MPR News Update

The man serving life in federal prison for killing former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark is due in Hennepin County court Monday afternoon to make his first appearance on state charges. Last month a judge handed Vance Boelter two consecutive life terms plus 40 years under the terms of a plea deal that spared the 59-year-old a possible federal death sentence.About 50 people protested on Summit Avenue in St. Paul Sunday ahead of Mayor Kaohly Her's planned homeless encampment closures. The first one is scheduled Wednesday at Pig's Eye Park. City officials say St. Paul is investing $1 million into additional housing, but there isn‘t enough housing to immediately shelter those who will be displaced this week.Small business owners in northeastern Minnesota told their state legislators Friday that the wildfires that have been burning in and around the Boundary Waters for almost a month now, are having a “disastrous” impact on their bottom lines. One canoe outfitter says he lost 98 percent of his revenue in July due to cancellations. Other business owners said they've suffered losses of at least 40 percent, and for some it's much more as the wildfires shut almost everything down during the peak of a relatively short tourism season.80 workers are to be laid off as Pearson's Candy Company closes its St. Paul facility in September. The company is famous for its Salted Nut Rolls and Nut Goodies. The company is over 100 years old. It started as a family business, but has changed owners three times in the past 15 years.A new law took effect Saturday aimed at decreasing food waste and boosting food shelf inventory. Minnesota law says stores can't sell eggs past their quality assurance date, which is four to six weeks after the egg was packed. But those eggs can still be safe to eat. Republican Rep. Andrew Myers sponsored a bill this year to let stores donate unsold eggs.Northeast Minnesota wildfires causing disastrous economic impacts to tourism industryPearson's Candy Company to shut down St. Paul plant

The U.S. Forest Service says wildfires have burned nearly 73,000 acres in the U.S. and Canada. The agency says about 1,000 personnel are working on the fires, which are about 60 percent contained. Officials say crews are monitoring the Chub Fire southwest of Crane Lake and the Camp Fire northeast of Ely. They're also watching for new fires that may have started from recent lightning strikes.Minnesota economic development officials say the tax that funds the state's paid family and medical leave program will stay flat for 2027. The Department of Employment and Economic Development says the existing 0.88 percent payroll tax should be enough to cover claims next year. The tax is split between workers and employers. The department says 75,000 people have used the program so far this year, with benefits costing about $600 million.The Minnesota Department of Health says a large multistate outbreak of gastrointestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite has not been linked to Minnesota. Health officials say Minnesota has reported 98 cases of cyclosporiasis since early May, which is in line with what the state typically sees during the summer. The department says it is not observing any concerning trends. There is currently no indication that contaminated items tied to the outbreak were distributed in Minnesota.A St. Paul iron foundry is shutting down after years of pressure from community members and regulators. Northern Iron, in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood, has faced fines from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency over excessive air pollution. Regulators took the foundry to court to try to revoke its permit. Northern Iron says uncertainty over whether it would be allowed to keep operating forced it to close, and foundry leaders say they plan to fully close the facility by the end of the year.

Several new Minnesota laws about domestic violence are taking effect soon. The bills were passed with bipartisan support during the most recent legislative session. One gives police more time to arrest someone suspected of domestic violence without a warrant. Another clarifies the process for how offenders surrender their guns.Temporary Protected Status for people from Haiti ended this week, leaving hundreds of thousands of Haitians across the country facing uncertainty — including some in Minnesota. Immigration attorneys and business groups say the end of the program could also create challenges for employers that rely on TPS holders in industries like long-term care, construction and restaurants.More allegations emerged Thursday of bizarre behavior by St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. A former deputy police chief told investigators from an outside law firm that the mayor approached her in a locker room and asked if her own breasts were too big before complimenting the officer's breasts. A source with knowledge of the investigation tells MPR News that Her also allegedly made "orgasmic noises" while working out in the police gym.GOP U.S. Senate candidate Royce White's bid to undo an order for protection against him is outlined in a new legal filing. That order, granted by a district court judge, requires White to steer clear of his teen son for two years and his former partner for 50 years. Some GOP leaders urged him to drop out of the Senate race after judicial findings earlier this year that White engaged in bouts of aggression and other verbal threats.Minneapolis has approved the appointment of its next fire chief. Reginald Freeman will join the department after serving as fire chief in Hartford, Connecticut, Oakland, California and some jobs overseas.New Minnesota laws tackle domestic violence response and preventionAs Haiti TPS protections end, Minnesota immigrants and employers wonder what comes nextFormer St. Paul police official alleges Mayor Kaohly Her made inappropriate commentsMinneapolis City Council approves Reginald Freeman as new fire chief

