The St. Paul teachers union announced Monday its members will strike starting March 11 unless a deal is reached on a new contract. The 10-day countdown until a possible walk out begins. The union says it is doing everything in its power to reach a settlement with the district and avoid a strike. Also, schools were closed and residents were asked to limit water use through the morning in the northwestern Minnesota town of Hawley, after a massive fire overnight.This is the MPR News evening update hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music by Gary Meister.

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, campaigns in the Twin Cities Monday evening. And the University of Minnesota Board of Regents meets today to interview the three finalists to be the university's next president and vote on a president-designate. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Find more from these stories at MPRnews.org:University of Minnesota regents set to choose U's next presidentConservative megadonors Koch not funding Haley anymore as she continues longshot bidRead the latest edition of the AM Update newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved a rule this week that will allow gasoline blended with higher amounts of ethanol to be sold year-round in eight Midwestern states, including Minnesota.And Canadian wildfires brought smoke and hazy skies to Minnesota last summer. Some of those fires are still smoldering underground.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The new Transit Rider Investment Program starts today in the Twin Cities. Agents will ride trains and check fares as part of Metro Transit's broader safety and security action plan. And more details have been released about the Burnsville standoff where three first responders were killed Sunday. Shannon Gooden eventually fired more than 100 rifle rounds at law enforcement and first responders, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Read the latest edition of the AM Update newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Minnesota union leaders representing thousands of workers say they are all prepared to strike in early March if contract demands are not met. And lawmakers and emergency response workers are calling for an infusion of $120 million into the state's emergency medical services and ambulances.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News.

Minnesota lawmakers on opposing sides of the gun debate might be willing to come to the table following Sunday's fatal shooting in Burnsville. And state police have released new details about that standoff where three first responders were killed.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Read the latest edition of the AM Update newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

A public memorial service for the three first responders killed Sunday in Burnsville is set for next week. Burnsville police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth were fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call. A memorial service for the three is set for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 28 at Grace Church in Eden Prairie.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The man suspected of killing two Burnsville police officers and a firefighter-paramedic during a standoff on Sunday had a history of violence against women. And Minnesota lawmakers are considering legislation that would increase penalties for assaulting a sports official.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Burnsville city officials are coordinating fundraising efforts for the families of the two police officers and a firefighter-paramedic fatally shot while responding to a call on Sunday.And state lawmakers are considering legislation that would increase penalties for assaulting a sports official.Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Family members, friends and coworkers of the three first responders killed in Burnsville on Sunday paid tribute to them Monday at a makeshift memorial. And Brooklyn Park police say one person is dead and another is in custody after reports of an active shooter.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

City leaders and residents of Burnsville say they are hurting and heartbroken, after Sunday’s shooting that claimed the lives of two police officers and a firefighter-paramedic.And state lawmakers are pausing consideration of a bill addressing restraints school resource officers can use on students.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

Hundreds of people gathered in Burnsville last night for a vigil, after two police officers and a firefighter-paramedic were fatally shot earlier in the day while responding to a call. The investigation into the shooting continues. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

St. Paul educators have voted to authorize a strike. And Minneapolis city officials say as of Friday, the head of the city's civil rights department is no longer working for the city. In a statement, a city spokesperson said Alberder Gillespie has "concluded her service" with the city of Minneapolis.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The St. Paul teachers union has voted to authorize a strike. The vote gives union leadership the authority to decide to call a strike. And the American Association of School Administrators has named the superintendent of St. Paul Public Schools, Joe Gothard, as its superintendent of the year.That and more to catch you up in this MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

People across southern Minnesota are shoveling, snowblowing, skiing and sledding today, after the first major snowstorm of the season for much of the region.And frustration continues over the IRS decision to tax Minnesota rebate checks.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Side roads are crusty Thursday morning in the Twin Cities after several inches of snow fell overnight across much of southern and central Minnesota. And as work continues at the State Capitol, a Minnesota Senate panel has advanced a proposal to clear up rules around student restraint laws. That and more to catch you up in this MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Advocates for Missing and Murdered Indigenous relatives held events around the region Wednesday.And the head of Minnesota's State Patrol is stepping down. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz said he would sign a sports betting bill into law if it were to reach his desk this session — as long as it doesn't infringe on compacts the state has made with tribes. And state health officials have identified two cases of measles. Both cases are in very young children in the Twin Cities who had been overseas. The Minnesota Department of Health is working to contact anyone who was exposed.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Prosecutors in the case of Minnesota State Trooper Ryan Londregan, who is charged with murder and manslaughter for the fatal shooting of Ricky Cobb II on Interstate 94 last summer, argued in court Tuesday to restrict public access to all future motions and evidence on the matter. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Democrats have control of the House and Senate. But the DFL governor was sounding bipartisan, as lawmakers returned to work.  And state health officials have identified the source of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in northern Minnesota. They say testing points to parts of the city water system in Grand Rapids as the source. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Lawmakers returned to the Minnesota Capitol Monday for the start of the 2024 legislative session. Reworking a state law regarding school resource officers is a top priority.And students at the University of Minnesota will get the chance to meet three candidates hoping to fill the role of president of the university system starting Monday. Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The 2024 state legislative session begins Monday in St. Paul. Democrats, who control both chambers, say the session will be more about tweaking existing legislation than approving new spending. And two of the three finalists to become the next University of Minnesota president will be in Morris and Crookston today — to kick off their public interviews.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The University of Minnesota has taken a step toward buying its teaching hospital from Fairview Health Services. The university's Board of Regents today approved a non-binding letter of intent for the purchase. That story and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota legislative session begins on Monday and state lawmakers are starting to champion various causes. The Minneapolis City Council approved a $950,000 settlement on behalf of journalists detained or injured by Minneapolis police during unrest following George Floyd’s killing in 2020. And the council also enacted a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

About 22,000 absentee and mail ballots have been marked accepted for Minnesota's presidential primary. New statistics released today by the Secretary of State's office show that many more ballots have been sent out but not yet been returned to election officials.And Legislative Republicans plan to highlight recent raises for Minnesota state agency commissioners as examples of excessive spending by DFLers. Several leaders of state agencies saw salary adjustments of $30,000 or more per year. Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The Falcon Heights City Council meets with the St. Anthony Village City Council Thursday night to explore whether the Ramsey County suburbs should resume their policing relationship. The St. Paul City Council voted unanimously to change the name of a portion of St. Anthony Avenue to Rondo Avenue. And a new inspection report from the Minnesota Fire Marshal shows there were violations at Lutsen Lodge resort, which burned down early Tuesday.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Eli Lilly has settled a lawsuit with the state of Minnesota regarding insulin prices. The settlement calls for customers to have the option to pay no more than $35 a month for insulin products.And applications opened this morning for a new state rebate program that reimburses Minnesotans who buy an electric vehicle. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

For some in rural Minnesota, it continues to get more challenging to find a hospital to give birth. On Friday, labor and delivery services at Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague will come to an end. And union teachers with St. Paul Public Schools will vote next week on whether to authorize a strike. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The manager of the historic north shore lodge destroyed in a fire early this morning says it will be rebuilt. And union teachers with the St. Paul Public Schools will vote next week on whether to authorize a strike.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Season snowfall deficits continue to increase across Minnesota. This winter's snowfall is now about 2 feet below normal in the Twin Cities and more than 3 feet below normal in Duluth. And another DFL state lawmaker, Rep. Hodan Hassan, has announced she will not seek reelection this fall.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Emily Bright. Music by Gary Meister.

State officials are urging Minnesotans to file their taxes and potentially claim a new tax credit. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said the state is rolling out awareness campaigns about a new child tax credit. And Minnesota’s new universal school meals program is proving to be more popular than expected. It’s fueling a cooking renaissance at some cafeterias in the state.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

A report by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development  found Minnesota businesses are "cautiously optimistic" about 2024. And government officials will meet with residents in Minneapolis's East Phillips neighborhood later this week to give updates on pollution from a nearby iron foundry.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Emily Bright. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota Senate’s majority leader is stepping down from the position. DFL Senator Kari Dziedzic said the cancer she battled during last year’s legislative session has returned. At the start of a new session, she plans to step back from leadership once her caucus names her replacement.And Minnesota's attorney general's office said the state will get $4.5 million dollars from a settlement with a marketing firm over its role in the opioid crisis.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips will appear on Saturday’s Democratic presidential primary ballot in South Carolina. A nonprofit group will manage the court-ordered oversight of the Minneapolis Police Department. And Minnesota has new statewide standards for teaching social studies.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture visited a nutrition program office in Ramsey County to talk about the urgency for Congress to pass funding by March 1 to ensure nutrition assistance for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and other programs will not have to see cuts. And Minneapolis city workers Thursday cleared a south side homeless encampment, two days after evicting dozens of people from another vacant lot several blocks away.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The health care system is facing gridlocks and delays in the discharges of patients who are awaiting beds in long-term care and rehab facilities, resulting in fewer available hospital beds for new patients. And Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vetoed a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war which was passed by the city council last week.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minneapolis city leaders say they hope to open a new third precinct police station and community safety center by early next year.And the Internal Revenue Service won’t reverse course on taxing the Minnesota rebates issued last fall.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

We've had less salt on roadways this winter because there's been little ice to melt. But more Minnesota communities hope to curb salt use, even when the weather is harsh. Also, we hear from the new GOP U.S. Senate candidate Joe Fraser. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

A retired Navy commander and political newcomer is challenging three-term DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Clay Masters reports.And city crews started clearing an encampment this morning in south Minneapolis.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Mesiter.

