Podcasts about minnesota department

Bobbie Burnham, The Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Teaching and Learning, Bobbie oversees the divisions of Early Learning Services; Academic Standards, Instruction and Assessment; and Libraries and Out-of-School Time at the Minnesota Department of Education, talked with Vineeta about Test Scores and more on the WCCO Morning News.

Bobbie Burnham, The Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Teaching and Learning, Bobbie oversees the divisions of Early Learning Services; Academic Standards, Instruction and Assessment; and Libraries and Out-of-School Time at the Minnesota Department of Education, talked with Vineeta about Test Scores and more on the WCCO Morning News.

The worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is several years behind us, but many Minnesotans are still living with its consequences in the form of long COVID. Long COVID is a chronic condition that can last for weeks, months or even years after a COVID infection. A major symptom is extreme fatigue, and other symptoms can include everything from blood pressure changes and brain fog to joint pain and depression. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a doctor and a public health leader about long COVID and other other post-infection chronic conditions that doctors are only beginning to understand. Guests:  Dr. Tanya Melnik is an internal medicine doctor and director of the M Health Fairview Adult Post-COVID Clinic. She is also a clinical associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Kate Murray manages the Long COVID and Post-COVID Conditions program at the Minnesota Department of Health, one of the first public health initiatives focused on understanding the impacts of long COVID and related conditions and improving access to support. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

The Minnesota Department of Education has released the results of this year's Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments. Fewer than half of students statewide who were tested met math and reading standards. MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman joined Minnesota Now to explain. Then, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with MDE Assistant Commissioner Bobbie Burnham about the test results as well as changing literacy standards and curriculum in the state.

Minnesota Department of Human Services held listening sessions to hear from Minnesotans about their EIDBI services. What did people have to say? How did the state agency response? Sheletta finds out on the latest episode of her autism podcast. 

Presented by Bobbie Burnham, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Teaching and Learning, Minnesota Department of Education; Dr. Claudia Ladd, Literacy and Early Childhood Division Administrator, CLSD Language and Literacy Director, and Education Innovation Research Grant Director, Wyoming Department of Education; and Maya Valencia Goodall, Chief Impact Officer, CORE LearningThis edWeb podcast is sponsored by CORE Learning.The webinar recording can be accessed here.This third edWeb podcast of Structured Language & Literacy Week for Leaders gives district and state leaders a clear look at how literacy legislation becomes literacy practice. The panelists share how state leadership interprets policy and the decisions that shape how it moves forward across districts.Key topics covered include:From Legislation to Action: How state leaders interpret literacy policy and translate it into practiceLessons Learned: Course corrections made along the way, and what they would do differentlyConstraints and Directives: What state leaders wish districts understood about the pressures they navigateBuilding Coherence: How shared understanding between state and district leaders supports smoother implementationAccelerating Progress: What has worked well enough that other states could learn from it directly, rather than starting from the beginningBy the conclusion of the session, listeners are able to:Understand how legislation moves from policy into practice at the state levelIdentify constraints and directives that shape state-level decision makingApply lessons learned from other states to accelerate their own progressListeners walk away with a clearer picture of the state-level view, along with practical insight they can use to build coherence and accelerate their own progress. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 state leaders, district leaders, and policymakers.This edWeb podcast is part of Structured Language & Literacy Week for Leaders.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

A new set of changes to federal food assistance will take effect next week. County staff have implemented the work requirements and eligibility changes to SNAP that Congress passed in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” last year. On October 1st, they'll also take on more of the administrative costs of food aid. The federal government will provide a quarter of that funding, instead of half, a change the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families says will result in $32 million in cuts to counties. Counties are also preparing their budgets for October 2027, when they're expected to take on additional costs: a portion of the benefits people receive. Minnesota's Democratic U.S. Senators have pushed to delay the changes in the Farm Bill, a massive package of agricultural and food policy that passed out of committee last week. Scott County Social Services Director Barb Dahl is watching that debate and preparing for the cuts to federal SNAP funding. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini on Minnesota Now to talk about what the changes will mean for her county.

