Podcasts about mpr news

Over the past few years, the car market has gone through some changes.It's getting more expensive to buy a vehicle. Prices for new cars are high and so are interest rates, leaving many buyers stretching payments over six or even seven years to keep monthly costs manageable. Used cars aren't as affordable as they used to be and insurance and repair costs are rising too. At the same time, the types of vehicles on the market are shifting. Electric vehicles are more common. So are SUVs.So, what does this all mean if you're thinking about buying a car?  MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about the economics of buying a car in 2026 — what's driving prices, how financing is changing and what buyers should know before heading to the dealership.Guests:Chris Farrell is senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. Joseph Yoon is the consumer insights analyst for Edmunds, an online resource for researching and buying both used and new vehicles. 

Minnesota U.S. Sen. Tina Smith says President Donald Trump's firing of Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary is welcome news -- but she is skeptical about his pick to replace her. Trump says he'll nominate one of Smith's Senate colleagues, GOP Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin. Flags were at half-staff across Minnesota Friday in honor of Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor of White Bear Lake, who was killed in an airstrike in Kuwait.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

The United States is among the world's largest beef producers, producing some 12 million tons in 2025. But cattle generate a lot of emissions. The beef industry alone is responsible for around 3 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner spoke with Jennifer Schmitt, senior research scientist in sustainability at the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment, about what's currently being done to reduce emissions.Plus, a snippet from a recent episode of This Old House Radio Hour about climate preparation is reshaping the housing of America.Click play on the audio player above to listen to this episode or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

The husband of a Minnesota soldier killed in Kuwait says the family is grieving and planning a memorial. The standing of a key state agency commissioner has become another political flashpoint in the Minnesota Senate. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Ramsey County is changing how it responds to young people who commit crimes — and early results show their new approach is working. In the past, young offenders were charged much like adults. They were sent to court and often placed on probation or assigned community service. The new approach, sometimes called restorative justice, goes deeper. It pulls in members of the community, considers why the crime happened and helps young people understand the harm they caused while also holding them accountable. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about why more communities across Minnesota are using restorative justice and about a new a study in Ramsey County that shows it dramatically reduces repeat offenses.

Federal law changes provided new breaks for income derived from overtime and tips. Other business tax cuts were approved last year, too.Now Minnesota lawmakers are debating how many of those ideas to incorporate into the state tax code. It would come at a hefty cost. Proposals to contain rising property taxes are also under review in the Legislature.MPR News host Brian Bakst and a pair of lawmakers talk taxes. Later, we're off to Washington where Minnesota continues to be the focal point for multiple reasons. The continuing fight to contain public program fraud had the attention of a U.S. House committee, which summoned Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison to testify. Two congressional committees put now-removed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on the hot seat over problems in the Minnesota immigration enforcement campaign.Guests:Republican Sen. Bill Weber, of LuverneDFL Rep. Aisha Gomez, of Minneapolis Dana Ferguson is a political correspondent for MPR NewsPeter Cox is a politics reporter for MPR News Caroline Cummings is a politics reporter for WCCO-TVUse the audio player above to listen to the full conversation or subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.

Flags are at half-staff in White Bear Lake in honor of Army Reserve Sergeant Nicole Amor.And there were moments of constructive dialogue during an otherwise rancorous congressional hearing today on fraud in Minnesota.Those stories and more in this evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Protein is having its moment. Protein powders are marketed to young men who want to bulk up and to women in menopause to prevent losing muscle mass. It's also being added to everything from cereal to bagels, pasta and pancake mix. And, in January, federal dietary guidelines nearly doubled the amount of protein per day Americans are recommended to consume, with a focus on meats and full-fat dairy products. So, with all the protein hype, how much do we really need?MPR News host Angela Davis talks about our current protein obsession along with smart and budget-friendly ways to get the nutrition we need for a healthy life. Guests:  Tara Schmidt is a registered dietitian and instructor of nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She is also the lead dietitian for the Mayo Clinic Diet, host of the podcast “On Nutrition,” and co-authored “The Mayo Clinic Diet: Weight Loss Medications Edition.”  Aimee Tritt is a practicing dietitian in private practice. She is also a clinical assistant professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota in the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Science.  