The man who admitted stealing a pair of ruby red slippers worn in the "The Wizard of Oz" will not go to prison. And Essentia Health is closing its labor and delivery services unit in the rural northwestern Minnesota city of Fosston. Mayor Jim Offerdahl says the announcement breeches a contract Essentia has with the city to offer core services.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The man who admitted stealing a pair of ruby red slippers worn during "The Wizard of Oz" will not go to prison. And the annual Saint Paul Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion was found over the weekend, but some community members have called into question the decision to hide it at a culturally important Native American site.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

A Minnesota State Patrol trooper charged with murder and manslaughter for a fatal shooting during a traffic stop last year makes his first court appearance Monday. And sentencing for the man who admits to stealing a pair of ruby slippers used in the classic movie "The Wizard of Oz" is set for today in Duluth. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Duluth, Saint Cloud, Hibbing and International Falls each broke records this morning for warmest overnight low temperature. The Twin Cities tied a record with a low of 35 degrees. That mild weather isn't going anywhere, anytime soon.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minneapolis City Council passed a resolution Thursday calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. And Minnesotans would have the option to medically end their lives under a controversial bill that elicited hours of public testimony Thursday.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

President Joe Biden joined elected officials from Minnesota and Wisconsin in Superior today to celebrate a billion-dollar infrastructure grant to rebuild the aging Blatnik Bridge. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

President Joe Biden visits the Twin Ports today to highlight $1 billion in federal funding for a major bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin. And an audit of Minnesota post office branches found delayed mail, safety issues, and deficiencies in property conditions.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

A Minnesota State Patrol trooper has been charged with murder in the shooting death of a motorist last summer in Minneapolis.That story and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Former DFL state lawmaker Jen Schultz is angling for a rematch against Republican Rep. Pete Stauber. Democratic challenger Dean Phillips is looking ahead to the coming presidential primaries after New Hampshire results he says are proof that people want a Democratic alternative to Joe Biden. And a Minneapolis city council committee has moved forward a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Brooklyn Center City Council Monday voted down a plan to limit police traffic stops. A rally in favor of the failed proposal is planned for Tuesday night. And New Hampshire voters are casting primary ballots Tuesday. Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

An annual anti-abortion demonstration drew a large crowd to the State Capitol Monday. Minnesota is expanding a program to offset the cost of child care for military families. And Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips says he doesn’t have to win Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary to prove his presidential campaign is on track. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips is scrambling for last-minute support in the hours before the New Hampshire presidential primary.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips is closing in on the first test of his challenge to President Joe Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination. And abortion opponents rally Monday at the State Capitol to urge a rollback of recent abortion laws. The legislature last year voted to guarantee the right to abortion and stripped some legal restrictions.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

A nonprofit developer has turned an aging church in south Minneapolis into affordable housing. City leaders Thursday cut the ribbon on the Belfry Apartments near George Floyd Square. And search warrants have revealed new details about a shooting earlier this month at a motel in Cloquet that left three people dead.Those stories and more in today’s evening news update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Early and absentee voting for Minnesota’s presidential primary race begins today. The presidential primary differs from other elections in the state — voters have to request a party ballot first. Minnesota’s presidential primary is March 5. And state economic officials say Minnesota lost 1,700 local government jobs between November and December. They blamed mild weather patterns which reduced the need for snow removal. The construction sector, meanwhile, gained jobs because the weather allowed workers to continue taking outdoor projects.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development reports that Minnesota's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dipped under 3 percent in December to 2.9 percent. It's the first time since June that it has been this low.That story and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

A new bill to legalize sports betting in Minnesota will be in the mix when lawmakers head back to St. Paul for the 2024 legislative session next month. State cannabis regulators have set what will likely be the floor for new cannabis dispensaries in Minnesota. And a state investigation has found a Minnesota company violated the law by firing an employee after learning she was pregnant. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

A Minnesota judge has ruled the state can move forward with adopting new social studies standards — including ethnic studies — after making a small change.And the U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into the University of Minnesota over allegations of antisemitism on the Twin Cities campus.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Margaret Chutich says she plans to retire in July after eight years on the state's highest court. Her announcement comes five days after Justice Barry Anderson said that he will retire in May. And backers of an equal rights amendment to the Minnesota Constitution are hopeful a proposal will come before voters as soon as this fall.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz has rolled out a $982 million infrastructure plan that would pay for state prison fixups and busway expansions. The bulk of the proposal is aimed at state buildings that have fallen into disrepair. This is the evening MPR News update for Tuesday, hosted by Emily Reese. The theme music is by Gary Meister.

Our neighbors in Iowa cast the first votes in the presidential nominating contest last night. Former President Donald Trump easily won the Republican caucuses. Back in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz outlines his proposal Tuesday to fund public construction projects. His plan will be a starting point for lawmakers as they return to St. Paul next month for an election-year session.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Great Lakes shipping season closes for the winter on Monday. It's the longest navigation season on record for international ships in the Duluth-Superior harbor, due to unusually warm weather. That story and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz was in Iowa over the weekend ahead of the state’s caucuses to counter Republican messaging. And 2023 was a record year for travelers showing up at airports with firearms. At Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, officers stopped 53 firearms from entering the airport or being carried on planes.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Two top Minnesota Democrats are headed into Iowa in coming days to offer their party’s perspective ahead of a Republican showdown in Monday’s caucus.That story and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Mesiter.

Winter weather advisories are in effect today for southern Minnesota, including a blizzard warning for the southwest corner of the state. Dangerously cold wind chills will follow the snow. And the St. Paul Fire Department believes a devastating fire last week likely was caused by an unattended candle. A community vigil to support the family is planned for tomorrow.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

University of Minnesota officials have issued an all-clear for the Twin Cities campus Thursday afternoon, after a suspect in earlier social media threats was located in western Minnesota. Earlier today, UMN Twin Cities had asked people to stay away, after a 41-year-old man reportedly posted online threats about shooting people on campus. That story and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The weather will be grabbing headlines across the region for the next several days, with more snow for southeastern Minnesota and extreme cold over the weekend. Former Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt is resigning his seat in the state Legislature, and Republican Party leaders are calling on state lawmakers to reject a new state flag and keep the current one.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

A woman admitted stealing more than $2.4 million dollars from government child nutrition programs. Sharon Ross of Big Lake is among five dozen people charged in connection with the Feeding our Future investigation and the 17th to plead guilty.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Another defendant in the Feeding our Future conspiracy case is expected to plead guilty Wednesday. And a new state legislative task force met Tuesday to address a crisis facing emergency medical response in rural Minnesota.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe plans to open a cannabis growing facility. In her annual State of the Band address Tuesday, chief executive Melanie Benjamin said the decision to get into the cannabis industry was not made lightly, but a majority of band members said they support it.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Three people are dead after a reported "active shooter" at a Cloquet motel last night. Authorities are expected to release more information at a news conference this morning. Plus the Minneapolis City Council has appointed its new leaders. The council voted for Elliott Payne as president and Aisha Chughtai as vice president.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Freelance court interpreters working for the State of Minnesota say they'll begin refusing jobs starting Monday. A freelance interpreter told MPR News their wages have stagnated while pay for judges and other essential courtroom workers has risen. The state has proposed a $9 an hour pay bump for certified interpreters. The interpreters say that's not enough.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Three candidates to monitor the city of Minneapolis' agreement on policing with the state's human rights department will make public presentations this week. And we’re expecting accumulating snow today and tonight in southwestern Minnesota.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

A former Mayo Clinic doctor is accused of poisoning his wife, Betty, with colchicine. Connor Bowman was initially charged with second degree murder, but a grand jury convened in Olmsted County is now charging him with first degree, premeditated murder.And the Minnesota Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility said attorney Mike Padden forged a client's signature, repeatedly failed to appear at court hearings, and misappropriated client funds. Padden denied the allegations. In a statement, he called the investigation a "witch hunt."Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

It won't erase the season-long snowfall deficit, but parts of northeast Minnesota may see a half-foot of snow by the end of this weekend. Central Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, could see 1 to 3 inches of snow with lesser amounts to the south. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

A fourth DFL lawmaker says he'll retire after the 2024 legislative session. Eleven-term Representative Michael Nelson announced in a news release that he won't seek re-election this fall. And Saint Paul fire officials say one of the seven people pulled unconscious from a house fire early Wednesday has died.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The city of Minneapolis clears out a large homeless encampment today after a judge Wednesday turned down an effort to stop the closure. And a Fridley man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that injured an 11-year-old Minneapolis girl on New Year's Eve.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The 300-mile-long Beargrease runs from Duluth along the North Shore of Lake Superior to Grand Portage. It's the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. Due to virtually no snow, it’s been canceled this year largely out of concern for musher and dog safety.That story and more in this evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