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows 76 percent of Minnesota is in drought. MPR meteorologist Sven Sundgaard says recent heat waves have dried out soils across the state. The Twin Cities metro area is in the abnormally dry to moderate drought category. Parts of north-central Minnesota are even drier, in the severe drought category.The Forest Service is reopening some entry points at the end of the Gunflint Trail to day trips Friday. Cook County and Forest Service officials say recent rainfall and increased staffing on the Little Knife fire are allowing authorities to lift more evacuation orders and reopen more entry points near the Gunflint Trail. Canoe outfitters and resort owners have been hit hard by recent Boundary Waters closures due to wildfires. More than 40 percent of the area is now reopened.St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her says she is cooperating with an independent investigation into allegations that she sexually harassed city employees. In a statement Wednesday, Her said she takes her responsibility to treat every employee with professionalism and respect seriously. Police Chief Axel Henry filed a complaint in April over text messages Her sent to city employees. Her says the texts were “attempts at humor” that fell short of the standard she expects of herself.Temporary Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner John Connolly says the agency has not had adequate oversight to identify fraud in its social services programs. Federal prosecutors say Medicaid fraud in Minnesota has been happening at an industrial scale. Connolly told MPR News the agency did not have the right policies, infrastructure or capacity to prevent it. Last week, federal officials announced they are withholding an additional $200 million in Medicaid funding.A company working to open a copper mine on the Iron Range has submitted updated plans to Minnesota environmental regulators. NewRange Copper Nickel is proposing several changes to the controversial project, including changes to how it stores waste tailings. The company also says it will release much less wastewater into the environment. The project earned state permits eight years ago, but lawsuits filed by environmental groups have since stalled it.

State legislators from across the country are vowing to introduce legislation that makes it possible for residents to directly sue federal agents who violate their constitutional rights. State lawmakers also plan to introduce similar legislation in Illinois, Colorado and other states.Parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area are reopening to overnight camping today. With firefighters making good progress containing several wildfires in the region, the Forest Service is opening about 40 percent of the Boundary Waters to overnight visitors.The Forest Service says it's monitoring conditions daily for opportunities to open more of the wilderness. Many of the most popular entry points, including those at the end of the Gunflint Trail, remain closed. This summer, blood donations have hit a four-year low, worsening the ongoing emergency blood shortage. The American Red Cross declared a national "blood crisis" in early July as the number of donations have not kept pace with hospital demand. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses have led to lower donor turnout this season. The Red Cross for Minnesota and the Dakotas is asking individuals to donate all blood types, but there is an urgent need for O negative and O positive blood.St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is under investigation for alleged sexual harassment. According to reporting by the Star Tribune, Police Chief Axel Henry has filed a complaint against Her for allegedly sending sexually suggestive text messages to a city employee.A new report finds that federal immigration agents misused force more than 400 times since last summer. Physicians for Human Rights and the Human Rights Center at the UC Berkeley School of Law went through hours of video, legal filings and news accounts in their investigation. According to the report, Minneapolis accounted for a quarter of all cases where federal agents misused force on protesters. Minnesota, other states, will push for ICE protectionsBack into the BWCA: Canoeing campers return to the wilderness after wildfire closureThe American Red Cross for Minnesota and the Dakotas declares blood crisis due to shortageSt. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her under investigation for sexual harassment allegations