Tense exchanges played out Wednesday in a congressional hearing on fraud in Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz and Keith Ellison testified. MPR News reporter Dana Ferguson shared what she heard in Washington.A Minnesotan was among the soldiers killed in an air strike in the Middle East. We learned about Nicole Amor. Plus, a national philanthropic organization is creating a new fund to support Latino communities impacted by the ICE surge. A judge will soon decide whether to hold the U.S. Attorney in Minnesota in contempt for violating court orders in immigration cases. And we talked to the “big cheese” who is creating award-winning cheese in caves in southern Minnesota.The Minnesota Music Minute was “Not Today” by Guytano and “Closer to Fine” by Indigo Girls was the Song of the Day.

A national Latino philanthropy organization created a new fund to support Latino communities in states that are experiencing a heavy immigration enforcement presence. Its first focus is Minnesota. Christian Arana is the Vice President of civic power and policy with the Latino Community Foundation, based in California. He recently visited Minnesota to help oversee distribution of the new fund and joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about it.

People across Minnesota and the country are mourning an Army Reserve member from White Bear Lake who was one of six service members killed in Kuwait amid the ongoing war with Iran. MPR News reporter Estelle Timar-Wilcox joined Minnesota Now to share more about Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, who was killed in an airstrike on Sunday, according to the military.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison testified before a congressional oversight committee Wednesday on fraud in state programs. The hearing drifted into debates over immigration law. There were heated moments and plenty of terse exchanges. MPR News politics reporter Dana Ferguson was at the hearing in Washington, D.C. and joined Minnesota Now with details.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testified today that close to 650 DHS agents remain in Minnesota.And a federal judge heard arguments today on a federal demand for Minnesota to turn over voter registration data.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

One in five Minnesota households can't afford the food they need. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about hunger in Minnesota — who's affected, what keeps people from seeking help, and potential solutions. Guest:Sarah Moberg is the chief executive officer at Second Harvest Heartland, which is one of the largest food banks in the country. It provides services in central and southwest Minnesota and western Wisconsin. She worked at General Mills for 25 years, where she was most recently the senior director of Innovation, Technology and Quality. For help finding free food, call or text the Second Harvest Heartland helpline: 866-844-3663.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.     

As the U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran continue, more than 250 Minnesota National Guard personnel are in or near the Middle East on regularly scheduled deployments.And Hennepin County prosecutors are investigating 17 alleged incidents of excessive force by federal agents during immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Increased federal immigration agents in parts of Minnesota has had ripple effects that are affecting child care. Some child care centers are reporting drops in attendance as families keep children home out of fear. And, staff members are strained as they worry about their own safety.  MPR News host Angela Davis is joined by early childhood education reporter Kyra Miles to talk about how the increase of federal immigration agents is affecting the child care industry and children, families and child care workers. Guests:Kimberli Benhoff is the program director of Rise Early Learning Center in St. Louis Park.Tiffany Taylor is a teacher at South Metro Childcare Academy in Bloomington. 

An heiress from Duluth.A trail of fires stretching from Minnesota to the Mexican border.And a quiet little mining town in Arizona… that never saw her coming.Marjorie Congdon Caldwell Hagen carried wealth, suspicion, and misery wherever she went.Her tale is part true crime… and part ghost story that still haunts this desert town.For this special episode, we're going local, and recording live from ground zero — Ajo, AZ, AND we're teaming up with Z89.3 KZAO's own Bo Johnson to tell the story of Marjorie Hagen — the “Black Widow of Ajo.”Source Material:MN Historical Society (MNopedia)Glensheen (UMD) official blog: “Women of Glensheen” Duluth News Tribune (feature): “Glensheen murders still intrigue”MPR News (feature, with photos/audio): “40 years later, Glensheen murders still grip Duluth”Minnesota Supreme Court (primary): State v. Caldwell (1982) Duluth News Tribune (feature)Brainerd Dispatch (AP report): DNA on key envelope (2003) MPR Archive (2003)Los Angeles Times (obituary/recap): Roger Caldwell's suicide Duluth News Tribune (30-year look-back)Washington Post (1992)UPI archive (1992)Los Angeles Times (1992 feature)Duluth News Tribune (retrospective)Star Tribune (2007)MinnPost (2009)Duluth News Tribune (2007 news)Music Credit:1. IMPERVIOUSMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/dorian-pinto/imperviousLicense code: LUZNNGUQNGYSFZI8 Connect with us: killerhearttohearts@gmail.comFollow us on: Tik TokFollow us on: InstagramLike us on: FacebookFollow us on: Twitter