State legislative leaders will meet with law enforcement officials this month to consider potential changes to the state's student restraint law. And the Minneapolis City Council could have new leadership soon. Ward 1 Council Member Elliott Payne has said he will seek the council presidency.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minneapolis Council Member Elliott Payne has decided to run for the council presidency. He says Minneapolis' government restructuring that gave the mayor more executive authority requires the council to take a stronger hand in legislating and government oversight.  And Roger Reinert was inaugurated today as the 40th mayor of Duluth. He defeated Emily Larson by a 60-40 margin in November, denying her a third term.  Those stories and more in this evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

It’s been about six months since the HyLife pork processing plant in Windom closed its doors. Now many of its former workers are hanging their hopes and futures on the plant reopening this spring. And Minnesota U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips' presidential campaign faces a key test three weeks from Tuesday, when New Hampshire Democrats vote in their presidential primary.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Crow Wing Commissioner Paul Koering said he's heard a lot of displeasure from his constituents about the flag redesign. The commission plans to send a resolution to state officials. This is the Friday afternoon MPR News update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota DNR and law enforcement officials are warning of dangerous ice conditions on lakes across the state. Anyone venturing onto the ice should wear a personal flotation device. And 2023 is on pace to have the highest recorded number of domestic violence-related deaths in Minnesota with at least 35 homicides related to domestic violence.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Significant rainfall over the Christmas weekend helped put a dent in ongoing drought conditions across Minnesota.And Minnesota will soon have a new option for petitioning a judge to remove a person's firearms if they're believed to pose a risk to themselves or others.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota will have a new option for petitioning a judge to remove a person's firearms if they're believed to pose a risk to themselves or others. And on Wednesday, Republican lawmakers on the panel that approved the state’s new flag and seal say they will renew talks about the emblems in the new year. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Food shelves across the state are seeing a higher demand for food services—and are struggling to keep up with the demand. And a Minneapolis man is facing a half dozen misdemeanor charges after allegedly jumping a fence at MSP airport and walking across a runway.Those stories and more in Wednesday’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The National Weather Service has issued a rare December flood warning beginning Thursday for the Red River at Fargo Moorhead. And three pedestrians have been hit and killed by vehicles in Minnesota since Friday. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

A major storm system bringing freezing rain and blizzard conditions to parts of the Great Plains Tuesday is affecting some flights to and from the Twin Cities. The Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport is reporting about a dozen canceled arrivals or departures, including flights to and from Grand Forks and Rapid City. This is the afternoon MPR News update for Tuesday, hosted by Jacob Aloi. Theme music by Gary Meister.

Small business owners say they're struggling to implement an earned sick and safe time policy before a new state law takes effect with the new year. And the panel that selected Minnesota's next state flag and seal is set to come together tomorrow to make the case for their choices. Also, lots and lots of rain for the Twin Cities these last few days.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

A former Minneapolis police officer alleges in a lawsuit against the city that Chief Brian O'Hara defamed and wrongfully fired him because of an incident at his previous job.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Nancy Lebens. Music by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz says hundreds of millions of dollars in aid for local public safety upgrades will start arriving in communities next week. And as the end of the year approaches, Minneapolis is seeing a small reduction in the number of homicides in the city. The number dropped by more than 10 percent compared to the year before. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota's unemployment rate inched down last month. And job applicants can't be prompted to share past salary information with prospective employers starting next year.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.

A federal judge has suspended a Minnesota campaign finance law due to take effect with the new year. And the Minnesota Attorney General's office has filed an appeal in a legal fight over a new law which places limits on disability claims for first responders. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Mayo Clinic is giving Rochester Public Schools $10 million dollars to help it avoid a sweeping and controversial redistricting plan. The funding will prevent the district from having to close three schools, and dramatically scales back a plan to eliminate busing for a host of schools that award spots based on a lottery system.That story and more in today’s evening news update. Hosted by Sarah Thamer. Music by Gary Meister.

A new report from a public health advocacy organization in Minnesota details several declines in important health care metrics compared to pre-pandemic levels. And the U.S. Census Bureau says Minnesota's population has rebounded somewhat this past year — after thousands of people left the state during the pandemic. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The new Minnesota flag will have just three colors — two shades of blue and an eight-pointed white star. The chair of the State Emblems Redesign Commission said simplicity won out. This is the evening MPR News update for Tuesday, hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

The State Emblems Redesign Commission is putting the final touch-ups on a new Minnesota state flag Tuesday. The flag becomes official next spring, unless state lawmakers intervene. And more Minnesota workers will be able to accrue paid sick time starting next year under a new law.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

U.S. Steel announced Monday it's agreed to be acquired by Nippon Steel in a deal worth nearly $15 billion, pending regulatory and shareholder approval.And the Minnesota Court of Appeals Monday upheld a key permit for the proposed copper mine formerly known as PolyMet. It follows a string of setbacks on other permits the mine needs to open. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Andrew Krueger. Music by Gary Meister.

Synagogues and Jewish institutions across the U.S. — including Minnesota — received bomb threats Sunday. The Midwest Anti-Defamation League says the threats were emailed. Also on Sunday, police shot and killed a man in Marshall in southwestern Minnesota. Authorities say officers responding to a domestic disturbance "observed a female being actively stabbed” by the man.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota's politicians hope the IRS will reverse their decision to tax rebate checks. Republican Congressman Peter Stauber met Friday with the head of the Internal Revenue Service, and DFL Gov. Tim Walz — who pushed for the rebate checks — is also lobbying the Biden administration in hopes of getting the IRS to change its mind.  That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Feven Gerezgiher. Music by Gary Meister.

An Anoka County judge has thrown out a lawsuit that challenged the quicker restoration of voting rights to Minnesotans convicted of felonies. And the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has fined Xcel Energy $14,000 for storing groundwater containing radioactive tritium in tanks at its Monticello nuclear plant before getting a needed permit. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

A Hennepin County judge Thursday sentenced a young man to time served after rejecting an earlier plea deal in a fatal attempted carjacking.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Feven Gerezgiher. Music by Gary Meister.

People marched Wednesday night in Minneapolis to protest the planned closure of Camp Nenookaasi, a homeless encampment in the East Phillips neighborhood. And the Minnesota Supreme Court has released a decision in a case with the potential to remake the racial and socioeconomic structure of schools. The court found that racial imbalances in schools alone do not violate the state constitution.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota Supreme Court today released a decision in a case with the potential to remake the racial and socioeconomic structure of schools statewide. The court found that racial imbalances in schools alone don’t violate the state constitution. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says her office will consider more wrongful conviction claims. She announced Tuesday they will establish a conviction integrity unit following Monday’s release of Marvin Haynes from a Stillwater prison. A judge vacated his murder conviction after the Great North Innocence Project took up the case. Also, Metro Transit will soon deploy a code of conduct for riders. This is the evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Feven Gerezgiher. The theme music is by Gary Meister.

Eight people were arrested last night during a pro-Palestinian protest that blocked traffic in Minneapolis. Several vehicles allegedly blocked drivers in the eastbound lanes of I-94 in the Lowry Hill Tunnel during rush hour. And a Minnesota man who spent nearly two decades in prison for murder woke up today a free man. A judge Monday vacated the murder conviction of Marvin Haynes, who was serving life in prison for a 2004 killing.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

A Minneapolis man was released from prison Monday, nearly two decades after he was convicted of murder. A judge vacated his conviction.That story and more in the Minnesota Today evening update. Hosted by Nina Moini. Music by Gary Meister.

The first of three units at the Sherco coal-fired power plant in Becker will shut down at the end of the month. And Philip Davis, prime minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, will give the annual Eugene McCarthy lecture at St. John’s University Monday night.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith issued a joint statement Friday saying U.S. Postal Service management is minimizing complaints from postal workers about which deliveries are being prioritized. Some postal workers say they are being told to put third-party package deliveries ahead of standard mail. That story and more in Friday’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Hanukkah started at sundown Thursday, and this year, it comes with a backdrop of war and a rise in anti-Semitism. The Anti-Defamation League reports a dramatic rise in anti-Semitic incidents nationwide. And in other news, the University of Minnesota is looking for additional state funding to improve its academic health programs.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

Speaking at the cooperative's annual meeting, American Crystal president Tom Astrup said everything lined up for growers this year. The cooperative is forecasting a record payday for growers, but Astrup said operating costs are also rising.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz wants Minnesota lawmakers to temper expectations heading into the next legislative session. Walz is hoping to keep the state budget from moving into the red. And with flu season arriving, a senior epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health says now is the time to get a flu shot if you haven't yet.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz wants Minnesota lawmakers to temper expectations heading into next session to keep the state budget from moving into the red. A deficit could result if new spending gets too high in the upcoming session. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota tax rebate recipients must turn over some of their money to the IRS. And Democrats will retain a six-seat edge in the Minnesota House after a special election for a seat encompassing parts of Dakota County.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Todd Melby. Music by Gary Meister.

