Minnesota Today

The Hopkins and Burnsville communities on Monday night mourned the deaths of two women and a 7-year-old girl who was the daughter of one woman and the granddaughter of the other. Police believe Nathan Brown killed his wife, their daughter and his mother. He was found with a self-inflicted gunshot.

A Blaine City Council member and candidate for Minnesota House says her vehicle was covered with obscene photos over the weekend. Police say it was a juvenile matter.

Voting opens Tuesday for residents on St. Paul’s west side to pick a new na...

A new MPR News/APM Reports investigation found that the state of Minnesota has paid $36 million dollars to group home companies linked to a high-ranking government official in Liberia. Sekou Dukuly has served as the managing director of the National Port Authority in Liberia since the beginning of 2024, and he lives there most of the time. Dukuly has had a hand in 24 Minnesota group homes over the past decade.

A vigil Monday will honor a mother and daughter killed inside a home daycare last Wednesday in Hopkins.

Wisconsin health officials confirm that there...

An Iranian-linked hacker group has claimed direct responsibility for the recent cyberattack against Minnesota water systems.

And newly filed court documents show that Homeland Security agents conducted widespread surveillance of anti-ICE protesters.

Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her proposed her 2027 budget Thursday. It includes a 6.8 percent increase in the property tax levy and other cuts. But she is prioritizing public safety — including exploring ways to prevent copper wire theft that breaks the city's street lights.

A coalition of journalism organizations has filed a friend of court brief asking the judge to dismiss charges against journalists who covered an anti-ICE protest at a church this winter. They argue that federal prosecutors are misapplying the civil rights law the journalists are charged under and opening the door for government suppression of media.

Secretary of State Steve Simon says federal election monitors did not interfere in Minnesota's primary election on Tuesday.

One of the 15 Minnesota protesters the Department of Justice has charged with conspiracy says that federal law enforcement illegally spied on citizens this winter. The allegation comes in a court filing today from attorney Kevin Riach.

Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Hopkins residents are mourning the deaths of a daycare operator and her 7-year-old daughter. The victims and the adult male perpetrator were killed in an apparent murder-suicide on Wednesday. Six other children were present at the time of the attack but were not physically harmed.

Budget season is officially underway in the Twin Cities, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey unveiling his budget proposal Wednesday and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her releasing hers Thursday. Next comes public hearings and a final budget in December.

American Association baseball is returning to Minnesota. The league previously...

Minnesota reported its highest ever number of ballots cast in a primary, according to unofficial numbers.

That story and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Democrat Amy Klobuchar and Republican Lisa Demuth will compete to be Minnesota's next governor. Either would make history as the state’s first woman leader.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won a decisive victory in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate. Flanagan defeated U.S. Rep. Angie Craig. The margin of victory was much wider than many expected in a race where Flanagan was vastly outspent.

At her victory party at First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, Flanagan turned her gaze toward her November opponent, former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya, who won the Republican no...

Tuesday is primary election day in Minnesota. Voters have two main ways to vote Tuesday. If you were mailed an absentee ballot but haven't yet returned it, skip the post office and turn it in by 5 p.m. at the office that sent it. If you vote in person, you have a little more time. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A man convicted in the 1970 murder of a St. Paul police officer goes before Minnesota’s parole board Tuesday. Ronald Reed was 19 when he ambushed Officer James Sackett Sr. with a high-powered ri...

Tomorrow is primary election day in Minnesota. Voters will winnow the field of candidates running for governor, U-S Senate, U-S House and a host of other state and local races.

And a power failure at a Minneapolis data center called the 5-11 Building is likely behind disruptions to several government services Thursday -- including some 911 lines and voting machines.

Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The federal government used to help states identify and respond to election threats, but not this election cycle.

Drought and dry conditions have covered most of Minnesota. But recently, key production areas had good rain prompting some to think yields of wheat, corn and soybeans in the state could be just as good or better than last year's records.

Five candidates are on the ballot to lead the Hennepin County attorney’s office after Mary Moriarty declined to run for reelection.

Kratom is now banned in North Dakota at least un...

Minnesota's drought is likely here to stay for a while. That's according to experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA.

But there was welcome rain in the Boundary Waters fire zone this morning.

Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Flights were delayed Thursday afternoon at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport after telecommunication issues caused a ground stoppage.

News that the Prairie Correctional facility in Appleton will reopen as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center has divided some community members.

A Twin Cities woman who suffered salmonella poisoning after eating takeout from Chipotle is suing the restaurant chain.

Minneapolis park officials say a blue-green algae bloom is underway at Cedar Lake. Testing confirmed the toxic algae and a warning is now in place for all three beaches at Cedar...

Businesses impacted by the wildfires burning in the Boundary Waters are asking for state aid after Gov. Tim Walz suggested this week that a special session to provide wildfire relief is unlikely.

And the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update for Minnesota is showing a SLIGHT improvement in long-standing drought conditions across the state.

Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

St. Paul is set to clear a homeless encampment at Pig's Eye Park Wednesday. At a city council meeting Tuesday, several neighbors and advocates said the city should delay it.

Republican Mike Lindell says he's stepping down from his CEO role at MyPillow to focus on his run for Minnesota governor.

The Winona Police Department is investigating the disappearance of the city's Flock cameras. Winona police say that all eight of their Flock cameras, which are used to capture license plate numbers and other vehicle information, are gone.

Target Field...

A debate featuring four candidates for Minnesota governor showcased differences in style and substance today. The Farmfest stage was filled by likely Democratic nominee Amy Klobuchar and three Republicans vying for that nod: Lisa Demuth, Mike Lindell and Kendall Qualls.

Governor Tim Walz says there is no need to extend a peacetime emergency declaration for the wildfires that have burned through parts of the Boundary Waters.

Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

St. Paul is set to clear a homeless encampment at Pig's Eye Park Wednesday. At a city council meeting Tuesday, several neighbors and advocates said the city should delay it.

Republican Mike Lindell says he's stepping down from his CEO role at MyPillow to focus on his run for Minnesota governor.

The Winona Police Department is investigating the disappearance of the city's Flock cameras. Winona police say that all eight of their Flock cameras, which are used to capture license plate numbers and other vehicle information, are gone.

Target Field...

Forest Service officials say recent rains aided firefighters who are making progress in containing wildfires in northeast Minnesota.

And aging infrastructure and outdated I-T systems may have contributed to recent cyberattacks on Minnesota water systems.

Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Homeless outreach workers are continuing to visit a homeless encampment in St. Paul Tuesday, in hopes of transitioning residents there into shelters. The city plans to clear the encampment in Pig's Eye Park Wednesday evening.

The city will hold a special public hearing at noon Tuesday to continue hearing from constituents. The plan has faced fierce opposition. City leaders say the closure is needed after an increase in emergency calls to the encampment.

Minnesota water systems have blocked multiple hacking attempts since a cyberattack last week. That attack temporarily took some local water...

Fires still burning in parts of the Boundary Waters have charred nearly 65,000 acres.

And federal officials say Minnesota was one of at least seven states that reported cyberattacks on city water systems last week.

Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The man serving life in federal prison for killing former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark is due in Hennepin County court Monday afternoon to make his first appearance on state charges. Last month a judge handed Vance Boelter two consecutive life terms plus 40 years under the terms of a plea deal that spared the 59-year-old a possible federal death sentence.

About 50 people protested on Summit Avenue in St. Paul Sunday ahead of Mayor Kaohly Her's planned homeless encampment closures. The first one is scheduled Wednesday at Pig’s Eye Park. City officials sa...

The U.S. Forest Service says wildfires have burned nearly 73,000 acres in the U.S. and Canada. The agency says about 1,000 personnel are working on the fires, which are about 60 percent contained. Officials say crews are monitoring the Chub Fire southwest of Crane Lake and the Camp Fire northeast of Ely. They’re also watching for new fires that may have started from recent lightning strikes.

Minnesota economic development officials say the tax that funds the state’s paid family and medical leave program will stay flat for 2027. The Department of Employment and Economic Development says the...

Several new Minnesota laws about domestic violence are taking effect soon. The bills were passed with bipartisan support during the most recent legislative session. One gives police more time to arrest someone suspected of domestic violence without a warrant. Another clarifies the process for how offenders surrender their guns.

Temporary Protected Status for people from Haiti ended this week, leaving hundreds of thousands of Haitians across the country facing uncertainty — including some in Minnesota. Immigration attorneys and business groups say the end of the program could also create challenges for employers that rely on TPS holders in...

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows 76 percent of Minnesota is in drought. MPR meteorologist Sven Sundgaard says recent heat waves have dried out soils across the state. The Twin Cities metro area is in the abnormally dry to moderate drought category. Parts of north-central Minnesota are even drier, in the severe drought category.

The Forest Service is reopening some entry points at the end of the Gunflint Trail to day trips Friday. Cook County and Forest Service officials say recent rainfall and increased staffing on the Little Knife fire are allowing authorities to lift more...

State legislators from across the country are vowing to introduce legislation that makes it possible for residents to directly sue federal agents who violate their constitutional rights. State lawmakers also plan to introduce similar legislation in Illinois, Colorado and other states.

Parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area are reopening to overnight camping today. With firefighters making good progress containing several wildfires in the region, the Forest Service is opening about 40 percent of the Boundary Waters to overnight visitors.

The Forest Service says it's monitoring conditions daily for opportunities to open more of...

St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry is accusing Mayor Kaohly Her of sexual harassment. A spokesperson for the mayor confirmed that an investigation is underway. Henry’s attorney says Her sent sexually suggestive text messages to a city employee and sexually harassed multiple members of city staff, including police officers. The mayor’s spokesperson says the city will not comment further on an active investigation, and says Her “regrets any unintended impact her actions may have had.”