St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry is accusing Mayor Kaohly Her of sexual harassment. A spokesperson for the mayor confirmed that an investigation is underway. Henry's attorney says Her sent sexually suggestive text messages to a city employee and sexually harassed multiple members of city staff, including police officers. The mayor's spokesperson says the city will not comment further on an active investigation, and says Her “regrets any unintended impact her actions may have had.”Two summer camps in northern Minnesota are resuming activities as wildfire conditions improve. YMCA's Camp Widjiwagan and Camp du Nord, both near Ely, evacuated campers earlier this month as wildfires burned in and around the Boundary Waters. Camp Widjiwagan plans to reopen Friday for a closing ceremony for campers returning from the Arctic Circle, with more camping trips returning next week. Camp du Nord says it will reopen Sunday while continuing to monitor wildfire activity.Minnesota lawmakers say they're confident a federal judge will allow a new law to take effect that bans technology that can make someone appear naked without their consent. The law would allow people portrayed in AI-generated deepfake images to bring civil lawsuits. Elon Musk's company x.AI has sued to block the law from taking effect Saturday. X.AI argues the law is unconstitutional and could force the company to limit functions on its AI tool.Attorney General Keith Ellison has shut down a nonprofit after an investigation found hundreds of employees were misclassified as volunteers at concession stands in Twin Cities stadiums. Ellison's office says MN Fundraising Initiative was not operated for any charitable cause and instead operated as a staffing agency that saved on labor costs. The investigation found the nonprofit consistently paid workers “grants” in exchange for their labor, which Ellison's office says violates Minnesota law.The town of Wasioja near Rochester is celebrating the restoration of a Civil War recruiting station. Wasioja was home to one of Minnesota's first colleges, and 165 years ago, its students were among the first in the country to enlist in the Union Army during the Civil War. The recruiting station is the last remaining one in the state. The newly preserved buildings are now open to the public.

One of the lawmakers who led an anti-nudification bill in the Minnesota House says she expected AI companies to challenge the law. It bans technology used to create deepfake videos or images of people without their consent — and it takes effect this weekend. But Elon Musk's company x.AI has sued to block enforcement.Musk's attorneys argue the company already prohibits users from using AI tools to create those images or videos, and they say the company should not be punished if users find a way around that prohibition.St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry is alleging that Mayor Kaohly Her directed inappropriate sexual comments toward him and other city staff. The Star Tribune reports that Henry notified the city in April that he'd filed a formal complaint, and that the city has hired a law firm to investigate.A letter from Henry's attorney that the newspaper obtained includes a screenshot of a sexually suggestive text message that Her allegedly sent to a city employee. A spokesperson said that the mayor has deep respect for staff and regrets any unintended impact of her action.Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is prohibiting state employees from using private government information to bet on prediction markets.And relief efforts continue for communities along the Canadian border that were forced to evacuate due to wildfires.Elon Musk's company sues Minnesota over new law to bar manipulated images to fake nudityWalz bans state workers from betting with private government info on prediction markets

Wildfires in northeast Minnesota have taken a heavy toll on Ely's tourism economy, with some business owners reporting profits are down as much as 70 percent. And state officials say more than 30 local water systems in Minnesota were hit by a cyberattack this week. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Firefighting officials say the wildfires in northeastern Minnesota are more than 50 percent contained. While fighting fires and protecting property remain the priorities, authorities are also looking to prevent future fires.A man charged with threatening ICE agents in Minnesota pleaded not guilty Monday. Kyle Wagner is one of 15 people facing federal charges of interfering with immigration agents during the enforcement operation in Minnesota.A judge in Minneapolis is temporarily blocking a new state law that bans prediction markets.Black Business Week is kicking off in Minneapolis. The week features free workshops, networking events and business resources designed to support Black entrepreneurs.And a musical adaptation of Purple Rain announced it's headed to Broadway.