Minnesota's budget picture has improved since November - with a larger surplus than was expected just a few months ago.And tenant organizers could hold a vote tomorrow to authorize a Twin Cities-wide rent strike. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota Arctic explorer Will Steger has trekked across thousands of miles of ice in both the north and South Poles, crossing the Larsen Ice Shelves a few years before they disintegrated and collapsed into the sea. MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner spoke with Steger about dramatic changes he's seen in Arctic regions over the past several decades.

A proposal to tie up Medicaid funds to Minnesota could force tough budget choices.Gov. Tim Walz says the announced halt in Medicaid funding continues a campaign of retribution from the Trump administration.That story and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

When the world feels heavy, we look for small escapes.For some, that means tuning out the headlines to binge a new show or watch a must-see film.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with NPR's TV and media critic and a Twin Cities entertainment writer about what they're watching — and the hottest shows and movies right now.Guests:Eric Deggans is the TV critic, media analyst and guest host at National Public Radio.  He is also the Knight Professor of Journalism and Media Ethics at Washington and Lee University in Virginia. Lily Osler is an entertainment writer based in the Twin Cities. Her writing has been published in the New Yorker, Racket and Reactor. She is also the managing editor of Episodes, a newsletter and pop-culture blog. 

There's been a strong focus on an issue of ongoing concern in the state: Fraud, and what to do about it. Lots of fraud-fighting ideas are floating around the Capitol. Several have bipartisan support, but that doesn't mean their travels through the Legislature will be smooth. MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with a pair of lawmakers with a similar goal but competing visions for a proposed investigatory unit. Later in the hour, MPR News' senior economics contributor Chris Farrell breaks down the state's new budget and economic forecast.  Guests: DFL state Rep. Matt Norris, of Blaine.  Republican state Rep. Patti Anderson, of Dellwood.  Chris Farrell is a senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace.

President Donald Trump took the national stage Tuesday night for his State of the Union address at a pivotal moment for his presidency and for his party.MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what the president said — and didn't say — with a historian, a political scientist and our listeners. Guests: Yohuru Williams is a distinguished university chair, professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas.Whitney Court is a professor of political science and chair of political science at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.    

Minnesota was a target in President Donald Trump's State of the Union speech Tuesday night. But he did not talk about the surge in federal immigration agents to the state. Instead, he focused on fraud. Trump said corruption is a problem in the U.S. and specifically called out Minnesota.MPR News reporter Matt Sepic joined Minnesota Now to break down what the President said.

A new filing from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security lays out a plan for the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents left in Minnesota to drop to about 400 after Wednesday. The numbers come after border czar Tom Homan's announcement of a drawdown earlier this month. Thousands of Minnesotans have taken part in demonstrations, mutual aid efforts and rapid response networks to support neighbors and fellow Minnesotans during the surge of federal agents. A broad coalition of groups across the Twin Cities looks to continue building on that momentum even in light of the drawdown announcement. Unidos MN organizer José Alvillar Hinojosa joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about a week of action the groups began Wednesday titled “Bring the Heat, Melt the ICE.”

