MPR News Update

Three people, including the suspected shooter, are dead and six other people were injured, including three police officers, following a shooting Wednesday afternoon at a downtown Minneapolis apartment complex.Minnesota's first congressional district race is gaining national attention as a political newcomer attempts to unseat GOP incumbent Rep. Brad Finstad. Minnesota senators successfully pushed to postpone a ban on hemp products.A Hennepin County judge set a Nov. 2 trial date for the man who killed DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. Vance Boelter is serving two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years after pleading guilty in June to federal charges. But at a hearing Wednesday he pleaded not guilty to similar state charges.

Students in the Fridley school district are returning to classes Wednesday morning. The Fridley school district was among those most affected in the Twin Cities by Operation Metro Surge.The first imports of discounted, foreign beef are expected to enter the U.S. this month. President Donald Trump announced the imports last week, requiring this new beef to be sold at 25 percent below the market price.A judge in Minneapolis Tuesday handed lengthy prison sentences to the two men convicted in a mass shooting last year. Hennepin County Judge Juan Hoyos sentenced Arlonzo Williams Jr.Members of Minnesota's Nepali community and supporters gathered outside the state Capitol Tuesday to honor the victims of flash floods and landslides in Nepal and Tibet.

Photos reportedly showing federal Homeland Security agents stationed at or near the Minnesota State Fair have spread on social media. That's caused heightened concern, in the wake of last winter's federal immigration surge. But fair officials say they are not immigration agents.And Minnesota's Supreme Court heard arguments today in a discrimination case weighing whether a Catholic school illegally fired a transgender employee.

The 38 people charged in connection with an anti-ICE protest at a St. Paul church say they have been singled out for selective or vindictive prosecution. A motion to dismiss filed Monday in federal court says the defendants, including journalists who covered the protest, are being prosecuted for protected speech. The motion says protesters who disrupted a service at an LGBTQ-friendly church in Orlando, Florida, last year did not face charges. It alleges the Florida protesters were not prosecuted because their political views aligned with President Donald Trump and his administration.The Democratic candidate running against Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer says Congress has been weakened under President Donald Trump. Election policy expert Doug Chapin is running against Emmer in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District. Emmer is part of Republican House leadership and has won his six previous races easily. Chapin says Emmer has allowed executive power to grow on his watch, but says the changing district and an anti-incumbent mood could work in his favor.A months-long strike in Chisago County is officially over after the county board approved contract agreements for striking workers. About 125 county workers had been on strike since May. That was about a third of the county's staff, including health and human services workers and other government center employees. The union says the three-year deal includes pay raises and better health care plans.Thousands of dead fish have washed up on the shores of Lake Mille Lacs in recent weeks. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it is common for some fish to die every summer, but hotter-than-normal weather has increased lake temperatures. That can be hard on cold-water fish such as tullibee, also known as cisco. Cisco populations are under pressure in some Minnesota lakes that are warming due to climate change.

A state representative has pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor driving while intoxicated stemming from a traffic stop earlier this year.And the planned merger of North Memorial Health and Sanford Health is moving forward.Those stories and more from today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Todd Melby. Music by Gary Meister.

An ICE agent charged with felony assault in Minnesota walked out of a Texas jail Thursday after Gov. Greg Abbott let a 90-day holding period expire without signing an extradition warrant. Christian Castro is accused of shooting Julio Sosa-Celis of Venezuela through the closed door of his Minneapolis home, then falsely claiming Sosa-Celis attacked him. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty had asked Abbott to extradite Castro to Minnesota after his arrest in Texas in May. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sued after Abbott did not sign an extradition order.Bells tolled across the Twin Cities Thursday morning to mark one year since the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. The bells rang at 8:26 a.m. in tribute to Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, the children who died in the shooting. The Annunciation community says it is focused on remembrance and is asking people to place two candles or lights in their windows in memory of Harper and Fletcher.Minnesota's Secretary of State's Office says it is too late to start a recount of the Republican governor's primary and complete it before ballots need to be prepared for the general election. A filing with the state Supreme Court seeks dismissal of Mike Lindell's bid for a hand recount. Lindell failed to formally request and pay for a recount by a Monday deadline. He lost the GOP primary to Lisa Demuth by 45,000 votes.The Minnesota State Fair opened Thursday morning, with crowds already filling the streets. Some fairgoers lined up as early as 24 hours before the gates opened for a chance to be first inside. Visitors are enjoying a warm, sunny day at the fair, with long lines already forming for donuts, coffee and crop art.The union representing Chisago County workers who have been on strike for nearly four months says it has reached a tentative contract agreement. Teamsters Local 320 says the three-year deal is slated for a ratification vote Friday. The union says the agreement addresses two main sticking points, including a wage increase of more than 20 percent over three years and health insurance through the Teamsters. About 125 union members have been on strike since May 1.

