MPRdotOrg
Election 2026: Who's running in the Republican governor primary?
- Title
- Election 2026: Who's running in the Republican governor primary?
- Runtime
- 11:44
- Date posted
- 8 hours ago
- Description
- Minnesota's primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 11, and there are three very different candidates fighting for the Republican nomination for governor.
Kendall Qualls is a businessman and veteran who secured the party's endorsement earlier this year. Lisa Demuth is the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and despite losing the endorsement, she's seen as the establishment pick. And Mike Lindell, the former CEO of MyPillow, has received President Donald Trump's endorsement but has raised concerns among party leaders that he could hurt down-ballot races in November.
All Things Considered host Clay Masters spoke with all three in late July to ask about their plans for leading the state and how they'll win over voters.
Listen to Clay's full interviews with each candidate:
Kendall Qualls: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/08/03/with-limited-name-recognition-kendall-qualls-believes-he-can-revitalize-minnesota
Lisa Demuth: https:/...
- Title
- Officials to provide updates on wildfires in northeastern Minnesota
- Runtime
- 25:41
- Date posted
- 1 day ago
- Description
- Officials managing the response to the wildfires burning in northeastern Minnesota will provide an update on firefighting efforts Tuesday afternoon
The media briefing in Ely is scheduled for 1 p.m. and it will be streamed live here.
More than 1,000 firefighters and support personnel are working to contain the lightning-caused fires that have been burning for weeks. They’ve made progress, and more Boundary Waters entry points are reopening this week.
MPR News will stream the press conference live here. For more information, visit: https://www.mprnews.org/minnesota-wildfires-live-updates.
- Title
- Minnesota Secretary of State answers: What if federal agents intimidate voters at the polls?
- Runtime
- 1:03
- Date posted
- 1 day ago
- Description
- Without evidence, President Donald Trump has continued to say that voter fraud is widespread in Minnesota. His administration is suing the state for its voter data and he wants more control over mail-in ballots.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon joined MPR News Host Kelly Gordon on Minnesota Now to talk about the integrity of this year’s elections.
To hear more, visit mprnews.org
Interview produced by Alanna Elder
Video captured by Maurizio D’Errico and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- GOP candidate for U.S. Senate Michele Tafoya shares thoughts on immigration
- Runtime
- 1:40
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- Veteran sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya is taking the political plunge, and if she succeeds in November’s election she might be one of the more recognizable U.S. senators.
MPR politics editor Brian Bakst spoke with Tafoya in April about what led her to run and what it will take to win in November. To see more of that conversation, find the full interview on our YouTube.
Interview produced by Matt Alvarez and captured by Tessa Bloch, Maurizio D’Errico and Erik Stromstad. Video edit by Matt Mikus and Anne Guttridge.
- Title
- Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota say they would dismantle ICE
- Runtime
- 2:59
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- Two senatorial candidates vying for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party nomination faced off July 27 in a debate hosted by MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst.
It was the final head-to-head matchup between U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan ahead of the Aug. 11 primary in the intense and expensive race to fill the seat of retiring U.S. Sen. Tina Smith.
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Indigenous actor Dallas Goldtooth explores masculinity with film series at Walker Art Center
- Runtime
- 2:09
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- This summer, actor Dallas Goldtooth of FX's "Reservation Dogs" and Apple TV's "The Last Frontier" is returning to the movies of his boyhood at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. He curated "Once Upon a Time in Manhood,” a series of iconic films from the 1980s and '90s that he grew up on and is now rewatching as an adult.
The Walker is airing the film series through August 14.
Story by Melissa Olson
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- We got cursed by WWE superstar Danhausen
- Runtime
- 0:57
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- SummerSlam is back in Minnesota for the first time in over 20 years, so we had one important question for Danhausen: Is Minnesota cursed? Turns out the state is uncursed... but our reporter may have sacrificed herself for the answer. 😭
Video captured by Ahmed Hassan and Nicole Ki, edited by Nicole Ki.
- Title
- Mall of America hosts largest gathering of Ryans in Minnesota history
- Runtime
- 1:47
- Date posted
- 6 days ago
- Description
- Ryan Meetup is described on its website as “run by Ryans, for Ryans, with the ultimate goal of assembling as many Ryans as possible.” The group held a meetup at the Mall of America on July 24 and an estimated 1,200 Ryans attended.
