State tax filing for free? Minnesota House approves proposal

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.

Minnesota's Department of Commerce announced a settlement with UnitedHealthcare today over the company's alleged violation of mental health parity laws. And a Blue Earth man pleaded guilty today to participating in the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Plans by the Minnesota House to vote on a proposed equal rights amendment were sidetracked last night. And more than 40 Jewish Minnesotans waited in Secretary of State Steve Simon's office lobby Monday, hoping the State Board of Investment member would join talks about divesting $157 million of stocks, bonds and investments tied to Israel.Find more Minnesota news at MPRnews.org.Minnesota House delays vote on equal rights amendment after prolonged debate on other billsRead the latest edition of the AM Update newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota through the early part of Monday. Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone. And it's the final stretch for state lawmakers and the 2024 legislative session. One week remains.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Find more Minnesota news at MPRnews.org.Air quality alert for all of Minnesota Sunday through MondayLegislature prepares to go down to the wire as Minnesota session wraps upRead the latest edition of the AM Update newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

The St. Paul police department released body cam videos from the officers who killed a woman earlier this week. The officers were responding to a call that a woman was attempting suicide. The video shows a woman grabbing a gun from under a bed and pointing it toward officers before she is shot. This is the evening update from MPR News hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music by Gary Meister.