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Minnesota Today

Minnesota Public Radio

Minnesota Today from MPR News brings you the most important stories from around the state. All on your schedule. Get updated on the latest news in about five minutes, every weekday morning and evening.

Location:

Minneapolis, MN

Description:

Minnesota Today from MPR News brings you the most important stories from around the state. All on your schedule. Get updated on the latest news in about five minutes, every weekday morning and evening.

Twitter:

@MPRnews

Language:

English

Contact:

480 Cedar Street St. Paul, MN 55101 1-800-228-7123


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Episodes
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Minnesota senator burglary trial update; Sartell City Council member charged with driving while intoxicated

1/27/2025
DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell's burglary trial in Becker County has been rescheduled to June 16. Mitchell was arrested in April in her stepmother's Detroit Lakes home. And a Sartell City Council member faces a charge of driving while intoxicated. Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Duration:00:04:09

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No Pride for Target, DFL stays out of House, Trump's order halts refugee resettlement

1/27/2025
The executive order signed by President Donald Trump suspending the Refugee Admissions Program goes into effect Monday. Trump says communities are struggling to accommodate large numbers of new migrants and refugees. Arrive Ministries' Ruth LePage says that agency was expecting to resettle 550 refugees in Minnesota this year. The third week of the state legislative session opens like the prior two weeks, without Democrats in the Minnesota House. DFLers are boycotting the session so far, over a lack of a power sharing agreement. Republicans have a one seat majority in the chamber pending a special election. Twin Cities Pride, Minnesota’s second largest festival, is removing Target from its June LGBTQ+ celebration. Andi Otto, Twin Cities Pride executive director, says the decision was made after the Minneapolis-based retailer announced on Friday it was dropping its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister. Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org. Minnesota lawmakers hit a reset after Supreme Court ruling, but will that break the stalemate? Target gets booted from Twin Cities Pride festival after rolling back DEI efforts Read the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Duration:00:05:12

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Supreme Court weighs in on state House standoff; Republican candidate who lost race won't ask Supreme Court to step in

1/24/2025
The Minnesota Supreme Court has weighed in on the standoff in the state House. Justices say 68 members are needed to conduct business — one more than Republicans have on their own. But the court declined to order a specific action beyond that, saying they assume the parties can work it out on their own with the quorum matter clarified. And a Republican candidate who narrowly lost a race for the Minnesota House won't ask the Supreme Court to step in. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Duration:00:04:54

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President Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship blocked

1/24/2025
A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship. Minnesota was one of several states filing suit to block the order. The Minneapolis VA is expected to resume hiring soon, after it rescinded over 80 job offers this week. President Trump had issued an executive order on Monday, halting the hiring of federal workers. Ruark Hotopp leads the federal worker union representing Minnesota, the Dakotas, Nebraska and Iowa. He says the ambiguity around the hiring freeze was confusing and demoralizing for staff at the Minneapolis VA. Canadian authorities have added regular Black Hawk helicopter flights to security measures along the US-Manitoba border. That includes stretches of the border Canada shares with Minnesota and North Dakota. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police says the flights will target human smuggling across the border and the movement of illegal drugs. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Duration:00:05:28

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Supreme Court to decide Minnesota House squabble

1/23/2025
Minnesota's Supreme Court parsed constitutional wording about what makes up the Minnesota House as justices sorted today through an ongoing power struggle. The definition is important as the high court decides how far to delve into a standoff that has the House operating with only one party present. The crux of the case is whether 67 members is sufficient to do anything or if 68 is needed for a quorum. And Minnesota Republicans they want to scale back some sick time protections passed by Democrats in prior years. Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Duration:00:04:21

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Minnesota Supreme Court takes up House control case. Three officers won't be charged in deadly shooting

1/23/2025
The Minnesota Supreme Court Thursday hears arguments on whether Republicans are conducting lawful proceedings in the state House. The anti-abortion group Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life held its annual "March for Life" at the State Capitol yesterday. The group has denounced the rise in abortions in the state. And the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says it will not file charges against three Minneapolis police officers who fatally shot a man last June. County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the decision in the shooting of 39-year-old Michael Warren Ristow, who was shot police near the intersection of 33rd Street and Hiawatha Avenue. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister. Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org. 5 key questions as Minnesota Supreme Court weighs who controls the House Officers won't face charges in fatal police shooting in Minneapolis Read the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Duration:00:05:31