The State Emblems Redesign Commission approved the core design for a new state seal. After the design gained breakaway support in earlier meetings, the panel voted to advance the seal design. The design centers the state bird taking flight from a Minnesota lake. Strands of wild rice, trees and a star frame the loon. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The head of Minnesota's medical cannabis office is stepping down. The move means that the state must now fill two vacancies for top marijuana regulators. And some Minnesota cities are requesting state money to tackle "forever chemicals" in their drinking water supplies.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.

Former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin’s health is improving after he was stabbed more than 20 times last month while in federal prison in Arizona. Chauvin is serving concurrent sentences of more than 20 years for a state conviction for murdering George Floyd and federal charges of violating Floyd's civil rights. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Democratic Governors Association has elected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as its new chair. And in Rochester, educators have begun implementing required changes that focus on how reading is taught in the state. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Emily Bright. Music by Gary Meister.

More than 550 soldiers from the Guard's 34th Infantry Division Red Bull headquarters are getting ready for a 10-month, regularly scheduled deployment to the Middle East.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minneapolis City Council allocates millions for non-police-based public safety initiatives in the 2024 budget. Mayor Jacob Frey is critical of the funding strategies for these programs. We also hear about internal tensions within the DFL Party, highlighting the public rebuke of Senator Ron Latz by several party members over his controversial comments regarding Palestinian youth amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Judge Wilhelmina Wright, the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge in Minnesota, says she plans to step down from the federal bench on Feb. 15.And the latest Minnesota Community Measure report says the cost of health care services for people with private insurance increased 7 percent in 2022.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Anti-war protesters gathered Wednesday for a meeting of the Minnesota State Board of Investment to call the board to pull state money invested in companies linked to Israel. Members of Minnesota’s Jewish community asked the board to block efforts to divest from Israel. And a pair of state lawmakers introduced a child care affordability proposal aimed at lowering the cost of child care in the state.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Anti-war protesters gathered for a meeting of the Minnesota State Board of Investment, calling on the board to pull state money invested in companies they say are linked to Israel and the Israeli military. Members of Minnesota's Jewish Community spoke urging the state board to block efforts to erase Israeli investments from the public portfolio, saying the State Board of Investment should oppose divestment.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Mayo Clinic has unveiled plans for a new $5 billion campus in downtown Rochester. And the State Emblems Redesign Commission is looking for public feedback before it narrows its pool of finalists for a new state flag and seal. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

A man convicted of killing a flower shop owner in the city nearly two decades ago testified in court Tuesday that he is innocent of the crime. Also, Mayo Clinic announces a $5 billion expansion to its campus. This is the evening MPR News update for Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court Karl Procaccini is now the first person of Muslim faith to sit on the state's highest court. Natalie Hudson made history yesterday as well when she took her oath of office and became first person of color to lead the Minnesota Supreme Court as chief justice. And the union for teachers in the Anoka-Hennepin school district has filed for mediation after it’s teacher contract expired in June. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Rochesters Public Schools announced major changes to manage the district’s bloated budget, a move that is shaking up the system. This is the evening MPR News update for Monday. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Few details have emerged after the man convicted of murdering George Floyd was stabbed in federal prison. And a community meeting is planned for Monday night in south Minneapolis to give an update on reports of air pollution from a metal foundry.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota Congressman Dean Philips announced Friday that he will not seek re-election to his U.S. House seat next year. That story and more in today’s update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Xcel Energy says a reactor at its Prairie Island nuclear plant southeast of the Twin Cities automatically shut down on October 19 due to an equipment issue between the turbine and the plant's connection to the electric grid.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The state commission tasked with picking new state emblems picked six flag finalists and five seal finalists during a meeting Tuesday. The commission has until Jan. 1 to pick a new state flag and seal. And cases of flu, COVID-19 and RSV are on the rise as Minnesotans head into the winter months and holiday gatherings. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The head of the Minneapolis police union is expressing skepticism about the prospects for efforts to recruit and retain officers. A proposal for an incentive package to attract and keep officers was rejected last week by the Minneapolis City Council. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The State Emblems Redesign Commission meets Tuesday with the goal of picking finalists for a new state flag and seal. And Fairview Health Services has notified the University of Minnesota that it does not plan to extend its current partnership. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Protesters on Monday morning blocked two entrances into the parking lot of a St. Paul office complex that houses Forward Edge ASIC, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. And St. Cloud State University receives conditional approval to launch some online undergraduate programs.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Two Minnesota-grown turkeys will get presidential pardons Monday at the White House. The turkeys are named Liberty and Bell, and come from Willmar from the Jennie-O turkey company. A light rail train went off the tracks Saturday in Minneapolis after hitting a concrete barrier. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The amount raised during the 15th Give to the Max day was only about $100,000 dollars short of the record of $34.3 million, set in 2021.And two turkeys from Minnesota are on their way to Washington, D.C. for an official pardon.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey meet today in a special session to consider more than $15 million in retention and recruitment bonuses for Minneapolis police officers and recruits. Five Minnesota families who lost loved ones in recent police shootings allege in a new lawsuit the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is illegally withholding information about the investigations.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health is launching a new Cannabis Research Center. The center announced Thursday was included in the law signed in May that made Minnesota the 23rd state to legalize adult-use cannabis. And Minnesota's unemployment rate inched up last month to 3.2 percent, up slightly from September.Those stories and more from this MPR News evening update. Hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.

A federal grand jury has indicted another 13 people in connection with an ongoing crackdown on Minneapolis street gangs. And the Minnesota Board on Aging has more details in its report on a senior nutrition program’s failures and lack of oversight.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is again trying to overturn his federal civil rights conviction in the murder of George Floyd.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig says she had to move and received death threats after she was attacked earlier this year. Police in England have arrested a man in connection with the death of hockey player and Minnesota native Adam Johnson. And state officials want to add 54 lakes, rivers and streams to the list of Minnesota waters impaired by pollution. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

With only a week before they're set to narrow the field of thousands of entries to five, members of the State Emblems Redesign Commission called for help from Minnesota residents.And several state agencies are asking for public feedback on how to limit future damage if feral pigs or farmed mink are let loose in the wild.Those stories more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota Hospital Association says many of the state's health systems are losing money at a growing clip. And St. Paul’s history-making city council made of all women — and many of diverse backgrounds — is official.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota Hospital Association says a survey of 70 of its members — ranging from big health systems to rural hospitals — found that two-thirds are operating in the red with a collective loss of $419 million.  That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Former Minneapolis City Council Member Don Samuels has launched a second primary campaign to Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar. The State Emblems Redesign Commission says it is no longer taking public entries, but it is welcoming feedback on the more than 2,000 submissions it received in October. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The U.S. Department of Justice says that Anoka's "crime free" housing program unfairly penalizes some landlords and tenants for so-called nuisance calls to their properties.  And Minnesota is hosting its official Veteran’s Day celebration tomorrow, honor the state’s veterans. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

A couple of St. Paul City Council races could see a final winner Friday. Ballots cast this week in Ward 1 and Ward 7 will be reallocated through the ranked choice voting process Friday. A reallocation in Ward 3 will happen Monday.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Another candidate has entered the race for Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District House seat in the western Twin Cities suburbs. It’s for the seat now held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, who is running for president.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Nina Moini. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota Supreme Court says former president Donald Trump can remain on the state primary ballot. More than 2,000 designs for a new state flag and seal are available to view online. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

The state Supreme Court has tossed out a challenge to former President Donald Trump’s ballot status next year. Also, the Minneapolis City Council races have unofficial winners, including current council president Andrea Jenkins. This is the evening MPR News update, hosted by Nancy Lebens. Theme music by Gary Meister.

It’s the morning after Election Day and results are rolling in. So far, there’s a major shakeup in store for Duluthians, a potential upset in the Minneapolis City Council ranks, a new tax coming to St. Paul and a mayor making history in St. Louis Park. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Cities like St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Bloomington have city council seats up for grabs, and some are choosing a mayor as well. And the Minnesota Board of Animal Health has confirmed avian influenza at a commercial egg laying operation with 940,000 chickens in Wright County.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

It’s Election Day and across Minnesota, city councils, school board seats and other local offices are on the ballot. Several cities are also proposing sales tax increases and dozens of school districts are putting bond referenda before voters. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

The three were convicted of mail and wire fraud for their roles in a decades-long telemarketing scam that targeted 150,000 magazine subscribers. The jury returned its verdicts following a three-week trial at the federal courthouse in Minneapolis. This the evening MPR News update for Monday. Hosted by Nancy Lebens with theme music by Gary Meister.

