Podcasts about mpr news

Her friends thought it was a storybook marriage, but the public thinks her husband is responsible for her death.  With new info released in June of 2026 I ask again.. will justice ever be served for Anne Barber Dunlap?If you have information that can help, please call 612-673-2941.Thank you to CrookstonTimes.com, WCCO Channel 4, Minnesota CBS Local, MPR News, and especially the investigative team at KARE 11 for the unsealed records and information contributing to today's story. Original episode “BRAINSCRATCH Opening the Trunk” available HERE.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

America's college campuses are entering a period of major change. The pool of traditional college-age students is shrinking, and many young people are rethinking whether college is worth the cost.MPR News guest host Kerri Miller and her guests talk about why colleges are expecting fewer students, how public and private institutions are preparing, and what's influencing whether — and where — young people decide to pursue higher education.Guests:Nathan Grawe is a professor of economics at Carleton College and is one of the country's leading experts on the college enrollment cliff. He is also the author of “Demographics and the Demand for Higher Education," and “The Agile College,” which helped bring national attention to the coming decline of college-age students. Suzanne Rivera is the president of Macalester College in St. Paul. She has been the president since June of 2020. 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 wildfires burning in the northern regions of the state are incredibly destructive, but experts say they're a natural and important part of Minnesota's ecosystem. They say the focus shouldn't be on eliminating wildfires but instead on preventing them from turning catastrophic.And air quality readings are breaking state record after state record, due to the wildfire smoke. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

Wildfires have burned thousands of acres across northern Minnesota, sending smoke into communities around the state and prompting air quality alerts. Live updates Get the latest information on wildfires in Minnesota MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks with meteorologists about the combination of heat, rainfall, humidity, wind and drought that can increase wildfire risk. They'll also discuss what this summer's weather patterns can tell us about the weeks ahead, how smoke travels hundreds of miles from fires and how a changing climate is influencing fire seasons in Minnesota.Guests:Ben Cathey is the chief meteorologist for MPR News.Sven Sundgaard is a meteorologist for MPR News.Mandy Thalhuber is a meteorologist for MPR News.Jeff Masters is a meteorologist who writes about extreme weather for Yale Climate Connections, a news service that focuses on climate change. He is a former hurricane hunter and the co-founder of the commercial weather service, Weather Underground. 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.    

Permits for entry into the Boundary Waters are canceled through Sunday as fires in the area continue to grow. The U.S. Forest Service told outfitters permit holders will automatically get refunds.If conditions continue to worsen, Tribal nations in northern Minnesota are preparing for evacuation.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

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.    

Many Minnesotans woke up to a smoky sky Thursday morning with much of the state blanketed under unhealthy levels of wildfire smoke. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has categorized most of the state's air quality as hazardous and unhealthy. To cope, some people are wearing N-95 masks or breaking out air filters to circulate fresh air. But is that enough? Should we avoid going outside? And how much smoke is too much for the body? For more on the best ways to handle the smoke, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with Dr. Dylan Wyatt, chair and medical director of the emergency department at Aspirus St. Luke's in Duluth.

Wildfire smoke is nearly inescapable across most of Minnesota today. Fires burning on the northern edge of the state and in Canada have filled the air with particles, not only down to the Twin Cities, but as far as Detroit and Toronto. Northern Minnesota has broken previous records for poor air quality by a long shot. MPR News host Clay Masters joined Minnesota Now from Ely. The town is a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which paddlers have been evacuating due to the fires. MPR News reporter Dan Kraker spoke to outfitters about the impact on the local outdoor industry. And Chief Meteorologist Ben Cathey shared the latest on fire and air quality conditions as well as possible rain in the forecast.

If you think an orchestra only plays Beethoven and Brahms, think again. The Minnesota Orchestra's festival called "Summer at Orchestra Hall" opens Thursday night with a lineup that stretches far beyond the classical canon — from Grammy winning bluegrass musician Chris Thile to jazz singer John Holiday to movie scores from Star Wars and E.T. Grant Meachum is the orchestra's director of productions and engagement and joined MPR News host Nina Moini with details on the festival.

A new coalition has launched to bring together members of the African diaspora in Minnesota. The Pan-African Leadership Coalition will work to address challenges that affect Pan-African communities.For more on the effort, MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with the group's president and chair, Habon Abdulle, who is also the founder of the nonprofit Ayada Leads.