The Democratic U.S. Senate candidates debated issues and approaches today in their last one-on-one debate before the primary election. And Gov. Tim Walz says he's talking to legislative leaders about calling a special session in mid-August.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The National Forest Service says it will reopen nearly 40 percent of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to the public next week, barring significant wildfire activity. Overnight camping access is set to reopen Thursday at 37 of the 103 quota entry points. That would reopen more than 400,000 acres to the public. Some entry points in Cook County are also expected to reopen for day use Monday.Gov. Tim Walz says a special legislative session may be needed to address some of the fallout from wildfires burning in and near the Boundary Waters. Walz told MPR News that lawmakers may have to return to St. Paul next month if the fires continue burning. The governor declared a peacetime emergency to deploy additional resources to the firefighting effort. Lawmakers would need to weigh in if that declaration extends beyond 30 days.Dozens of people gathered Friday at the memorial for Alex Pretti, six months after he was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent. Flowers and artwork mark the spot on Nicollet Avenue where Pretti was killed in January. Community members who help maintain the memorial say they want to make sure Pretti and the response to his death are remembered. Hennepin County prosecutors are still investigating the killing, but no agents have been charged.Charges have been filed against a 25-year-old man accused of breaking into two Brooklyn Park homes over the past week and sexually assaulting two women. Darius Olson-Baker faces 10 felony counts. According to the criminal complaint, the women provided similar descriptions of their assailant, and DNA testing also allegedly pointed to Olson-Baker as the suspect. He was arrested Wednesday and remains in custody.Basketball superstar LeBron James will not be taking his talents to downtown Minneapolis. The 41-year-old announced Friday he will join the Philadelphia 76ers in a bid to end their 43-year championship drought. The Minnesota Timberwolves had actively recruited James, though Wolves star Anthony Edwards said earlier this week they were not among LeBron's top three choices.

A federal judge sentenced Vance Boelter Thursday to two life sentences plus 40 years for the killings of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attacks on state Sen. John Hoffman, his wife, Yvette, and their daughter, Hope. Boelter pleaded guilty in June to the attacks a year earlier. John and Yvette Hoffman and the Hortmans' two children were among those who spoke before the sentence was handed down. Following the sentencing, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office said it will proceed with its prosecution of Boelter on state charges.The U.S. Forest Service says it will allow day-use permits to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness at some entry points starting Monday. Superior National Forest officials say a larger portion of the Boundary Waters in Lake and Cook counties could reopen for overnight use July 30, barring any additional fire activity.Republican Mike Lindell says President Donald Trump's endorsement has boosted his campaign for governor. Lindell says the endorsement led to a surge in fundraising and polling support. He is running against endorsed Republican candidate Kendall Qualls and House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the Aug. 11 primary. Early voting is underway.Minneapolis police are explaining why the department partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during the ICE surge this winter. MPR News first reported the agreement in April. Minneapolis police say 63 officers earned overtime while working with a federal task force focused on drugs and violence, not immigration enforcement. The collaboration has resulted in charges against 25 people.

A federal judge in Minneapolis will hand down the sentence for Vance Boelter, the man who pleaded guilty last month to fatally shooting former House speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and injuring Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.In court filings, prosecutors asked the judge to impose two life sentences, plus 40 years. They said Boelter caused, “astonishing damage to his victims and the state of Minnesota,” and said he should spend the rest of his life in prison.Boundary Waters permit cancellations will remain in effect through Friday, but federal and state officials say they are developing a plan that could reopen some areas of the wilderness to visitors. A memorial has been set up outside the St. Paul apartment leasing office where three people were killed there Monday. Apartment resident Tsegaab Binessu is charged with shooting that killed the three employees after a parking contract dispute.

Wildfires burning across Minnesota's Arrowhead have not been very active in recent days. Tom Hall with the U.S. Forest Service says cooler, wetter weather has allowed fire containment to improve. But Hall says fire conditions are expected to get worse going into Aug. and Sept.One victim of a shooting targeting Minnesota lawmakers and their families is denouncing the gunman's request to serve his sentence in Florida. Vance Boelter will be sentenced in the deaths of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the wounding of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Boelter admitted to shooting them in June 2025 at their homes. Yvette Hoffman wrote on Facebook that Boelter does not deserve a say in where he serves his sentence.A man charged with killing three people in a St. Paul leasing office made his first court appearance Wednesday. Tsegaab Binessu is charged with three counts of second-degree murder. Charges say he opened fire on employees of an apartment management company after they told him he could not cancel his garage parking contract. His bail is set at $10 million, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Aug.13.Former Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell is running for Woodbury City Council a year after she was convicted of felony burglary. Mitchell resigned from the Legislature after a jury found her guilty of breaking into her stepmother's home. The DFLer filed Tuesday for the nonpartisan office. Mitchell says she will focus on clean water issues and transparency in city government.

