MPR News Update

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.

The U.S. has decided not to renew a key trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. The decision plunges Minnesota's agriculture industry into uncertainty. Lawmakers grilled the Minnesota Department of Human Services' leader Wednesday about the agency's process for revalidating Medicaid providers. Oral arguments are set Thursday morning in three lawsuits challenging Minnesota's ban on prediction markets. In May, Minnesota became the first state to outlaw prediction markets, which allow users to bet on everything from sports to current events. Supporters of the ban say the markets are unregulated gambling platforms.

Fourteen people facing federal charges for protesting ICE in Minnesota pleaded not guilty in federal court today.And Minnesota's attorney general's office won't enforce a new law requiring warning labels for social media sites while a lawsuit plays out. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

More than a dozen people facing conspiracy charges in connection with anti-ICE protests are expected back in Minneapolis federal court Wednesday afternoon. A Minnesota Senate committee will meet Wednesday to discuss the Department of Human Services' revalidation process. The process triggered the agency to disenroll some providers.Leaders in three rural Minnesota counties are giving rave reviews to a pilot program aimed at improving emergency medical response time. They are testing out “sprint medics” — paramedics who respond to calls in a pick up truck equipped with advanced life support gear, instead of an ambulance.

The Supreme Court's decision to uphold birthright citizenship is welcome news for many Minnesota families. The justices ruled in favor of the longstanding interpretation of the 14th Amendment, granting citizenship to nearly anyone born on U.S. soil.Also today, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld laws in other states that bar transgender students from participating in school sports. Minnesota officials say the state likely won't have to change course on rules that allow trans students to join sports that don't match their sex at birth.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Tuesday is expected to be another day of scorching and dangerous heat across much of Minnesota. And Minnesotans are trying to cool off any way they can, from going swimming at their local pools or beaches to staying indoors with iced drinks.As heat builds across Minnesota this week, animal experts are urging pet owners to watch closely for signs their pets may be overheating. Pets can suffer heat stroke just like people.Advocates for children with disabilities in Minnesota say they're concerned about federal changes to the Department of Education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which guarantees disabled students access to an equitable public education, remains unchanged.Minnesota candidates are highlighting tough financial times in their own lives to connect with voters on affordability. In ads and speeches, statewide candidates are reflecting on growing up in poverty. Democrats and Republicans alike have pulled from their early memories to connect on affordability. They're commit to making changes to bring down costs.An employee at an adult foster care home in central Minnesota is dead after a stabbing last weekend. On Saturday evening, police responded to a report of an assault at St. Luke's Home in Cold Spring, southwest of St. Cloud. It's operated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud and serves adults with developmental disabilities.Minnesotans seek relief at pools, cooling centers as dangerous heat grips stateMinnesota candidates stress tough phases in own lives to connect with voters on affordabilityMinnesota advocates worry about disability rights with move of federal special education officeCold Spring group home employee stabbed to death

Tornado sirens sounded earlier today in parts of central and northern Minnesota as a line of destructive storms swept across the region.There were no immediate confirmed reports of tornado touchdowns in Minnesota. But the storms produced wind gusts of 75 miles per hour and dropped half-dollar-size hail at Wadena just after 11 a.m. Hundreds of homes and businesses are without power across the state.Some Minneapolis light rail riders will have to adjust to bus travel this summer. Metro Transit shut down the entire Blue Line and the Minneapolis portion of the green line — starting today. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

An extreme heat warning takes effect Monday across much of central and southern Minnesota could see temperatures hit the 90s and heat indices making it feel like 110. And with that high heat, the state's Department of Natural Resources is encouraging people visiting state parks to stay hydrated and seek shady areas.A judge in Polk County ruled in favor of the rural city of Fosston this past week as it takes on the big hospital system that took over its local hospital. Fosston argues that heath care has worsened since Duluth-based Essentia Health took over operations in 2009.And a new fire service program developed for young adults is off and running in Bemidji.Dangerous heat peaks Monday; heat index could reach 110 degreesRural Fosston moves forward in its quest to regain control of local hospital from Essentia HealthBemidji fire brigade helps youth with disabilities ladder up their skills