Send us Fan MailGrant Morgan, a former therapist in Minnesota's autism program, spoke with Liz Collin about what he calls "fraudulent autism centers,” including one operated by Nimco Ahmed — a “friend” of Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan.Morgan worked at both Spectrum Therapy Center and Milestone Development Center. According to state records, Ahmed is listed as the CEO of the Milestone Development Center.The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) confirmed it has open investigations into both centers. DHS said it cannot provide further details on open investigations. Both centers denied any wrongdoing in interviews with Alpha News. Morgan said he worked with "people completely unqualified to do the work."Support the show

On this week's episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we air the second of two special shows recorded live from Dan Patch Park on Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair. This conversation highlights Minnesota's commitment to Veterans, the dual mission of the Minnesota National Guard, progress at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), […] The post Military Appreciation Day Live: Guard and MDVA at the State Fair appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

After Sheletta got personalized plates for her 2013 Honda Odyssey, she found out about a really cool contest where Minnesotans can name their plate. She invited her friends from The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to join her on the latest episode of her podcast to find out more about it. Minnesota DNR announces state park license plate design contest : Jul 15, 2026 | News release | Minnesota DNR

This week, we are recorded live from Dan Patch Park at the Minnesota State Fair for the first of two special shows from Military Appreciation Day. This episode highlights Veteran benefits through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), the grand opening of the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum, community support from Every Third […] The post Military Appreciation Day Live from the Minnesota State Fair appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Community land trusts make it possible for land to be owned collectively while individuals own the homes and businesses on it. The model grew out of the civil rights movement, when Black farmers in the rural South used collective ownership to build economic independence despite barriers to credit and land access.Today, community land trusts help preserve affordable housing and commercial spaces while giving communities more control over their future. The Rondo Community Land Trust in St. Paul is one example. It is working to rebuild community wealth and preserve the legacy of the historic Black neighborhood displaced by Interstate 94.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about how community land trusts work, why collective ownership matters and what the model could offer communities across Minnesota.Guests:Mikeya Griffin is the president and CEO of Rondo Community Land Trust, a nonprofit that creates permanently affordable homes and commercial spaces that keep land, opportunity, and legacy rooted in community. She grew up in St. Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood and is the first African American woman to lead the 30-year-old organization.Debbie Montgomery is a community leader who grew up in the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul. She was the first Black woman police sergeant in St. Paul and the first Black woman elected to the St. Paul City Council. She also served as assistant commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. At age 17, she became the youngest person to serve on the national board of the NAACP, an organization that works towards equity, political rights and social inclusion of Black people and people of color.

Minnesota students may be exploring new questions in school this year about how to ask for mental health support and show up for friends who are struggling. Beginning this fall, the state requires Minnesota schools to provide mental health instruction for students, from fourth grade through senior year. The Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota's branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) have co-developed guidance to help schools implement the new requirement. NAMI Minnesota Executive Director Marcus Schmit joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about what the new approach to mental health education could look like.

The federal government plans to stop reporting on the race, gender and other demographics of workers across industries. But the Minnesota Department of Human Rights is asking it to keep tracking that data. I'll talk to the state's human rights commissioner. First responders in Burnsville are working with psychiatrists to learn how to respond to mental health crises. We'll learn about the new partnership.Minnesota students are going back to the classroom. And school leaders are now required to have cell phone policies. I'll talk to three high school principals about their approach. Plus, some students who stayed home during Operation Metro Surge never returned to their schools. An education reporter looked into the numbers.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “That Was The Moment” by LASALLE and our Song of the Day was “Puppers (Bandit's Song)” by Maximiano.

