MPR News
‘Third winter’ has arrived in Minnesota
- Title
- ‘Third winter’ has arrived in Minnesota
- Runtime
- 0:27
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- According to Mark (the cat), the forecast is that it’s already snowing and that he would like to go back inside.
A powerful late-season snowstorm in Minnesota has brought more than a foot of snow to some parts of the state. Snow totals in some parts of southern Minnesota reached 17 inches and winds are up to 50-60 mph, creating near-zero visibility in some places.
Parking restrictions for Minneapolis and St. Paul go into effect beginning 9 p.m. Sunday. Parking rules can be found on the Minneapolis and St. Paul city websites.
To stay up to date with the weather, safety precautions, school closings and more go to mprnews.org/weather-live.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Thanks to this Minnesotan, we now have National Loon Day
- Runtime
- 1:40
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Jewelry designer Larissa Loden and her team were planning upcoming marketing when they realized there was no national loon day — so Loden made a proposal, submitted it to the National Day Archives and made the holiday happen.
The inaugural National Loon Day celebration was held at Loden’s store in St. Paul on March 13. Festivities included a ribbon cutting with Minnesota United FC mascot PK, a costume contest, a loon call contest, flash tattoos, a DJ, a dirty soda bar, cross and chain stitching and of course, plenty of loon items for purchase.
Loden hopes to have many national loon days in the future with different posters every year and an event that grows. This year’s poster design is by local artist Little Dipper who Loden found through her “ICE Out” designs.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Significant winter storm expected in Minnesota
- Runtime
- 1:10
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Minnesota could be in for a large March snow storm this weekend. A strong system is heading toward the region for March 14 and 15 and there’s increasing potential for some pretty heavy snowfall. Much of southern and eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin could see 12 to 18 inches of snow, with possible isolated totals of over 20 inches.
MPR News’ meteorologists are tracking the system to bring you the latest forecast.
Story by Mandy Thalhuber
Video captured by Tony Xiao and edited by Anne Guttridge
Thumbnail photo by Erica Dischino for MPR News
- Title
- Do women have a disadvantage when it comes to retirement?
- Runtime
- 1:59
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- While the economy is doing great on paper, most Americans aren't feeling it. Retirement is no exception.
And, as Bloomberg economics journalist Stacey Vanek Smith pointed out in Monday's live call-in show, women face additional hurdles when trying to save up to leave the workforce.
For the full conversation with guest host Kerri Miller, visit: https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/03/09/why-dont-we-feel-better-about-the-economy
Show produced by Kelly Gordon
Video edited by Payton Whaley
- Title
- Dating across political lines
- Runtime
- 1:00:01
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Whether you’re single or have a partner, everyone can agree that dating is really hard. Many people feel that looking for love is especially difficult when spending time on dating apps or websites. And the growing divide between political ideologies can make it even more challenging.
Coming up at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests talk about dating across political lines. Is it possible to date across the political spectrum? Does love come before or after party?
Tune in tonight online or on the radio.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/03/11/dating-across-political-lines
- Title
- How to fix our broken immigration system
- Runtime
- 59:41
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Immigration is a divisive issue — but everyone agrees on one thing: The system we have right now is broken.
The last time the U.S. passed significant immigration reform was in 1986, and presidents and Congress have been trying to change it ever since — with no success. Right now, there’s a bipartisan proposal in the U.S. House known as the Dignity Act that is gaining supporters. It would create a pathway for undocumented individuals to gain legal status, reform legal immigration and do more to secure the border. Is it on the right track?
Tuesday at 8 p.m., host Kerri Miller will talk with two immigration experts about how to reform America’s broken immigration system. Polls show eight out of 10 Americans believe immigration is a good thing for the U.S., so what needs to be done to fix it?
Tune in tonight online or on the radio.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/03/09/why-dont-we-...
- Title
- Minnesota's first independently-produced #cannabis hits adult-use market
- Runtime
- 2:11
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Six years ago, Gabriel Hanson began his hemp extraction business with the dream of one day producing Minnesota’s first recreational cannabis products.
That day came March 3, when Hanson sent out 7,000 cannabis vapes to nine Twin Cities dispensaries out of his small manufacturing facility in Isanti. He’s a microbusiness cannabis extractor and owner of Loon Labs.
It’s one of the first signs of “craft cannabis” in Minnesota, a vision state legislators had for the adult-use market in 2023 when cannabis was legalized. In the coming months, cannabis entrepreneurs expect small businesses to lead the market in that vision of locally grown and produced cannabis.