Several parts of the state government are working to root out fraud from state programs. State lawmakers are considering legislation. And the Department of Human Services is reviewing payments to 14 Medicaid programs for possible fraud. It has delayed or suspended payments to some providers. Advocates for disability rights say people who rely on these programs are caught in the middle. At a senate human services committee meeting this week, several presenters described cases where people never received services that were paid for or abruptly lost services after payments were suspended. A group of legal experts will gather to talk about this issue Wednesday in a panel discussion at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. The event, titled “Disability Rights on Hold: How the fraud allegations and funding freezes are affecting the disability community,” is the opening to an exhibit about disability rights in Minnesota that will travel to three law schools this year. MPR News host Nina Moini talked with two of the panelists, disability lawyer Shamus O'Meara and University of St. Thomas law professor Elizabeth Schiltz, who is also one of the organizers of the panel and the traveling exhibit.

A University of Minnesota literature collection is celebrating more than 40 years of preserving African American heritage and culture. The Givens Collection contains more than 8,000 books, manuscripts, photos and personal papers. It recently wrapped up an exhibit to commemorate its beginnings. Curator Davu Underwood Seru joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the collection.

A whistleblower says Immigration and Customs Enforcement sent poorly trained cadets to Minnesota. Ryan Schwank was a lawyer for ICE who helped train cadets until he resigned eleven days ago. He says ICE has cut training hours by nearly half and removed all legal instruction about use of force. And Pine Island says Google is behind a massive data center project, and the big tech company is promising to bring in new jobs and tax revenue.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Americans say staying informed is essential to participating in civic life — especially when it comes to voting. But a new Pew Research Center study finds that many people also feel overwhelmed by the news, are distrustful of what they see and are increasingly selective about what they pay attention to.So what does that mean for local journalism?MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how newsrooms are trying to adapt to changes in news consumption with the editor of the Minnesota Star Tribune.Guest: Kathleen Hennessey is the editor and senior vice president of the Minnesota Star Tribune. Prior to her current role, she was deputy politics editor for the New York Times. Before that, she led the regional politics team for the Associated Press. She covered the White House during President Barack Obama's second term for the LA Times and the Associated Press and was the White House editor and deputy bureau chief for the Associated Press during President Donald Trump's first term.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.

A state review released Monday says that state agencies need better oversight and training to prevent fraud. The state's Director of Program Integrity Tim O'Malley said the state government has failed to prevent fraud despite years of warnings. A group of Minnesota religious leaders has sued the Department of Homeland Security for blocking them from visiting immigration detainees at the Whipple Federal Building.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The immigration enforcement surge has taken an economic toll on many Minnesota communities, especially in the Twin Cities. As workers and customers stay home, some restaurants, construction firms and other businesses that employ immigrants are struggling to stay open. Minneapolis officials estimate the city lost more than $200 million in economic activity in a single month. And, when spending contracts this quickly, the impact ripples through industries far beyond those directly touched by immigration enforcement.MPR News host Angela Davis takes a look at the economic impact of ICE, proposals from local and state governments to support struggling businesses and how to move forward. Guests:Chris Farrell is the senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. Neil Linscheid is a state specialist in entrepreneurship and expert in community economics for University of Minnesota Extension. He works alongside local leaders to develop practical, community-centered strategies that build and drive long-term economic health. 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 White House official overseeing the federal immigration operation in Minnesota said today that about 2,000 federal agents have left the state.And Minnesota Democratic U.S. Senator Tina Smith says negotiations with Republicans over funding for the Department of Homeland Security don't appear to be making much progress.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The last time Lake Superior completely froze over was 30 years ago in 1996. Around that time, Lake Superior was consistently at least 75 percent frozen over. Now, 75 percent coverage is rare, only happening about once every four years.Ice on the Great Lakes, and Lake Superior specifically, is a great way to measure climate for our region. MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner spoke with UMD professor Jay Austin, about what ice coverage can tell us about climate change.Click play on the audio player above to listen to this episode or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

The Minneapolis City Council approved $7 million in funding today for small businesses that have lost money during the ongoing federal immigration operation. And at the state level, Minnesota legislators are discussing the potential economic impact of the recent immigration enforcement surge. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus is one of the oldest and largest gay choruses in the country. For 45 years, it's built a sense of community among its singers and has spread joy and awareness in the broader community. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the artistic director and chorus members about the choir's history and how music can heal and bring people together through hard times. Guests: Gerald Gurss has been the artistic director of the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus since 2018. He is also a composer and has served as artistic director and founder of choruses in North Carolina.  Carlos Saldaña sings tenor with the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus. He joined the chorus in 2013 and has also served in several roles, including as a member of the board of directors.  Mikal Nabors is a tenor with the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus. He joined the chorus in 2011 after singing with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.  