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Republicans continue to hold hearings without Democrats in Minnesota House

1/22/2025
Republicans in the Minnesota House are looking to roll back taxes and fees approved when Democrats had complete control of the Legislature. Republicans are holding hearings in the House while their Democratic counterparts are boycotting over a power dispute. And Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing to block President Donald Trump's order to end birthright citizenship. Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Music by Gary Meister.

Duration:00:04:24

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Minnesota joins lawsuit to block Trump's attempt to end birthright citizenship

1/22/2025
Minnesota has joined a multi-state legal challenge to President Donald Trump's executive order targeting birthright citizenship. Attorney General Keith Ellison confirmed the state is part of a coalition of 18 states arguing the order is unconstitutional. Also on the podcast this morning, local refugee resettlement agencies have expressed significant concern about the potential disruption to family reunification efforts. The suspension of resettlement programs could create substantial barriers for families seeking to reunite in Minnesota. And a scheduled trial for two Minnesota men charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots did not proceed as planned. President Trump's decision to grant clemency to these defendants, along with approximately 1,600 others, effectively halted the legal proceedings. The developments underscore ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding immigration policy and the aftermath of the Jan. 6 events. This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister. Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org. Minnesota and other states sue to stop Trump’s order blocking birthright citizenship Minnesotans among those pardoned for Jan. 6 riots on President Trump’s first day Read the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Duration:00:04:59

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Minnesotans pardoned for January 6th riots; House Republicans file lawsuit over power struggle

1/21/2025
A trial that had been underway for two Minnesota men charged in the January 6 attack did not resume as scheduled this morning after President Donald Trump granted clemency to them and nearly 1,600 other defendants. And House Republicans have filed a response to lawsuits before the Minnesota Supreme Court over a power struggle in the Legislature. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Duration:00:04:30

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Cold start causes school cancellations around Minnesota. Leonard Peltier granted clemency by Biden

1/21/2025
We started the day with extreme cold warnings and many school districts canceling or delaying classes. Anoka-Hennepin, Duluth, Minneapolis, Rochester, St. Paul and Winona all closed Tuesday. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar called to order the inauguration of President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday. Klobuchar is chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. She noted how the peaceful transfer of power lies at the heart of what soon will be 250 years of American democracy. And Native American activist Leonard Peltier was granted clemency Monday by former President Joe Biden in one of his final acts before leaving office. This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister. Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org. Extreme cold leads to school delays, cancellations Tuesday across Minnesota Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier granted clemency by President Biden Listen: Sen. Amy Klobuchar on leading Inauguration Day proceedings Read the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Duration:00:05:16

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MPD union wants voice in consent decree; Dangerously cold weather

1/17/2025
The Minneapolis police union said it wants a voice in the latest MPD reform plan. Our brief January thaw is coming to a crashing halt today, as strong northwest winds bring a blast of arctic air to Minnesota. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Duration:00:05:09

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Minneapolis Police Department clarifies policy on questioning immigration status. St. Paul clears encampment

1/17/2025
With days to go before president-elect Donald Trump returns to office with mass deportation plans, the Minneapolis Police Department has clarified its policy on questioning immigration status. Police Chief Brian O’Hara has said MPD has a longstanding policy of not enforcing immigration law. Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday rolled out his proposed 2025 budget. He says it would curb the growth of costs for transportation for special education and for waivers for in-home services for people with disabilities. And St. Paul on Thursday closed a homeless encampment where more than 40 people were living in tents near the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. City outreach teams and volunteers had been on site helping people move. City officials say some of the residents are moving into temporary or permanent housing. This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister. Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org. Walz unveils slimmer Minnesota budget, pitches sales tax cut St. Paul clears encampment near Mississippi River Read the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Duration:00:05:56

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Walz rolls out 2025 budget proposal; Clash in House continues