A federal judge in Minneapolis will consider whether to order the government to turn over more investigative documents tied to the Minnesota 15 conspiracy case. 15 Minnesota residents are charged by the federal government with conspiracy for their anti-ICE activism. A federal judge in Texas refused to order Gov. Greg Abbott to extradite an ICE agent charged with shooting and wounding a man in Minneapolis. The shooting happened during the Trump Administration's Minnesota immigration operation. On Thursday, Minneapolis marks one year since the shooting at Annunciation Church and School, with a day of service and remembrance in Pearl Park. One year ago, a shooter injured 29 people with gunfire, killing two children. Get ready for Sweet Martha's Cookies, crop art, Grandstand shows and all the rest — the Minnesota State Fair kicks off its 12-day run Thursday.

A federal judge today denied the state of Minnesota's attempt to keep an ICE agent in custody before the Texas governor can sign an extradition order.And Minneapolis is holding listening sessions to get residents' input on what they want in a new police chief.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Elena See. Music by Gary Meister.

Hennepin County prosecutors said today that they will not file felony charges against a far-right provocateur in connection with an incident Saturday in downtown Minneapolis. And fans around the world and here in Minnesota are mourning the loss of music icon, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dolly Parton. She died today in Nashville at the age of 80. Dolly Parton was no stranger to Minnesota over the years -- including a concert at Grand Casino Hinckley in 2016.

A federal judge in Texas is expected to hear arguments Tuesday over whether Gov. Greg Abbott should be forced to extradite an ICE agent charged with assaulting a man in Minneapolis.A statewide coalition is working to reverse the trend of declining vaccination rates across Minnesota.A federal judge has set a hearing for next week to hear why the government believes it shouldn't be held in contempt of court for violating an injunction barring immigration actions at a Minneapolis church.The U.S. imposed high tariffs on Canadian goods over the weekend after trade talks between the two countries broke down. Canada is Minnesota's largest foreign trading partner, and the two economies are closely connected through cross-border trade and travel.

A Republican legislator says people who live in and around Appleton have mixed reactions to the opening of a detention center there. State Rep. Paul Anderson co-hosted a town hall forum yesterday about the facility that will begin housing people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers later this year. Anderson says he understands some people have moral objections to the detention of immigrants.This is the evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Todd Melby. Music by Gary Meister.