For more than two months, Minnesotans in immigrant communities have been in hiding – fearing arrest, detention or deportation. At the peak of what the Trump administration called “Operation Metro Surge,” there were 3,000 federal immigration agents in the state. It led many immigrants to limit trips outside the house, some not leaving at all. They've seen ICE agents racially profile or wrongfully detain family and friends.MPR News collected stories from several people under those circumstances across the state. They recorded voices memos or spoke to a reporter over three days between Jan. 24 and Feb. 4, sharing what their day was like. They answered questions including: did you leave the house today? What did you not get to do today that you normally get to do? How is this impacting your life?The result is an intimate portrait of Minnesotans who have been deeply impacted by the surge of federal immigration agents in the state. We are only using first names or first initials due to safety concerns.    

More federal funding for public health is on the chopping block. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what the cuts could mean for Minnesota and why a federal judge stepped in to temporarily block them. 

State investigators are taking a new step to get evidence related to the federal law enforcement shootings that took place in Minneapolis during the ICE surge. The Hennepin County Attorney's office announced Wednesday morning that it is filing a formal request for evidence from the federal government in the deadly shooting of Alex Pretti and the shooting in north Minneapolis that injured Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis.Estelle Timar-Wilcox was at the press conference and joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about what this means for the investigations.

Wednesday morning, tenants advocates gathered at the state capitol to call for an eviction moratorium and rent relief funding statewide for people who are behind on rent as a result of amped-up ICE presence in. The authority to enact an eviction moratorium for the state lies with Governor Tim Walz, who has said he can't do it without declaring a peacetime emergency. He has so far been unwilling to make that move. Amanda Otero, an executive director for the nonprofit Take Action Minnesota, said workers and families are absorbing the economic impact of the ICE surge in the state. “Housing stability is not separate from recovery,” Otero said. “It is the foundation of it.”One of the groups pushing for the moratorium and even greater measures to support renters is the newly-formed Twin Cities Tenants Union. It's a combination of already-existing unions across Minneapolis and St. Paul that came together over the past two months to advocate for renters who have lost income during the ICE surge. The group is pushing for a rent strike beginning March 1. Lucid Thomas has been organizing with the tenants union and he joined MPR News host Nina Moini to explain. The Minnesota Multi Housing Association is a group that advocates for landlords and building managers. CEO Cecil Smith said in a statement to MPR News that rent collections overall were stable in January and February and on par with the previous year, according to the group's members. He said the association will “continue to help those seeking rental assistance.”

In a new series, Minnesota Now is airing the voices of people who have been hiding in their homes due to fear of arrest, detention or deportation during Minnesota's federal ICE surge. We asked them to send us voice memos for three days in a row, describing how they are spending their days.L is a Mexican mother of two. We are not using her full name for her safety. She has not left her home in Northfield for several weeks. She told MPR News she is still in hiding, despite federal officials saying the ICE surge in Minnesota is ending. L still receives ICE watch messages with pictures of federal vehicles in Northfield nearly every day. She said even if the drawdown happens, she thinks she will feel afraid leaving her house forever.Hear more voices from the series in our podcast feed or on our show page.

Former colleagues of Melissa Hortman paid tribute to the slain lawmaker today in a somber opening to the 2026 session. And winter storm warnings are posted across northern Minnesota — with blizzard warnings along the North Shore.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with former St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter about his eight years in City Hall, the lessons he's learned and what's next.Guest:Melvin Carter III served as mayor of St. Paul for eight years. Elected in 2017 and reelected in 2021, he was the city's first African American mayor. Prior to his election as mayor, he served as St. Paul City Council member for Ward 1, representing the neighborhood he grew up in. He is the founding board chair of the St. Paul Promise Neighborhood and served as the director of the Minnesota Office of Early Learning. He has roots that go back four generations in St. Paul. His father was a St. Paul police officer and his mother was a teacher and Ramsey County commissioner.