Cannabis flower from non-tribal cultivators has started to come into the market, but the biggest hold-up in the supply chain is testing as manufacturers rely on the state’s two cannabis testing labs.
Story by Nicole Ki
Video by Tony Xiao
- Title
- Parents of Annunciation shooting victim look to change hearts and minds across party lines
- Runtime
- 2:43
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Following the death of their 10-year-old daughter Harper Moyski in the Annunciation Catholic Church and School shooting on Aug. 27, 2025, Mike Moyski and Jackie Flavin couldn’t bring themselves to go back inside their south Minneapolis home.
Along with their 8-year-old daughter Quinn, the Moyskis lived out of a hotel for two weeks. And eventually, they moved to a house four blocks down, on the same street.
The only time the Moyskis went back to their home was when they invited lawmakers to come sit down on their living room couch, to have frank and open conversations about keeping kids safe. Since the shooting they’ve met with a total of 22 lawmakers: 13 Republicans and 9 Democrats. Nineteen of them met in their living room.
On Feb. 24, nearly six months after the shooting, survivors and some family members watched as the House Committee on Public Safety and Judiciary voted 10-10 on a pair of bills that would ban assault-style weapons and high...
- Title
- Gov. Tim Walz to announce plan to 'transform' Minnesota's human services system
- Runtime
- 30:56
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce a plan Tuesday to make changes to the state’s Department of Human Services.
Walz is scheduled to speak at a news conference just before noon, along with Human Services Commissioner Shireen Gandhi.
The governor’s office says he’ll introduce a proposal to “strengthen program integrity and improve how services are delivered to Minnesotans.”
Read the latest coverage here: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/03/10/walz-announce-plan-transform-minnesota-human-services-system
- Title
- Why don't we feel better about the economy?
- Runtime
- 59:31
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Is the American consumer in a good place? Or between a rock and a hard place?
The stock market is hitting historic highs. And while we know the the market isn’t the economy, it’s not the only indicator reporting somewhat rosy — or at least soft pink — numbers. GDP is up. Unemployment is low. Interest rates have inched down.
But the average American doesn’t feel it. When it comes to how they perceive the economy, gloominess prevails. Consumers cite a “low-fire, low-hire” job market, stubborn high inflation and the high cost of living — aka affordability — as evidence. And when sliced a different way, the numbers support their pessimism.
So what gives? Monday at 8 p.m., Kerri Miller hosts a conversation with two economists about how to make sense of the disconnect.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/03/09/why-dont-we-feel-better-about-the-economy
- Title
- ‘We are deciding': How township elections shape local policy
- Runtime
- 1:33
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Every year on the second Tuesday in March, voters in Minnesota townships gather for elections and their annual meeting. This year, township elections will take place on March 10.
At its core, townships are the most grassroots model of local government in the U.S. Voters have a direct say in local affairs like setting a levy for how much they pay in taxes; new building developments like an update to town hall or a park; road upkeep and improvements; and electing people to serve on the township board.
Sixteen percent of Minnesotans live in townships, which is just under 1 million people. There’s about 1,700 townships across the state with most having a population of under 500 people.
Only two Minnesota counties, Hennepin and Koochiching counties, have no townships.
Story by Anika Besst
Video by Tony Xiao
- Title
- Going back in time with an ice harvest on Lake Itasca
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- On the north end of frozen Lake Itasca, just a couple hundred yards from the Mississippi River headwaters, the nonprofit Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers revealed how old-time ice harvests were done in the past.
The ice harvested will be transported by the group to a storage shed. Once there, like in the old days, it will be insulated under sawdust to keep it from melting.
Before electricity, people used to have ice boxes in their homes to keep food from spoiling.
Sandra Lichter, a park naturalist at Itasca, said part of the point of doing these events is to help people think about how good we have it today.
The ice harvested by the Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers on this day will be used to make ice cream at their yearly showcase in August.
Story and video by Mathew Holding Eagle III
Edited by Tony Xiao
- Title
- Dropkick Murphys and local bands play free concert at Alex Pretti memorial
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Hundreds gathered in Minneapolis on March 6 for a free benefit concert near the site where federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti in January.
The event honored both Pretti and Renee Macklin Good, who was also killed by federal agents in Minneapolis that same month. Organizers say the concert was meant to remember the two lives lost and raise money for organizations supporting people affected by the federal surge in Minnesota.