Organizers invited people named Ryan from across the world to help break the world record for the most people with the same name to ride a roller coaster in succession. All Ryans were able to ride the Pepsi Orange Streak roller coaster in Nickelodeon Universe Friday evening for free. While the attempt was not sanctioned by Guinness World Records, organizers say it's still a title that will go down in Ryan history.
Video by Anne Guttridge and Feven Gerezgiher
- Title
- Not for foraging: This artist crochets mushrooms to delight and educate hikers
- Runtime
- 2:01
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Set out on a hiking trail in southeast Minnesota and you might come across something a bit fuzzier than usual.
Fiber artist Lydia Hansen has been crocheting lifelike, size-accurate models of mushrooms native to the area and installing them along trails as a "fungi hunt." Each cluster has an interpretive sign teaching hikers about fungi commonly found in the area.
"The goal is to make you pay attention to everything that's around you," Hansen said. "People are saying, 'We saw these flowers, too, because we were paying attention, and we noticed this bird singing and we stopped and we listened to it.'"
Hansen works with park staff to find dead trees or stumps that can hold the creations, rather than cause damage to living trees.
The current fungi hunt is on display at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro through October.
Story and video capture by Catharine Richert. Video edited by Payton Whaley.
- Title
- Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier returning to home court after injury hiatus
- Runtime
- 1:48
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- After undergoing surgery on both ankles in the offseason, Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier will make her return to the Target Center court on Tuesday, July 28 for her first home game of the 2026 season.
Collier, Lynx guard Kayla McBride and Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve spoke to press Monday about the support of Lynx fans through her absence.
Story by Anika Besst
Video captured by Steven Garcia for MPR News and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- LIVE: Gov. Tim Walz addresses northland wildfires & economic aid plans (Ely, MN)
- Runtime
- 41:55
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- LIVE from the wildfire command center in Ely, Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz, along with state, federal and local officials, provides a briefing on the active wildfires in the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
Get the latest on the wildfires: https://www.mprnews.org/minnesota-wildfires-live-updates
- Title
- Democratic U.S. Senate primary debate — U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan
- Runtime
- 58:46
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig meet in a live debate moderated by MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst, two weeks before Minnesota's Aug. 11 primary.
The two are competing to be the DFL nominee for an open U.S. Senate seat. It is open because Sen. Tina Smith announced last year that she would not seek reelection.
For more election information, visit: https://www.mprnews.org/election/voting-guide.
- Title
- Wildfire updates: U.S. Forest Service addresses ongoing firefighting in northern Minnesota
- Runtime
- 39:51
- Date posted
- 12 days ago
- Description
- The U.S. Forest service will give an update on the wildfires burning in northern Minnesota at 1 p.m.
As wildfires in and outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness continue into their third weekend, fire officials hope for more rain and wider access to the BWCA next week, but threats linger as temperatures start to heat up again turning extreme on Saturday.
MPR News will stream the press conference live here. For more information, visit: https://www.mprnews.org/minnesota-wildfires-live-updates.
- Title
- This 94-year-old had to evacuate the cabin she’s been in every summer for 70 years
- Runtime
- 2:10
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- Last week, Donna Arbaugh had to evacuate the cabin she and her husband, George, built in 1955 as the nearby Camp Fire spread.
For a long time, the Arbaughs lived in Tacoma, Washington. Every summer, their three sons, two dogs and one cat piled into a sedan and drove the 1,750 miles to Ely. For decades, the cabin was completely off the grid, without electricity or plumbing.
Two years ago, she moved to Ely full-time. Arbaugh is currently staying in a small house she rents and usually lives in during the winter. Over the 71 years in the cabin, this is the closest a wildfire has ever come.
Story by Dan Kraker
Video captured by Jon Stegenga for MPR News
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Wildfire updates: U.S. Forest Service addresses ongoing firefighting in northern Minnesota
- Runtime
- 37:01
- Date posted
- 14 days ago
- Description
- The U.S. Forest service will give an update on the wildfires burning in northern Minnesota at 1 p.m.
MPR News will stream the press conference live here.