Minneapolis poet, musician and activist Joe Davis and his band, The Poetic Diaspora, is preparing a long lineup of musicians to celebrate Black music and poetry. Their show, “Diaspora: On the Rise” is set for Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis. Davis joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about showing up for his community as an artist in hard times, expression through poetry and the musicians he's working with to celebrate the work he's done with his band.

In a new series, Minnesota Now is airing the voices of people who have been hiding in their homes due to fear of arrest, detention or deportation during Minnesota's federal ICE surge. We asked them to send us voice memos for three days in a row, describing how they are spending their days.N is a Mexican immigrant. MPR News is only using her first initial, due to fears of safety. N hasn't left her home in weeks. She said she doesn't trust what federal officials have recently said about a drawdown of ICE agents in Minnesota. She worries things may get worse before they get better, and said that ICE watchers continue to spot federal vehicles and agents in her town almost daily.This series will continue on Minnesota Now this week. Listen at noon to hear more voices or check back on our show page.

In a new series, Minnesota Now is airing the voices of people who have been hiding in their homes due to fear of arrest, detention, or deportation during Minnesota's ICE surge. We asked them to send us voice memos for three days in a row, describing how they are spending their days.P is an immigrant from Mexico. MPR News is not using his full name for his safety. He and his wife have barely left their home for weeks. Since the announcement of federal agents leaving Minnesota, P said he and his wife feel slightly calmer, but they are still in hiding until they see evidence of that for themselves.This series will continue on Minnesota Now this week. Listen at noon to hear more voices or check back on our show page.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he's cautiously optimistic about today's announcement that the Trump administration is ending the surge of immigration agents to the state.St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is also optimistic about the announcement that the ICE surge is drawing down.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota is ending, said Tom Homan, the border czar for President Donald Trump.Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Thursday he'll back an aid package to support state businesses, especially immigrant-owned business, hurt by the surge of federal immigration agents in Minnesota over the past two months.Walz told reporters he'll propose a $10 million emergency fund, similar to an effort during the COVID-19 pandemic, that would offer forgivable loans targeted at small businesses.During this special coverage following the announcement from Homan, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with guests about the impact of the immigration surge on the community. Plus we'll hear live coverage of Gov. Walz's announcement and comments regarding the federal immigration actions.Guests:Michael Lansing is a professor of history of Augsburg University who has studied the history of policing in Minneapolis.Brian Bakst is the MPR News politics editor.Dana Ferguson is a politics reporter for MPR News.Zachary Aaker is an immigration attorney at Martin Law in Bloomington, Minn.Zena Stenvik is the superintendent of Columbia Heights Public School District.Brenda Lewis is the superintendent of Fridley Public Schools.

The Trump administration announced Thursday that it is ending what it called “Operation Metro Surge.” At its height, the more than two-month long immigration enforcement action brought 3,000 federal officers to the state. MPR News reporters Estelle Timar-Wilcox and Dana Ferguson joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the announcement and the response from state and local leaders.

In a new series, Minnesota Now is airing the voices of people who have been hiding in their homes due to fear of arrest, detention, or deportation during Minnesota's ICE surge. We asked them to send us voice memos for three days in a row, describing how they are spending their days. A Somali immigrant who we are calling Z told us about her days in hiding. She has been working a nonprofit job from her apartment, which she shares with a beloved cat. MPR News is not using her full name for her safety. This series will continue on Minnesota Now on Thursday and next week. Listen at noon to hear more voices or check our podcast feed.

Duluth's Olympic curlers Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin claimed silver medals in Milano Cortina during their debut in the mixed doubles event, falling to the Swedish team 6-5 in the gold-medal match.  This is the first time the U.S. has earned a medal in the event and only the third time that the U.S. has brought home a medal of any sort in Olympic curling. Thiesse is the first U.S. woman to medal in curling at the Olympics.  Both Cory and Korey knew each other from Duluth Curling Club and started playing together in 2022.  Korey Dropkin joined MPR News host Nina Moini from Italy.