Almanac

Almanac is the place for Minnesota politics, history and news each Friday at 7pm on @tpt. Watch Almanac at the Capitol Wednesdays at 7pm during session.

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at the Minnesota State Fair 🎡
- @mlahammer speaks with the leading candidates for governor and U.S. Senate
- @mlahammer and MPR News’ @Stowydad break down the week in Minnesota politics
- 10K Takes’ @Ericinminny44 talks Lynx, Vikings, and Twins
- @birdchick previews fall bird migration and takes questions from the State Fair audience
- Kevin Kling continues his State Fair tradition with a new essay
- @kaomig catches up with Quillan and Kim Roe before a live musical performance
- Mark Seeley talks drought, wildfires, and what El Niño could mean for winter
- Political science professors @ProfKPearson, Cindy Rugeley, and @larryrjacobs discuss the week in national politics
Tune in at 7 pm on TPT 2, or stream live: https://t.co/XuqV48N0fQ

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac:
- Star Tribune journalists @ReidForgrave and @mel_townsend discuss The Annunciation Diaries, a new multimedia project marking the anniversary of the school shooting
- @mlahammer heads to Olmsted County for a closer look at the race for an open state Senate seat in Rochester
- MPR News’ Ellie Roth reports on an investigation into a foreign official running Minnesota group homes
- Dominic Papatola reflects on the question: What are we waiting for?
- @kaomig visits a renovated historic theater in Ely
- Entrepreneur Terresa Hardaway (@ProjectNaptural) previews the Midwest Black Book Fair, making its debut this weekend in Minneapolis
- David Gillette considers where our front steps can take us
- Sketches of Minnesota travels with @dangerboatpro to Bigfork as part of the Voices Rising: Stories for America’s 250th initiative
- Rep. @alexfalconrt and Rep. @Calwarwas join advocates Alison Flint and Julie Lucas (@MiningMinn) to debate an executive order involving copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters
Tune in at 7 pm on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/XuqV48N0fQ

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:
- State auditor candidates @Flip_1776, @drscottjensen, and @JayR_for_OSA debate the issues and their platforms
- @mlahammer unpacks the results of Minnesota’s historic primary election and talks with U.S. Senate candidate Michele Tafoya
- Republican Rep. @JimNashMN and DFL Rep. @PeterFischerMN discuss a new law making impersonating law enforcement a felony and a proposed state park honoring the Hortmans
- Republicans @bmcclung and @psamsundar join DFLers @Loch_Nesse and @javimorillo for this week’s political panel, breaking down the primary results and look ahead to the midterm elections
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/XuqV48N0fQ

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:
- @kaomig breaks down the federal government’s purchase of the long-vacant Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton
- @kaomig also reports on the Ely-area wildfires as Gov. Tim Walz ends the peacetime emergency and the @SuperiorNF Boundary Waters gradually reopens
- University of Minnesota forest ecologist Lee Frelich examines what a changing climate could mean for the future of Minnesota’s boreal forests
- @TaneDanger delivers an essay on what he wants to see from political candidates on the debate stage
- Sketches of Minnesota heads to Albert Lea, where conversations about democracy spark @dangerboatpro's improv comedy
- Elections expert Joe Mansky previews election security as Minnesota heads into the August primaries
- @mlahammer takes a closer look at the race for House District 36A, where there’s no incumbent and independent voters could play a key role
- Political science professors @ProfDSchultz and @profminta preview Minnesota’s August primaries and the political landscape heading into Election Day
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/XuqV48N0fQ

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac:
- @MNagriculture Commissioner @ThommyPetersen previews Farmfest and discusses how extreme heat, drought, and rising oil prices are affecting farmers
- @mlahammer takes a closer look at the DFL U.S. Senate primary race as new endorsements reshape the campaign
- @MinnesotaDHS Commissioner and Medicaid Director John Connolly discusses the state's efforts to combat Medicaid fraud
- Republican gubernatorial candidates @KendallQuallsMN and @realMikeLindell meet on the Almanac couch for a debate ahead of the primary election
Tune in tonight at 7 pm on TPT 2, or stream live: https://t.co/XuqV48N0fQ