- Title
- Meet the Minneapolis singles club fighting invasive plants
- Runtime
- 1:50
- Date posted
- 14 days ago
- Description
- What if your first date didn't start with a swipe, but with gloves and gardening tools?
Every Sunday in Minneapolis, a volunteer group gathers at a local park to cut down invasive buckthorn — and maybe make a new connection. It's one example of a growing trend of people looking for more organic ways to meet.
Similar events are popping up across the country, from Pitch-A-Friend nights in New York and Atlanta to Reddit users in Denver talking about starting their own buckthorn singles club, inspired by the Minneapolis group.
Story and video by Nicole Ki.
- Title
- These volunteers built a mutual aid network within hours of wildfires approaching Ely
- Runtime
- 2:15
- Date posted
- 14 days ago
- Description
- When MPR News reporter Estelle Timar-Wilcox spoke to members of Ely Community Response last week, the group wasn't even 24 hours old yet. But they had already assembled a space for residents affected by nearby wildfires to get masks, homemade air filters and, most importantly, information.
Currently operating out of Ely's Historic State Theater, the group acts as a bottleneck for the flood of donations and offers coming in and redirects it where it's most helpful. Both those offering services and supplies and those in need of them can use Ely Community Response's Google form to get on the group's radar.
A week later, the smoke has cleared in much of the area and volunteers are still working to make sure Ely residents have what they need.
For ongoing coverage of the wildfires, visit: https://www.mprnews.org/minnesota-wildfires-live-updates
Story by Estelle Timar-Wilcox. Video captured by Kerem Yücel | MPR News and Jon Stegenga for MPR...
- Title
- BWCA wildfires tank summer tourism for iconic Grand Marais businesses miles away
- Runtime
- 1:56
- Date posted
- 15 days ago
- Description
- Grand Marais is situated on the shores of Lake Superior and at the gateway to the Gunflint Trail, which leads to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Every summer, tourists flock to the area to canoe and hike, and their spending fuels this community of 1,300.
But tourists stopped coming after the U.S. Forest Service closed the BWCA on July 14. It’s currently slated to be closed through at least July 24.
For continuing coverage of the wildfires, visit: https://www.mprnews.org/minnesota-wildfires-live-updates
Story by Catharine Richert
Video captured by Chuck Olsen | WTIP
Video edited by Nicole Ki
- Title
- Wildfire updates: U.S. Forest Service addresses ongoing firefighting in northern Minnesota
- Runtime
- 53:16
- Date posted
- 16 days ago
- Description
- The U.S. Forest service will give an update on the wildfires burning in northern Minnesota at 1 p.m. Friday.
MPR News will stream the press conference live here, along with the wildfire news from Minnesota Now host Nina Moini and the latest on the ground from MPR News reporter Matt Sepic live in Ely.
- Title
- The only Forest Service seaplane base in the U.S. is in Minnesota — and it’s helping fight wildfires
- Runtime
- 1:11
- Date posted
- 16 days ago
- Description
- For wildfires like the ones blazing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, it's often impossible to get traditional firefighting equipment into the area. That's where pilots like Jeremy Harmon come in.
Harmon, a supervisory pilot with the U.S. Forest Service, flies his DHC-2 Beaver propeller plane into the thick of it. Planes like his are able to swoop down into a body of water, collect roughly 125 gallons of it and then drop it on portions of the fire that an engine could never reach.
He added there are times pilots like him are called to transport firefighters, their gear and even canoes to more remote parts of the wilderness.
For ongoing coverage of the wildfires, visit: https://www.mprnews.org/minnesota-wildfires-live-updates
Story by Matt Sepic
Video capture by Erica Dischino for MPR News
Video edited by Payton Whaley
- Title
- At Minnesota Wilderness camp, submerged canoes are symbol of hope amid wildfires
- Runtime
- 0:29
- Date posted
- 17 days ago
- Description
- Thousands of people have been displaced by wildfires burning in Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota. Among them is YMCA Camp Widjiwagan near Ely, Minnesota, which evacuated campers on July 15.
The camp has more than 100 historic boats, some dating back to World War II. They decided to protect the ones that need extensive repairs by sinking them. The wood-canvas canoes they sunk are a symbol of the canoe culture of the Boundary Waters area, and staffer Owen Schlehuber says the crew rallied to protect the camp's heritage in a worst-case scenario.