Hundreds of firefighters continue to battle wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres in the Boundary Waters. Those fire crews saw cooler temperatures and higher humidity Tuesday, which helped efforts to contain the fires — but there were also winds that gusted to near 30 miles per hour. The use of no-knock warrants by law enforcement agencies in Minnesota has declined dramatically since a state law restricting their use went into effect in 2023.After admitting to shooting Minnesota lawmakers, Vance Boelter is now asking to serve his time at a prison outside of Orlando, Fla. Sentencing memos filed by the federal government and Boelter's attorney lay out their positions ahead of a Thursday court hearing. The U.S. Attorney's Office says Boelter should never be free again for shootings that were "the worst form of political violence."

Federal officials are withholding more than $200 million in federal Medicaid payments to Minnesota due to suspected fraud in the state's public health insurance programs. And a leader of the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme could have even more time added to his prison term for trying to bribe a juror two years ago. He faces sentencing this week. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Rain and shifting winds have largely cleared wildfire smoke out of the Upper Midwest — but officials say Minnesotans should be ready for a possible return of poor air quality. Nearly 800 firefighters from across the country are working to contain about 25 wildfires burning in or near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.State Highway 93 near Henderson is reopening to drivers starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday. This comes after three summers of construction by the Minnesota Department of Transportation to address chronic flooding that would shut it down for days.St. Paul police say three people were found fatally shot inside an apartment complex leasing office Monday afternoon. Authorities reported a person of interest was taken into custody late Monday night.

More than 700 firefighters from across the country are working to contain wildfires burning in and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Storms Monday brought rain to the fire zone, but also lightning and gusty winds. Crews are working to assess and protect structures near two large fires northwest of Ely and are preparing the Echo Trail as a control line. Forest Service officials say crews quickly responded to three new lightning-caused fires reported Sunday.A U.S. District judge has dismissed the Trump administration's lawsuits against state and local governments over what the Justice Department describes as “sanctuary city policies.” The Trump administration argued policies prohibiting local authorities from enforcing federal immigration law are unconstitutional. Chief Judge Eric Tostrud dismissed claims against the state, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt and Attorney General Keith Ellison.The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is seeking public feedback on the social and economic impacts of large-scale dairies in the state. That follows the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's decision not to require an environmental impact statement for a proposed dairy expansion near Morris. The expansion would make it the state's largest dairy. The Department of Agriculture will host two online public meetings Tuesday, July 28, and will accept online comments through Oct. 1.A St. Paul iron foundry is due in court Tuesday as state regulators try to revoke its permit over pollution concerns. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says Northern Iron removed some pollution control equipment in 2023, violating its permit. The agency says that could have led to more pollution in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. Foundry leaders say a shutdown is unnecessary and that the foundry is not violating its permit.

The air quality index from wildfire smoke has reached hazardous levels in Minnesota, producing dangerous impacts to human health. Wildfire smoke contains microscopic fine particles known as PM 2.5. These tiny droplets are small enough to wiggle into lungs and enter the bloodstream. Studies have linked particulate matter in wildfire smoke to a greater risk of strokes, heart disease, respiratory issues, lung cancer and other health conditions in humans.Ely leaders are asking Minnesotans to support local businesses as wildfires and hazardous smoke disrupt the city's busiest tourism season. Permits for entry into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area are canceled through Sunday as fires in the area continue to grow. The U.S. Forest Service told outfitters' permit holders will automatically get refunds.

The wildfires burning in the northern regions of the state are incredibly destructive, but experts say they're a natural and important part of Minnesota's ecosystem. They say the focus shouldn't be on eliminating wildfires but instead on preventing them from turning catastrophic.And air quality readings are breaking state record after state record, due to the wildfire smoke. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

The air quality index from wildfire smoke has reached hazardous levels in Minnesota, producing dangerous impacts to human health. Wildfire smoke contains microscopic fine particles known as PM 2.5. These tiny droplets are small enough to wiggle into lungs and enter the bloodstream. Studies have linked particulate matter in wildfire smoke to a greater risk of strokes, heart disease, respiratory issues, lung cancer and other health conditions in humans.Ely leaders are asking Minnesotans to support local businesses as wildfires and hazardous smoke disrupt the city's busiest tourism season. Permits for entry into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area are canceled through Sunday as fires in the area continue to grow. The U.S. Forest Service told outfitters' permit holders will automatically get refunds.

