Weather snarls travelers' plans in southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities

A federal judge has approved a preliminary order that could pave the way for the government to take cash, property and a luxury vehicle from the ringleader of the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme.The Anoka-Hennepin teachers union says a mediation session with the school district yesterday failed to produce a contract agreement as a planned strike date nears. And State Senator John Hoffman says he'll pursue another term in 2026. Hoffman and his family survived an assassination attempt in their home over the summer.

A company allegedly used to launder money stolen from the government in the Feeding Our Future fraud case owns five houses where taxpayer-funded group homes operate. Those group homes have collected millions of dollars from the government.A viral video has been circulating about alleged fraud at some Minnesota day care sites. Minnesota Republicans say they tipped off the independent journalist, YouTube video creator Nick Shirley. Snow plow operators will be out clearing drifts from highways and roads, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation is asking drivers to take their time and give some space around trucks.Bemidji State University has received more than $900,000 from the Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network to develop a framework for Ojibwe language teachers working in K-12 classrooms. Ojibwe is spoken by tribal nations in the northern half the state. The need for licensed Ojibwe teachers is growing. Two and a half years ago, state lawmakers passed a bill requiring the state's elementary and secondary schools to offer American Indian culture and language classes.Correction (Dec. 30, 2025): A previous version of this podcast’s episode title misstated the connection between the houses owned by GAK Properties and the allegation that the company was used to launder money in the Feeding Our Future case. The group homes are operated by separate businesses and have not been accused of money laundering.

MnDOT has lifted no-travel advisories across southern Minnesota in the wake of blizzard conditions yesterday and overnight.And air traffic is running more smoothly today out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as the weather improved. Metropolitan Airports Commission spokesperson Jeff Lea says ground crews have been clearing runways.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Very mild temperatures persist through Saturday with falling temps Sunday as arctic air moves in, producing some snow showers. Hundreds gather in Mankato today to honor 38 Dakota men hanged there 163 years ago.This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music is by Gary Meister.  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS. 

The puck drops Friday on the first of 29 games that will played in the 10-team World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, which is hosted in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The tournament will showcase the best players in the world under the age of 20. Games will be played at Grand Casino Arena and 3M Arena at Mariucci.If you've got flight plans coming up, head’s up — the next few days are expected to be extremely busy at the Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport.A reduction in federal funding has limited the ability of a local faith-based nonprofit to place refugees in the state. The Minnesota Council of Churches lost the majority of its funding after the Trump administration halted federal support for refugee resettlement last January.

Dreams of a white Christmas are fading for parts of the state as fog, drizzle and warmer temperatures set the stage for a tricky Christmas Day forecast. Minnesota's Supreme Court has reinforced a standard barring vehicle searches solely due to marijuana odor.Minnesota is joining 18 other states and the District of Columbia in challenging a federal declaration aiming to pull Medicare and Medicaid funding from medical providers that offer gender-affirming care for minors.This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music is by Gary Meister.  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS. 

A St. Paul legislator with Somali heritage says someone tried to break into his home last week.And state leaders say they're receiving complaints about federal immigration authorities taking evasive actions to hide their identities.Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota’s largest school district is staring down a walkout in the new year. The Anoka-Hennepin teacher union says it has filed an intent to strike. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Education is asking Minnesotans for public feedback on its new K-12 health education standards — which go into effect in 2028. Advocates say the currently drafted standards introduce much-needed education on abuse prevention as a part of broader sex education curricula and they do a better job in helping students understand consent, puberty and pregnancy.A Hennepin County judge has sentenced a Minneapolis man to life in prison with no possibility of release for planning the murder of a real estate agent.