The BWCA, which closed July 14, is set to remain closed until at least July 24. It's not yet clear when the boats may resurface.
Story by Clay Masters and Gretchen Brown
Video captured by Erica Dischino for MPR News
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Ely community leaders provide update on firefighting efforts
- Runtime
- 57:21
- Date posted
- 17 days ago
- Description
- As more than a dozen wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness continue to burn, local leaders in Ely are set to give an update about firefighting and relief efforts.
For ongoing coverage of the wildfires, head to: https://www.mprnews.org/minnesota-wildfires-live-updates
- Title
- How weather and climate shape wildfire risk
- Runtime
- 52:35
- Date posted
- 19 days ago
- Description
- Wildfires have burned thousands of acres across northern Minnesota, sending smoke into communities around the state and prompting air quality alerts.
Friday at 9 a.m. MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks with meteorologists about the combination of heat, rainfall, humidity, wind and drought that can increase wildfire risk. They'll also discuss what this summer's weather patterns can tell us about the weeks ahead, how smoke travels hundreds of miles from fires and how a changing climate is influencing fire seasons in Minnesota.
And we want to hear from you, too. What have you been wondering about the wildfires, smoke or weather this summer? Call us during the show at 651-227-6000 or 800-242-2828, or leave your comments here on YouTube.
- Title
- Brothers tell of harrowing wilderness escape as Canadian wildfires closed in
- Runtime
- 2:48
- Date posted
- 19 days ago
- Description
- Brothers Tom and John Connelly put in on Saturday for what was supposed to be 10 days of paddling, camping and quiet in Quetico Provincial Park, just across the Canadian border from the Boundary Waters. Then they saw smoke. Then came the fire, and the start of a sometimes heart-pounding struggle to get out alive.
Coming out of the wilderness Thursday, July 16 off Moose Lake, just outside the Boundary Waters, they told MPR News correspondent Dan Kraker a story of a long, harrowing journey they said could have ended in death. At times they found themselves nearly surrounded by walls of fire as the shoreline burned.
Wildfires continue to burn across northeastern Minnesota and Canada. As of noon on July 17, state and federal officials estimated the summer fires have burned some 77,000 acres in Minnesota so far. Despite some recent rain and a shift in the wind, officials made clear Friday that fire conditions remain volatile, some of the biggest fires are growing a...
- Title
- Wildfire updates: U.S. Forest Service addresses ongoing firefighting in northern Minnesota
- Runtime
- 1:08:45
- Date posted
- 19 days ago
- Description
- The U.S. Forest service will give an update on the wildfires burning in northern Minnesota at 1 p.m. Friday.
MPR News will stream the press conference live here, along with the wildfire news from host Minnesota Now Nina Moini and the latest on the ground from All Things Considered host Clay Masters live in Ely.
- Title
- Boundary Waters businesses confront lost peak season as wildfires burn
- Runtime
- 2:48
- Date posted
- 20 days ago
- Description
- It was a hectic start to the week as Jason Zabokrtsky, owner of Ely Outfitting Company, worked with officials to evacuate 75 of his customers from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as wildfires blazed. Now, everyone is accounted for. But just because things are calmer doesn't mean they're good.
"Now we're starting to process all of our cancellations," Zabokrtsky chuckled while flipping through a folder of papers.
His is one of many businesses missing out on what's usually peak season for outfitters. With no entry into the BWCAW, customers are canceling or rescheduling their excursions en masse. That can lead to real problems for seasonal businesses.
MPR News correspondent Dan Kraker spoke with Zabokrtsky and fellow outfitter Ginny Nelson, with Spirit of the Wilderness Canoe Outfitters, about how the fires have affected them and how they're staying optimistic.
Story by Dan Kraker
Video capture by Chuck Olson for MPR News<...
- Title
- How to stay safe while wildfire smoke affects your air
- Runtime
- 1:43
- Date posted
- 20 days ago
- Description
- Smoke from wildfires in northeastern Minnesota and southern Canada is causing dangerous air quality across much of Minnesota, the Great Lakes region and some of the East Coast. Here's what you can do to help keep yourself safe.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- U.S. Forest Service gives updates on Minnesota wildfires
- Runtime
- 37:05
- Date posted
- 21 days ago
- Description
- The U.S. Forest Service will provide updates on the Superior National Forest wildfires Wednesday at 1 p.m.
