Minnesota Today

Candidates for U.S. Senate appeared at a forum at Farm Fest in southern Minnesota today.

And a day after Democratic candidate Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, they've embarked on a tour of battleground states.

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

The new Democratic presidential ticket sets off on a battleground state tour after a splashy introduction of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate. There is mixed reaction to the selection of Walz as a VP candidate in Minnesota. Sen. JD Vance, former President Donald Trump’s running mate, will also be on the campaign trail. Vance plans to trail Harris and Walz, a tactic known as “bracketing,” through four key states.

And Hennepin County Commissioners on Tuesday pulled a proposal giving themselves a pay raise of 49 percent. 

This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Find these headlines and more at Mprnews.org.

Harris, Walz, Vance set to speak in competing campaign events in Eau Claire

Hennepin County commissioners withdraw proposal to give themselves a 49 percent pay bump

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US Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she fielded calls from people in Kamala Harris' camp who had questions about Gov. Tim Walz before the Harris campaign announced its decision today to choose him. She says she spoke highly of Walz.

But critics of Walz were ready when the news broke. The Republican nominee for vice president, JD Vance, told a crowd in Philadelphia that Walz is a far-left radical.

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

Tim Walz, the second-term Minnesota governor with a folksy demeanor and a swath of experience both in and out of government, gained a spot on the Democratic ticket as Kamala Harris’ vice presidential choice.

Supporters of Gov. Walz say the ex-Army National Guard leader, former teacher and past congressman could help Harris in the Midwest. But he also comes with baggage from nearly two decades in political office.

Listen to special coverage live from MPR News with host Cathy Wurzer and political editor Brian Bakst.

Clifford Bentley served as technical director for this special coverage.

Find more coverage on the MPR News website.

Kamala Harris taps Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as Democratic running mate

Gov. Tim Walz is Kamala Harris’ running mate. What happens now in Minnesota politics?

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz appeared last night at a Democratic fundraiser in Minneapolis — after news reports identified him as one Kamala Harris' two finalists for her vice presidential running mate. Harris is expected to make her selection known — between Walz and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro — on Tuesday.

And weather spotters reported multiple tornadoes in south-central Minnesota last night.  Tornadoes were tracked from near St. James toward Winnebago, Amboy, Wells, Conger, Twin Lakes and Emmons. 

This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Gov. Walz remains on Kamala Harris’ VP shortlist as new ticket set to debut on Tuesday

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Kamala Harris has enough Democratic delegate votes for the presidential nomination. But Clay Masters reports the support isn't unanimous.

And Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon signed a letter to Elon Musk Monday, asking him to fix a problem with an AI search tool on X that officials say has spread misinformation on the November election.

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

Parts of Minnesota are cleaning up after severe storms over the weekend. Melrose, a city of about 3,600 people in Stearns County, was hit by a reported tornado. And Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate by tomorrow.  Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is on the short list.

This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

Find these headlines and more at Mprnews.org.

Read the latest edition of the AM Update newsletter.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will be in New Hampshire this weekend, drumming up support for Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. The trip comes amid growing speculation that Harris might name Walz her running mate in the coming days.

And a plan to rebuild a high-voltage transmission line from North Dakota to northeastern Minnesota is moving forward.

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

State trooper Ryan Londregan is heading back to work after the Minnesota State Patrol cleared him of wrongdoing. And after 22 days of striking, Minneapolis park workers have voted to approve a new contract.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is among those awaiting word on the Kamala Harris vice presidential selection but hasn't acknowledged if he's a contender for the Democratic ticket.

And a new law taking effect today increases the penalty for people who illegally purchase firearms in Minnesota for someone ineligible to possess them.

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