A decades-long effort to collect demographic workplace data may be coming to an end. In July, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission put forth a proposal to end federal workplace reporting requirements that have been in place since 1966. The current system tracks demographics like race, ethnicity and sex in an effort to prevent employment discrimination. Last week, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights along with several other civil rights agencies filed a joint comment opposing the end of the tracking. “Eliminating Equal Employment Opportunity reporting represents yet another significant step in dismantling our nation's civil rights enforcement framework,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.Commissioner Lucero joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk more about the concerns she has around this proposal.

A first-of-its-kind partnership is forming between law enforcement and psychiatrists. The Burnsville Police and Fire Department Behavioral Health Unit is now working with the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences to help better respond to mental health crises. Joining Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the new partnership is Burnsville Police Sgt. Max Yakovlev, who created the department's behavioral health unit and Dr. Sophia Albott, a psychiatrist and head of the Division of Adult Mental Health at the U of M.

When it began to thunder, Sheletta looked out of the kitchen window and noticed that her neighbor's kids were still playing in their backyard pool, she made them go in the house; then, she called her friends at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to join her on a podcast to figure out if kids should go indoors when thunder roars. Weather safety | Minnesota Department of Public Safety

The 38 people charged in connection with an anti-ICE protest at a St. Paul church say they have been singled out for selective or vindictive prosecution. A motion to dismiss filed Monday in federal court says the defendants, including journalists who covered the protest, are being prosecuted for protected speech. The motion says protesters who disrupted a service at an LGBTQ-friendly church in Orlando, Florida, last year did not face charges. It alleges the Florida protesters were not prosecuted because their political views aligned with President Donald Trump and his administration.The Democratic candidate running against Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer says Congress has been weakened under President Donald Trump. Election policy expert Doug Chapin is running against Emmer in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District. Emmer is part of Republican House leadership and has won his six previous races easily. Chapin says Emmer has allowed executive power to grow on his watch, but says the changing district and an anti-incumbent mood could work in his favor.A months-long strike in Chisago County is officially over after the county board approved contract agreements for striking workers. About 125 county workers had been on strike since May. That was about a third of the county's staff, including health and human services workers and other government center employees. The union says the three-year deal includes pay raises and better health care plans.Thousands of dead fish have washed up on the shores of Lake Mille Lacs in recent weeks. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it is common for some fish to die every summer, but hotter-than-normal weather has increased lake temperatures. That can be hard on cold-water fish such as tullibee, also known as cisco. Cisco populations are under pressure in some Minnesota lakes that are warming due to climate change.

A new coalition is working to vaccinate more Minnesotans. It's called "Immunize Minnesota," and it's working through advocacy, education and partnership statewide to achieve its mission.The coalition so far has ten organizations, including the Minnesota Department of Health and 30 individuals across the public health sphere. Joining Minnesota Now is co-chair of the steering committee, Munira Maalimisaq, who is a family nurse practitioner and CEO of the Inspire Change Clinic.

Henry McCabe was a 32-year-old corporate tax auditor for the Minnesota Department of Revenue whose mysterious 2015 disappearance and death became the subject of widespread true-crime speculation due to a chilling final voicemail. Born in Liberia, McCabe immigrated to the United States, earned dual degrees, and lived a quiet life with his wife and two daughters in Mounds View, Minnesota. This is what I picked up surrounding his case

Data modernization funding can sound abstract, but in Minnesota, it's producing tangible changes across the public health system. On today's PHIG Impact Report, Wendy Underwood, deputy commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health discusses how PHIG funding helped move cancer screening clinics from paper-based processes to digital systems, giving public health officials faster and more accurate access to critical information. She also explains how the funding is supporting employee development, modernizing Minnesota's laboratory information management system, and strengthening partnerships with local, tribal, and community health organizations. Underwood shares lessons from Minnesota's experience about using infrastructure investments to create improvements that can endure long after the funding ends.This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE⁠⁠⁠⁠22-2203⁠⁠⁠⁠: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.Public Health Infrastructure Grant: Resources & Impact - PHIG

https://www.outdoornews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Aug-8-long-show.mp3 Brad Parsons recently announced his retirement from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fisheries division effective this September, and he joins Rob Drieslein for a two-part interviewing recapping his career and analyzing the state of sportfishing in the state. Tim Lesmeister also joins Drieslein to make the case for his favorite new location app, What3words. The pair also discuss the status of sharp-tailed grouse in Minnesota and Wisconsin where seasons for the gamebird have been restricted, or even closed. The post Episode 604 – Retiring MN DNR fisheries chief Brad Parsons, “What3Words” app, sharp-tailed grouse appeared first on Outdoor News.

