Stories from August 12, 2026

Minnesota reported its highest ever number of ballots cast in a primary, according to unofficial numbers.
In Senate race, Flanagan and Tafoya bring vastly different politics, experience
Democrat Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Republican Michele Tafoya have come to politics from very different routes and backgrounds. As the two battle it out for an open U.S. Senate seat, analysts expect a large amount of money to flow into the race.
Voters choose Democrat Matt Little to run for competitive Congressional seat
After winning the Democratic primary, former state Senator Matt Little will ask voters in the general election to send him to Congress to represent a competitive district in southeast Minnesota, which will be vacated by Angie Craig.
Minnesota governor's race will make history, break a streak Marlene Johnson started in 1983
After Democrat Amy Klobuchar and Republican Lisa Demuth won their parties’ primaries, Minnesota is about to get its first woman governor. Marlene Johnson became the first Lieutenant Governor in 1983 and women have held the role since, despite never winning the top job.
Turbulent Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor ends in upset win for David Crowley
A Wisconsin reporter broke down the results of a competitive Democratic primary race for governor and what they mean leading up to the November midterms, where Crowley will face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany.
Republican Eric Pratt advances in competitive 2nd Congressional District race
After winning the GOP primary, state Sen. Eric Pratt will ask voters in the general election to send him to Congress to represent a competitive district in southeast Minnesota.
Minneapolis mayor's budget proposal cuts staffing, raises property taxes
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is proposing an 11.3 percent property tax hike to help cover a budget gap. While some city programs and positions would be cut, the proposal also includes new spending for police, fire and neighborhood safety.
GOP Senate nominee Michele Tafoya says she won't fall in line with national party leadership
Former NFL Sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer after her winning the GOP primary Tuesday night. Minnesota voters will choose between her and Democratic nominee Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan in November.
Awaiting weekend showers, cooler weather
More of these powerful thunderstorm complexes are moving through the broader region but have largely skipped over Minnesota. The clouds that those storms bring Wednesday night will likely prevent great Perseid meteor shower viewing.
Child, 2 adults dead in apparent murder-suicide at Hopkins daycare
A child and two adults were killed Wednesday morning in an apparent murder-suicide at a Hopkins daycare. Burnsville police also believe a 78-year-old woman found dead Wednesday is connected to the Hopkins killings.
Morning Announcements for Aug. 12
These are the Morning Announcements for Wednesday, Aug. 12. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
The big takeaways from Tuesday's primary elections
MPR News guest host Catharine Richert and two political strategists discuss what Tuesday’s primary election results mean for Minnesota politics and the November midterm elections.
Democrat Amy Klobuchar and Republican Lisa Demuth will compete to be Minnesota's next governor. Either would make history as the state’s first woman leader. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won a decisive victory in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate. She’ll face former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya, who won the Republican nomination.
Warm and muggy with some rain chances Wednesday
In the Twin Cities, we continue to be on the edge of some very humid air south and dry air north. That will shift a bit farther south Thursday. There are some chances at rain in the coming days.
Nuclear power push ramps up uranium mill — and tribal health concerns
Federal efforts to revive uranium mining in the West and decrease reliance on Russian uranium raise concerns about drinking water for tribal communities reckoning with the industry's deadly legacy.
Lindell says he needs to investigate votes that led to Demuth's win
Speaking to supporters and press on Tuesday night following the Associated Press calling the GOP gubernatorial race for Lisa Demuth, Mike Lindell said his team needs to "reconcile these numbers" before conceding.
Peggy Flanagan wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate
Flanagan would make history if she wins in the general election as the first Indigenous woman to serve in the U.S. Senate.
Lindell hopes for turnaround as Demuth takes lead
With 40 percent of precincts reporting, Lisa Demuth is gaining a wider lead against Mike Lindell and Kendall Qualls. Speaking to his livestream on Lindell TV, Lindell told viewers all the votes counted so far were early voters and he'll gain the advantage soon.
Fans excited as Flanagan takes early lead
Among her supporters was Dale Korogi, a friend of Flanagan and her family, who said he's feeling very good about her chances.
Candidates await results at GOP watch party in West St. Paul
The energy was mixed at Jameson's Tavern in West St. Paul ahead of results rolling in as guests and party-endorsed candidates, some of whom face difficult primary odds, munched on wings and waffle fries.
Amy Klobuchar wins DFL nomination for governor
Klobuchar had only nominal opposition in her primary race. Republicans had a more competitive race to determine her fall opponent.
Schwarze says he won’t back Tafoya for U.S. senator
Republican-endorsed Senate candidate Adam Schwarze said he won’t get behind fellow GOP candidate Michele Tafoya as the party nominee if she prevails Tuesday.
Peggy Flanagan supporters head to First Avenue watch party
Flanagan supporters are building plates at a build-your-own nacho bar, and snacking on candied bacon and popcorn.
Polls are closed. Results are on the way
Early results can shift as ballots are counted. We'll update as races develop.
Lisa Demuth greets supporters at watch party in St. Paul
Candidates for statewide office were preparing for race results at campaign watch parties around the Twin Cities ahead of the 8 p.m. poll close time on Tuesday.
Less than one hour left to vote
Results will start coming in shortly after polls close at 8 p.m.