Dropkick Murphys, the Irish-American punk band from Massachusetts, headlined the event. The group performed an acoustic set ahead of a sold-out show later Friday night at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul. Lead singer Ken Casey told MPR News the band wanted to perform for the Pretti and Good families and show solidarity with Minnesotans.
Several local artists also performed, including Brass Solidarity, Laamar, Kiss the Tiger, the Shackletons, Wild Colonial Bhoys, Sophie Hiroko and Chutes. Brass Solidarity, which has played a...
- Title
- Parents of Annunciation shooting victim look to change hearts and minds across party lines
- Runtime
- 29:21
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Mike Moyski and Jackie Flavin’s daughter Harper Moyski was killed in the Annunciation school shooting in Minneapolis on Aug. 27, 2025.
Since the shooting, they have met with dozens of lawmakers in their home as they grieve. On Feb. 24, survivors and some family members watched as the House Committee on Public Safety and Judiciary voted 10-10 on a pair of bills that would ban assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. The tied result stalled the bills and frustrated supporters, who are committed to continuing their push for tougher gun restrictions this session.
Moyski and Flavin spoke to Minnesota Now host Nina Moini about doing everything they can to end gun violence.
Story by Nina Moini and Aleesa Kuznetsov
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Tech journalist Kara Swisher on 'Resist & Unsubscribe' and Americans flexing their buying power
- Runtime
- 2:58
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- The recent Resist & Unsubscribe movement, co-founded by "Pivot" podcast hosts Scott Galloway and Kara Swisher, is all about the idea that Americans should vote with their dollars.
In an interview with MPR News host Catharine Richert, Swisher talks about how the movement decides on which companies to focus on, and she emphasizes that people have more leverage with their wallets than they think.
Conversation produced by Gabrielle Zuckerman
Video edited by Payton Whaley
- Title
- U of M professor breaks down beaver myths, shares experience consulting for Pixar’s ‘Hoppers’
- Runtime
- 12:38
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Pixar’s newest animated film, “Hoppers,” opens this week. In the movie, scientists discover a way to transform human consciousness into robotic animals.
The movie features a menagerie of critters, but beavers are key characters.
Emily Fairfax, an assistant professor of geography at the University of Minnesota, has spent the last decade studying beavers and how they change landscapes by altering the flow of rivers and streams.
Fairfax says she complained about how beavers are often inaccurately portrayed in film and TV. And, she says the Pixar team listened.
She spent the next five years as the science expert for the film. She offered feedback about how the beavers looked, behaved and interacted with other kinds of animals. Over time, she says, the movie’s depiction of beavers became more scientifically accurate.
The movie highlights the tension between human needs and nature conservation. Fairfax is hoping the mov...
- Title
- U of M professor breaks down beaver myths, shares experience consulting for Pixar’s ‘Hoppers’
- Runtime
- 2:44
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Pixar’s newest animated film, “Hoppers,” opens this week. In the movie, scientists discover a way to transform human consciousness into robotic animals.
The movie features a menagerie of critters, but beavers are key characters.
Emily Fairfax, an assistant professor of geography at the University of Minnesota, has spent the last decade studying beavers and how they change landscapes by altering the flow of rivers and streams.
Fairfax says she complained about how beavers are often inaccurately portrayed in film and TV. And, she says the Pixar team listened.
She spent the next five years as the science expert for the film. She offered feedback about how the beavers looked, behaved and interacted with other kinds of animals. Over time, she says, the movie’s depiction of beavers became more scientifically accurate.
The movie highlights the tension between human needs and nature conservation. Fairfax is hoping the mov...
- Title
- Kara Swisher on the 'Resist & Unsubscribe' movement
- Runtime
- 59:41
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- A new boycott is targeting major tech companies as a way to protest U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations. Tonight at 8 p.m., Kara Swisher joins host Catharine Richert to talk about what the ‘Resist & Unsubscribe’ movement is and what it hopes to accomplish.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/03/04/kara-swisher-on-the-resist-unsubscribe-movement
- Title
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz tangles with Republicans in federal fraud hearing
- Runtime
- 2:27
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Often criticized and frequently cut off, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison faced tough questions over fraud in Minnesota by Republicans on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Wednesday, March 4 as the two Democrats and their party allies tried to turn the focus to the Trump administration's immigration tactics.
The hearing featured frequent dust-ups between GOP members of the panel and the two Democrats. They faulted Walz and Ellison for not doing enough to combat fraud in the state.