Minnesota's health department is investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to Chipotle and other quick-service Mexican restaurants. As of Wednesday morning, state health officials have identified 110 cases and they say jalapeños may be the source. Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist Dana Eikmeier joined MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon to share more about the situation.

Minnesota is recognizing veterans of the Secret War for the first time. During the Vietnam War, the CIA recruited tens of thousands of Hmong soldiers to carry out covert operations in Laos in support of U.S. efforts. Many later resettled in Minnesota, but they were not eligible for state veterans benefits.A new state law that took effect Aug. 1 changes that, allowing eligible Secret War veterans living in Minnesota to apply for state veterans benefits. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is holding its first benefits clinic to help veterans navigate the application process.MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with State Sen. Susan Pha, the DFL lawmaker who authored the legislation, about what the change means for Minnesota's Hmong veterans.

Sheletta may laugh and joke, but she doesn't play when it comes to scammers. That's why she invited her friends from Minnesota Department of Commerce on today's episode to talk about the fraudulent health insurance scams and how consumers can protect themselves or file a complaint if they've been victimized.   https://mn.gov/commerce/consumer/file-a-complaint/ consumer.protection@state.mn.us or call 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602

The U.S. Forest Service says wildfires have burned nearly 73,000 acres in the U.S. and Canada. The agency says about 1,000 personnel are working on the fires, which are about 60 percent contained. Officials say crews are monitoring the Chub Fire southwest of Crane Lake and the Camp Fire northeast of Ely. They're also watching for new fires that may have started from recent lightning strikes.Minnesota economic development officials say the tax that funds the state's paid family and medical leave program will stay flat for 2027. The Department of Employment and Economic Development says the existing 0.88 percent payroll tax should be enough to cover claims next year. The tax is split between workers and employers. The department says 75,000 people have used the program so far this year, with benefits costing about $600 million.The Minnesota Department of Health says a large multistate outbreak of gastrointestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite has not been linked to Minnesota. Health officials say Minnesota has reported 98 cases of cyclosporiasis since early May, which is in line with what the state typically sees during the summer. The department says it is not observing any concerning trends. There is currently no indication that contaminated items tied to the outbreak were distributed in Minnesota.A St. Paul iron foundry is shutting down after years of pressure from community members and regulators. Northern Iron, in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood, has faced fines from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency over excessive air pollution. Regulators took the foundry to court to try to revoke its permit. Northern Iron says uncertainty over whether it would be allowed to keep operating forced it to close, and foundry leaders say they plan to fully close the facility by the end of the year.

If you've attended or played in a softball or baseball game this summer, you likely share something in common with a lot of Minnesotans. The intense heat, coupled with the high humidity, has led to delays and sweltering conditions for fans, players, and umpires alike. That comes at the end of July 2026, which will go down as the warmest month in American history. There are plenty of church leagues and beer leagues around the state, but one group that meets in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul is a little different. They have team names like the Grand Slamphibians, Tree Huggers, and Straight A Sluggers. These aren't just your average Joes. These players are almost all state government workers. Many of those folks work directly on climate issues at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. So we ventured out to the Dunning Fields on the hottest evening of summer to talk to the experts while they were off the clock.

