Community Updates: A woman was randomly shot in St. Paul, while in Minneapolis, city officials approved a light rail plan despite displacement concerns, and a donor helped save a struggling shelter from closure.
A tragic incident occurred in downtown St. Paul where a woman was randomly shot while working on an art project. Police identified the suspect, who then died in a confrontation with officers. In Minneapolis, city officials are moving forward with a light rail extension plan despite concerns about displacement in the community. There is also positive news as an anonymous donor stepped up to match a city grant, saving a downtown shelter from closing due to safety issues. These events reflect both the challenges and community efforts to address safety and infrastructure in the area.
Minnesota Updates: Minnesota is expanding broadband access and preparing for the upcoming election on November 5th while facing challenges in sports and transportation this weekend.
Minnesota is making strides to improve internet access with over $650,000 to expand broadband services, as many homes lack adequate service. As the election approaches on November 5th, absentee voting remains steady with over 431,000 applications submitted. In sports, the Twins are fighting for a wild card spot, while the Vikings prepare for a key matchup against the Packers. Also, road work will close part of Eastbound 94 in St. Paul this weekend, and weather forecasts predict warm, sunny days ahead. Overall, the state is engaged in critical activities concerning internet access, voting, sports, and transportation as autumn progresses.
Police: Fatal St. Paul shooting was an act of random violence. Anonymous donor saves Minneapolis shelter
Minnesota Today
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Shortage of IV bags requires Minnesota hospitals to postpone non-urgent surgeries
The portrayal by Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota's new paid family and medical leave program is getting pushback from state business leaders.
And some Minnesota hospitals are postponing non-urgent surgeries and procedures due a shortage of IV bags.
Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Rapidan Dam Store reopens at temporary location. Voyageurs park ranger who died ID'd
The Rapidan Dam Store reopened at its new, temporary location in Mankato Monday after the original building collapsed during flooding earlier this summer. And the National Park Service ranger who died responding to a call at Voyageurs National Park on Sunday has been identified. 55-year-old Kevin Grossheim was on Namakan Lake rescuing three stranded boaters when his boat capsized in high wind and rough water and Grossheim failed to surface. His body was later recovered from the lake.
This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
Find these headlines and more at Mprnews.org.
Voyageurs National Park ranger dies while helping stranded boaters in rough waters
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Minnesota National Guard members in Florida; Voyageurs National Park ranger dies
Governor Tim Walz has deployed members of the Minnesota National Guard to help with disaster assistance in Florida.
And a Voyageurs National Park ranger died yesterday while attempting to rescue three people stranded on an island where they were camped on Namakan Lake.
Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesotans protest, grieve on one year anniversary of Oct. 7 attacks in Israel
Monday marks one year since Hamas killed about 1,200 people inside Israel. The attacks started a war that has since claimed the lives of an estimated 40,000 people in Gaza. On Sunday, more than 1,000 people rallied in downtown Minneapolis to protest the ongoing war.
Over the weekend, Minneapolis police arrested a man who they say made terroristic threats against a Minneapolis synagogue.
And Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — the Democratic candidate for vice president — appeared on Fox News Sunday.
This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
Find these headlines and more at Mprnews.org.
Pro-Palestinian protestors march in downtown Minneapolis, marking one-year of Israel-Hamas war
A rabbi and his son mourn Oct. 7 victims, disagree on next steps
Man arrested for alleged terrorist threats against Minneapolis synagogue
Walz says he'll 'own up' when he misspeaks as the Democratic ticket steps up media interviews
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Why people are talking about biochar. Good chance for northern lights this weekend
A substance called biochar, which is made by cooking wood waste or other biomass at high temperatures without oxygen is getting a lot of attention in Minnesota. The resulting charcoal can store carbon dioxide for centuries.
And forecasters say a strong geomagnetic storm means there's a chance to see the northern lights this weekend.
This is an MPR News afternoon update, hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.
Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.
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Minnesota lineworkers head to Southeast U.S. to help restore power after Hurricane Helene
Dozens of lineworkers from Minnesota utilities are on their way to the Southeast U.S. to help restore power in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The Minnesota Rural Electric Association says 18 power cooperatives across the state are sending a total of 80 workers to the region for one to two weeks — and possibly longer. They will be working to repair outages for three co-ops in South Carolina. One of those co-ops reported 98 percent of its system down following the high winds and flooding. Xcel Energy says it has sent more than 100 employees from Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and other states to help in the Southeast.
And the WNBA semifinals series between the Minnesota Lynx and the Connecticut Sun continues tonight in Connecticut. So far, the series is even with the Lynx losing one of their two games at home in Minneapolis.
This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
Find these headlines and more at Mprnews.org.
Minnesota first responders, volunteers head south to aid in Hurricane Helene cleanup
Napheesa Collier’s sticky defense and all-around play propelling Lynx playoff hopes
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Minnesota sending National Guard support to flooded North Carolina. Minneapolis approves route for light rail extension
The Minnesota National Guard is sending two St. Cloud-based Chinook helicopters and 11 Guard members to the flood-ravaged Southeast. They are expected to arrive in North Carolina Friday and stay at least a week providing emergency aid.
And the Minneapolis City Council signed off Wednesday on the proposed route of a light rail line through a section of the city’s north side. However, some council members still have concerns about parts of the 13-mile Blue Line extension — between downtown and Brooklyn Park.
This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
Find these headlines and more at Mprnews.org.
Minneapolis grants consent for Blue Line extension through city’s north side
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Wildfire risk in Minnesota; Funding for Minneapolis homeless shelter hits snag
Weather conditions and a very dry landscape will create an elevated risk of wildfires this afternoon and evening across much of Minnesota, especially in the southwest.
And the Minneapolis City Council is launching an inquiry into the mayor's financial reporting, after a dispute over funding for a homeless shelter.
Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesotans react to VP debate. Another person pleads guilty in Feeding Our Future fraud case
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz squared off in a debate last night with Ohio Sen. JD Vance. We hear from Minnesotans from both political camps who watched the debates. And another person charged with allegedly stealing money from federal child nutrition programs has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.
Find these headlines and more at Mprnews.org.
What to know on claims made about Minnesota, Walz in VP debate against Vance
Eagan woman latest to plead guilty in federal Feeding Our Future fraud case
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Vice presidential debate; Federal child nutrition program guilty plea
Vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance are in New York preparing for their first — and likely only — debate tonight.
The U.S. Attorney's Office announced today that another person charged with allegedly stealing money from federal child nutrition programs has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.