The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture visited a nutrition program office in Ramsey County to talk about the urgency for Congress to pass funding by March 1 to ensure nutrition assistance for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and other programs will not have to see cuts.

And Minneapolis city workers Thursday cleared a south side homeless encampment, two days after evicting dozens of people from another vacant lot several blocks away.

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

The health care system is facing gridlocks and delays in the discharges of patients who are awaiting beds in long-term care and rehab facilities, resulting in fewer available hospital beds for new patients. And Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vetoed a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war which was passed by the city council last week.

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

The three Burnsville first responders who were fatally shot while responding to a call last month were honored Thursday on the floor of the U.S. House. The entire Minnesota House delegation gathered together as Rep. Angie Craig read a resolution honoring officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth.

And a two-alarm fire Thursday injured two people and destroyed a south Minneapolis encampment. The fire was reported just after noon at the Camp Nenookaasi encampment.

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

Find more from these stories at MPRnews.org.

U.S. House observes moment of silence for fallen first responders from Burnsville

Fire burns encampment in south Minneapolis; 2 people injured

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Minneapolis city leaders say they hope to open a new third precinct police station and community safety center by early next year.

And the Internal Revenue Service won’t reverse course on taxing the Minnesota rebates issued last fall.

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

We've had less salt on roadways this winter because there's been little ice to melt. But more Minnesota communities hope to curb salt use, even when the weather is harsh. Also, we hear from the new GOP U.S. Senate candidate Joe Fraser.

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

A retired Navy commander and political newcomer is challenging three-term DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Clay Masters reports.

And city crews started clearing an encampment this morning in south Minneapolis.

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

The man who admitted stealing a pair of ruby red slippers worn in the "The Wizard of Oz" will not go to prison. And Essentia Health is closing its labor and delivery services unit in the rural northwestern Minnesota city of Fosston. Mayor Jim Offerdahl says the announcement breeches a contract Essentia has with the city to offer core services.

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

The man who admitted stealing a pair of ruby red slippers worn during "The Wizard of Oz" will not go to prison.

And the annual Saint Paul Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion was found over the weekend, but some community members have called into question the decision to hide it at a culturally important Native American site.

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

A Minnesota State Patrol trooper charged with murder and manslaughter for a fatal shooting during a traffic stop last year makes his first court appearance Monday. And sentencing for the man who admits to stealing a pair of ruby slippers used in the classic movie "The Wizard of Oz" is set for today in Duluth. 

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

Duluth, St. Cloud, Hibbing and International Falls each broke records this morning for warmest overnight low temperature. The Twin Cities tied a record with a low of 35 degrees. That mild weather isn't going anywhere, anytime soon.

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