The Trump administration last week put a new freeze on Medicaid funding for Minnesota, citing concerns over fraud. The nearly $200 million in frozen payments follows previous funding pauses, for a total of nearly $550 million. While federal authorities insist they are protecting taxpayer money, Minnesota state officials argue that the move is punitive and harms vulnerable people who rely on Medicaid programs. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the head of the state's Medicaid programs about how the state department is responding to Medicaid fraud cases and the impact of funding freezes on providers and patients. If you suspect fraud in a program run by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, you can find information on how to report it on the DHS fraud reporting website. The Minnesota Department of Human services also has information on what people can do to find a new provider if their provider has been disenrolled from the Medicaid program. Guest: John Connolly is temporary commissioner and state Medicaid director for the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Before being appointed as interim head of the department in 2026, he was a deputy commissioner.

As wildfire smoke becomes a recurring threat across more of the United States, public health agencies are adapting their guidance to help communities prepare and respond. In this episode, Gabriela Goldfarb, Environmental Public Health section manager of the Oregon Health Authority and Kathy Raleigh, principal epidemiologist of the Minnesota Department of Health, explain the health risks associated with wildfire smoke, why the combination of smoke and extreme heat can be especially dangerous, and how states are using surveillance data, public education, and cross-state collaboration to protect residents. They also share practical advice on reducing exposure, improving indoor air quality, recognizing symptoms, and preparing for a future in which wildfire smoke is becoming an increasingly common public health challenge.Partnership as the Foundation for Advancing Adolescent Health in American Samoa | ASTHOStrengthening Long-Term Care Capacity in Island Jurisdictions Through Policy | ASTHO

On Tuesday evening, the Minnesota Department of Health will hold a hearing on the closure of a primary care clinic along the North Shore. The Aspirus Health Lake View Silver Bay Clinic is set to close at the end of the year, leaving Silver Bay residents to travel at least 30 miles for primary care. A nonprofit will be carrying a virtual option for the hearing for those who can not drive to Two Harbors, where the hearing is being held. The closure is part of a growing trend of shrinking access to healthcare in rural Minnesota.MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with two people studying rural healthcare access and potential solutions. David Beard is a professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth who is working with the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission on rural health transportation. Beverly Sidlo-Tolliver is the principal planner and mobility manager at the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission.

Layoffs have become a recurring headline this year, with companies in technology, finance, manufacturing and other industries announcing job cuts.But at the same time, unemployment remains relatively low, applications for unemployment benefits are near historic lows and Minnesota recently added jobs, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. So what's really happening in the job market? MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about what's driving recent layoffs, where job opportunities might be, and what it all says about the economy.Guests:Chris Farrell is a senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. Angelina Nguyen is the director of the Labor Market Information Office at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.Kyle O'Keefe is a district president at Robert Half, a recruiting and business consulting firm. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

Rain and shifting winds have largely cleared wildfire smoke out of the Upper Midwest — but officials say Minnesotans should be ready for a possible return of poor air quality. Nearly 800 firefighters from across the country are working to contain about 25 wildfires burning in or near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.State Highway 93 near Henderson is reopening to drivers starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday. This comes after three summers of construction by the Minnesota Department of Transportation to address chronic flooding that would shut it down for days.St. Paul police say three people were found fatally shot inside an apartment complex leasing office Monday afternoon. Authorities reported a person of interest was taken into custody late Monday night.

Danielle Hayden is Director of Early Education for the Minnesota Department of Education, joined Vineeta to discuss the new program on the WCCO Morning News.