Police escorted several people out of a Google data center open house in Hermantown last night. And the state is shutting down Minnesota group homes run by a Liberian government official due to fraud allegations and safety risks, after an MPR News and APM Reports investigation. This is the evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Todd Melby. Music by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz authorized state disaster assistance for six southern Minnesota counties following severe storms and floods earlier this summer. Walz says the state will provide funding and public assistance to help rebuild critical public infrastructure damaged in the storm.Documents from a lawsuit against firearms retailer Fleet Farm were made public Wednesday. The case was settled in February. Attorney General Keith Ellison's office sued Fleet Farm in 2022. It alleged that the retailer negligently sold firearms to straw buyers.Mike Lindell says he'll pay for a hand recount in the Republican governor primary that he lost by tens of thousands of votes. The founder of MyPillow says he wants a statewide hand recount and audit of every paper ballot cast in the Republican primary for governor.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell is disputing last week's election results after House Speaker Lisa Demuth handily won the Republican primary. Lindell trailed Demuth by more than 45,000 votes, meaning there will not be a publicly funded recount. Lindell says he'll personally pay for one. The Secretary of State's office says that will cost more than $800,000, and Lindell has until Monday to make a formal request and provide the money or a surety bond.Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Klobuchar says she wants to break from the St. Paul status quo. Klobuchar has called for a full state government audit, a money-back guarantee if state permits come late, and bipartisan plans to reshape health care, housing and economic development. Gov. Tim Walz has publicly clashed with President Donald Trump, and Klobuchar says she would push back when Trump's actions hurt Minnesota. Lisa Demuth, who is running against Klobuchar, says the only way to change the status quo in St. Paul is to elect a Republican.The mayor of New Hope is calling on state lawmakers to reverse a 2024 law that stripped cities of the power to shut down group homes. Only the state has that authority now. The law came after New Hope tried to close group homes tied to Sekou Dukuly, the subject of an MPR News and APM Reports investigation. New Hope Mayor John Elder says the state does not have enough staff to adequately monitor group homes.Minnesota gas prices are currently higher than the national average, according to Triple-A. St. Thomas economics professor Tyler Schipper says the U.S. war against Iran has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Schipper says Minnesota usually tends to be a little below the national average because the state gets more oil from Canada that is refined locally. He says he would not be surprised if Minnesota prices fall below the national average next week.

An executive order Gov. Tim Walz signed Tuesday blocks copper mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. But whether the ban becomes permanent could depend on Walz's successor.El Niño is strengthening quickly, according to NOAA, and that could have big implications for Minnesota's upcoming winter.A federal judge will hear arguments Wednesday on a request to upend Minnesota's new law banning use of AI to create certain nude images. The law passed this year seeks to punish use of AI technology that permits creation and distribution of fake images of people naked without their consent.Minnesota and U.S. vaccination rates declined while exemptions are at a record high, according to new data from the CDC.A new MPR News and APM Reports investigation is having a political impact in Liberia.

The Hopkins and Burnsville communities on Monday night mourned the deaths of two women and a 7-year-old girl who was the daughter of one woman and the granddaughter of the other. Police believe Nathan Brown killed his wife, their daughter and his mother. He was found with a self-inflicted gunshot. A Blaine City Council member and candidate for Minnesota House says her vehicle was covered with obscene photos over the weekend. Police say it was a juvenile matter. Voting opens Tuesday for residents on St. Paul's west side to pick a new name for Cesar Chavez Street. The busy street is being renamed after the famed activist was accused of sexual assault. One parameter for the new name was that it could not honor a specific person.A former assistant Anoka County attorney appeared in Hennepin County court Monday for allegedly running an online sex trafficking ring. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says Andrea Sampson was an assistant attorney in the civil and family law divisions while she and three others trafficked women as young as 19.

A new MPR News/APM Reports investigation found that the state of Minnesota has paid $36 million dollars to group home companies linked to a high-ranking government official in Liberia. Sekou Dukuly has served as the managing director of the National Port Authority in Liberia since the beginning of 2024, and he lives there most of the time. Dukuly has had a hand in 24 Minnesota group homes over the past decade.A vigil Monday will honor a mother and daughter killed inside a home daycare last Wednesday in Hopkins.Wisconsin health officials confirm that there are at least fifteen cases of measles in an outbreak in the southwest part of the state.A former assistant Anoka County attorney is due in court Monday for allegedly running a Hennepin County prostitution ring.

An Iranian-linked hacker group has claimed direct responsibility for the recent cyberattack against Minnesota water systems.And newly filed court documents show that Homeland Security agents conducted widespread surveillance of anti-ICE protesters. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her proposed her 2027 budget Thursday. It includes a 6.8 percent increase in the property tax levy and other cuts. But she is prioritizing public safety — including exploring ways to prevent copper wire theft that breaks the city's street lights.A coalition of journalism organizations has filed a friend of court brief asking the judge to dismiss charges against journalists who covered an anti-ICE protest at a church this winter. They argue that federal prosecutors are misapplying the civil rights law the journalists are charged under and opening the door for government suppression of media.The Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission will convene on Aug. 26 to consider applicants to head the newly formed office of inspector general — which will act as an independent watchdog for state agencies and programs. It was created in response to widespread fraud issues in state social service programs.