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac:
- @SuperiorNF's Tom Hall and @MnPCA's Matt Taraldsen explain the latest wildfire and air-quality conditions
- Lake County Commissioner and lodge owner Joe Baltich on this summer's wildfires and their impact on northeastern Minnesota
- Epidemiologist @mtosterholm examines the record-breaking rise in measles cases
- St. Cloud State economist King Banaian and American Public Media’s @cfarrellecon break down the latest economic news
- Mark DePaolis shares an essay on electricity and the routines that power our everyday lives
- Eric Nelson catches us up on the Lynx, Twins, and Timberwolves
- @mlahammer takes another look at Minnesota’s political field with just weeks to go before the primary election
- Republicans @BrianRMcDaniel and @meeksgop join DFLers @_RyanWinkler and Tara Erickson to debate the latest in state politics
Tune in tonight at 7 pm on TPT 2, or stream live: https://t.co/XuqV48N0fQ

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:
- Paddle and Portage's Joe Friedrichs discusses the devastating wildfires in northern Minnesota and the closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- @mndnr's Mike Warnke and University of Minnesota professor Brent Williams discuss wildfire response efforts and hazardous air quality across the state
- Kevin Kling delivers an essay with a message for Minnesotans during this week's extreme heat
- Alauna Yust and David Lein explore a new exhibit on Eliza Winston at the Hennepin History Museum
- @HennepinAtty shares updates on the Alex Pretti and Renee Good cases
- Minnesota Republican Party-endorsed U.S. Senate candidate @AdamSchwarze joins us as the 2026 primary election approaches
- Mary Lahammer is at the bill signing for the new "Granny Happy Hour" law, where she speaks with DFL Sen. John Hoffman and Republican Rep. Danny Nadeau
- Our political reporters — KARE 11's @DannySpewak, WCCO's Esme Murphy, and Almanac's @mlahammer — discuss the latest developments ahead of the 2026 primary elections
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/XuqV48N0fQ

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:
- Hamline University political science professor @ProfDSchultz discusses the latest developments in Washington, including the collapse of the Iran ceasefire and ongoing fights over voting
- Valerie Castile reflects on her son Philando Castile’s legacy and 10 years of unexpected activism
- Adia Morris delivers an essay in defense of bandwagon fans
- We look back at the legacy of Rep. Karen Clark, the nation’s first openly lesbian state lawmaker
- Kait Ziemer-Davis and @grosenblum cook up recipes from their new Sea Salt cookbook
- @pdouglasweather looks ahead to the scorching heat headed for Minnesota
- @kaomig visits chef Matthew Jensen and his wife, Amber, to learn about their new culinary venture, The Crowded Table
- @mlahammer explores how the World Cup is bringing lawmakers together across party lines
- Our political panel — Republicans @FritzKnaak and @PatGarofalo, and DFLers @karlabigham and @AbouAmara — discusses the race to the primary elections
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/XuqV48N0fQ

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:
- Professor Emeritus Jane Kirtley and lawyer Shannon Prince discuss the latest legal fallout of Operation Metro Surge
- @PioneerPress reporter @FrederickMelo joins us with the latest on downtown St. Paul properties and the city’s budget outlook
- David Gillette deconstructs the dryer in his latest essay on failing appliances and crumbling civilizations
- @TaneDanger of @dangerboatpro and Kevin Lindsey of @humanities discuss bridging the political divide
- Get a preview of Summer of ’76, an upcoming Twin Cities PBS documentary about the bicentennial in Minnesota
- Dominic Papatola shares an essay on a string of bad luck Minnesotans may find relatable
- @birdchick returns with summer birding tips
- @mlahammer continues her Legislative Exchange series on solutions to political violence
- Our political panel — U of M’s @larryrjacobs, UMD’s Cindy Rugeley, and U of M’s @profminta — discusses the latest from D.C. and SCOTUS
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/XuqV48N0fQ 📺