Walz and Ellison defended the state’s response, acknowledging fraud had taken place in state programs and highlighting steps they’d taken to stop it. Republicans countered that not enough was done and fraud blossomed; they issued a report that they said was based on whistleblower reports and other interviews with state officials.
Minnesota fraud investigations and prosecutions have been occurring for years and state lawmake...
- Title
- Mainstreaming meditation with '10% Happier' podcast host Dan Harris
- Runtime
- 59:11
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Tuesday at 8 p.m., MPR News host Catharine Richert talks with Dan Harris — former ABC News anchor, host of the podcast “10% Happier,” and self-proclaimed meditation skeptic about the mental health benefits of mindfulness.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/03/03/mainstreaming-mediation-with-10-percent-happier-podcast-host-dan-harris
- Title
- As the ICE surge continues in Minnesota, pets suffer
- Runtime
- 2:51
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- In early fall, organizations like Pet Haven in St. Paul started noticing healthy dogs with collars running stray. They were being abandoned in streets and cars, their owners simply missing. As the surge of federal immigration agents continues, the fate of the pets of the owners being detained or deported remains uncertain.
Foster dog parent Christine Onesky volunteered to foster a pair of bonded chihuahuas. The owners of Snowball and Cinnamon self-deported and will not be coming back. The pair have been adopted and were welcomed to their new home last week.
Pet Haven executive director Kerry D’Amato says as an organization they are prioritizing pets from people who are self-deporting or have been detained and people can fill out an owner-surrender form. If people need help and support for food or medical care for their pet, there is a secure link on their website with a form that can be filled out anonymously.
While Homeland Security Secretary K...
- Title
- The conflict in Iran: What's next for the region?
- Runtime
- 1:00:25
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- The U.S. and Israel have attacked Iran, and President Donald Trump has called for an overthrow of the Iranian regime. Coming up at 8 p.m., MPR News host Catharine Richert talks with her guests about the history behind this conflict, what's next and what this means for the people of Iran and for the U.S. presence in the Middle East.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/03/02/the-us-attack-on-iran
- Title
- High above the busy little one-way, runners take to St. Paul skyways in first annual 5k race
- Runtime
- 1:20
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Hundreds of runners took the skyway in St. Paul for a 5k race on Feb. 28. The first annual race started at Union Depot in the Lowertown neighborhood and wove its way through downtown St. Paul through the maze of skyways and high rises, running through corridors of businesses and indoor courtyards.
The Twin Cities skyways started in Minneapolis with the first skyway built in 1962. St. Paul’s first skyway was built several years later in 1967. The skyways have become symbols of the Twin Cities, inspiring songs like “Skyway” by The Replacements which described waiting for a bus downtown Minneapolis and seeing someone in the skyway above. Minneapolis’ system is the oldest and largest connected skyway network in the world.
This isn’t the first time a race has been held in the St. Paul skyway, in 2006 The Red Bull Skyride had 50 cyclists racing mountain bikes through one mile of the skyway system. Organizers say the 5k is the first foot race of its kind.
- Title
- Six months after school shooting, Annunciation parents testify for bills against gun violence
- Runtime
- 2:25
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Six months ago, on August 27, 2025, a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis killed two children and left 28 others injured.
Earlier this week on Feb. 24, survivors and some family members watched as the House Committee on Public Safety and Judiciary voted 10-10 on a pair of bills that would ban assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. The tied result stalled the bills and frustrated supporters, who committed to continuing their push for tougher gun restrictions this session.
Members of the Annunciation community said they’re resolved to keep pushing until something changes. But that could be a steep climb in the narrowly split Minnesota Legislature where Democrats have a single-seat Senate majority and the House is evenly divided.
Republicans argue the bans are unworkable and said they could potentially violate Minnesotans’ constitutional right to bear arms. Ultimately, they all voted against the bil...
- Title
- ICE whistleblower Ryan Schwank calls agent training program deficient and 'broken'
- Runtime
- 15:50
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- A former lawyer for Immigration and Customs Enforcement who helped train new agents said the agency’s training academy is deficient and broken.
Ryan Schwank became a whistleblower after he resigned earlier this month. He then went public during a forum held by congressional Democrats on Feb. 23.
In his first interview with local news in Minnesota, Schwank tells Minnesota Now host Nina Moini that he was concerned about policies from day one, when he was shown a memo that instructs ICE officers to enter a home without a judicial warrant.
