police say a person is in custody and there's no ongoing threat to the public, following a large police response to the United Healthcare corporate campus today.Starting tonight, the Minneapolis Police Department is encrypting its radio communications, making them inaccessible to scanner listeners. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota soybean growers are closely watching the Trump administration's approach to trade policy.Minnesota Senate Republicans have filed an ethics complaint against Senate President Bobby Joe Champion over a possible conflict of interest.And crews working to clean up oil from a ruptured pipeline in North Dakota have recovered about a fifth of the estimated nearly 150,000 gallons that spilled.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Nearly 200 Minnesota Association of Professional Employees rallied outside a state office building on the grounds of the State Capitol to protest Trump administration cuts to public health. Most of the participants work for the Minnesota Department of Health, which is cutting 170 jobs due to federal budget cuts. And Gov. Tim Walz visited Philips Image Guided Therapy today, a medical manufacturing facility in Plymouth. The company is planning an expansion, backed by $3.5 million in state funding.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
There are conflicting assessments of what the shutdown of the Keystone oil pipeline will mean for fuel prices in the Midwest. And a key Jewish advocacy organization says it's pleased with the approach the president of the University of Minnesota is taking to address antisemitism on campus.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Gov. Tim Walz has set a date for a special election to fill an open Senate seat in northern Minnesota, and candidates can start filing for office tomorrow. The 6th District Senate seat came open last week after Justin Eichorn resigned. Eichorn is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.That story and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Garty Meister.
Federal prosecutors have accused former Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn of trying to obstruct their investigation related to charges of soliciting a minor. And the Democratic-controlled Minnesota Senate is staged to vote on a resolution condemning President Donald Trump's pardons of those found guilty of crimes on January 6, 2021.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Bloomington police officials today announced they arrested 14 men during the sting operation that nabbed a state senator earlier this week. The men are accused of trying to solicit sex from minors.And DFL Governor Tim Walz released his revised state budget proposal today. It includes more cuts in spending.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Former State Senator Justin Eichorn made his first appearance in court since being arrested Monday for attempting to solicit a minor. And Cleveland-Cliffs says it plans to lay off about 600 workers at two taconite mines on the Iron Range. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
A federal jury today convicted Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock and former restaurant owner Salim Said of wire fraud and bribery, and a Minnesota senator faces federal felony charges for attempting to solicit a minor. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Top legislative Republicans want a state senator to resign after an arrest on an alleged attempt to solicit a minor, and Minnesota law enforcement officials are hoping to get new drug screening kits to officers on the roads as drug-impaired driving reports rise.Those stories and more in today's evening news update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music from Gary Meister.
People who commit Medicaid fraud would face stiffer penalties under a bill introduced in the Minnesota Legislature, and rural communities will have a chance to voice their concerns about the state of their government at a series of town halls sponsored by the Minnesota Farmers Union.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The University of Minnesota Board of Regents today voted to prohibit its colleges, centers and other academic units from making statements on "matters of public concern or public interest,” and the U of M is among more than 50 universities across the U.S. that are being investigated for alleged racial discrimination.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, along with 20 other attorneys general across the country, is suing to stop the dismantling of the federal Department of Education, and Nicole Mitchell spoke in her own defense today at a Minnesota Senate Ethics Committee hearing.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The Minnesota DNR says a recent state law is helping hold people accountable for littering on frozen lakes, and crews are tearing down a Minneapolis iron foundry, which closed last year after federal regulators found it in violation of pollution laws.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
President Donald Trump's plan to apply 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican exports is set to begin tomorrow, and a bill that would postpone the launch of Minnesota's paid family and medical leave program is advancing.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
An infectious disease expert says it's concerning that federal officials canceled a Food and Drug Administration advisory committee meeting scheduled for next month to select the strains to be included in next season's flu shot.And PRISM, a Golden Valley-based food shelf, needs to come up with an additional $30,000 that was originally promised by the USDA to buy food from local farmers and other sources. Otherwise, it'll have to pull the money from its reserves.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The Minneapolis City Council this morning overrode Mayor Jacob Frey's veto of a plan to pursue a pedestrian-only plaza at George Floyd Square, and Red Wing Public Schools canceled a Black History Month event where Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison was scheduled to speak.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Gov. Tim Walz says he's staying out of Minnesota's U.S. Senate race, and the city of Minneapolis is moving ahead on plans to redevelop the site where a Kmart store has blocked Nicollet Avenue for nearly 50 years.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Rideshare drivers in Minnesota would be able to unionize under a bill state lawmakers plan to introduce, and warm temperatures and a dwindling snowpack have forced organizers of this year's John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in northeast Minnesota to move the starting location.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Two passengers have filed separate federal lawsuits following last week's Minneapolis-to-Toronto Delta crash. Twin Cities resident Hannah Krebs, filed one of the suits while the other was filed by a Texas man. Krebs' lawsuit claims the crash was caused by the flight crew's "gross negligence and recklessness."And, after more than 15 years, change may be coming for the Northstar Commuter Rail between the Twin Cities and Big Lake. MnDOT and the Met Council Monday said they've started to study replacing that train service with buses, as a potentially more cost-effective option.These stories and more on the MPR News afternoon update, hosted by Emily Reese. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
A nonprofit says the Trump Administration has frozen funds for a more than $2.5 million project to improve the Mississippi River corridor in parts of Minnesota, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vetoed the city council's plans for George Floyd Square.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The Minneapolis public school district met this week to discuss strategies to close its $75 million budget shortfall, and Delta Air Lines says all but one of the passengers injured when a flight from Minneapolis crashed while landing in Toronto on Monday has been released from the hospital.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Starting today anyone who wants to grow or sell retail recreational marijuana can submit an application with the state of Minnesota, officials are investigating the wreckage of the plane that crashed in Toronto yesterday, and flags are at half-staff in Burnsville today in honor of three first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Democratic U.S. Senator Tina Smith says she will not seek another term when the seat is up in 2026. And Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan says she intends to run for the seat Smith will vacate in the U.S. Senate. Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
A man who spent nearly 20 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of murder is suing the city of Minneapolis. And Fairview Health Services says it is not interested in a merger with the University of Minnesota and Essentia Health.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The Becker County attorney today added a second burglary charge against Woodbury state senator Nicole Mitchell linked to an alleged attempt to remove items from her stepmother's house in Detroit Lakes last year. And jurors heard opening statements today in the trial of Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock and one of her co-defendants. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The Minnesota House has relaunched with a power-sharing deal. At the same time as Minnesota House leaders were unveiling that deal to get the chamber running again, Minnesota Supreme Court justices were hearing arguments in a lawsuit over problems that arose during the three-plus week standoff.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
$25 million in outside spending flowed into races for the Minnesota Legislature in 2024. Groups that operate independently from candidates funneled $25.3 million into races for 134 House seats and one Senate seat, according to an MPR News analysis of campaign reports. And Republican Congressman Pete Stauber has reintroduced legislation that could pave the way for copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota Farm Bureau president Dan Glessing says many people in the state's agriculture industry are relieved that President Donald Trump has paused his plan to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Those tariffs -- and any retaliatory trade measures -- could have had a major effect on Minnesota farmers.And the University of Minnesota is among five colleges under federal investigation for reports of widespread antisemitism.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.