State and federal officials say the wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area will likely continue to burn for weeks if not months.And smoke from the fires will continue to create poor air quality for the state.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks with a forest ecologist about what's behind the fires burning in and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, why they're so difficult to contain and what we can do to reduce wildfire risk. Listen Poor air quality: What causes it and how to protect your health Guest:Lee Frelich is the director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Forest Ecology.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.  

One of St. Paul's longest-running community celebrations returns Saturday. Rondo Days began in the 1980s as a way to celebrate the historic Rondo neighborhood, honor the families who built it and preserve the community's history after residents were displaced by the construction of Interstate 94.Saturday's celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center in St. Paul will feature live music, local food, art and sports. Merina Neal and Gayle Smaller, organizers of the event, spoke with MPR News host Nina Moini about why the day means so much to them.

Gov. Tim Walz is extending the peacetime emergency for wildfires in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for 30 more days. The extension allows the state to continue assisting communities impacted by wildfires in northern Minnesota.As many as 17 fires continue burning in the region. Paddlers have been evacuating, some in dramatic fashion from their campsites in the one million acre wilderness.Covering it all is MPR's Dan Kraker. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about it along with Ryan Kari, owner of Ely Outdoors Company, who talked about the strain of the fires on his business.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.We attempt to make transcripts for Minnesota Now available the next business day after a broadcast. When ready they will appear here.

You may have heard of a drug court, a route through the criminal justice system focused on treatment for substance use disorder. A county just south of the Twin Cities recently opened a similar pathway for people with serious mental illness. Rice County's mental health court joins five other courts like it around the state. Community corrections manager Angela Brewer is a leader of the effort. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about it.

A group of Minnesotans with ties to Venezuela is working to send aid to people facing an ongoing humanitarian emergency. It's been three weeks since back-to-back earthquakes struck the country's northern coast. At least 4,500 people have died, and thousands more are missing. Many others lost their homes and are staying at displacement sites, where illness is widespread.To help with relief and rebuilding efforts in her home country, Chef Soleil Ramirez is hosting a sold-out fundraiser Wednesday evening at her St. Paul restaurant, Crasqui. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the event, "Taste of Hope: Venezuela."

Crews continue to battle wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.The end of the Gunflint Trail was moved from “Ready” to “Set” evacuation status today. The next step — if the fire continues to spread — would be a “Go” evacuation order.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Many Americans give up on studying another language after finishing a high school or college foreign language requirement. But some adults are diving into learning a new language to connect with their heritage, communicate with neighbors or co-workers, as a door to travel and culture, or just to give themselves a mental challenge. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about the joys and challenges of learning a new language as an adult. Guests: Amanda Dalola is an associate professor of linguistics and director of the Language Center in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota. She studies how people learn languages. She trained in Romance linguistics, speaks several Scandinavian languages and is currently learning Finnish, Norwegian and Korean. Julian Nye has been learning Spanish for the past three years through language apps, conversation groups and St. Paul Public Schools Community Education classes. He works in human resources for a Twin Cities nonprofit organization.

The U.S. Forest Service has closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for at least the rest of this week, authorities have issued evacuation orders for the BWCA and some nearby areas, and MPR News is hearing reports about some dramatic rescues of paddlers and campers.MPR News reporter Dan Kraker joined Minnesota Now from Ely, where he spoke to officials leading the firefighting and rescue efforts and to people affected by the fires.

Federal authorities have handed over evidence to state investigators in the January killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and the shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis.And months of planning for a Boundary Waters canoe trip came to an abrupt end for one Minnesota family after wildfires forced the U.S. Forest Service to close the area and cancel all entry permits this week.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Todd Melby. Music by Gary Meister.

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.

Temperatures are going to be climbing across Minnesota through the weekend -- as another heat wave takes aim at the region.The Superior National Forest has closed access to a large section of the Boundary Waters because of several active wildfires and dangerously hot and dry conditions.The Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded 11 programs across the state grants to make child care more affordable.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Have you thought about what will happen to your home, your savings or your treasured family keepsakes after you die? If you're leaving it to your loved ones to just figure out, you might be leaving them costly and stressful problems. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about why estate planning isn't just for the wealthy, and what simple steps you can take now to reduce expenses and family conflict when you're gone.