Officials will give an overview of the priority fires, current operations, evacuations, forest closures and weather outlook from the Kawishiwi Ranger District Office in Ely.
- Title
- Gov. Tim Walz gives updates on northern Minnesota wildfires
- Runtime
- 46:31
- Date posted
- 21 days ago
- Description
- Gov. Tim Walz and top emergency management officials will give updates on the latest wildfire conditions in northern Minnesota at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
- Title
- Wednesday Morning update from Ely as wildfires burn across northeastern Minnesota | July 15
- Runtime
- 1:04
- Date posted
- 22 days ago
- Description
- As of 11:30 a.m. July 15, the wildfires cover 55,000 acres.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen said there are 17 active fires burning in and around the Boundary Waters. Three of those are inside the Boundary Waters, and 14 are outside, primarily burning in northern St. Louis County and Lake County. The fires, she said, appear to have been caused by a July 6 lightning storm.
Gov. Tim Walz called an Executive Council meeting Wednesday to extend the peacetime emergency for wildfires in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for 30 more days.
The extension allows the state to continue assisting communities impacted by wildfires in northern Minnesota.
Video captured by Chuck Olson for MPR News and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Timberwolves welcome LaMelo Ball, Josh Green to the team at press conference
- Runtime
- 1:06
- Date posted
- 22 days ago
- Description
- The Timberwolves fandom was shaken last month when the team traded beloved player Naz Reid to the Charlotte Hornets for point guard LaMelo Ball and shooting guard Josh Green in return. Several future draft picks were also reportedly given up by the Timberwolves as part of the deal.
Now, the Timberwolves' newest team members are here to say hello. Ball and Green greeted press and fans at a news conference Tuesday, where they were joined by Tim Connelly, the team's president of basketball operations, and head coach Chris Finch.
Ball and Green fielded questions about their track records and what they're looking forward to with the new team. There were even a few questions about LeBron James, whom the Timberwolves have been pursuing for several weeks.
For the full story, head to: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/07/14/timberwolves-tim-connelly-addresses-naz-reid-trade-lebron-james-rumors
Story and video capture by Ahmed Hassan. Video ed...
- Title
- Campers ordered to evacuate Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as wildfires rage
- Runtime
- 0:52
- Date posted
- 22 days ago
- Description
- More than a dozen fires are burning in and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The entire wilderness is temporarily closed to visitors amid concerns that those fires could continue to spread quickly due to unusually hot, dry weather.
A rapidly expanding Camp Fire burning northeast of Ely led to wider evacuation orders on Tuesday morning and was expanded to include the length of Fernberg Road east of Ely and Winton — an area with many homes, cabins, camps and lodges.
It’s a major access point for the now-closed BWCA — and it’s the only road in or out of that area, raising concerns about any wildfire in the vicinity.
Story by Andrew Krueger
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- First Avenue hosts 'Trader Joe’s vs. Aldi' dance party
- Runtime
- 1:35
- Date posted
- 23 days ago
- Description
- First Avenue loves an April Fools’ Day joke. When the team posted about a “Trader Joe’s vs. Aldi Rave” on April 1, set for the nonexistent April 31, people knew it wasn’t real and were still stoked. An Instagram post garnered nearly 12,000 likes and over 100 comments.
That’s when First Avenue decided to make the event a reality.
“Because everything is so much all the time, why not just have a night that's Trader Joe's versus Aldi?” chief marketing officer Ashley Ryan said. “Like, what does that mean? Who knows?”
The real event took place on July 10 in First Avenue’s mainroom.
Story by Feven Gerezgiher
Video captured by Feven Gerezgiher and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Summer Games Done Quick returns to Minneapolis to raise $2.4M for charity
- Runtime
- 9:21
- Date posted
- 23 days ago
- Description
- Roughly 2,500 gamers descended on Minneapolis in July for Summer Games Done Quick, the annual speedrunning showcase where participants bend and break their favorite video games, all in the name of charity.
For seven straight days, runners showed off game runs they had spent months perfecting in order to raise hype and — more importantly — dollars for Doctors Without Borders (also called Médecins Sans Frontières, or MSF). The final total was a whopping $2.4 million just after midnight Saturday.