Tuesday is Election Day with local races for mayor, city council and school boards to be held across the state. Some voters in St. Paul will decide whether to increase the city’s sales tax to fund road and park improvements. Rochester residents will weigh a new levy to pay for tech upgrades in the city's public schools. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Last month, Gov. Tim Walz announced a $300 million investment for the Great Start Compensation Support payments program for the next two years and future permanent funding to help get childcare providers closer to a living wage. Almost 6,000 childcare providers across the state applied for support funds. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota Supreme Court will now decide a case whether Donald Trump can appear on the 2024 state ballot. Twin Cities-based Fairview Health Services is cutting 250 full- and part-time jobs. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Attorneys made arguments on whether Donald Trump's actions on Jan. 6th, 2021, disqualify him from Minnesota ballots.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

President Joe Biden called for a "pause" in the fighting between Israel and Hamas, in response to an activist who interrupted him during a campaign stop in Minneapolis on Wednesday night. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.

MnDOT says a portion of the Twin Ports interchange project will not be completed this fall as planned because of a discovery of "findings of historical significance." That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

President Joe Biden is visiting Minnesota today, focusing on federal programs that support rural economies. The Minnesota Twins long-time TV play-by-play announcer is stepping down. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota DNR has approved a mining company's plan to drill several exploratory holes near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota Supreme Court hears a case today on whether schools can be held liable for hiring employees with a problematic past who then go on to abuse students. A Minnesota judge is weighing whether people with felony records can vote this year — even if their full sentences aren’t over. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Hockey player Adam Johnson died in a tragic accident during a game in the U.K. over the weekend. He helped lead UMD to the national championship game in 2017. He went pro and played 13 games in the National Hockey League and spent the last two seasons in Europe.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minneapolis City Council could take a vote Tuesday to approve a new location for the 3rd Precinct police station. Minnesota Democratic U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips spent the weekend courting supporters in New Hampshire ahead of his first town hall as a presidential candidate on Wednesday. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota Democrats say they're concerned that a Dean Phillips presidential bid could help former President Trump win in an expected contest with President Biden. Also, Minneapolis Mayor Frey pushes a site on Minnehaha Avenue for a new 3rd police precinct building. This is the evening MPR News update for Friday. Hosted by Nancy Lebens. Theme music by Gary Meister.

The first snow of the season has plows out up north. Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips has officially declared his run for president, challenging fellow Democrat incumbent President Joe Biden. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Flags at state buildings in Minnesota will be flown at half-staff to honor the lives lost in yesterday’s mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. Authorities say a gunman killed 18 people and injured 13 others in shootings at a bowling alley and a bar. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Republicans are rallying behind the new U.S. House speaker, Rep. Tom Emmer who sought the job. Anoka — the “Halloween Capital of the world” — is honoring one of its own for a gourd-gantuan achievement. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, who had been briefly up for the speakership this week but withdrew amid some internal opposition, says he and colleagues are ready to press ahead. The election of Louisiana Representative Mike Johnson to the post ends three weeks of gridlock on who would lead the house. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer pulled out of the House speaker election. Four Minnesotans face federal charges for allegedly running a $21 million catalytic converter theft ring. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

A person close to U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer tells MPR News that the congressman dropped out amid signs he couldn’t amass the necessary votes on the House floor.  Emmer is the third speaker nominee to try and fail in the wake of Kevin McCarthy’s unprecedented removal three weeks ago. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Activists and families of loved ones who were killed by police officers marched to an empty lot that would be the new site of the Minneapolis Police Department's third precinct building. Protester marched to honor those whose lives are lost and shared frustrations they've had with the Minneapolis Police Department. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

House Republicans enter their third week without a leader. Among the top options for Speaker is Majority Whip from Minnesota Tom Emmer. A former Minneapolis police officer who assaulted a man during the 2020 riots faces sentencing today. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

A Republican operative with direct knowledge confirmed to MPR News that Tom Emmer has told members of the House Republican Conference that he will seek the nomination for speaker of the house. That and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

A fire broke out early Friday morning in the former Kmart building on Lake Street in Minneapolis. Minnesota public defenders are banding together against a challenge to voting rights. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Hennepin County Chief Judge Toddrick Barnette will serve as the city's Commissioner of Community Safety, a role that oversees the city's police, fire, 911, emergency response and neighborhood safety efforts.And last night, hundreds gathered at the State Capitol for a rally for Palestinians. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minneapolis City Council will decide today whether to appoint Hennepin County Chief Judge Toddrick Barnette to lead the city's public safety efforts. St. Paul councilmembers approved a zoning overhaul allowing for more multi-family housing. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

The group says protests are planned tomorrow outside the offices of Minnesota's Congressional delegation to urge them to call on President Biden to push for a ceasefire. And an update on the investigation into a Benton County couple involved in a police shootout that left five officers injured. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota's Secretary of State and Attorney General say they'll oppose efforts to limit voting rights for felons sentenced to probation. State officials have pledged support for a planned $68 million dollar cannabis growing operation in Grand Rapids. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Recent campaign efforts aim to encourage Minnesotans to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. It marks a change for Republicans in tone from recent years.That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett sat down for an hour-long conversation with Robert Stein, a University of Minnesota professor and past law school dean.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music By Gary Meister.

About a hundred people joined a march called Minnesota Jews Against Genocide Monday in Minneapolis. And vandalism at a Duluth mosque brought two faith communities together to right a wrong — and then engage in meaningful conversation.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

rge protests organized by Students for a Democratic Society and the Minnesota Abortion Action Committee are planned ahead of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s lecture at the University of Minnesota on Monday. Barrett is the guest of the annual Stein Lecture.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister

Former Minneapolis city official Ron Harris Friday says he'll run for a U.S. House seat in Minnesota's 3rd District, the seat currently held by DFL Congressman Dean Phillips. Also, prosecutors charged Karl Holmberg, 64, with attempted murder in the shooting of five officers in Benton county. This is the evening MPR News update, hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.

Five law enforcement officers are recovering after being shot while serving a warrant in central Minnesota Thursday. The St. Paul City Council is expected to vote soon on a major overhaul of the capital city’s residential zoning code. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Five law enforcement officers were wounded by gunfire this morning in central Minnesota. In Minneapolis, some members of the City Council are raising questions about Mayor Jacob Frey's proposal to build a new Third Precinct police facility. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Bright. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota Twins made it further into the post season than they've been in many years, but the team lost Game 4 to the Houston Astros, ending the 2023 season.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesotans with family connections in Gaza are struggling to reach their loved ones amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. Bombings have shut down electricity and cut off internet.That story and more on today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.

The attack on Israel Saturday by Hamas militants has galvanized Jewish communities around the world — and in Minnesota. On Tuesday night, a solidarity gathering in St. Louis Park drew thousands of people.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

The rabble-rousing state lawmaker turned party insider could land a promotion to House majority leader amid other GOP shuffling, but insurgents in his party could stand in his way. Emmer currently serves as majority whip, the No. 3 position in Republican leadership. If Majority Leader Steve Scalise succeeds in his bid for House Speaker, that would put Emmer in line to move up.This is an MPR News morning update, Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesotans are checking in with friends and family in the region, after a deadly surprise attack by Hamas. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Matt Sepic. Music by Gary Meister.

The Israeli government confirmed that several Americans were among those who were taken captive. Senator Amy Klobuchar says her office has no reason to believe Minnesotans have been killed or taken hostage in Israel, and her office is helping dozens of her constituents that are in Israel get back to the United States.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Hundreds of people turned out for the opening of the new MIGIZI facility for Indigenous Youth in Minneapolis. The previous building was burned in the disturbances following the police murder of George Floyd. And Minnesota United, the Twin Cities MLS team, parted ways with its first and only coach, Adrian Heath.This is an MPR News afternoon update hosted by Hannah Yang. Music written by Gary Meister.

New cell phone video surfaces in the police shooting death of Winston Smith. This weekend may be the best to see fall colors up north. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Written by Gary Meister.

Workers at the Hormel plant in Austin, Minnesota, say the union has reached a tentative agreement with the company, and the Minneapolis City Council Thursday voted to reject a workers' compensation claim by an MPD officer who severely beat a man during unrest following George Floyd's killing. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.

Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney told a crowd at the university of Minnesota last night that former speaker Kevin McCarthy deserved his fate. Saying he was “Absolutely unfit to be speaker." Cheney spoke as part of a political lecture series at the school.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

A pair of planned health care system mergers is under review by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.And Minnesota Representative Tom Emmer will seek the second-highest position in the U.S. House.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.

The Twins beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3 to 1 on Tuesday. The key to that win was rookie Royce Lewis, who batted in three runs on two home runs. He hit his runs in his first two postseason bats.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Republicans in Minnesota’s Congressional delegation backed House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during a successful effort Tuesday to oust him from power. All of Minnesota’s Democrats voted to remove McCarthy. This is the MPR News evening update, hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Theme music by Gary Meister.