This week marks six months since an ICE officer shot and killed Minneapolis resident Renee Good. The shooting shoved the Twin Cities' response to the ICE surge into the international spotlight. Half a year later, the residents of the Central and Powderhorn neighborhoods in south Minneapolis are still processing the events of the shooting and everything that followed it. A group of artists has invited residents of the area to express grief by constructing what they're calling "street altars" to be placed on street corners around the city. One of the organizers, Conor Cusack, spoke to MPR News producer Ellen Finn as community members in Powderhorn Park.

The city of St. Paul plans to clear a homeless encampment at Pigs Eye Park along the Mississippi River on August 5. Until then, city and county staff will regularly visit the site to try to help the people living there find shelter, according to an announcement the city released Wednesday. The city plans to clear at least two other encampments using what they are calling a “coordinated transition process.” For details on these plans, MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her on Minnesota Now.

Medical doctors don't always train in the states where they end up working. And for OB-GYNs in particular, that can mean navigating conflicting state laws around which procedures are allowed. Democrat U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison is an OB-GYN who represents Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District. She has introduced a bill that would provide funding to help medical residents in states with strict abortion bans travel for some of their training. For more on the proposal, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with Dr. Erin Stevens, legislative chair of Minnesota's section of the American College of OB-GYNs, or ACOG.

The City of St. Paul announced it will clear a homeless encampment in Pigs Eye Park next month. Mayor Kaohly Her joined MPR News to talk about the camp's conditions, where people living there will go and the state of homelessness in the city.A Minnesota Congresswoman says medical students in states with strict abortion laws are missing out on important training. A doctor weighed in on her proposed bill to help them travel. Plus, the list of new Minnesota State Fair foods dropped today! We met one vendor that might already be familiar to some Twin Cities listeners.And we learned about the one-of-a-kind, sustainable clothing that local textile artists are selling this weekend. They're calling it "slow fashion."Our Minnesota Music Minute was “by my side” by SoulFlower, and our Song of the Day was "The Authority Song” by John Mellencamp.

Minnesota Somali community leaders are denouncing President Donald Trump for posting a clip of Somali kindergartners at a St. Paul graduation on Truth Social.The Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office is again asking a judge for more time to respond to a demand from Renee Good's widow for the return of her vehicle. Cleanup continues north of Detroit Lake following Monday night's tornado that caused major damage to buildings and trees.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Kimchi. Kombucha. Yogurt. Sauerkraut. Fermented foods have been part of the human diet for thousands of years but researchers are still trying to understand their potential health benefits.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two researchers about the connection between fermented foods and our health.Guests:Andres Gomez is an associate professor of animal science and food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota.Kylene Guse is a researcher and founder of the Living Food Initiative where she explores the connection between food, microbes, ecology and culture. She was also co-owner of the now-closed GYST Fermentation Bar in Minneapolis.

Somali American and Muslim community members in Minnesota are raising concerns about safety and Islamophobia after President Donald Trump posted a video showing children at a St. Paul kindergarten graduation ceremony. It included several young girls wearing hijabs. And its caption was from an account called “End Wokeness.” It said, “Public school in St. Paul, Minnesota. Every girl is in a hijab… in kindergarten.” Somali community leaders gathered for a press conference to condemn the post. Imam Yusuf Abdulle, executive director of the Islamic Association of North America, joined MPR News guest host Catharine Richert to talk about the press conference and the impact the President's rhetoric has on the Somali community.

The Fourth of July may be over, but summer is just getting started. And for emergency rooms, this is one of the busiest times of the year. From fireworks injuries to boating accidents to dehydration to bike crashes, the heat brings emergency physicians a predictable wave of injuries that are often preventable. Dr. Jim Miner, chair of emergency medicine at the University of Minnesota, joined MPR News guest host Catharine Richert to talk about ways to stay safe this summer.

In southern Minnesota, along the Des Moines River, is the small town of Jackson. Soon, the town will come alive with the Rhythm of the River Music Festival. And this year is more than a musical celebration, it's the festival's 20th anniversary.Rhythm of the River Music Festival founder and organizer, Kathy Fransen, joined MPR News guest host Catharine Richert to talk about the micro-festival.