“Most of this community really exists online together, and the times that we're able to physically be together are at events like this, which only happen twice a year,” said Ashley Farkas, owner and business director of Games Done Quick.
SGDQ has become a summer staple in the Twin Cities. And if sentiment from both organizers and attendees is anything to go on, it's not going anywhere else soon.
To read more, visit: https://www.mprnews...
- Title
- Watch: U.S. Forest Service closing Boundary Waters amid extreme heat, wildfires
- Runtime
- 28:58
- Date posted
- 23 days ago
- Description
- The U.S. Forest Service is temporarily closing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as concerns grow over the multiple wildfires burning in northeastern Minnesota and an extremely hot, dry weather forecast into the upcoming week.
The Forest Service said it was canceling permits with entry dates through at least Friday, July 17.
Forest service officials Joy VanDrie, Mick Petrack and Drew Stroberg spoke to press during a virtual press conference Monday.
Read more about the BWCA wildfires here:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/07/13/northern-minnesota-wildfires-in-boundary-waters-fueled-by-hot-dry-weather
Video source: U.S. Forest Service
- Title
- 'Casa' bombshell shares what he would show fellow 'Islanders' at the Minnesota State Fair
- Runtime
- 1:21
- Date posted
- 25 days ago
- Description
- What would a Minnesotan who was on “Love Island USA” do with his fellow Islanders at the Minnesota State Fair? In his first interview with media, "Love Island USA" participant Ronnie Gunter shares his love for Minnesota and its state fair.
"Love Island USA" wraps its eighth season on July 12, and, like many, the MPR News Reverb team has been trying to keep up.
“Casa Amor” bombshell Ronnie Gunter is originally from Shakopee and joined MPR News reporter/producer Feven Gerezgiher for an interview Thursday morning ahead of the show finale on Sunday.
Video captured by Derek Ramirez and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- 'Casa' bombshell answers: Is Corbin a real person?
- Runtime
- 1:29
- Date posted
- 25 days ago
- Description
- "Love Island USA" wraps its eighth season on July 12. The show has sparked a flurry of online conversation, including memes of popular soundbites.
“Casa Amor” bombshell Ronnie Gunter is originally from Shakopee and joined MPR News reporter/producer Feven Gerezgiher for an interview Thursday morning ahead of the show finale on Sunday.
During his visit he shared his own impression of Islander Corbin Mims, lovingly known online as “CorbinGPT.”
Video captured by Derek Ramirez and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- ‘Casa Amor’ bombshell and Minnesotan Ronnie Gunter says his ‘Love Island USA’ was a 10/10
- Runtime
- 11:16
- Date posted
- 26 days ago
- Description
- In his first interview with media, "Love Island USA" participant Ronnie Gunter shares about his time in Fiji and his reaction to criticism online.
"Love Island USA" wraps its eighth season on July 12, and, like many, the MPR News Reverb team has been trying to keep up.
“Casa Amor” bombshell Ronnie Gunter is originally from Shakopee and joined MPR News reporter/producer Feven Gerezgiher for an interview Thursday morning ahead of the show finale on Sunday.
Video captured by Derek Ramirez and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- This game-breaking event in Minneapolis raises millions for charity
- Runtime
- 2:56
- Date posted
- 29 days ago
- Description
- Whoever said, "Video games will rot your brain," probably didn't see the two Twitch streamers raise thousands of dollars for charity by yelling at Pikachu in a Nintendo 64 game.
Summer Games Done Quick is for the impatient. The speedrunning event sees participants, called runners, play their game of choice in the hopes of finishing it faster than anyone else. And that's just scratching the surface of the types of runs on display.
Hosted in the Twin Cities since 2015, Summer Games Done Quick raises millions each year for Doctors Without Borders (also called Médecins Sans Frontières, or MSF). Audiences on-site and online donate to win prizes, influence the runs and even see bonus games added to the schedule.
While gaming can be solitary, SGDQ organizers say the event gets at the communal aspect of speedrunning that people often miss.
"We're all here for the same reason: To support a wonderful charity while having fun with your friends...