Schwank said the trainees themselves recognized they were not fully trained and some would come to him saying they didn’t feel ready. Instructors would also tell Schwank in confidence their concerns that training was insufficient. Those conversations, Schwank said, illustrated a “culture of fear” inside the academy.
For continuing coverage on the ongoing enforcement in Minnesota, head to https:...
- Title
- U.S. women’s hockey team members respond to President Trump’s call with men’s hockey
- Runtime
- 1:36
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Returning from the Winter Olympics, Minnesota Frost players are proud of the gold medal win by both the women’s and men’s hockey teams. They also responded to the controversy surrounding President Donald Trump’s phone call with the men’s team.
During the phone call, Trump invited the men’s team to the State of the Union on Feb. 24, and said he would have to invite the women’s team too. The president said he would probably be impeached if he didn’t do so, which the players responded to with laughter.
After returning to practice with Minnesota Frost at Tria Rink in St. Paul, several players from the U.S. Olympic women’s hockey team spoke to the media about the phone call.
Story by Regina Medina
Video by Tony Xiao
- Title
- President Trump's State of the Union: Key takeaways
- Runtime
- 59:50
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests analyze the major themes, claims, and policy proposals from President Donald Trump's State of the Union address.
What was your biggest takeaway from last night's State of the Union? What moment stuck with you? How did the president’s description of the country match what you’re experiencing?
Our guests:
Amy Frederiksen specializes in media relations and crisis communications and is a principal for Momentum Advocacy, a Minnesota-based lobbying firm. She has been a Republican political strategist and was the first woman to serve as state senate majority leader in Minnesota.
Chris Geidner is the editor and author of Law Dork, a newsletter that covers legal developments from the Supreme Court to the Trump administration to state and national lawmakers and public policy advocates.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/02/25/president-trumps-state-of...
- Title
- Ojibwe village of Naytahwaush celebrates artistic legacies
- Runtime
- 1:40
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- The Watermark Art Center’s exhibition titled “Minwaajimowinan — Good Stories” features a variety of art pieces made by generations of the White Earth Nation’s Naytahwaush community.
A public reception and music showcase was held at the art center in Bemidji earlier this month. Guest curator and artist Kent Estey said the exhibition, which opened earlier this year, was a lifelong goal.
“I always had this thing in the back of my head, in my brain, and it was someday I want to be able to show my entire family's volume of work that they've done,” Estey said at the reception, which featured musical talent from the community.
The art show celebrates the community and people of Naytahwaush.
“Minwaajimowinan — Good Stories” is on display through March 28.
Story and video by Chandra Colvin
- Title
- ICE whistleblower: New agents came to Minnesota untrained
- Runtime
- 2:39
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- A former lawyer for Immigration and Customs Enforcement who helped train new agents said the agency’s training academy is deficient and broken.
Ryan Schwank became a whistleblower after he resigned earlier this month. He then went public during a forum held by congressional Democrats on Feb. 23.
Schwank began working in a trainer role on a temporary basis in September 2025. He said he was brought in because they needed more staff to handle the influx of recruits. The Department of Homeland Security rapidly scaled up the number of deportation officers and offered $50,000 sign-on bonuses.
In Schwank’s first interview with local news in Minnesota, he told MPR News that he was concerned about policies from day one, when he was shown a memo that instructs ICE officers to enter a home without a judicial warrant.
Story by Nina Moini and Aleesa Kuznetsov
Video edited by Tony Xiao
- Title
- In call for action, Annunciation parents install empty desks in front of the state Capitol
- Runtime
- 1:18
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- About 60 empty school desks were installed by Annunciation parents in front of the Minnesota State Capitol on Feb. 24.
The initiative was organized by the Annunciation Light Alliance, a nonpartisan, parent-led advocacy group that formed after the Aug. 27 shooting to protect children from gun violence across Minnesota.
The same day, democratic lawmakers introduced a package of 15 proposals including bans on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines and ghost guns — those built through kits or parts rather than purchased fully manufactured firearms. Among the other firearm-related proposals are bills that would require reporting of lost or stolen firearms; re-pass the binary trigger ban, which was put on hold by the courts; and require the safe storage of firearms.
The package also includes more mental health support funding and better threat assessment at the state level.
Republicans also have proposals aimed at increasing funding for...
- Title
- Law professor Ilan Wurman on the constitutionality of ICE operations in Minnesota
- Runtime
- 14:41
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Since the beginning of "Operation Metro Surge," Minnesotans have seen federal officers carry out actions that appear to violate several amendments to the Constitution.