Two summer camps in northern Minnesota are resuming activities as wildfire conditions improve. YMCA’s Camp Widjiwagan and Camp du Nord, b...

One of the lawmakers who led an anti-nudification bill in the Minnesota House says she expected AI companies to challenge the law. It bans technology used to create deepfake videos or images of people without their consent — and it takes effect this weekend. But Elon Musk’s company x.AI has sued to block enforcement.

Musk's attorneys argue the company already prohibits users from using AI tools to create those images or videos, and they say the company should not be punished if users find a way around that prohibition.

St. Paul Police Chie...

Wildfires in northeast Minnesota have taken a heavy toll on Ely's tourism economy, with some business owners reporting profits are down as much as 70 percent.

And state officials say more than 30 local water systems in Minnesota were hit by a cyberattack this week.

Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Firefighting officials say the wildfires in northeastern Minnesota are more than 50 percent contained. While fighting fires and protecting property remain the priorities, authorities are also looking to prevent future fires.

A man charged with threatening ICE agents in Minnesota pleaded not guilty Monday. Kyle Wagner is one of 15 people facing federal charges of interfering with immigration agents during the enforcement operation in Minnesota.

A judge in Minneapolis is temporarily blocking a new state law that bans prediction markets.

Black Business Week is kicking off in Minneapolis. The week features free...

The Democratic U.S. Senate candidates debated issues and approaches today in their last one-on-one debate before the primary election.

And Gov. Tim Walz says he's talking to legislative leaders about calling a special session in mid-August.

Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The National Forest Service says it will reopen nearly 40 percent of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to the public next week, barring significant wildfire activity. Overnight camping access is set to reopen Thursday at 37 of the 103 quota entry points. That would reopen more than 400,000 acres to the public. Some entry points in Cook County are also expected to reopen for day use Monday.

Gov. Tim Walz says a special legislative session may be needed to address some of the fallout from wildfires burning in and near the Boundary Waters. Walz told MPR News that lawmakers...

A federal judge sentenced Vance Boelter Thursday to two life sentences plus 40 years for the killings of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attacks on state Sen. John Hoffman, his wife, Yvette, and their daughter, Hope. Boelter pleaded guilty in June to the attacks a year earlier. John and Yvette Hoffman and the Hortmans’ two children were among those who spoke before the sentence was handed down. Following the sentencing, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said it will proceed with its prosecution of Boelter on state charges.

The U.S. F...

A federal judge in Minneapolis will hand down the sentence for Vance Boelter, the man who pleaded guilty last month to fatally shooting former House speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and injuring Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.

In court filings, prosecutors asked the judge to impose two life sentences, plus 40 years. They said Boelter caused, “astonishing damage to his victims and the state of Minnesota,” and said he should spend the rest of his life in prison.

Boundary Waters permit cancellations will remain in effect through Friday, but federal and...

Wildfires burning across Minnesota’s Arrowhead have not been very active in recent days. Tom Hall with the U.S. Forest Service says cooler, wetter weather has allowed fire containment to improve. But Hall says fire conditions are expected to get worse going into Aug. and Sept.

One victim of a shooting targeting Minnesota lawmakers and their families is denouncing the gunman’s request to serve his sentence in Florida. Vance Boelter will be sentenced in the deaths of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the wounding of state Sen...

Hundreds of firefighters continue to battle wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres in the Boundary Waters. Those fire crews saw cooler temperatures and higher humidity Tuesday, which helped efforts to contain the fires — but there were also winds that gusted to near 30 miles per hour.

The use of no-knock warrants by law enforcement agencies in Minnesota has declined dramatically since a state law restricting their use went into effect in 2023.

After admitting to shooting Minnesota lawmakers, Vance Boelter is now asking to serve his time at a prison outside of Or...

Federal officials are withholding more than $200 million in federal Medicaid payments to Minnesota due to suspected fraud in the state’s public health insurance programs.

And a leader of the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme could have even more time added to his prison term for trying to bribe a juror two years ago. He faces sentencing this week.

Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Rain and shifting winds have largely cleared wildfire smoke out of the Upper Midwest — but officials say Minnesotans should be ready for a possible return of poor air quality. Nearly 800 firefighters from across the country are working to contain about 25 wildfires burning in or near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

State Highway 93 near Henderson is reopening to drivers starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday. This comes after three summers of construction by the Minnesota Department of Transportation to address chronic flooding that would shut it down for days.

St. Paul police say three pe...

More than 700 firefighters from across the country are working to contain wildfires burning in and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Storms Monday brought rain to the fire zone, but also lightning and gusty winds. Crews are working to assess and protect structures near two large fires northwest of Ely and are preparing the Echo Trail as a control line. Forest Service officials say crews quickly responded to three new lightning-caused fires reported Sunday.

A U.S. District judge has dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuits against state and local governments over what the Justice De...