More than 700 firefighters from across the country are working to contain wildfires burning in and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Storms Monday brought rain to the fire zone, but also lightning and gusty winds. Crews are working to assess and protect structures near two large fires northwest of Ely and are preparing the Echo Trail as a control line. Forest Service officials say crews quickly responded to three new lightning-caused fires reported Sunday.A U.S. District judge has dismissed the Trump administration's lawsuits against state and local governments over what the Justice Department describes as “sanctuary city policies.” The Trump administration argued policies prohibiting local authorities from enforcing federal immigration law are unconstitutional. Chief Judge Eric Tostrud dismissed claims against the state, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt and Attorney General Keith Ellison.The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is seeking public feedback on the social and economic impacts of large-scale dairies in the state. That follows the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's decision not to require an environmental impact statement for a proposed dairy expansion near Morris. The expansion would make it the state's largest dairy. The Department of Agriculture will host two online public meetings Tuesday, July 28, and will accept online comments through Oct. 1.A St. Paul iron foundry is due in court Tuesday as state regulators try to revoke its permit over pollution concerns. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says Northern Iron removed some pollution control equipment in 2023, violating its permit. The agency says that could have led to more pollution in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. Foundry leaders say a shutdown is unnecessary and that the foundry is not violating its permit.

Smoke from wildfires burning in northern Minnesota and Canada has drifted into other parts of Minnesota this week and triggered air quality alerts for much of the state.MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks about how air quality is monitored and forecast and the health risks of breathing wildfire smoke.Guests:Kathy Raleigh is an epidemiologist who works in the environmental health division of the Minnesota Department of Health.Matt Taraldsen is a meteorologist and supervisor of the team that issues air quality conditions, alerts and forecasts at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Resources discussed during the show:Air quality forecasts: Air quality forecast | Minnesota Pollution Control AgencyCurrent air quality conditionsAirNow.gov allows you to check current air quality conditions. You can also download the AirNow mobile app and sign up to receive air quality alerts and forecasts via email.Current air quality conditions | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (state.mn.us)Purple AirMinnesota Outdoor Air Quality Guidance for Schools and Child CareThe MPCA's Air quality and health webpage has information about health and indoor and outdoor air quality and how to prevent air pollution.The Minnesota Department of Health has an Air Quality, Climate and Health webpage.The Minnesota Department of Health wildfire smoke webpage highlights ways you can protect your health against wildfire smoke.How to make your own air cleaner: DIY Air Cleaner to Reduce Wildfire Smoke IndoorsHow to protect pets8 tips on keeping pets cool during the dangerous heat wave across Minnesota this week | MPR NewsWildfire smoke and animals | American Veterinary Medical AssociationSubscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

As heat waves are hitting the Upper Midwest for the next few days, Xcel Energy says its crews and operation teams are prepared. Xcel says they have more crews on standby and the company also pushed people to sign up for alerts and report outages.The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote this week on whether to approve a reconstruction project on Lyndale Avenue South. Project officials with Hennepin County say the street is due for improvements. But some business owners are seeking a delay. They say they're worried about losing customers as some businesses on nearby Hennepin Avenue continue to struggle after recent road work there.The Minnesota Department of Commerce has advice for homeowners affected by the recent rash of weather events around the state. The agency recommends homeowners document all damages and should not repair anything until talking to their insurance provider first.Enrollment in the state's MNsure health insurance plans plunged 12 percent already this year in the wake of rising health insurance costs.

As heat waves are hitting the Upper Midwest for the next few days, Xcel Energy says its crews and operation teams are prepared. Xcel says they have more crews on standby and the company also pushed people to sign up for alerts and report outages.The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote this week on whether to approve a reconstruction project on Lyndale Avenue South. Project officials with Hennepin County say the street is due for improvements. But some business owners are seeking a delay. They say they're worried about losing customers as some businesses on nearby Hennepin Avenue continue to struggle after recent road work there.The Minnesota Department of Commerce has advice for homeowners affected by the recent rash of weather events around the state. The agency recommends homeowners document all damages and should not repair anything until talking to their insurance provider first.Enrollment in the state's MNsure health insurance plans plunged 12 percent already this year in the wake of rising health insurance costs.