Permits for entry into the Boundary Waters are canceled through Sunday as fires in the area continue to grow. The U.S. Forest Service told outfitters permit holders will automatically get refunds.If conditions continue to worsen, Tribal nations in northern Minnesota are preparing for evacuation.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

Two YMCA summer camps are closing and sending campers home because of wildfires raging in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness area. The YMCA's Camp Widjiwagan and Camp du Nord, near Ely, are evacuating campers according to the camp's Facebook post on Wednesday, even though neither site has reached “Go” status in the Ready, Set, Go wildfire evacuation protocols.The Forest Service has closed the BWCA through at least Saturday with 17 wildfires burning in the region. Small businesses that help drive the tourism economy around the Boundary Waters are beginning to feel the strain from the canoe area's closure.Forest Service officials say they are monitoring conditions daily to determine when the BWCA can be reopened. There are about 500 firefighters battling the fires, which are expected to burn for weeks.State officials will keep new Medicaid provider enrollment paused in a dozen high-risk service programs for at least another six months.

State and federal officials say the wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area will likely continue to burn for weeks if not months.And smoke from the fires will continue to create poor air quality for the state.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Officials with the Superior National Forest say they're aiming to keep the full closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area as short as possible, but they say some of the wildfires burning in the wilderness are now so large that they may not be fully extinguished until there's snow.As wildfires continue, smoke is creating problems far away from the fires as public health officials issue air quality health alerts across much of Minnesota. Four Twin Cities people are charged with evading $1.1 million in Minnesota income taxes. The defendants allegedly received millions of dollars from taxpayer-funded childcare and food programs. A Minneapolis City Council committee passed a resolution Tuesday supporting concession workers at Target Field.

Crews continue to battle wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.The end of the Gunflint Trail was moved from “Ready” to “Set” evacuation status today. The next step — if the fire continues to spread — would be a “Go” evacuation order.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

As heat waves are hitting the Upper Midwest for the next few days, Xcel Energy says its crews and operation teams are prepared. Xcel says they have more crews on standby and the company also pushed people to sign up for alerts and report outages.The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote this week on whether to approve a reconstruction project on Lyndale Avenue South. Project officials with Hennepin County say the street is due for improvements. But some business owners are seeking a delay. They say they're worried about losing customers as some businesses on nearby Hennepin Avenue continue to struggle after recent road work there.The Minnesota Department of Commerce has advice for homeowners affected by the recent rash of weather events around the state. The agency recommends homeowners document all damages and should not repair anything until talking to their insurance provider first.Enrollment in the state's MNsure health insurance plans plunged 12 percent already this year in the wake of rising health insurance costs.

Federal authorities have handed over evidence to state investigators in the January killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and the shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis.And months of planning for a Boundary Waters canoe trip came to an abrupt end for one Minnesota family after wildfires forced the U.S. Forest Service to close the area and cancel all entry permits this week.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Todd Melby. Music by Gary Meister.

As heat waves are hitting the Upper Midwest for the next few days, Xcel Energy says its crews and operation teams are prepared. Xcel says they have more crews on standby and the company also pushed people to sign up for alerts and report outages.The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote this week on whether to approve a reconstruction project on Lyndale Avenue South. Project officials with Hennepin County say the street is due for improvements. But some business owners are seeking a delay. They say they're worried about losing customers as some businesses on nearby Hennepin Avenue continue to struggle after recent road work there.The Minnesota Department of Commerce has advice for homeowners affected by the recent rash of weather events around the state. The agency recommends homeowners document all damages and should not repair anything until talking to their insurance provider first.Enrollment in the state's MNsure health insurance plans plunged 12 percent already this year in the wake of rising health insurance costs.

