Today is the deadline for candidates to pull out of the running in two special elections for state legislative seats. Ten Democrats and three Republicans are running for a Senate seat in Minneapolis that came open after the death of DFL Sen. Kari Dziedzic. In a Roseville-area special election for the House there are five DFL and one Republican candidate.

A man died and another was injured in a stabbing late on New Year’s Eve at a bar in southwest Minnesota. A suspect was arrested.

Minnesota’s first sled dog race of the new year — the Gunflint Mail Run — has been postponed because of poor snow conditions.

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

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Minnesota Capitol control remains in flux after senator’s death, House seat vacated

Rain and warmth forces postponement of the first sled dog race of the season

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Starting tomorrow, all court participants will be required to use the Minnesota Digital Exhibit System to upload hearing and trial evidence.

And cannabis compact negotiations are underway between the state and some of the 11 tribal nations in Minnesota. If successful, this could lead to tribal cannabis growers providing wholesale supplies to dispensaries around the state when they open in mid-to late 2025.

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

Gov. Tim Walz called a special election to fill the Senate seat of former Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic who died last week. It will take place Jan. 28, along with another special election for a Minnesota House seat.

A pedestrian died and another was injured when they were struck by a vehicle Monday night in St. Louis Park. The driver of the vehicle was arrested.

And Duluth police have arrested a man on suspicion of stealing hockey sticks from the Mankato boy's hockey team on Friday night in Duluth.

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

Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.

January special election called for tiebreaker Minnesota Senate seat after Dziedzic’s death

Duluth police recover most Mankato West hockey sticks

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Minnesotans are remembering former President Jimmy Carter, who died yesterday at 100 years old. Carter picked Minnesota U.S. Senator Walter Mondale as his vice president.

And Gov. Tim Walz has called a special election to fill the Senate seat of former Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, who died last week.

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

Minnesota political leaders say former President Jimmy Carter will be remembered for his efforts to preserve the environment and his work toward world peace.

A boy was shot outside the 4th Precinct police station in Minneapolis Sunday. After hearing gunfire, officers inside the station responded to the shooting and found a juvenile male with life-threatening injuries.

And the Mankato West boy's hockey team reported their hockey sticks were stolen while at a tournament in Duluth Friday night. Many of the sticks were later recovered, but the team was unsure about their condition.

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

Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, has died at 100

Duluth police recover most Mankato West hockey sticks

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The departing chair of the Minnesota Republican Party says he plans to remain involved — even after losing a bid this month to keep the top role.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals has affirmed the drunk driving conviction of a man police found sleeping and apparently intoxicated in the passenger seat of his truck. According to court documents, Walter Mendez Cabrera argued there wasn't enough evidence to prove he was actually in control of the vehicle.

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

Two St. Paul parents were arrested in connection with their toddler's death Wednesday. The federal government is proposing to designate some rivers as critical habitat for endangered mussels. A one million dollar Minnesota Lottery prize has gone unclaimed all year. If it’s not claimed by December 31, the money will go back to the state.

This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Jacob Aloi. Theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Time is running out to claim million-dollar Minnesota Lottery prize

Survey on isolation: Nearly half of Minnesotans report feeling left out at times

The longest-serving member of the Minnesota House died Wednesday evening. Mary Murphy was 85 years old.

And a new $1.6 million shelter that can serve one dozen young adults aged 18 to 24 is set to open in Duluth next month. Currently there are only two to four beds for young adults in Duluth. 

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

Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.

Former DFL Rep. Mary Murphy, longest-serving woman in Minnesota House, dies at 85

New shelter to open in Duluth for young adults experiencing homelessness

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The Minnesota DNR is investigating the deaths of waterfowl found dead across 20 counties in southern Minnesota in recent weeks. More than 50 birds were discovered and have tested positive for the a strain of the avian flu virus. Also longtime Minnesota legislator suffered a stroke last week.

This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reeze. Theme music is by Gary Meister. 

Prosecutors and defense attorneys are preparing for the felony burglary trial of DFL State Sen. Nicole Mitchell. And consumer groups and utilities are calling on state lawmakers to increase funding for energy assistance.

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

Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.

As costs rise, number of Minnesotans losing heat, electricity spikes

As session nears, status of a Minnesota lawmaker facing criminal charges remains a flashpoint

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