The value of commercial spaces, like office buildings, are shrinking in the Twin Cities. That became apparent last week, when the city of Richfield shared that Best Buy's headquarters building dropped nearly 50 percent in value in its most recent assessment. But how was that office building's value decided? And how does it affect your tax bill? Josh Hoogland, assessor for Hennepin County, and Laura Russ, executive director for the Shenehon Center for Real Estate at the University of St. Thomas, joined MPR News guest host Catharine Richert to talk about commercial spaces and the impact their value has on cities.

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

Several people were injured Monday night when a tornado touched down and caused significant damage north of Detroit Lakes. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado based on weather spotter sightings.Nearly 75,000 people got approval to take paid family and medical leave under the state's program in the first six months since it got off the ground.The Elk River City Council Monday night voted down changes to a city ordinance that would have allowed a new data centerThose stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Our friendships are some of the most important relationships we have. Friends are the people we celebrate with, lean on during difficult times, and turn to when we need advice or simply someone to listen. But for many people, friendship doesn't come easily. Maybe you've moved to a new city, started a new job or are juggling work and family. Or maybe, you're rethinking what you want from your social life.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about why adult friendships can be so challenging, what healthy friendships look like and when it's OK to let a relationship go, and what it takes to build meaningful connections that last.

Authorities across Minnesota report at least three people drowned over the Fourth of July weekend. And Dozens of hospice nurses at Allina Health held a one-day strike on Monday.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

How can we spend less without giving up the stuff we need? Maybe you're furnishing your first apartment, replacing a broken toaster, looking for clothes for a growing child or trying to put together a professional wardrobe for a new job.MPR News host Angela Davis wraps up her “Cheap Week” series with ideas for saving money on the clothes we wear and the things that fill our homes. She and her guests talk about how to stretch your dollar by shopping secondhand at thrift stores, consignment shops and online resale sites, and how to get and give away things for free through neighborhood “Buy Nothing” groups. Guests: Roxanne Sanchez is co-owner of Nine Lives thrift store in St. Paul, which opened in 2024. She's also an administrator of her neighborhood “Buy Nothing” Facebook group and had a previous career as a costumer for television and movies.Anna Thompson is a Minneapolis mom and digital marketing strategist who loves to shop at thrift stores and online resale sites. She runs the sustainable fashion Instagram account @annazzon and previously worked as a personal stylist for Arc's Value Village thrift stores.

Valerie Castile lost her son ten years ago Monday. Philando Castile was killed by a St. Anthony police officer in a traffic stop in Falcon Heights a few days before his 33rd birthday. A jury acquitted the officer, Jeronimo Yanez, of manslaughter the following year.Since losing her son, Valerie Castile has worked to honor his memory by speaking out about his killing and joining calls for accountability in policing. Valerie Castile has a room in her home dedicated to other tributes to Philando: paintings, photographs and proclamations cover the walls. MPR News host Nina Moini talked with her there about how her life has changed and how she remembers her son now.

Going out can get expensive fast. By the time you pay for tickets, food, drinks and parking, a single outing can easily cost $100 or more. Most of us don't want to stop having fun — we just want to spend less doing it.MPR News host Angela Davis continues her “Cheap Week” series with a conversation about ways to enjoy summer — for less, or even for free. Angela and her guests talk about bargain summer festivals and live music, museum deals, affordable date nights, budget recreation and ways to have fun at home. Guests: Jessica Armbruster is a co-owner and editor at Racket, a Minnesota online news and culture website. She compiles the weekly Freeloader Friday listing of free events. She was previously the arts editor at City Pages. Alex V. Cipolle is a senior arts reporter and critic, covering arts and culture for MPR News. She previously covered the arts in the Pacific Northwest and southwest France and has written for publications including The New York Times, Fast Company, Frommer's and Hyperallergic.

Fourteen people facing federal charges for protesting ICE in Minnesota pleaded not guilty in federal court today.And Minnesota's attorney general's office won't enforce a new law requiring warning labels for social media sites while a lawsuit plays out. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Does it feel like every trip to the grocery store costs more than it used to? You're not alone. With food prices still high, many households are looking for ways to stretch their grocery budgets.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two experts about smart shopping, cutting food waste and preparing healthy, affordable meals.Guests:Mary Schroeder is a health and nutrition educator with the University of Minnesota Extension and a registered dietitian nutritionist. She specializes in helping individuals and families make healthy, affordable food choices through meal planning, food budgeting and food waste reduction. She is based in Willmar, Minnesota.Jenny Breen is a chef, public health nutritionist and author of “Cooking Up the Good Life.” She teaches culinary nutrition courses through the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing at the University of Minnesota.

