Latest news with #MPRNews
Axios
2 days ago
- Axios
South Minneapolis protests after federal law enforcement activity; Jim Marshall dies at 87
🚔 A heavy federal law enforcement presence in South Minneapolis conducted what the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office described as an execution of a search warrant as part of a criminal investigation. (MPR News) Protestors gathered, believing the action was an immigration raid. Though some officers wore ICE badges, local officials said the search wasn't related to immigration enforcement. 🏈 Legendary Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall died at 87 after a lengthy hospital stay. (Star Tribune) 🍻 Long-running downtown Minneapolis Irish pub Dan Kelly's closed Saturday, with the owner citing fewer office workers, safety concerns and a tough labor market. (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal)
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tom Crann, MPR's longtime host of 'All Things Considered,' makes move to YourClassical MPR
Tom Crann said farewell to MPR News listeners on Friday, hosting his final episode of "All Things Considered" as he makes the move to YourClassical MPR. Crann has been a familiar voice for Minnesota Public Radio listeners since he arrived at the public station in 1995 – initially as part of of parent company American Public Media's nationally syndicated classical music service Classical 24. But he subsequently became known for his role on the news side, hosting current affairs show "All Things Considered" for the past 20 years, and also leading MPR News' election night coverage since 2012. He will now be heard on 99.5FM YourClassical MPR, taking over the 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. slot that was formerly hosted by Steve Staruch, who is moving to a part-time role, hosting the 6 a.m.–10 a.m. on Mondays, and then filling in as and when needed. Crann's first day at YourClassical MPR will be Monday, June 2. MPR News meanwhile is launching a national search for a new "All Things Considered" host, with various staff filling in until one is found. Working in public radio since 1987, Crann came to St. Paul in 1995 when he was among the first announcers hired for the launch of Classical 24, American Public Media's nationally syndicated music service. When he announced his pending move last month, Crann told MPR News: "That job was open, and it seemed to have my name on it. It's classical music for Minnesota in the afternoon, and I just thought it would be really nice thing to go back to."
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials warn of contamination in popular fish species caught locally: 'We have different guidelines for ... sensitive populations'
The Minnesota Department of Health has updated its guidelines on fish consumption from certain waterbodies in the state based on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance contamination data. MPR News reported in mid-April that the Minnesota Department of Health issued new warnings about PFAS in certain fish. Roughly 44 water bodies in 10 counties, both in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota, are included in the new guidelines. People should avoid all fish from the Minnesota River Valley ponds and Long Meadow Lake in Hennepin County. Warnings also advise limited consumption of Mooney Lake bass, George Lake walleye, and yellow perch and common carp from Otter Lake, McCuen Creek, Bear Creek, and the Crow River's south fork. However, guidelines were loosened for one lake, with the Department of Health saying that one serving of smelt caught from Lake Superior per week is OK — previously, it was one serving per month. The updated guidelines indicate officials are finding higher concentrations of PFAS in these areas and species. PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in the manufacturing of products like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging. These forever chemicals accumulate in the body and are linked to certain health issues. According to WebMD, the presence of PFAS can cause high cholesterol, low birth weight, early puberty, childhood obesity, decreased fertility, hormone changes, weakened immunity, thyroid problems, and more health issues. Angela Preimesberger, who leads the health department's fish consumption guidance program, said, "It's really important that people understand that our guidelines are affected by where you're fishing and who you are, and that we have different guidelines for people that are in sensitive populations." Sensitive populations include pregnant women, children under 15, and women who are breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant. Other populations are advised to consume these fish with caution and in limited quantities. PFAS also harm the environment. They build up in animals, causing reproductive, immunity, and developmental problems. This can weaken populations and topple ecosystems, reducing biodiversity that is vital to a healthy planet for everyone. Officials have implemented several standards regarding drinking water, swimming areas, and seafood contaminated by high levels of PFAS. However, removing these chemicals is difficult, requiring targeted filtration, osmosis, or ion exchange, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It can't be done on a large scale, either. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Preventing the manufacture of more forever chemicals is crucial. The 3M Company contaminated groundwater, lakes, and rivers in the Minnesota area for decades. Holding brands accountable for their environmental impact can drive progress toward cleaner water and a cooler planet. Supporting environmentally conscious brands and advocating for strict regulations and corporate policies can also make a difference. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cabins destroyed as 750-acre wildfire continues to spread