Early voting began Friday in Minnesota ahead of this year's primary election. At the Minneapolis Early Vote Center, some voters were among the first to cast their ballots in person. Voters can vote early by mail or in person. More information is available at MNvotes.org.The Inver Grove Heights City Council voted 3 to 2 Friday to impose a one-year moratorium on data centers in the city. The meeting was filled with residents opposed to a proposed data center project. The project's developer has warned of possible legal action if the moratorium passed. Residents also presented a petition with more than 700 signatures to the state's Environmental Quality Board, seeking an environmental assessment of the proposed data center.The University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved a budget Friday that includes a 3.8 percent tuition increase for the next school year. Regent Robyn Gulley was the only regent to vote against the increase, citing concerns about transparency in the budget process. University President Rebecca Cunningham says the increase will help maintain accessibility and fair compensation for faculty and staff.A 29-year-old worker died early Thursday at a chicken processing plant in central Minnesota. Police say the employee was pinned under equipment in a loading dock area at the Pilgrim's Pride plant in Cold Spring. The man's co-workers removed him, and emergency responders provided medical care, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Pilgrim's Pride owner JBS says it is conducting an internal review and cooperating with OSHA.Dangerous heat remains on track to move into Minnesota starting later this weekend and lasting through much of next week. MPR meteorologist Mandy Thalhuber says heat advisories will likely be issued, with temperatures in the 90s and heat indices reaching triple digits. Monday could bring heat indices of 105 to 108 degrees. Conditions will be cooler along the North Shore, and there's a chance for thunderstorms Sunday, some of which could be strong in northern Minnesota.

Voters can start casting their ballots Friday in the Minnesota primary election. Absentee voting starts 46 days before any election in Minnesota and you can cast an absentee ballot by mail or in person. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says voters don't need an excuse to vote absentee. The primary election is Aug. 11.A government transparency organization has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security to release records connected to Operation Metro Surge this winter. The Forum for Constitutional Rights and Government Accountability requested documents and records back in January and hopes to release the documents to the public so citizens can understand the actions of the federal government.Beginning next week, Minnesotans will see new pop ups on social media sites warning about potential harms. It's a change lawmakers made in 2025, citing concerns about ill effects for young people. The Special Olympics USA Games wrap up Friday in the Twin Cities. The closing ceremony will take place at Huntington Bank Stadium and is free and open to the public. Tickets are required and can be claimed online and on site. Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve will be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Saturday. Reeve is the ninth player or coach from the Lynx to be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tenn.

Hundreds of people attended an open house hosted by Google Wednesday in Hermantown, just outside Duluth. The company wants to spend up to $2 billion to build a large data center there. The proposal has faced strong opposition from residents, and at least two lawsuits have been filed to block it. The project still needs additional city and state approvals.The Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to approve a pair of ordinance changes that would allow the city to legalize bathhouses. Adult bathhouses were historically frequented by gay men in the 1970s and '80s. They were banned in Minneapolis in 1988 during the AIDS epidemic. The changes allow the city to start the process toward permitting bathhouses and other sex venues in the future.A state lawmaker will be arraigned Friday on DWI charges stemming from a traffic stop earlier this year. State Rep. Elliott Engen of White Bear Lake was pulled over in March for speeding. According to the criminal complaint, police say Engen had a headlight out, expired registration and a blood alcohol concentration of .13. Engen had been running for state auditor, but ended his campaign.Minnesota exports fell eight percent in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2025. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says a decline in sales of mineral fuel and oil to Canada is driving the loss, along with uncertainty tied to federal actions. Excluding mineral fuel and oil exports to Canada, Minnesota exports grew slightly from a year ago.Parts of Minnesota could see triple-digit highs early next week, as a potentially dangerous heat wave moves into the region. MPR meteorologist Sven Sundgaard says temperatures and humidity will start climbing this weekend. Monday could bring highs in the upper 90s, with heat indices above 105. The heat could linger through next week, with highs near 90 continuing into the Fourth of July weekend.

The man who killed former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark faces sentencing next month. A group of workers at the Amazon warehouse in Shakopee protested outside of the facility Wednesday, the second day of Amazon's Prime Day Sale. A report released this week found that Minneapolis police often mishandled officer discipline cases. The Minneapolis City Council is scheduled to vote Thursday on whether to repeal the city's longstanding ban on adult bathhouses. Hunger relief nonprofits are feeling the pain from high gas prices. While demand for assistance from food shelves continues to rise across the state, rising costs for nonprofits makes it more difficult for them to meet that demand.If you use light rail transit in the Twin Cities — prepare for major changes starting next week, with buses replacing trains. That will affect the entirety of Metro Transit's Blue Line linking downtown Minneapolis to the airport and the Mall of America from Monday through Aug. 19.