A committee of the Minneapolis City Council has rejected the $145,000 workers' compensation claim of a police officer who beat a man during unrest following the killing of George Floyd.The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced Monday it’s finished processing the one-time tax rebate payments. It sent just over 2 million direct deposits and paper checks — totaling nearly a billion dollars — to eligible Minnesotans over the last 45 days.This is an MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music By Gary Meister.

A grand jury has returned first degree murder charges against Adam Fravel. He was arrested earlier this year in connection with the death of Madeline Kingsbury.A committee of the Minneapolis City Council has rejected the workers' compensation claim of a police officer who beat a man during unrest following the killing of George Floyd. Sgt. Andrew Bittell was one of the officers who beat Jaleel Stallings in May 2020.  Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Highs on Sunday broke records. It was 92 degrees in the Twin Cities. It's never been that hot in the in that region on October first. The Twin Cities Marathon was cancelled due to the warm and muggy conditions.Dean Philips is stepping away from a leadership position in his caucus over his view that there should be more primary challengers running against president Joe Biden.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz has ordered flags at state buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff to honor the life of longtime California U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.And as some Minnesota law enforcement agencies return resource officers to schools, a new legal interpretation of changes in state law could cause further uncertainty.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota Republican Congressman Tom Emmer is brushing off talk about being the next House Speaker if Kevin McCarthy is ousted. More confusion is bubbling up over school resource officers in Hennepin County. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

A federal lawsuit alleging that Minneapolis police and Hennepin County Sheriff's deputies targeted journalists is heading to trial. The alleged targeting happened during unrest following George Floyd's 2020 killing by a police officer.And Conagra Brands paid more than $8 million for air violations at its Waseca plant.Those news stories and more in today’s MPR News evening update. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.

The St. Paul City Council has passed an ordinance restricting smoking cannabis, tobacco and hemp products in public places and recreation areas. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating after a man was shot and wounded by a law enforcement officer near Granite Falls Wednesday afternoon. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota fugitive accidentally freed in Indiana is arrested in the Twin Cities and government shutdown could cut off food assistance for tens of thousands of women and children. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Attorney General Keith Ellison said Minnesota is joining a lawsuit filed by the federal government and 17 states against Amazon. The suit accuses the online giant of violating antitrust laws by taking actions that stifle innovation and competition and preventing other companies from competing against it.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Walz says he should have hired professional regulator for state cannabis czar, and Target is closing nine stores on east and west coast because it can’t stem thefts. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

The most rain over the past few days has fallen around the French river, on the North Shore of Lake Superior...More than seven inches of rain that led the streams and rivers from Duluth to Two Harbors to turn into raging torrents of water.Members from unions across Minnesota are rallying Tuesday alongside striking workers outside the Stellantis parts distribution center in Plymouth. Workers at the Plymouth facility joined the nationwide UAW strike Friday.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Expert says many won't know they're included in massive U of M data breach and this weekend’s storms were the biggest rain event in Minnesota since May of 2022. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesotans and Wisconsinites are among the 5,000 workers on strike against automakers General Motors and Stellantis — the parent companies of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. Many murals made in reaction to George Floyd’s murder are getting a new home. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

United Auto Workers at two Twin Cities-area facilities walked off the job today as part of the strike against the three big U.S. car makers.And today kicks off the first day of early voting, which means Minnesotans can cast their ballots for local elections all the way up until election day November 7.All that and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.

Lawsuits pile up after breach affects decades of data for U of M students and employees. The new director of the state cannabis management office will start her job soon. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Keith Ellison says the controversy over rules for cops in schools is over, but it isn't clear yet if police agree. Also, Minnesota has a new marijuana czar, a CBD store owner. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

There's a revised opinion on the new and controversial state law that limits the kinds of physical restraints that can be used on students. The revised opinion comes after nearly 40 Minnesota law enforcement agencies have pulled their school resource officers from schools saying they are worried about liability.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota Supreme Court to hear arguments for banning Trump from ballot in November and state tests find Stillwater prison water safe to drink, after concerns raised in recent protests. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

More school districts are without school resource officers after the police departments in Apple Valley, Maple Grove and White Bear Lake have pulled them.The Minneapolis City Council on Tuesday decided to abandon a proposal to house 3rd Precinct officers in a building downtown for the next decade. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Fatal shooting by state trooper is now in hands of Hennepin County prosecutors and a Minnesota hockey legend has died. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey is putting pressure on the city council to make a decision on the future site of a new third precinct building for the police department. The old building off of lake street was destroyed during the riots after George Floyd’s death.There's an investigation underway into an incident at a West Duluth bar after a black woman says she was assaulted by two white men.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Hormel meatpackers back at work, for now, amid historic labor tensions around the U.S. and there may be some spectacular northern lights overnight and tomorrow before dawn in Minnesota. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

The St. Paul city council has scheduled a vote Wednesday on where people can smoke cannabis openly in the city. The current version prohibits smoking marijuana in parks and within 25 feet of entrances of public buildings and workplaces.The State Patrol just finished a DWI crackdown. As of last week, more than 19 thousand drivers were tagged for impaired driving. The state department of public safety also says arrests for driving while drugged have gone up nearly 100 percent between 2018 and 2022 compared to previous years.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Police on Friday arrested a teenager in connection with a threat made Thursday at Edina High School. Authorities say the 17-year-old boy took a Snapchat video of himself in the school's parking lot with a handgun and extended magazine in his lap. And the Twin Cities Air National Guard base is slated for a major upgrade of its transport planes.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.

Relatives of a man who died in the custody of Faribault police are calling for the immediate release of video from the incident. The Light Rail’s Blue will be extended through neighborhoods from Target Field up to Brooklyn Park. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota's Air National Guard gets a reprieve from potential fleet cuts by the Air Force and an Eden Prairie man has been arrested for allegedly smothering his 7-year-old brother. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Mayors of cities along the Mississippi River are expected to vote Thursday on whether to support an agreement to prevent water from being sent to other parts of the United States. Ten states are represented at the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative annual meeting in Bemidji.A young St. Paul man is the first person to buy a home using the city’s Inheritance Fund. The goal of the new program is to rebuild intergenerational wealth for the descendants of people in the historically Black Rondo Neighborhood who lost their homes and businesses to Interstate 94 in the 1950s. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Drought is taking a serious toll on Minnesota's fall harvest, pasture land, and law enforcement is pressing the issue of new law on restraints by law enforcements in schools. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Bipartisan Trump opponents think Minnesota law will keep him off the state ballot next year and Minneapolis officials say there has to be an alternative to continued homeless encampment evictions. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Opponents file suit to keep Donald Trump off Minnesota's presidential ballot, citing Civil War era ban on insurrection, and torrential rains scour Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has released the state's 2022 Uniform Crime Report. Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey has appointed the new head of a city office with broad oversight of police, fire and other public safety operations. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota 9/11 tribute concert, that has long been held at Lake Harriet Bandshell, has been cancelled this year. The chair of the group that has put on the concert, wrote on Facebook that volunteers and donations have been steadily declining over the past few years….In a news release late Saturday, the department said Commissioner Paul Schnell is ordering the testing to “assure staff and incarcerated individuals that the water is safe for drinking.” This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Housing advocates say eviction rates around Minnesota are increasing at a troubling pace, and gas prices have spiked in parts of Minnesota over the past day... now back over $4 dollars a gallon at some stations. These stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Bright. Music by Gary Meister.

Dozens of DFL state lawmakers say they don’t support a special session to repeal a new law that limits physical holds school staff can use on students. Drought, temperatures and climate change are affecting fall color timing and brilliance. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Rideshare regulation veto in Minneapolis sticks, as regulation controversy keeps rolling on and lawmakers defend new limits on physical restraints in schools, as police agencies call for a do-over. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

The original proposal would have made it a petty misdemeanor to smoke cannabis or tobacco products on city-controlled property, including parks and sidewalks. But council members may adjust the proposal.And late Wednesday a U.S. District Court Judge dismissed a lawsuit that Twin Metals filed last year to try revive its stalled attempt to develop a proposed copper-nickel mine on the doorstep of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

The state Department of Revenue says some Minnesotans are mistaking rebate checks for junk mail and discarding them. And crews continued work Wednesday to extinguish a 40-acre wildfire in Carlton County that ignited on Labor Day. The fire has forced the evacuation of six homes.  These stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Police groups and Republican lawmakers have urged the governor to call a special session to repeal a law that prohibits school resource officers from restraining students in a way that restricts their breathing. This is an MPR New morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Thousands and thousands of Minnesota students head back to class, some in brand new schools. Also, the panel charged with remaking the state flag meets for the first time. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Most of Minnesota will be hot, but also smoky in some places, too. There's another air quality alert for northwest and west central Minnesota with smoke seeping into northwestern Minnesota this morning and moving into southern Minnesota Tuesday night. Tuesday is the first day of school for most districts. Other schools started before Labor Day. Minneapolis and St. Paul schools sent out reminders Monday, encouraging parents to make sure their kids are hydrated and are dressed for the heat. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Record heat is likely in southern and central Minnesota this weekend, but it will be much drier than last week's heat wave. And the Minnesota Department of Health is centralizing COVID-19 testing in wastewater systems. Those stories and more, in today’s MPR News evening update. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota may be headed for one of the hottest days ever recorded during the run of the State Fair. An Albert Lea health care clinic, which the community recently fought to attract, is closing at the end of the year. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Severe and extreme drought conditions expanded in Minnesota over the past week, and the Minnesota Legislative Auditor said Thursday that the Department of Public Safety didn't adequately manage a grant program aimed at helping firefighters.Those news stories and more, in an evening news update hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.