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:
- Hamline University political science professor David Schultz discusses recent federal charges of conspiring against ICE and what they raise about constitutional rights
- Kaomi Lee travels to the White Earth Reservation to meet two Anishinaabe artists and learn about their work
- Filmmaker Norah Shapiro joins us to discuss the recent child pornography indictment of a former Children’s Theatre Company employee
- Congresswoman Angie Craig and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan take part in a 2026 DFL primary debate for U.S. Senate
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/XuqV48N0fQ 📺

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:
- @StarTribune health reporter @chrissnowbeck discusses UMN and Fairview reaching a deal after contentious funding negotiations
- State party chairs @mngop Alex Prechash and @MinnesotaDFL Richard Carlbom talk primaries, midterms, and the political road ahead
- Sophia Lenarz-Coy of @TheFoodGroupMN shares how food shelves are responding to increased food insecurity after Operation Metro Surge
- @SahanJournal's @katelyn_vue joins us with the latest on renewed speculation around the future of Appleton Prison
- @TaneDanger's new essay chronicles a pub crawl for his birthday
- @mndeed Commissioner Matt Varilek gives us the latest on the economic impact of Operation Metro Surge
- @mlahammer reflects on one year since Melissa Hortman’s passing with House Chief Clerk Patrick Murphy
- Former legislative leaders Margaret Anderson Kelliher, @_RyanWinkler, @justamyfreder, and Kurt Zellers remember Melissa Hortman
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/XuqV48N0fQ 📺

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:

- @JPrestholdt, vice chair of the Minnesota Truth Council, discusses tracking the impacts of Operation Metro Surge and PARRIS
- @mlahammer recaps party conventions and the candidates clashing as Minnesota’s primary season takes shape
- @majority_middle Founder and Executive Director @shannonkwatson previews @WhatWeCanDoWeek 2026 and efforts to address political violence and bridge division
- Aron Woldeslassie delivers a new essay on the art of giving audiences what they want, and sometimes don’t want
- We remember Larry Fitzgerald Sr. with reflections from @chjournalist and sports journalist @Ericinminny44
- Quartet Selene of Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies performs live in the studio
- Longtime media ethics and law expert Jane Kirtley joins us to reflect on retirement after decades of teaching and public commentary
- Our political science panel — @ProfDSchultz, @ProfKPearson, and Steve Schier — breaks down the week in politics
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/XuqV48Ny5o

[Mary Lahammer @mlahammer]

So sad to hear of the passing of our dear friend “Fitzy” Larry Fitzgerald Sr. (father of @LarryFitzgerald) He was always so supportive of the sports career of our daughter. Our last interview was full of hope @tptAlmanac 40th anniversary show @tpt https://t.co/1ZFhxdWZ4D

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:
- @UMNews political scientist @larryrjacobs breaks down the latest developments in national politics including the war in Iran, the midterm elections, and the courts
- Minneapolis City Council members @MplsWard1 and @MplsWard3 discuss the surprise resignation of Police Chief Brian O’Hara
- @UofStThomasMN professor Yohuru Williams examines what O’Hara’s departure could mean for police reform and consent decree efforts
- Mark DePaolis delivers an essay on the pitfalls of fine dining
- @kaomig gets a sneak peek inside the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum
- Retiring meteorologists Paul Huttner of MPR and Belinda Jensen of Kare 11 reflect on their careers and Minnesota weather
- Our political panel — DFLers Sandra Feist and @AbouAmara, and Republicans @CarlaNelsonMN and @andybrehm — discusses state party conventions and the week in politics
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/7XgMHo0rsk

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:
- @CNBC news editor @agreilingkeane breaks down a busy week in national politics and the Trump administration
- @mlahammer sits down with Governor Tim Walz after the conclusion of his final legislative session
- WTIP Radio’s Chuck Olsen reports on the devastating aftermath of the Stewart Trail Fire ahead of a busy holiday weekend
- Kevin Kling shares an essay on the power of music to connect people
- @kaomig reports on a new green ammonia fertilizer innovation as farmers face rising costs
- Meteorologist @pdouglasweather puts @CathyWurzer and Eric’s severe weather knowledge to the test in the Nearly Annual Weather Quiz
- Owámniyomni Okhódayapi President and DFL Rep. Shelley Buck joins Kjersti Duval with an update on Owámniyomni construction efforts
- @mlahammer speaks with Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth’s daughter, Shelisa Demuth, about family and politics
- Our political panel — Republicans @meeksgop and @BrianRMcDaniel, and DFLers @AbouAmara and Sara Lopez — discusses the end of session and the week in politics
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/7XgMHo0rsk