- Title
- Philando Castile’s mom reflects with pride, love on 10th anniversary of police killing him
- Runtime
- 2:37
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- On this day 10 years ago, St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez shot and killed Philando Castile during a traffic stop in the Twin Cities suburb of Falcon Heights. His girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, was in the passenger seat. Her 4-year-old daughter was in the back.
His death sparked protests that became a rallying cry for police reform and led to the first prosecution of a police officer for an on-duty killing in Minnesota history.
Since then, Castile’s mother Valerie has worked to honor her son’s memory by speaking out about his killing and joining calls for accountability in policing. She has supported others who lost loved ones to gun violence and raised money to pay off school lunch debt as a tribute to her son, who was the cafeteria supervisor of a St. Paul elementary school.
In an interview with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini, Valerie reflected on the decade since her son was killed and the impact his legacy has had on the community.<...
- Title
- Anti-ICE protester charged with assaulting federal officers says her case is a sign of the times
- Runtime
- 0:58
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- In June 2025 — months before the federal government's "Operation Metro Surge" — around 100 protesters gathered on Lake Street in Minneapolis to protest the Department of Homeland Security at what they thought was an immigration raid. It turned out to be a federal drug trafficking investigation, but at the time, protesters were on high alert for ICE.
Artist and activist Isavela Lopez became one of the first Minnesotans charged in connection with anti-ICE action, including assaulting and obstructing federal officers. Last week, she took a plea deal reducing her case to a single misdemeanor conviction.
Lopez joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini in studio, where she said her case reflects a shifting attitude around protests.
Story produced by Aleesa Kuznetsov
Video captured by Maurizio D'Errico and edited by Payton Whaley
Thumbnail photo by Kerem Yücel | MPR News
- Title
- Isavela Lopez, one of the first Minnesotans arrested for protesting ICE, speaks out
- Runtime
- 17:58
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- In June 2025 — months before the federal government's "Operation Metro Surge" — around 100 protesters gathered on Lake Street in Minneapolis to protest the Department of Homeland Security at what they thought was an immigration raid. It turned out to be a federal drug trafficking investigation, but at the time, protesters were on high alert for ICE.
Artist and activist Isavela Lopez became one of the first Minnesotans charged with anti-ICE action, including assaulting and obstructing federal officers. Last week, she took a plea deal reducing her case to a single misdemeanor conviction.
Lopez joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini in studio to discuss the yearlong legal case and the shifting attitudes around protesting law enforcement.
Story produced by Aleesa Kuznetsov
Video captured by Maurizio D'Errico and edited by Payton Whaley
Thumbnail photo by Kerem Yücel | MPR News
- Title
- Columbia Heights schools were hard hit by the ICE surge. Months later, the trauma lingers
- Runtime
- 2:46
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- The flood of immigration-enforcement activity in Minnesota took its toll on Columbia Heights, a suburb of Minneapolis. The school district is home to the school that 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was attending before ICE took him and his father in January.
Seven students — including Liam — were taken from their driveways, cars and sidewalks on their way to school during the winter. Dozens of parents were detained, teachers faced off with armed masked federal agents, and school cafeterias filled with emergency food and diaper supplies.
Throughout the winter, MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman reported on how school leaders stepped up to protect families. Before the school year ended, they invited Elizabeth back to see how they’re still reeling from the effects of the surge.
To read Elizabeth’s story, follow the link in our bio.
Story by Elizabeth Shockman
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Soccer fans celebrate as U.S. men’s team wins first knockout match in 24 years
- Runtime
- 0:29
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- U.S. fans were overwhelmed with excitement as the American men’s soccer team defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first knockout match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 1. The U.S. men’s team has not won a knockout round match since the 2002 World Cup.
The celebration was at a watch party held in Peavey Plaza in Minneapolis by Minnesota United.
Video captured by Ahmed Hassan and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Upcoming hemp-THC ban will tank some Minnesota breweries, drink distributors
- Runtime
- 1:48
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Could Minnesota's booming hemp-THC drink industry survive a federal ban? Producers are moving full steam ahead as some in Congress race to stop the ban before it goes into effect Nov. 12.
Video captured by Nicole Ki and Carly Danek, edited by Nicole Ki.