A teenager pleaded guilty Wednesday to shooting and killing a St. Paul man during a car theft. Michael Scott Brasel, 44, was killed in front of his house in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood in May. And five people face charges in an alleged scheme to defraud the Minnesota Medical Assistance program of nearly $10 million. This is an MPR News Morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

New law on police restraints in Minnesota schools is turning into a political flashpoint and five face charges for millions in Medicaid fraud. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

It's day seven of the Minnesota state fair and a lot of fairgoers are finding it's tough to get there. And on Wednesday, six people are expected to finish a frigid swim in Lake Superior. The goal was to swim nearly 50 miles from Split Rock Lighthouse to Duluth - without wetsuits. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Attorneys general from 22 states have dropped their opposition to a multi-billion dollar settlement with 3M over contamination of public water supplies, and Hennepin and Clay Counties are among the latest in Minnesota to announce they are removing School Resource Officers from districts.This is an evening news update from MPR News, hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.

An air quality alert has been issued for West Central Minnesota although much of the state will see hazy skies by Tuesday afternoon. Smoke from Canadian wildfires will lower the air quality to unhealthy levels for people with heart and lung diseases.Currently, Brainerd is the largest city in Minnesota that doesn't regularly chlorinate its water, only when there's an issue. The city has a long history of fighting additives to its drinking water. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

As many remember the March on Washington, some remember Minnesotans that took part. Also, the U.S. Agriculture secretary was in Minnesota and at the state fair, as a new farm bill is taking shape. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

There’s a commemorative concert at the U tonight in honor of the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech. After a lukewarm opening day, attendance for day two of the Minnesota State Fair shattered the record. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Prosecutors Friday dropped charges against a man who allegedly led Minneapolis police on a car chase that ended in a fatal crash, and Minnesota State troopers shut down a homeless encampment along Highway 55 in the East Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis Thursday. More top news stories in this evening update, hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.

Amid cuts to other departments, St. Cloud State University has introduced a cannabis certificate program. The body of a missing pilot was recovered in far northeastern Minnesota. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

A sizable crowd gathered at the main gate on Snelling Avenue, including Maryjane Burgett, a first grader from St. Paul. She asked her dad to be first in the Fair and they went to the gate to wait at 3:30 on Wednesday afternoon. This is an evening update for Thursday, August 24, hosted by Nina Moini. Music by Gary Meister.

The newly amended law applies to school employees restraining students to prevent bodily harm or death. It's not meant to limit the types of force used, it’s meant to ensure that the force used is “reasonable.” This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Allina officially ends practice of denying care to patients with outstanding debt and Minnesota gets its first chief justice of color on the state Supreme Court. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

The University of Minnesota launched the investigation in late July after the tech journal The Cyber Express reported claims that a hacker had potentially gained access to more than 7 million Social Security numbers. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Minneapolis mayor vetoes rideshare ordinance in latest Minnesota battle over regulation and heat indexes were approaching 120 degrees in parts of the state today. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

The Met Council said they have reached a deal with Hennepin County to fund the project. The line, which will connect downtown Minneapolis with Eden Prairie, Minn., has been plagued by construction delays and cost overruns. High temperatures are forecast to reach well into the 90s Tuesday and Wednesday and even triple digits in some spots. The heat index will be into the triple digits. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Crash with members of Minnesota college champion hockey team kills one, injures four, and Minnesota and Wisconsin plan a billion dollar rebuild for the iconic Blatnik bridge joining the Twin Ports. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Police are investigating after a shooting left eight people injured in Minneapolis Sunday evening. Excessive heat warning and heat advisories are posted for much of southern Minnesota through Thursday. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota school board candidates are spending more on their campaigns than in the past. There is increased competition for open seats as well. Nearly 200 people have filed to run for the more than 100 open board seats in this year’s elections. This is the evening MPR News update for Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Theme music by Gary Meister.

The start of the Minnesota State Fair is less than a week away, and the fair's police chief says fairgoers will likely notice more security this year. A Rochester woman has pleaded guilty to a felony charge for her role in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minneapolis City Council Thursday passed a policy requiring higher pay and more workplace protections for rideshare drivers operating in the city. However, it faces a possible veto from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who had asked the council to delay the vote.  This is the evening MPR News update for Aug. 17, 2023. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Theme music by Gary Meister.

The St. Paul City Council voted Wednesday afternoon to override Mayor Melvin Carter’s veto of a proposal that would let voters decide whether to raise property taxes to pay for early child care. MnDOT has dropped plans for a controversial roundabout in Duluth near the shore of Lake Superior following months of outcry. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Feds charge 14 more members of Minneapolis street gangs; cops say arrests are curbing violence, and state pollution control agency says air quality late this week may be worst since 2021. This is an evening update from MPR News hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Rideshare companies Lyft and Uber are threatening to pull service out of Minneapolis if the city passes an ordinance this week that gives drivers more protections and higher pay. And in waves, the Department of Revenue will begin distributing one-time rebates this week to taxpayers who qualify based on 2021 income. The payments amount to $260 per person and up to $1,300 for a household. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

The entire police department in the southeast Minnesota city of Goodhue resigned last week after the city's chief of police announced his resignation. Nearly a dozen aid workers are in Hawaii from Minnesota and surrounding states as part of the Red Cross response to the fires on Maui. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Bidding for historic steelmaker U.S. Steel is open, and with it a Minnesota mining legacy and Minnesotans are on the ground in Hawaii helping wildfire survivors. This is an evening update from MPR news, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Police believe the suspect who killed one and injured six more at a punk show in Minneapolis Friday night was targeting a specific person. Tuesday is the final day to apply for 2021 Minnesota property tax refunds. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Charges will not be filed against two Stillwater police officers in the fatal shooting of a man earlier this year. Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson announced Thursday that the shooting death of 21-year-old O’Kwan Sims in March was justified. This is an evening update for Friday, August 11, hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.

Thousands of Minnesotans can’t seem to curb their need for speed, according to the State Patrol. Shutterfly is shutting down its Shakopee facility and laying off employees. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

A year after record price pressures, Minnesota has some of the lowest inflation in US, and authorities are investigating the tragic shooting of a 3 year old in east central Minnesota. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Thousands of Minnesotans still need to file paperwork to renew their Medical Assistance coverage after a three-year national pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. A former state Republican Party operative and top donor will spend the next 21 years in federal prison for sex trafficking. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Political insider gets 21 years in prison in sex trafficking case that rocked MN GOP and Minnesota has removed tens of thousands from medical assistance rolls as pandemic health care assistance winds down. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

A Minnesota State Patrol trooper with a year and a half of law enforcement experience fired the shots that killed Ricky Cobb II along Interstate 94. Gov. Walz plans to meet with Cobb’s family. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.  

Authorities release 14-year-old held in fatal weekend shooting in St. Paul and both Fargo officers wounded in an ambush shooting that killed a colleague are now out of the hospital. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

More wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada is triggering an air quality alert for Minnesotans in the northern half of the state. In Duluth, folks will cast their ballots in the city’s primary election. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill Monday sentenced Tou Thao to nearly five years in prison for his role in the killing of George Floyd. This is an MPR News evening update, hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.

U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips spoke for the first time Sunday since Politico reported last month he was talking to donors about a possible run. This an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

A federal appeals court has upheld the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Tou Thao for his role in the killing of George Floyd. This is an MPR News evening update for Friday, August 4. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.

On Thursday the White Earth Nation added recreational cannabis to the products available at the tribal dispensary which it just opened on Monday. State officials have released new details on the fatal shooting of a Black motorist by a Minnesota State trooper earlier this week. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

State officials have released new details on the fatal shooting of a Black motorist by a Minnesota State trooper early Monday.The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says one of the three troopers at the scene fired his handgun, identifying him as Ryan Londregan, who had about a year and a half of law enforcement experience. The BCA says he was assisting another trooper, Brett Seide, who stopped Ricky Cobb II after seeing Cobb drive by on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis without taillights.This is an MPR News evening update hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.