University of Minnesota law professor Ilan Wurman, who specializes in the 14th Amendment, joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to break down whether the Trump administration has exceeded its powers.
For continuing coverage, visit www.mprnews.org
Story produced by Gracie Stockton | MPR News
Video edited by Cody Nelson for MPR News
Thumbnail photo by Kerem Yücel | MPR News
- Title
- Eighth grader who was shot in head speaks out against gun violence at Annunciation Capitol event
- Runtime
- 1:13
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Gun violence survivors, families of people who have been killed by guns and advocates for gun safety measures packed into the Governor’s reception room on Tuesday morning to push for a package of DFL-authored bills focused on preventing school shootings and other gun violence in the future.
Among them was Lydia Kaiser, an eighth grader at Annunciation Catholic Church and School. Kaiser joined peers and other Annunciation community members at the state Capitol to advocate for restrictions on guns.
Story by Peter Cox
Video captured by Ben Hovland and edited by Anne Guttridge
Thumbnail photo by Ben Hovland
- Title
- State Sen. Zach Duckworth and State Rep. Sandra Feist on civility and the 2026 legislative session
- Runtime
- 59:16
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Immigration, fraud, gun violence, affordability. How can Minnesota lawmakers tackle tough issues this legislative session without divisive rhetoric? Coming up Monday at 8 p.m., MPR News host Catharine Richert talks with two state legislators working to foster civility at the state Capitol.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/02/23/minnesota-legislators-on-civility-collaboration-and-the-2026-session
- Title
- Mia celebrates Year of the Fire Horse with Chinese art spanning across 3,000 years
- Runtime
- 1:16
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- The Minneapolis Institute of Art is celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse with the exhibit, “Year of the Horse: Hoofbeats Through Time.”
From Bronze Age sculptures to contemporary paintings, Chinese art in the exhibit spans across 3,000 years.
Curator Liu Yang says characteristics of horses such as freedom, speed and endurance are cross-cultural, and they are always evolving.
The exhibit is open at Mia through August. 30.
Story and video by Tony Xiao
#lunarnewyear #yearofthehorse #art
- Title
- Experiencing a northern Minnesota sled dog tour
- Runtime
- 0:47
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- MPR News meteorologist Mandy Thalhuber went on a dog sled tour with Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge in Ely, Minn.
The tour is powered by a team of eager Canadian Inuit dogs and is part of Minnesota Zoo’s Travel EdVenture series.
The series offers experiences that connect people with animals, ecosystems and conservation efforts across the country and around the world.
The dog sled tour is part of the three-day wild wolf program that takes place in early February.
Story and video by Mandy Thalhuber
Edited by Tony Xiao
#dogs #sleddogs
- Title
- Drones light up Allianz Field ahead of MLS opener
- Runtime
- 2:30
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Drones filled the night sky over Allianz Field in St. Paul on Friday, lighting up the stadium the night before Minnesota United’s 2026 MLS season opener. The Loons open the regular season Saturday against Austin FC at Q2 Stadium in Texas, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. CT.
Minnesota United’s home opener is Feb. 28 at Allianz Field against FC Cincinnati. The drone and light show was part of a two-night celebration marking the start of the season.
- Title
- Kidney transplant recipient given incorrect dosages of vital medication while in ICE custody
- Runtime
- 1:32
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- A kidney transplant recipient who spent two weeks in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Texas without full access to his life-saving medications is finally back home in Minnesota. Javier Abreu-Vasquez arrived at the Rochester International Airport Thursday, Feb. 19 and was reunited with his family.
Abreu-Vasquez was arrested by immigration agents on Feb. 5 in Rochester while he was delivering groceries as part of a local mutual aid group organized through his church. He was taken without his medications to the Whipple Federal Building near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport that day and flown to the ICE detention facility in El Paso the next day. His family helped deliver medications to the facility, but Abreu-Vasquez's wife and attorney said he did not receive his full medication regimen while in custody.
Abreu-Vasquez is from the Dominican Republic and entered the United States legally on a visa, according to his attorney, and he...
- Title
- Eat Street restaurant hosts Lunar New Year community meal
- Runtime
- 1:58
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- To celebrate this Lunar New Year, on Feb. 18, Rainbow Chinese Restaurant in Minneapolis offered free family meals to community members. Owner Tammy Wong said people could offer a donation and part of the money raised would go to a rent relief fund.