A fast-growing wildfire about 35 miles northeast of Duluth has nearly tripled in size and reportedly destroyed several cabins, authorities said Monday. The Camp House fire began Sunday afternoon near the remote town of Brimson. With abnormally hot, dry and windy conditions persisting in the region, the fire grew to roughly 200 acres Sunday before nearly tripling in size to an estimated 750 acres, which is more than one square mile, by late Monday morning. The fire forced evacuations Sunday and more evacuations could soon be ordered. St. Louis County officials are urging anyone in the area to sign up for emergency alert text messages and be aware of evacuation maps. St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay told MPR News the blaze may have started with a campfire. However, the cause has not been confirmed as the investigation continues. According to Northern News Now, Ramsay confirmed the fire has destroyed at least three cabins and one garage. No injuries have been reported as of early Monday afternoon. Officials have named the fire after the camp and retreat center in Brimson operated by Green Lake Lutheran Ministries. "As crews continue to respond to the wildfire near our Camp House site in Brimson, Minnesota, our prayers are with the firefighters, first responders, and neighbors affected by the fire," the organization shared Monday. "While no one is currently on site, we remain mindful of the impact on the surrounding community." Anthony Coughlin, the owner of a local dog sledding business called Endurance Kennels LLC, wrote on GoFundMe that one dog born at the business' kennel in 2022 died early Monday morning "due to the immediate evacuation and stress of the Camp House Fire." In a Facebook post, the business said heat exhaustion caused by the weather and the stress of the evacuation led to the dog's death at the emergency vet in Duluth. The page is raising support for the dog's owner, Soph Mintz, as she temporarily relocates with her 25 sled dogs and four cats to her parents' cabin in Finland. Sen. Grant Hauschild, DFL-Hermantown, in a Facebook post thanked fire crews for their efforts in battling the fast-moving wildfire. "But here's the reality: recent federal cuts have made wildfire response even harder," he wrote. "The Forest Service has been hit with layoffs, and key prevention efforts have been frozen. That means fewer people and fewer resources on the ground when these disasters strike." Hauschild continued: "This should be a wake-up call. We need to fully fund wildfire prevention and response—before more communities are put at risk. Stay as safe out there, and thank you to all the first responders on the front lines." Record-breaking heat, low humidity and gusty winds have produced dangerous fire conditions across most of Minnesota. As of Monday, red flag warnings are in effect in 80 of the 87 counties. For crews battling the Camp House Fire, cooler conditions and potential rain are not expected until Wednesday.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Minnesota State Capitol will honor tribal nations with a Tribal Flag Plaza
Chandra Colvin MPR News The state's Capitol Mall will see some changes over the next decade. The Capitol Mall Design Framework aims to develop the mall into a welcoming space for more Minnesotans and to represent the state's diversity better. 'It's looking at what has the Capitol Mall been and how could it best represent Minnesotans going forward,' said Erik Cedarleaf Dahl, the executive secretary of the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board. Beginning in late 2023 and continuing through last year, the planning board worked with thousands of Minnesotans across the state to gather feedback and input on what would make the Capitol Mall more welcoming. 'We want people to utilize it as a space that is comfortable and theirs, really, because it really is Minnesota's front yard,' Cedarleaf Dahl said. The design plan includes a Tribal Flag Plaza, located in the Lower Capitol Mall. The plaza will feature flags from each of the 11 federally recognized tribes in the state. He says the board worked with tribal liaisons from the Office of Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, White Earth Nation, to coordinate meetings with tribes. The Tribal Flag Plaza is pictured under construction on April 23, on the Capitol Mall in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Ben Hovland, MPR News) Patina Park is the executive director for tribal state relations in the office. She is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Park says tribes raised the idea of having the plaza several years ago after Montana unveiled a Tribal Flag Plaza on its Capitol grounds in 2020. 'It was supported by the [planning board] that were looking at design ideas and ways to kind of make the Capitol grounds more accessible, both in access as well as inclusion of the variety and diversity of people we have here in the state,' she said. Construction is currently underway on the flag plaza as part of the first phase of development. The initial phase also includes the planting of 171 trees, a pedestrian plaza and a street mural on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The Tribal Flag Plaza is part of a larger design that connects to other already existing commemorative works, like the Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The plaza will have plantings at the base of each flagpole, which will be determined and chosen by tribes. Cedarleaf Dahl says a bench will be located nearby for visitors to sit and spend time or reflect. Park emphasizes the importance of having the plaza and recognizing sovereign nations located in Minnesota. The Tribal Flag Plaza is pictured under construction on April 23, on the Capitol Mall in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Ben Hovland, MPR News) 'It's not like you'll have to travel or go to the History Center or [make] an extra effort to even acknowledge that there are tribal communities here. It'll just be part of the permanent framework of the Capitol grounds,' Park said. She says the erasure and invisibility of Native people have led to many misunderstandings about who they are. 'If we just become part of the fabric of the state, it just becomes the norm,' she said. She says learning about tribes that have been in the state will have long-lasting benefits and impact for younger generations, both Native and non-Native. 'It's this moment in time, which is exciting,' Park said. 'Future generations and Minnesotans who will come to the Capitol, it'll just be a part of their experience.' The Tribal Flag Plaza's unveiling is expected to happen towards the beginning of summer with tribal leaders from across the state coming together at the Capitol for the occasion. Correction (April 29, 2025): This story has been updated to correctly spell Erik Cedarleaf Dahl's name.