Secretary of State Steve Simon says federal election monitors did not interfere in Minnesota's primary election on Tuesday.One of the 15 Minnesota protesters the Department of Justice has charged with conspiracy says that federal law enforcement illegally spied on citizens this winter. The allegation comes in a court filing today from attorney Kevin Riach.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Hopkins residents are mourning the deaths of a daycare operator and her 7-year-old daughter. The victims and the adult male perpetrator were killed in an apparent murder-suicide on Wednesday. Six other children were present at the time of the attack but were not physically harmed.Budget season is officially underway in the Twin Cities, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey unveiling his budget proposal Wednesday and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her releasing hers Thursday. Next comes public hearings and a final budget in December.American Association baseball is returning to Minnesota. The league previously included the St. Paul Saints, who left after the 2020 season to become the Minnesota Twins' AAA affiliate. The American Association is expanding to Blaine with a new team following the city's announcement of its $750 million development called the Farm. Officials with the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation have unveiled the design for a new bridge between Duluth and Superior. Demolition of the old bridge will begin in March. It will be closed for four to five years while the new bridge is built in its place. Traffic will be diverted over the Bong Bridge about five miles away.Child, 2 adults dead in apparent murder-suicide at Hopkins daycareMinneapolis mayor's budget proposal cuts staffing, raises property taxesSt. Paul mayor to propose first budget amid controversiesAmerican Association baseball returning to Minnesota with new Blaine team

Minnesota reported its highest ever number of ballots cast in a primary, according to unofficial numbers.That story and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

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. Flanagan defeated U.S. Rep. Angie Craig. The margin of victory was much wider than many expected in a race where Flanagan was vastly outspent.At her victory party at First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, Flanagan turned her gaze toward her November opponent, former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya, who won the Republican nomination. Minnesota hasn't elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since 2002. But Tafoya says she's a new kind of candidate and says she will not be beholden to her party or President Donald Trump.A crew member assigned to work to contain the wildfires that are burning in northern Minnesota has died. The incident management team that is overseeing firefighting operations says in a statement that “a medical emergency occurred” at about 10:40 a.m. Tuesday “involving an individual assigned to the incident.”Klobuchar is DFL nominee for governor, Demuth wins GOP race over two rivalsFlanagan wins DFL duel in Senate race, Tafoya claims GOP nod for open seatCrew member battling to contain northern Minnesota wildfires dies

Tuesday is primary election day in Minnesota. Voters have two main ways to vote Tuesday. If you were mailed an absentee ballot but haven't yet returned it, skip the post office and turn it in by 5 p.m. at the office that sent it. If you vote in person, you have a little more time. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.A man convicted in the 1970 murder of a St. Paul police officer goes before Minnesota's parole board Tuesday. Ronald Reed was 19 when he ambushed Officer James Sackett Sr. with a high-powered rifle as he responded to a fake emergency call.More than 80 businesses have signed a letter asking the state for help after wildfires disrupted business during what is normally the busiest time of year in northeast Minnesota.West St. Paul is suspending its contract with Flock Safety and removing the company's automated license plate reader cameras.The federal government is laying out a new vision for Head Start programs nationwide — including limiting the amount local centers can spend on administrative costs.

Tomorrow is primary election day in Minnesota. Voters will winnow the field of candidates running for governor, U-S Senate, U-S House and a host of other state and local races.And a power failure at a Minneapolis data center called the 5-11 Building is likely behind disruptions to several government services Thursday -- including some 911 lines and voting machines.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The federal government used to help states identify and respond to election threats, but not this election cycle. Drought and dry conditions have covered most of Minnesota. But recently, key production areas had good rain prompting some to think yields of wheat, corn and soybeans in the state could be just as good or better than last year's records.Five candidates are on the ballot to lead the Hennepin County attorney's office after Mary Moriarty declined to run for reelection. Kratom is now banned in North Dakota at least until a special legislative session. Minnesota recently upped the legal age for buying it from 18 to 21.Republicans running for U.S. Senate are making closing pitches.