1/16/2025
Gov. Tim Walz rolled out his proposed 2025 budget today, calling for a cut to state sales tax, a move he says will help offset increased costs from proposed federal tariffs. And Democrats in the state House of Representatives are back in their home districts, after boycotting the chamber amidst a power sharing dispute with Republicans. Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Duration:00:04:44

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State Supreme Court to step in on House control debate, special election outcomes

1/16/2025
The Minnesota Supreme Court says it will hear arguments on Thursday of next week, Jan. 23, in a dispute over who is running the Minnesota House. That means a standoff over House operations could remain in flux for awhile. And the court on Wednesday heard arguments in a special election case. Republicans want to delay the election, which earlier this month was scheduled for Jan. 28. This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister. Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org. Minnesota’s government branches duel in constitutional clash where courts might have final word Minnesota Supreme Court weighs postponing election crucial to Capitol control Read the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Duration:00:05:28

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Palestinian Minnesotan reacts to Biden announcing ceasefire in Gaza

1/15/2025
President Joe Biden and other mediators say a ceasefire deal has apparently been reached in Gaza. Locally, some Palestinian Minnesotans are cautiously optimistic about the agreement, noting previous agreements have fallen apart. Minnetonka artist Ragdha Skeik says she was able to speak with her family members in Gaza and Egypt this morning. That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Duration:00:04:53

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Drama at the Capitol as DFLers stay away. Judge will soon decide on Sen. Mitchell's motion to delay trial

1/15/2025
Democrats in the Minnesota House made good on a threat to boycott the first day of the state legislative session on Tuesday. The lack of members prompted Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat, to declare an absence of quorum to do business. Republicans maintain they have authority to run the chamber and chose GOP Rep. Lisa Demuth as House Speaker. Becker County Judge Michael Fritz says he will rule "sooner rather than later" on a motion to delay the criminal trial of DFL State Sen. Nicole Mitchell until after the current legislative session. This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister. Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org. Capitol standoff spills into court as Minnesota Legislature gets off to rocky start Minnesota prosecutor wants to keep word ‘senator’ out of Nicole Mitchell trial Read the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Duration:00:05:15

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A bumpy start to the legislative session for the Minnesota House

1/14/2025
The 2025 Minnesota legislative session is off and running, kind of. In the House, with Democrats boycotting the first day of session, there is dispute over whether the 67 Republicans gathered in the House chamber had the numbers for a quorum to actually start the session. The Senate, which currently has an even split, started on a much more peaceful note. Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Duration:00:05:03

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Minnesota Legislature begins session. Vikings season ends with 27-9 loss to Rams

1/14/2025
The Minnesota Legislature begins its 2025 session in St. Paul. Lawmakers will need to set a budget between now and May. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon is pledging to adjourn the House if his fellow DFLers don't show up for the opening day. And the Vikings’ season is over. They lost to the Los Angeles Rams 27-9 Monday night in an NFC wild-card game. Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was pressured from the start and was sacked a NFL playoff record-tying nine times. Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org. Five key questions as the Minnesota Legislature starts its session Rams overwhelm Vikings 27-9 in wild-card playoff game moved because of LA wildfires Read the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Duration:00:05:25

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Conflict in the Minnesota House; University of Minnesota researchers will track bird flu

1/13/2025
Minnesota House leaders remain at odds over a power-sharing agreement ahead of the Legislature's start tomorrow. The University of Minnesota will receive more than $1.2 million in state lottery proceeds to track the threat of bird flu to the state's wildlife. That story and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Duration:00:04:22

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Minnesota Senate reaches agreement to jointly run chamber. House remains divided

1/13/2025
Democratic and Republican leaders of the Minnesota Senate say they have come to an agreement to jointly run the chamber while it is tied for much of this month. Meanwhile, in the Minnesota House, Democrats took their oaths of office Sunday — as part of an effort to block Republican control when the legislative session begins. And three people died in a two-vehicle, head-on crash Sunday afternoon in central Minnesota. The Minnesota State Patrol says it happened on Highway 169 near Mille Lacs Lake. This is a MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister. Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org. Bumpier takeoff on tap for Minnesota Legislature’s session opening amid early oaths, election disputes Read the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Duration:00:05:20