Fourteen Minnesotans facing federal charges for anti-ICE actions were due in court Wednesday afternoon. Supporters protested the charges ahead of the court appearance. MPR News reporter Sarah Thamer shared the latest on the case. Starting Wednesday, $90 million will go to Minnesota counties to fund upgrades to computer systems that help provide social services. Plus, a new hotline is giving people quicker access to lawyers after arrest. Chief meteorologist Ben Cathey gave a Fourth of July holiday weather forecast. And you may have seen creeping bellflower in your yard. It's a beautiful, but invasive weed. One Minnesota chef controls the plant in his garden by cooking with it. The Minnesota Music Minute was “Joseph” by Bad Bad Hats and “Minneapolis Horn Power” by Scott Agster was the Song of the Day.

Hollywood has taught entire generations that if you're arrested in the U.S., you have the right to an attorney. If you can't afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. But many people may not realize that unless you can pay for a lawyer, you likely won't meet with one until your first court appearance. Those early hours are critical to a case, according to the Legal Rights Center, a nonprofit Minneapolis law firm. It launched a hotline this year to help fill this gap in Hennepin County. The hotline is the first of its kind in the state. For more, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with Marecca Vertin, who led the project as the Legal Rights Center's community defense and access to justice attorney.

Starting July 1, Minnesota's counties can start a long, and some say overdue, makeover of the technological systems and online databases that keep their services running. The state legislature approved $90 million this year to help sluggish computer systems, some dating back to the 1980s, get a little zippier. Paul Verette is director of the Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to explain how this transformation is going to work and what the modernization means to county workers as well as those who benefit from county programs.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday states can ban transgender girls and women from playing on girls sports teams in schools and universities. Twenty-seven states have enacted such bans. Minnesota is not one of them. As of now, transgender girls can play on girl's teams in Minnesota schools. For more on the ruling's impact, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with Jess Braverman, legal director of the advocacy group Gender Justice.

Supporters of what's become known as the "Minnesota 15" are expected to gather in Minneapolis for a protest Wednesday afternoon ahead of a court hearing for 14 of the defendants. The 15th defendant, Kyle Wagner, is being held in Michigan on separate federal charges and is not expected in court today.Federal prosecutors accuse the 15 Twin Cities residents of conspiring to interfere with immigration enforcement during the large-scale federal immigration operation in Minnesota earlier this year. Protesters are calling for the charges to be dropped.MPR News reporter Sarah Thamer joined Minnesota Now from outside the federal courthouse with the latest.

The Supreme Court's decision to uphold birthright citizenship is welcome news for many Minnesota families. The justices ruled in favor of the longstanding interpretation of the 14th Amendment, granting citizenship to nearly anyone born on U.S. soil.Also today, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld laws in other states that bar transgender students from participating in school sports. Minnesota officials say the state likely won't have to change course on rules that allow trans students to join sports that don't match their sex at birth.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota Beethoven Festival is back in Winona for its 19th season, bringing three weeks of classical music performances and events to southeastern Minnesota.The festival, which opened Sunday and runs through July 19, celebrates the music of Ludwig van Beethoven while featuring works by many other composers and performances by musicians from around the world.Ned Kirk, the festival's artistic and managing director, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about how the festival got its start and what keeps audiences coming back year after year.

President Donald Trump has neither signed nor vetoed a massive housing bill that recently passed Congress with extensive bipartisan support. He said on Monday it's a “yawn” compared to a voter ID law he's pressuring Congress to approve. And he said he hasn't decided whether he'll sign the 21st Century Road to Housing Act. If the president hasn't acted 10 days after he receives the bill and Congress is in session, it will become law without his signature. The bill is a package of more than 50 smaller ones. Some critics say it doesn't do enough to support low-income renters. Others say it creates too many new programs and regulations. Even housing advocates are still trying to absorb all that's in this bill, and how it could reach the people they want to help. Elizabeth Glidden is deputy executive director of the non-profit Minnesota Housing Partnership. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to dive into the details about the bill and talk about its significance.