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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.