Gov. Tim Walz wants the Trump administration to release records that he says could show he and the state of Minnesota have been targeted for political retribution. Walz filed 16 records requests under the Freedom of Information Act. Earlier this week, a federal judge threw out Justice Department subpoenas for records from the offices of Walz and other Minnesota Democrats, calling them meritless and ethically questionable.Minnesota hospitality businesses are doing worse than they were last year, according to a new survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Fed surveyed 120 hospitality companies about business conditions during the first quarter of 2026. A majority said profits are down compared to last year. Many businesses cited inflation, Minnesota's new paid family leave policy and increased employee absences as challenges.A Minneapolis woman who was dragged from her car by federal agents during the immigration surge has filed a civil rights complaint with the Department of Homeland Security. The complaint alleges Aliyah Rahman was assaulted, wrongfully arrested and subjected to inhumane treatment by federal agents. Her attorney says agents violated Rahman's constitutional rights and disability protections. The complaint calls on DHS to investigate the incident and implement broader policy changes.A woman charged with assaulting an FBI agent in Minneapolis last year pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to a misdemeanor charge. Isabel Lopez was sentenced to time served and a $25 fine. Lopez was among about 100 people who protested what they believed was an immigration raid at a Lake Street restaurant a year ago. Prosecutors agreed to drop the original felony indictment if Lopez pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge.Minnesotans should be prepared for potentially dangerous heat and humidity later this weekend and into next week. MPR meteorologist Sven Sundgaard says what could be the hottest air mass in the region in several years starts to arrive this weekend. Highs could reach the 90s by early next week, with heat indices possibly reaching triple digits. Before then, Minnesota will see a few more days of quiet and mild weather.

A provider trade group is alleging that the Minnesota Department of Human Services is intentionally dismantling a social services program. Democrats see an opportunity to regain ground in rural parts of Minnesota this election year as farmers cope with high oil prices and input costs. A northern Minnesota utility broke ground on a nearly billion-dollar transmission line project. It's part of a broader effort to modernize the state's electric grid.The Justice Department is asking a federal court in Minnesota for two more weeks to return the car seized after Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis in January.

A federal judge has tossed out U.S. Justice Department subpoenas targeting Gov. Tim Walz and other state and local leaders. Judge Patrick Schiltz called the subpoenas an “unlawful and unethical use of the grand jury process.” The subpoenas were part of a criminal investigation into whether state officials were obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Schiltz wrote that evidence the subpoenas were issued for unlawful reasons was “overwhelming,” and said the investigation appeared designed to harass political opponents and pressure them into taking federal action.A new study recommends Minnesota take action to prevent groundwater contaminated with PFAS from spreading in the Twin Cities east metro. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency report recommends pumping groundwater and removing PFAS. The treated water would then be sent to cities for drinking, or returned to the underground aquifer. Decades ago, 3M disposed of chemical waste containing PFAS at several sites in the east metro, where the chemicals leaked into the environment.About 75,000 spectators are expected to attend the Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota this week. Competition began Monday at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine. The games bring together more than 3,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from all 50 states. Events are free to attend, and ESPN will stream some competitions on ESPN Plus.

Human Rights Watch Thursday released a report detailing human rights abuses by the federal government during this winter's immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, which the group alleges also violates international human rights treaties.The report documents what they allege were unlawful arrests, excessive use of force and unhealthy conditions in detention facilities. In an email to MPR News, a Homeland Security spokesperson denied the allegations of human rights violations.Federal prosecutors Wednesday dismissed charges against another protester accused of assaulting immigration agents. Video evidence continues to contradict sworn statements from Homeland Security officials.

Human Rights Watch Thursday released a report detailing human rights abuses by the federal government during this winter's immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, which the group alleges also violates international human rights treaties.The report documents what they allege were unlawful arrests, excessive use of force and unhealthy conditions in detention facilities. In an email to MPR News, a Homeland Security spokesperson denied the allegations of human rights violations.Federal prosecutors Wednesday dismissed charges against another protester accused of assaulting immigration agents. Video evidence continues to contradict sworn statements from Homeland Security officials.

While we've had showers and storms across Minnesota over the past week -- that rain has not been enough to keep drought conditions from expanding.And Minnesota's job numbers for May are a mixed bag. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Human Rights Watch Thursday released a report detailing human rights abuses by the federal government during this winter's immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, which the group alleges also violates international human rights treaties.The report documents what they allege were unlawful arrests, excessive use of force and unhealthy conditions in detention facilities. In an email to MPR News, a Homeland Security spokesperson denied the allegations of human rights violations.Federal prosecutors Wednesday dismissed charges against another protester accused of assaulting immigration agents. Video evidence continues to contradict sworn statements from Homeland Security officials.

Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock has filed notice that she plans to appeal her federal conviction and lengthy prison sentence.And a Minnesota lab shut down its cannabis and hemp testing program this week after running into compliance issues. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.