- Title
- Cheryl Reeve reacts to messages from Minnesota Lynx Icons
- Runtime
- 2:38
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- MPR News asked key people in Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve’s professional orbit to record messages for her, and then showed them to Reeve.
Reeve spent 12 years coaching college basketball, including five at Indiana State. Her first WNBA coaching job was with the Charlotte Sting in 2001. She briefly moved to the Cleveland Rockers, then back to the Sting before joining the Detroit Shock in 2006.
Reeve was named head coach of the Lynx in 2009. Alongside that, Reeve’s been a coach for the U.S.A. Women's National Basketball Team at three Olympic Games, winning gold for each — including as head coach in 2024.
She’s in her fourth year in the dual role of head coach and president of basketball operations at the Lynx, and she has been named WNBA Coach of the Year four times and WNBA Basketball Executive of the Year two times. Last fall, she became the all-time winningest coach for combined wins.
- Title
- Fans turn to pizzeria with famous Naz Reid sign to grieve Timberwolves trade
- Runtime
- 2:18
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Minnesota Timberwolves fans are in mourning after news broke June 25 that fan-favorite forward Naz Reid was reportedly going to be traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
Parkway Pizza in northeast Minneapolis has had a sign outside that reads “Honk if you love Naz Reid” since 2024. General manager Kai Glinsek said after the trade news he immediately faced questions about what would happen to the sign outside of Parkway Pizza. He added that people had texted him, asking how he was feeling and whether or not the news was real.
Glinsek said he plans to keep the sign up for another month; he then might change the sign to honor Minnesota Lynx player Olivia Miles. He added he will change it to a Timberwolves player when the NBA season begins.
The Timberwolves will be back in action in October.
Story by Ahmed Hassan
Video captured by Ahmed Hassan and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Pspsps: Ninth annual Wedge LIVE! cat tour in Minneapolis
- Runtime
- 1:16
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- The highly anticipated Wedge LIVE! cat tour returned to Minneapolis on June 24. The premise is simple: you meet, you walk and you admire Minneapolis cats in window sills or the ones brave enough to be on porches, strollers and backpacks.
John Edwards, the publisher and editor of the hyperlocal news source Wedge LIVE!, is the founder of the tour. He said 46 households planned to participate. This year’s event drew hundreds of people to the Wedge neighborhood of Minneapolis.
While the cat tour started in 2017, the last few years have seen viral attention to whimsical Minneapolis events like the tour, Lake of the Isles pencil sharpening, Art-a-Whirl, May Day parade and others. Social media videos get millions of views, the comments repeating: “I need to go to Minneapolis!”
Story by Sam Stroozas
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Minnesota Vikings player and #LoveIsland fan shares advice for new Casa Amor bombshell
- Runtime
- 0:33
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- “Love Island USA” bombshell Carl Schmidt graduated from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. The 28-year-old is a fitness instructor and physical therapy aide from Denver.
Schmidt graduated from Carleton in 2020 with a degree in Asian Studies.
Viewers first saw Schmidt during the June 22 episode where he was one of 12 single men who joined the show for Casa Amor, a mid-season twist of “Love Island.” He quickly gained attention on social media for his connection with Aniya Harvey.
At a Special Olympics event in St. Paul on June 22, MPR News video producer and Carleton College alum Anne Guttridge asked Minnesota Vikings player and "Love Island" fan Walter Rouse to share any words of advice he had for Schmidt as he embarks on his “Love Island” journey.
Video by Anne Guttridge | MPR News
#LoveIsland #minnesotavikings
- Title
- Celebrity coaches team up with #SpecialOlympics athletes in ESPN Unified Sports Challenge
- Runtime
- 1:40
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Sixteen celebrity coaches joined Special Olympics athletes in the ESPN Unified Sports Challenge at Allianz Field in St. Paul on June 22. The event aims to promote inclusion and teamwork by bringing together people with and without intellectual disabilities to compete on the same team.
The event is part of Special Olympics’ Unified Sports program that has been sponsored globally by ESPN since 2013.
The competition featured popular athletes and Olympians from a variety of Minnesota sports teams such as Joe Mauer, Josh Metellus and Grace Zumwinkle.
The 2025 Special Olympics USA Games run all week and conclude at Huntington Bank Stadium with the Closing Ceremony on June 26.
Video by Anne Guttridge | MPR News