Racial justice activists joined with relatives of Ricky Cobb II Wednesday in calling for the firing and prosecution of the state troopers involved in the killing of the 33-year-old Black man during a traffic stop. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister

State supreme court deals copper-nickel mining another setback and cops are already busting illegal marijuana retail sales. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Body camera and squad car video released Tuesday by the Minnesota State Patrol showed how tensions escalated quickly early Monday morning as troopers struggled to pull a driver out of his car and take him into custody along Interstate 94 in Minneapolis. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

State Patrol makes unprecedented release of body camera video from shooting of motorist and jury awards more than $11 million to family of man shot by St. Paul police in 2017. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Cannabis is now legal for adults 21 and older to possess, use and grow in Minnesota. The first dispensary selling marijuana for recreational use is open on the Red Lake Nation. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

A federal jury Monday found St. Paul police officer Nathaniel Younce civilly liable for the fatal shooting of Cordale Handy in 2017. But in a mixed decision, jurors determined that a second officer involved in the incident, Mikko Norman should not be held liable. This is an evening update for MPR News, hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reported early Monday that it was responding to a “use-of-force incident” involving a state trooper along Interstate 94 in Minneapolis. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

A fourth aquifer breach has been reported along the Line 3 oil pipeline in northern Minnesota.This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Lisa Ryan. Music by Gary Meister.

Nearly eight years after the state asked local law enforcement agencies to send over all untested sexual assault kits, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Thursday those tests have been completed. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Sandford - Fairview health care merger, fighting opposition and delayed, has been called off and dangerous heat may give way to a third night of destructive storms this week. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

A Fargo police officer killed by a gunman earlier this month was remembered at a memorial service for his character and competence. Law enforcement, the public and the Wallin family attended the service held at a Fargo arena. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Two kids shot in latest of distressing gun incidents in Minneapolis and Minnesota is heading for what could be the hottest day of the year. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Five dozen people are facing federal charges for allegedly spending hunger relief funds on real estate, travel, and other personal expenses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture runs the programs, but the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) manages them on the state level. Lawmakers included the MDE inspector general position in this year's education bill. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Air quality and heat alerts are popping up as Minnesota leans into peak summer in the days ahead, and educators say they’re starting to see signs of recovery from the pandemic in Minnesota student achievement. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Temperatures are forecast to climb into the 90s — possibly even exceeding 100 degrees — across parts of the state in the coming days, accompanied by increased humidity. Officials are urging people to take steps to keep themselves safe in the heat. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota braces for the impact of marijuana legalization, now just days away, and the hottest days of the year are upon us. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Marijuana isn’t legal in Minnesota quite yet, but already around the state, communities are pumping the brakes on retail cannabis sales until details of state rules on the licensing process are hammered out. And officers are stressing that driving high could result in a DWI – and possibly endanger others on the road. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

The city of Minneapolis said other cities — including Denver, Detroit, San Francisco and Seattle — as well as the state of Oregon have already taken similar actions. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Regina Medina. Music by Gary Meister.

Top Minneapolis public safety official concedes much left to be done as he leaves after just a year and Minnesota will bury a native son as Fargo police officer killed last week is laid to rest this weekend. This is a morning update from MPR News hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Law enforcement veteran brought in to reform Minneapolis is stepping down after 13 months, and state employment officials say the great resignation is over. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Xcel Energy crews are working to restore power for some 40-thousand Minnesotans after strong storms swept across the state Wednesday afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service is investigating a report of a possible tornado in the northwestern part of the state. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Man who killed Fargo police officer had nearly 2,000 rounds and an arsenal in his vehicle, and the U moves to end consideration of race in admission in wake of U.S. Supreme Court decision. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

A council committee Tuesday unanimously passed a legislative directive requiring the city to research the merits of adding 3rd Police Precinct officers to the Century Plaza building which is located outside of the precinct's geographic boundaries. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Minneapolis moves police station, another step toward closure from George Floyd killing, and a murder charge has been filed against a man who allegedly ran down a teen in Forest Lake. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

The City of Minneapolis is scrapping proposals to return the 3rd Police Precinct station to its former place on Lake Street or find the precinct a new home near 26th and Minnehaha avenues. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Allina Health system will shed 250 jobs amid "unprecedented" financial challenges and Minneapolis is rethinking its options for the destroyed 3rd precinct police headquarters, a flashpoint for reform after it’s destruction in the wake of George Floyd’s death. This is an evening update from MPR News hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Fargo officer Jake Wallin was just three months into his tenure as a police officer when he was fatally shot during a routine investigation of a car crash in Fargo on Friday. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota Republicans still owe the Mayo Civic Center for last year’s state convention as the party nears a decision on its 2024 event. Democrats paid the same venue the rental fee last fall for its convention. Republicans have more than $21,000 in remaining rental costs. This is the evening update from MPR News for Friday, July 14, 2023. Hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.

An air quality alert has been issued for all of Minnesota from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon, as another wave of wildfire smoke from Canada moves into the region. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

State Fair CEO Renee Alexander says the fair is set to spend around $4 million for safety measures this year. That’s more than double the usual budget, she says. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Jacob Aloi. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Duluth-based St. Luke’s plans to merge with Aspirus Health, a nonprofit health system that operates in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The new system will contain 19 hospitals, 130 outpatient locations and nearly 14,000 staff. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

A Minneapolis man faces sentencing in October after a judge in Washington found him guilty of crimes including assaulting police during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. This is an MPR News evening update, hosted by Sarah Thamer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Minneapolis leaders have unveiled a new community safety plan that lays out a roadmap for public safety that goes beyond policing. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

A judge Tuesday handed a 37-and-a-half-year sentence to a Minneapolis man who admitted to fatally shooting a 9-year-old girl as she played on a trampoline. This is an evening update, hosted by Sarah Thamer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

The St. Cloud DFLer, Rep. Dan Wolgamott, was arrested by a State Patrol officer Friday and booked on suspicion of impaired driving. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Community groups working on public safety reform in Minneapolis say they want more transparency in the police department's process for vetting new officers after a controversial hire. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said he was unaware of video showing officer Tyler Timberlake pressing his knees into the back and neck of a black man in 2020 while Timberlake was working as an officer in Fairfax County, Virginia.This is an MPR News evening update for July 10, 2023. Hosted by Matt Sepic.Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

The video shows an incident in 2020 where officer Tyler Timberlake, who worked for the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia, used a stun gun and then pressed his knees into the back and neck of a Black man, La Monta Gladney. The incident happened 11 days after George Floyd's murder. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

In its first complete year of data reporting as required under state law, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension found that Black people, mostly men, accounted for 126 of the 249 subjects counted in the report.This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.

Hennepin County prosecutors on Thursday charged two teens with shooting fireworks at police during a night of chaos across Minneapolis over the Fourth of July holiday. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesotans may be polarized, but they are keeping it mostly to themselves, like the rest of the country. Also, first charges filed in connection with July 4th mayhem. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Authorities shut down the iconic Stone Arch Bridge to avoid a repeat of the chaos and fireworks assaults in the Mill District last July. But crowds migrated to parks like Boom Island, Minnehaha Falls, Lake Nokomis and Bde Maka Ska instead. Social media postings show fireworks being launched directly at police and bystanders. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minneapolis police arrested 16 people almost all of them minors, after a night of unruly behavior in city parks that police termed a riot at one point. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Last month, Adam Fravel was charged with two counts of second-degree murder for the death of his ex-partner Madeline Kingsbury. It is alleged that he concealed her dead body with a sheet and wooden debris in a storm drain in rural Minnesota. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota sees the hottest day of the year so far, and with it the risk for some bumpy July 4th weather, and applications are coming in for the panel that will redesign Minnesota's state flag. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Malaria cases, spread by mosquitos, have been documented in Texas and Florida, but threats do the pesky insects pose to Minnesotans in this part of country? It’s not Malaria, but mosquitoes are more likely to transmit West Nile disease in parts of Minnesota along the border with the Dakotas than in other areas of the state. Dr. Beth Thielen of M Health Fairview recommends using DEET based repellents, removing standing water around living spaces and wearing protective clothing to avoid mosquito bites.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar says she’s outraged at the Supreme Court’s decision to block President Biden’s plan for student loan debt forgiveness. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.

Drought conditions across Minnesota continued to deepen over the past week, despite some weekend storms that brought rain to much of the state. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Supreme Court decision on affirmative action will impact Minnesota schools, but how remains to be seen, and opponents file suit to block new law easing restrictions on felon voting. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Voters in Minneapolis are not likely to see a rent control question on the ballot this fall. The city council Wednesday killed the measure while three council members were away to observe the Muslim holiday, Eid al-Adha. This is an MPR News morning updated, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota agencies that award state grants to nonprofits got new power from the Legislature this year to put holds on money if they spot potential problems. The added accountability steps coincide with an uptick in grant awards. An MPR News analysis of the new state budget shows nearly $1 billion in grants approved for the next two years.This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued a record 23rd air quality alert of the year Tuesday morning, as yet another round of smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts across southern and eastern parts of the state. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

The city of St. Cloud is asking the Legislature for financial help to revitalize its downtown. At a summit in December, a national expert recommended reducing surface parking lots, increasing housing and making the downtown more walkable and connected.This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Peter Cox. Music by Gary Meister.

The University of Minnesota’s board of regents approved the tuition increase as part of their new $4.5 billion budget. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Families of young women killed in crash call for independent probe of what happened and a North Shore landmark burned over the weekend. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.