Legislature budgets for literacy programs; U of M officials meet with protesters

It's shaping up to be a potentially dangerous evening of severe weather for south-central and southeast Minnesota. A tornado watch is in effect until 9 p.m.And a new Amtrak passenger rail service connecting the Twin Cities and Chicago started operations today.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The legislative session ended with a flurry of activity late Sunday night — but one thing that did not pass was a bonding bill. That means infrastructure projects across Minnesota will not get money from the state. And Gov. Tim Walz yesterday signed a junk fee bill into law. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Find more Minnesota news at MPRnews.org.Minnesota Legislature gavels out as focus on campaign for party control takes overRead the latest edition of the AM Update newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

The Minnesota House and Senate passed a bill last night that includes a statewide pay standard for rideshare drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft. And a search continues today for two canoeists who went missing over the weekend after their canoes went over a waterfall in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News.

The legislative session is over, but the Timberwolves' season is not.The Minnesota Legislature hit its midnight deadline Sunday with little fanfare but lots of shouting. One of the biggest DFL priorities fell short at the finish; a proposed constitutional amendment that would add equal rights language and abortion protections to Minnesota's Constitution.And Sunday night the Timberwolves punched their ticket to the Western Conference Finals with a Game 7 win over the Denver Nuggets.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Find more Minnesota news at MPRnews.org.Timberwolves beat Denver 98-90, head to Western Conference FinalsMinnesota Timberwolves fans go on a wild Game 7 ride to advance in playoffsIn chaotic close, Minnesota lawmakers fail to pass projects bill, equal rights amendmentRead the latest edition of the AM Update newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Minnesota lawmakers are butting up against the deadline to adjourn the 2024 legislative session. And data suggest many Minnesotans have taken advantage of a law allowing them to apply for a driver's license regardless of immigration status. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Delegates to the 2024 Republican state convention gather in St. Paul on Friday. Democrats at the State Capitol say they will move to advance a bill Friday that would put an equal rights amendment before voters in 2026. And the Minnesota Timberwolves are headed to a 7th and deciding game in the Western Conference semifinal playoff series.

A Texas-based rideshare app has officially launched in Minneapolis. Wridz, pronounced “rides,” already operates in nine other states. It is now in the process of onboarding drivers in Minneapolis. And Republicans in the Minnesota House say they could block key legislation after the DFL House Speaker cut off debate on a bill last night.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

A Minnesota state trooper charged with fatally shooting a motorist last summer has pleaded not guilty to murder, manslaughter and assault charges in Hennepin County District Court. Plus, Minnesota lawmakers have approved a new bill focused on education policy. It passed the House 68-59 and now heads to Gov. Tim Walz’s desk.Find more Minnesota news at MPRnews.org.State Trooper Londregan pleads not guilty to charges of killing Ricky Cobb IIMinnesota lawmakers OK school policy changes on cell phones, book bans, literacyRead the latest edition of the AM Update newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

The Minnesota House voted unanimously to advance a bill today that would set up extra systems to keep Black kids with their families in the child protection system.And DFL lawmakers are at odds over a housing policy bill and whether a voucher provision will make it through this year.Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Flags are at half-staff today as people across the state honor law enforcement officers who have fallen or been injured in the line of duty. Gov. Tim Walz has declared it Peace Officers Memorial Day in Minnesota. A Monticello man has been charged in connection with a shootout that left an off-duty Twin Cities firefighter dead earlier this month, a carnival at Northtown Mall resumes with added security after a recent brawl, and the Minnesota House debates a once-dismissed sports betting bill. Plus, Minneapolis gets the go-ahead on its 2040 Comprehensive Plan, despite ongoing concerns and legal battles.Find more Minnesota news at MPRnews.org.Charges filed in Minneapolis shooting that left off-duty firefighter deadRead the latest edition of the AM Update newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.