Wong and her family came to Minneapolis almost 40 years ago. As a refugee of the Vietnam War, she was transported back to that time by the surge of ICE agents near her restaurant on Nicollet Avenue.
Following Alex Pretti’s killing, Tammy Wong’s sister, Tracy Wong, took in people who were fleeing from chemical irritants sprayed by federal agents into her restaurant in the same neighborhood.
Tammy Wong says the local businesses on Nicollet Avenue are taking care of the neighborhood, and that doesn’t just include picking up trash and removing snow from the curb — they're also keeping everyone safe.
Story and video by Tony Xiao
- Title
- U.S. women’s hockey wins gold, beating Canada in OT
- Runtime
- 0:48
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- In a highly anticipated gold medal match, the United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime on Thursday Feb. 19 at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
The rivals have had 12 Olympic meetings and this was the seventh game to be decided by one goal and the third to go into overtime.
Since the 2022 Winter Olympics, women’s hockey athletes have been able to play at the professional level in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which was announced in 2023.
Eight of the 23 players on the 2026 Olympics women’s hockey team have Minnesota connections. Many play for the Minnesota Frost in St. Paul and one is still a student at the University of Minnesota.
Shamrock’s Bar and Grill and the Minnesota Frost hosted a watch party at the bar in St. Paul for the game. The bar buses fans to Minnesota Frost home games.
Video by Anne Guttridge
Thumbnail photo by Ben Hovland
- Title
- What children need from adults in moments of fear and change
- Runtime
- 59:41
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- “Operation Metro Surge” forced families to have difficult conversations with themselves and their kids. Coming up at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, MPR News host Catharine Richert talks with a child and adolescent psychiatrist about parenting in times of upheaval, what children need from adults in uncertain times and the lasting impacts these types of events can have on young minds.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/02/18/what-children-need-from-adults-in-moments-of-fear-and-change
- Title
- When immigration policy hits home: A Minneapolis pastor reflects
- Runtime
- 59:46
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- MPR News host Catharine Richert talks with Pastor Sergio Amezcua who supported President Donald Trump in the last election, but whose Minneapolis congregation has been hit hard by ICE enforcement. They'll discuss what his community needs now that ICE is drawing down operations here — and whether the immigration crackdown in Minnesota has changed his political thinking.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/02/17/when-immigration-policy-hits-home-a-minneapolis-pastor-reflects
- Title
- Apostle Islands ice caves open for first time in 11 years (and quickly close again)
- Runtime
- 1:14
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Thousands waited for hours to take shuttle buses to the start of a hike to see the Apostle Island ice caves on Feb. 16. Monday was the first day the caves were open to access on foot in 11 years.
The ice caves — located a few miles east of Cornucopia, Wis., — are formed by water seeping down through the sandstone cliffs and freezing into icicles and other ice formations, similar in appearance to rock formations in a cave. The icy display also can be enhanced by spray from Lake Superior waves.
The excitement was quickly put on ice — with an approaching winter storm prompting park officials to close that access on Tuesday. After Monday’s crowds, and some challenges in transporting everyone from parking lots to the trailhead and back, the prospect of heavy snow and gusty winds arriving later in the day Tuesday raised public safety concerns.
“The caves may remain closed for several days while rangers evaluate ice conditions after the storm,...
- Title
- What to watch in the Minnesota legislative session
- Runtime
- 2:51
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Minnesota legislators are opening the legislative session at the Capitol. It's the first time they're convening since the assassination of Melissa Hortman, the Annunciation school shooting and the 10-week ICE operation in Minnesota. Major issues on the table include guns, fraud and immigration. But with an almost evenly split Legislature, meaningful action on controversial topics is going to be tough.
Story by Nicole Ki
Video edited by Tony Xiao
- Title
- Frey speaks on ICE surge in Minneapolis
- Runtime
- 46:01
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other city officials are expected to speak on the surge of federal immigration agents the past two months, the coming drawdown and the long-term impacts.
Find more coverage here:
https://www.mprnews.org/live-updates
- Title
- Politics Friday: Lawmakers outline their priorities for the 2026 legislative session
- Runtime
- 46:39
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Minnesota lawmakers will face constituent pressure to take action on some potent issues from guns control, immigration, fraud, taxes and more as the convene the 2026 session on Tuesday.
The Capitol also remains deeply split, with legislative seats almost evenly divided between the parties in the House and Senate. Progress will be a challenge in an election year when some key players are looking up the political ladder or worried about the political winds back home.
MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with the Minnesota’s four caucus leaders about what’s in store for the session and what could get accomplished.
Guests:
Republican Speaker of the Minnesota House Lisa Demuth, of Cold Spring.
House DFL Caucus Leader Rep. Zack Stephenson, of Coon Rapids.
DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, of St. Paul.
Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, of East Grand Forks.
- Title
- Minneapolis estimates federal immigration surge cost city at least $203 million in January
- Runtime
- 2:42
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Friday, Feb. 13 estimated the financial and economic cost to the city from the surge of federal immigration agents to be at least $203 million and said he’ll ask state and federal authorities to help foot the bill.
Officials said that figure represented the costs of only about a month of the surge. They said the estimate includes losses to the economy and local businesses as well as the costs of helping people in need of food and housing.
Story by MPR News Staff
Video courtesy of City of Minneapolis
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- While detained by ICE, women helped agent experiencing seizure
- Runtime
- 3:53
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- On Jan. 22, Amundson and Zemian came upon an ICE agent at an apartment complex. They honked their car horn to alert the neighbors of ICE’s presence. Immediately, the pair says they were swarmed by agents and asked to leave. The pair said they left the immediate vicinity but returned shortly after, when a Brooklyn Park police officer arrived.
As Amundson and Zemian are chatting with the officer, an ICE agent vehicle approaches them and flashes its headlights. The women take it as a signal to move out of the way. But when they pull forward to do so, they’re boxed in, ordered out of their vehicles and arrested.
Just a few minutes into their detainment, the ICE agent in the front passenger seat had said he wasn’t feeling well and then began to convulse. Amundson and Zemian immediately recognized there was an emergency.
Amundson is a kindergarten teacher and had received some medical training when she served on her school’s emergency council. A...
- Title
- Gov. Tim Walz talks end to ICE surge, backs $10M aid package for Minnesota small businesses hurt
- Runtime
- 35:46
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Editor's note: There is a small hiccup in our stream due to a change in feed. Gov. Walz's press conference is otherwise unedited.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Thursday he’ll back an aid package to support state businesses, especially immigrant-owned business, hurt by the surge of federal immigration agents in Minnesota over the past two months.
Walz told reporters he’ll propose a $10 million emergency fund, similar to an effort during the COVID-19 pandemic, that would offer forgivable loans targeted at small businesses.
The upcoming legislative session, he added, “needs to be about the recovery of the damage” caused by the immigration surge. He called on the federal government “to pay for what they broke here” but added that he wasn’t “holding his breath” for federal help.
Walz said he was “cautiously optimistic that this surge of untrained, aggressive federal agents are going to leave Minnesota” after hearing re...
- Title
- Border czar Tom Homan: Immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota coming to an end
- Runtime
- 25:26
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- The immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota is ending, said Tom Homan, the border czar for President Donald Trump.
“I have proposed, and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude,” Homan said. “A significant draw down has already been underway this week and will continue through the next week.”
Homan addressed reporters Thursday morning at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, the base for the ongoing federal immigration operation in Minnesota. It also houses a facility that the Department of Homeland Security has been using to detain people being held by ICE.
A small footprint of personnel will remain for a period of time to close out and transition full command and control back to the field office,” Homan said. “I will also remain on the ground for a little longer to oversee the drawdown of this operation and ensure its success.”
For more coverage, head to www.mprnews.org
- Title
- Minnesotans cheer as Duluth curling team claims silver medal at Winter Olympics
- Runtime
- 1:56
- Date posted
- 9 months ago
- Description
- Duluth curlers Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin claimed silver medals at the Winter Olympics in Italy on Tuesday, falling to the Swedish team 6-5 in the gold-medal game for the mixed doubles event.
While the Americans were hoping for gold — it’s still the first time the U.S. has earned a medal in mixed doubles curling. And Thiesse is the first U.S. woman to medal in curling at the Olympics.
Fans gathered to watch Tuesday’s game at the curling clubs in Duluth and St. Paul.
88-year-old Myrna MacKinnon, a member of U.S. Women’s Curling Association’s 1983 Championship Team, cheered for the curlers.
MacKinnon started curling before it was an Olympic sport.
Curling first appeared in the inaugural Winter Olympics Games in 1924, but it wasn’t added to the official program until the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
Story by Estelle Timar-Wilcox
Video by Tony Xiao
