Minnesota Today

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 Meister.