Summer is heating up and temperatures over the next few days are expected to climb into the 90s in many parts of Minnesota.For many of us, that means finding ways to stay cool and maybe spending more time indoors. But public health experts say extreme heat is more than an inconvenience. It's the deadliest weather hazard in the United States — and a growing concern in Minnesota.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about what can we do to protect ourselves, our families and our communities during stretches of extreme heat.Guests:Ben Cathey is the chief meteorologist for MPR News. He leads MPR's weather coverage including Climate Cast and the Updraft weather blog and helps Minnesotans understand everything from daily forecasts to long-term climate trends and extreme weather.Kristin Raab is the director of the Climate & Health program at the Minnesota Department of Health. Here's a link to the Minnesota Department of Health's resources for extreme heat.

On this week's episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we dive into critical topics for Veterans and their families: protecting against frauds and scams, maximizing education benefits through the Minnesota GI Bill, and transitioning military skills into rewarding public service careers with the Minnesota State Patrol. Guests: Kindahl Larsen – Chief Compliance Officer, Minnesota Department of […] The post Veteran Scams Awareness, GI Bill Benefits, and Law Enforcement Careers appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Sheletta's best buddy Jim Platten just pulled his Harley out for the summer and that always makes her anxious. She's nervous about bikers being on the road and wanted to find out if there's anything she can do, as a driver, to keep her friend Jim and other riders safe. So she asked the folks from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to join her on the podcast to motorcycle safety.   https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/safe-driving-information-and-laws/mn-motorcycle-safety-center/motorcycle-training-courses

When 17-year-old Jeremy Jourdain left on Halloween night in 2016, his family expected to see him again soon, but 10 years later the people of Bemidji, Minnesota are still looking for him AND the truth.Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/findwormHave information? Please contact the Bemidji Police department at 218-333-9111.  If you need to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers of Minnesota at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).Thank you to Dateline, Red Lake Nation News, The Doe Network, The Charley Project, NCMEC, NamUs, CBS Minnesota, Lakeland PBS, Valley News Live, The Bemidji Pioneer, KAXE, The Star Tribune, KSTP News, Shakopee Valley News, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and MMIR Office, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, MPR News, and Danelle Hallan for information contributing to today's case.This episode was written by Kira McQueen, edited by John Lordan, and produced by LordanArts.Do you have any comments, or a case you'd like to suggest? You'll find a comment form and case submission link at LordanArts.com.This is not intended to act as a means of proving or disproving anything related to the investigation.  It is a conversation about the current known facts and theories being discussed.  Everyone directly or indirectly referred to is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.LordanArts 2026

The U.S. has decided not to renew a key trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. The decision plunges Minnesota's agriculture industry into uncertainty. Lawmakers grilled the Minnesota Department of Human Services' leader Wednesday about the agency's process for revalidating Medicaid providers. Oral arguments are set Thursday morning in three lawsuits challenging Minnesota's ban on prediction markets. In May, Minnesota became the first state to outlaw prediction markets, which allow users to bet on everything from sports to current events. Supporters of the ban say the markets are unregulated gambling platforms.

Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or hoping to book a flight, travel costs can add up quickly. But there are ways to spend less without giving up the experiences that make a trip memorable.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about searching for airfare deals, ideas for destinations closer to home and finding more value when you travel.Guests:Kyle Potter is the editor of the travel website Thrifty Traveler.Sara Joy Berhow is the public relations supervisor for the Parks and Trails Division of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

Hundreds of people attended an open house hosted by Google Wednesday in Hermantown, just outside Duluth. The company wants to spend up to $2 billion to build a large data center there. The proposal has faced strong opposition from residents, and at least two lawsuits have been filed to block it. The project still needs additional city and state approvals.The Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to approve a pair of ordinance changes that would allow the city to legalize bathhouses. Adult bathhouses were historically frequented by gay men in the 1970s and '80s. They were banned in Minneapolis in 1988 during the AIDS epidemic. The changes allow the city to start the process toward permitting bathhouses and other sex venues in the future.A state lawmaker will be arraigned Friday on DWI charges stemming from a traffic stop earlier this year. State Rep. Elliott Engen of White Bear Lake was pulled over in March for speeding. According to the criminal complaint, police say Engen had a headlight out, expired registration and a blood alcohol concentration of .13. Engen had been running for state auditor, but ended his campaign.Minnesota exports fell eight percent in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2025. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says a decline in sales of mineral fuel and oil to Canada is driving the loss, along with uncertainty tied to federal actions. Excluding mineral fuel and oil exports to Canada, Minnesota exports grew slightly from a year ago.Parts of Minnesota could see triple-digit highs early next week, as a potentially dangerous heat wave moves into the region. MPR meteorologist Sven Sundgaard says temperatures and humidity will start climbing this weekend. Monday could bring highs in the upper 90s, with heat indices above 105. The heat could linger through next week, with highs near 90 continuing into the Fourth of July weekend.

