Minnesota Today

It won't erase the season-long snowfall deficit, but parts of northeast Minnesota may see a half-foot of snow by the end of this weekend. Central Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, could see 1 to 3 inches of snow with lesser amounts to the south.

This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

A fourth DFL lawmaker says he'll retire after the 2024 legislative session. Eleven-term Representative Michael Nelson announced in a news release that he won't seek re-election this fall.

And Saint Paul fire officials say one of the seven people pulled unconscious from a house fire early Wednesday has died.

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

The city of Minneapolis clears out a large homeless encampment today after a judge Wednesday turned down an effort to stop the closure. And a Fridley man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that injured an 11-year-old Minneapolis girl on New Year's Eve.

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

The 300-mile-long Beargrease runs from Duluth along the North Shore of Lake Superior to Grand Portage. It's the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. Due to virtually no snow, it’s been canceled this year largely out of concern for musher and dog safety.

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

State legislative leaders will meet with law enforcement officials this month to consider potential changes to the state's student restraint law. And the Minneapolis City Council could have new leadership soon. Ward 1 Council Member Elliott Payne has said he will seek the council presidency.

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

Minneapolis Council Member Elliott Payne has decided to run for the council presidency. He says Minneapolis' government restructuring that gave the mayor more executive authority requires the council to take a stronger hand in legislating and government oversight.  

And Roger Reinert was inaugurated today as the 40th mayor of Duluth. He defeated Emily Larson by a 60-40 margin in November, denying her a third term.  

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

It’s been about six months since the HyLife pork processing plant in Windom closed its doors. Now many of its former workers are hanging their hopes and futures on the plant reopening this spring. And Minnesota U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips' presidential campaign faces a key test three weeks from Tuesday, when New Hampshire Democrats vote in their presidential primary.

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

Crow Wing Commissioner Paul Koering said he's heard a lot of displeasure from his constituents about the flag redesign. The commission plans to send a resolution to state officials. This is the Friday afternoon MPR News update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota DNR and law enforcement officials are warning of dangerous ice conditions on lakes across the state. Anyone venturing onto the ice should wear a personal flotation device. And 2023 is on pace to have the highest recorded number of domestic violence-related deaths in Minnesota with at least 35 homicides related to domestic violence.

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

Significant rainfall over the Christmas weekend helped put a dent in ongoing drought conditions across Minnesota.

And Minnesota will soon have a new option for petitioning a judge to remove a person's firearms if they're believed to pose a risk to themselves or others.

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