Temperatures are going to be climbing across Minnesota through the weekend -- as another heat wave takes aim at the region.The Superior National Forest has closed access to a large section of the Boundary Waters because of several active wildfires and dangerously hot and dry conditions.The Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded 11 programs across the state grants to make child care more affordable.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

A judge Thursday sentenced a former Homeland Security agent to seven years in federal prison for making child sex abuse videos. He's one of three Minnesota-based law enforcement officers who pleaded guilty last year to child sex abuse image crimes.17,000 Minnesotans left the Affordable Care Act marketplace over the past year, according to figures provided by MNsure. With a major midterm election just months away, political campaigns are in full fundraising mode.

Damage assessment and cleanup continues in Mower County after the second round of flash flooding there in a week. Parts of the county, including Austin, Adams and LeRoy, received around a half-foot of rain Wednesday. The flooding swamped streets and highways and sent water into basements. The sheriff's office said it had to rescue some people from their homes.St. Paul plans to close homeless encampments throughout the city, citing public health and safety concerns. The first closure will be the encampment at Pig's Eye Park near the Mississippi River on August 5. After that, other encampments will be closed on a rolling basis. Mayor Kaohly Her says the city has been working with partners to help encampment residents transition to safer, more stable housing.The Minneapolis City Council is considering a 75-day pilot program that would have police fly drones to 911 calls. Police leaders say drones will save time and give officers information before they respond to calls. Dozens of residents expressed opposition to the proposal at a public hearing Wednesday. MPD says the program would be designed to comply with the state Department of Human Rights consent decree.Striking Chisago County workers say residents are beginning to feel the effects of delayed services. A union representative says people have come directly to the picket line looking for county staff, including social workers and septic inspectors. Union members voted overwhelmingly to continue the strike. The two sides were scheduled to return to mediation Thursday.The Minnesota State Fair has released this year's list of new foods and vendors. The new foods include savory pickle pie with ranch-and-hot-sauce frosting, cheese curds rolled into lumpia and a Hmong corndog from Union Hmong Kitchen made in collaboration with Kramarczuk's. Nine new vendors are joining the fair this year. The State Fair runs from August 27 through September 7.The weather across Minnesota will be relatively quiet over the next few days, but another heat dome is developing over the upper Midwest. After more typical temperatures Thursday and Friday, the weekend will bring more heat. Highs could reach 90 degrees as early as Saturday, with 90s likely Sunday into much of next week. Heat index values could reach the 95 to 102 degree range.

Republican candidates for governor are telling voters they'll reduce Minnesota's budget and taxes if they're elected. Democrats called on Republicans to more clearly spell out what they'd seek to cut.A federal lawsuit alleges that the medical giant Mayo Clinic has been cutting corners as it incorporates artificial intelligence into its research and patient care.Deere & Company, a farm equipment manufacturer, reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission and five states, including Minnesota.

Minnesota Somali community leaders are denouncing President Donald Trump for posting a clip of Somali kindergartners at a St. Paul graduation on Truth Social.The Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office is again asking a judge for more time to respond to a demand from Renee Good's widow for the return of her vehicle. Cleanup continues north of Detroit Lake following Monday night's tornado that caused major damage to buildings and trees.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Several people were injured Monday night when a tornado touched down and caused significant damage north of Detroit Lakes. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado based on weather spotter sightings.Nearly 75,000 people got approval to take paid family and medical leave under the state's program in the first six months since it got off the ground.The Elk River City Council Monday night voted down changes to a city ordinance that would have allowed a new data centerThose stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Two people were injured Monday when a suspected tornado touched down and caused significant damage north of Detroit Lakes. The Becker County Sheriff's Office says those injuries were not life-threatening. Minnesota's new paid family and medical leave program is now a full six months old. The volume of signups was high when the program went live in January because many families who welcomed a new baby during the prior year could apply. The state expected the numbers to level off.A small wildfire that ignited on Thursday in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is now fully contained. The city of St. Paul is notifying over 12,000 staff and residents their personal data might have been accessed during a cyber attack in July of last year.

Authorities across Minnesota report at least three people drowned over the Fourth of July weekend. And Dozens of hospice nurses at Allina Health held a one-day strike on Monday.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Severe flooding in some parts of southern and southeastern Minnesota has closed several roads and highways in the area. Flash flooding closed Interstate 90 between Austin and Dexter for several hours this morning. It is now partially reopened, and MnDOT hopes to have the highway fully reopened this evening.