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

A closely divided legislature wrapped up the 2026 session this week. Tonight on the season finale of Almanac at the Capitol: Governor Tim Walz joins @mlahammer live, former House leaders break down the final days of session, and retiring Republican Sen. Carla Nelson reflects on her time at the Capitol. Tune in live at 7 pm on TPT MN or 10 pm on TPT 2. 📺

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:
- @mlahammer tracks bipartisan bills still advancing as time runs short in the 2026 legislative session
- @shannonkwatson discusses efforts to find common ground at the Capitol this session / @majority_middle
- @StarTribune reporters @ReidForgrave and @EWieffering join us after the paper’s Pulitzer Prize-winning breaking news coverage
- Sheletta Brundidge spends some energy getting to the studio without gas
- Former NightTimes Variety producer Marian Moore previews the upcoming Women Who Cook reunion concert at the Dakota ahead of Mother’s Day
- @kaomig reports from Greater Minnesota as @MayoClinic closures impact rural communities
- Our political panel — Republicans @PatGarofalo and @emnovotnychance, and DFLers @karlabigham and @javimorillo — breaks down the final stretch of session politics
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/7XgMHo0rsk

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:
- Economists Louis Johnston and King Banaian break down rising prices and the economic impacts of the war in Iran
- @mlahammer looks at Gov. Tim Walz’s final State of the State address
- @mlahammer also previews the final weeks of the legislative session and what bills could still pass
- @kaomig reports from the new St. Cloud medical school campus focused on training rural doctors
- Ken Holmen, CEO of CentraCare, discusses the new medical school campus and issues facing rural healthcare
- St. Cloud State historian and Ethnic Studies professor Christopher Lehman explores diversity and history in Central Minnesota
- Ahmed Laarri of St. Cloud Somali Community Radio talks about the impacts of ICE raids on the city
- Current and former lawmakers — Dan Wolgamott, Bernie Perryman, Dave Kleis, and Terryl Clark — reflect on the region and the session
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/7XgMHo0rsk

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:
- @PioneerPress reporter @FrederickMelo breaks down St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Vang Her’s State of the City address
- @SahanJournal education reporter @bzosiad shares new data on children impacted by recent ICE activity
- Author and music journalist @SlingshotAnnie reflects on Prince — 10 years after his passing
- Mark DePaolis delivers an essay on lending a hand in confusing spaces
- VocalEssence previews their upcoming concert, Global Rhythms, Joyful Voices, featuring Brianna Hill and a celebration of cultural traditions
- David Gillette shares a video essay on stepping away and making space for family time
- @mlahammer highlights bipartisan feel-good bills moving through the legislature
- Our political panel — DFLers @AbouAmara and @Loch_Nesse, and Republicans @meeksgop and @bmcclung — discusses crunch time at the Capitol
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/7XgMHo0rsk

[Almanac @almanacmnpbs]

Tonight on Almanac at 7 pm:
- @HennepinAtty Mary Moriarty details the felony charges filed this week against an ICE agent
- Former Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm shares concerns about the state of healthcare systems across Minnesota
- @pdouglasweather and Mark Seeley mark the 56th Earth Day and Severe Weather Awareness Month with a look at Minnesota’s changing weather
- Dominic Papatola shares an essay on how body language and shared experiences can bridge language barriers
- Producer Kevin Dragseth and musician Mary DuShane preview The Wild West Bank Sound, a new Twin Cities PBS documentary
- @StarTribune's Deena Winter explains legal questions surrounding a recent veto from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
- As state lawmakers enter the final month of the 2026 legislative session, @mlahammer looks at the top issues and key bills
- Our political panel — DFLers @jeffreyhayden and @saralopez_lara, and Republicans @FritzKnaak and @emnovotnychance — discusses the ICE agent charges and the week in politics
Tune in on TPT 2 or stream live: https://t.co/7XgMHo0rsk