Many people use banks or credit unions to manage their money. But soon, these same institutions could help some people manage their cryptocurrency. A new law taking effect Aug. 1, 2026, in Minnesota lays out the rules for financial institutions wanting to become so-called “crypto custodians.”Advocates for the legislation say it's an important step in ensuring local banks and credit unions stay competitive against national crypto companies. Minnesota Department of Commerce Deputy Commissioner Michael Crow spoke to MPR News host Nina Moini about the new regulations and what it could mean for the state's economy.

A provider trade group is alleging that the Minnesota Department of Human Services is intentionally dismantling a social services program. Democrats see an opportunity to regain ground in rural parts of Minnesota this election year as farmers cope with high oil prices and input costs. A northern Minnesota utility broke ground on a nearly billion-dollar transmission line project. It's part of a broader effort to modernize the state's electric grid.The Justice Department is asking a federal court in Minnesota for two more weeks to return the car seized after Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis in January.

A new progress report finds the Minneapolis Police Department is falling behind on court-enforced reforms. It's the fourth report over two years from the independent evaluator, Effective Law Enforcement for All. Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero helped create the court agreement and walked MPR News host through it.

Minnesota's student population has grown significantly more diverse over the past few decades. Today, nearly 40 percent of the state's K-12 students identify as students of color.But, according to the Minnesota Department of Education, just 7 percent of the state's teachers identify as teachers of color. The gap is even wider for Black educators. While Black students make up about 12 percent of Minnesota's student population, Black teachers account for just 1.4 percent of the state's teaching workforce. And Black men make up only 0.5 percent of all K-12 teachers in the state.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with leaders of Black Men Teach, a Twin Cities organization that's working to recruit, prepare and support Black male elementary school teachers in Minnesota.Guests: Markus Flynn is the CEO of Black Men Teach, a nonprofit committed to increasing the number of Black male elementary school educators in the Twin Cities. He used to teach fifth and sixth grade science at Prodeo Academy in Minneapolis. Devon Minke teaches third grade at North Park School for Innovation in Columbia Heights. Keondre Lewis teaches second grade at North Park School for Innovation in Columbia Heights.

Summer in Minnesota means more time outdoors — and more encounters with ticks and mosquitoes.While most bites are little more than an annoyance, these tiny pests can carry diseases that pose serious health risks. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two experts about the risks posed by ticks and mosquitoes, and what Minnesotans can do to protect themselves, their families, and their pets while enjoying the outdoors this summer.Guests:Elizabeth Schiffman is the epidemiologist supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Health. She oversees disease surveillance activities for mosquito- and tick-borne diseases across Minnesota. Caleb Corona is a research entomologist and vector control scientist for the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

Summer job season is here and many teens and young adults are looking for a chance to earn money, gain experience and build skills.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the state of the summer job market for young workers in Minnesota. They'll discuss where opportunities exist, what employers are looking for and how job seekers can stand out in a competitive hiring environment.Guests:Mark Brinda is the Workforce Development Manager for the City of Minneapolis. Oriane Casale is the assistant director of the Labor Market Information Office for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.Chris Farrell is a senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace.During the show, the guests shared this job search resource: ​Jobs in Minnesota | Career Resources | CareerForce.MN.gov