Minnesota's drought is likely here to stay for a while. That's according to experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA.But there was welcome rain in the Boundary Waters fire zone this morning.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Flights were delayed Thursday afternoon at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport after telecommunication issues caused a ground stoppage. News that the Prairie Correctional facility in Appleton will reopen as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center has divided some community members. A Twin Cities woman who suffered salmonella poisoning after eating takeout from Chipotle is suing the restaurant chain. Minneapolis park officials say a blue-green algae bloom is underway at Cedar Lake. Testing confirmed the toxic algae and a warning is now in place for all three beaches at Cedar Lake. People and pets should stay out of the water.The Moorhead Police Department is searching for a missing Indigenous woman with family ties to a long-standing cold case in Duluth.

Businesses impacted by the wildfires burning in the Boundary Waters are asking for state aid after Gov. Tim Walz suggested this week that a special session to provide wildfire relief is unlikely. And the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update for Minnesota is showing a SLIGHT improvement in long-standing drought conditions across the state.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

St. Paul is set to clear a homeless encampment at Pig's Eye Park Wednesday. At a city council meeting Tuesday, several neighbors and advocates said the city should delay it.Republican Mike Lindell says he's stepping down from his CEO role at MyPillow to focus on his run for Minnesota governor.The Winona Police Department is investigating the disappearance of the city's Flock cameras. Winona police say that all eight of their Flock cameras, which are used to capture license plate numbers and other vehicle information, are gone.Target Field concession workers have announced a one-day strike Wednesday at the sold out Noah Kahan concert. The expected strike follows one in June when the Twins played the Los Angeles Dodgers. The union and the concessions vendor have been in negotiations since March.

A debate featuring four candidates for Minnesota governor showcased differences in style and substance today. The Farmfest stage was filled by likely Democratic nominee Amy Klobuchar and three Republicans vying for that nod: Lisa Demuth, Mike Lindell and Kendall Qualls.Governor Tim Walz says there is no need to extend a peacetime emergency declaration for the wildfires that have burned through parts of the Boundary Waters.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

St. Paul is set to clear a homeless encampment at Pig's Eye Park Wednesday. At a city council meeting Tuesday, several neighbors and advocates said the city should delay it.Republican Mike Lindell says he's stepping down from his CEO role at MyPillow to focus on his run for Minnesota governor.The Winona Police Department is investigating the disappearance of the city's Flock cameras. Winona police say that all eight of their Flock cameras, which are used to capture license plate numbers and other vehicle information, are gone.Target Field concession workers have announced a one-day strike Wednesday at the sold out Noah Kahan concert. The expected strike follows one in June when the Twins played the Los Angeles Dodgers. The union and the concessions vendor have been in negotiations since March.

Forest Service officials say recent rains aided firefighters who are making progress in containing wildfires in northeast Minnesota. And aging infrastructure and outdated I-T systems may have contributed to recent cyberattacks on Minnesota water systems. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Homeless outreach workers are continuing to visit a homeless encampment in St. Paul Tuesday, in hopes of transitioning residents there into shelters. The city plans to clear the encampment in Pig's Eye Park Wednesday evening.The city will hold a special public hearing at noon Tuesday to continue hearing from constituents. The plan has faced fierce opposition. City leaders say the closure is needed after an increase in emergency calls to the encampment.Minnesota water systems have blocked multiple hacking attempts since a cyberattack last week. That attack temporarily took some local water systems offline and prompted officials to review their cybersecurity measures. Minnesota was one of seven states that reported attacks on water systems. Officials have not identified who was behind it, but the New York Times reports investigators suspect Iran.Minneapolis Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette has agreed to continue to serve in his post until the end of the year as the city searches for his replacement. Barnette has served for one three-year term as commissioner for the office of community safety, which was created in 2022 and oversees police, fire and neighborhood safety.Mayor Jacob Frey nominated Barnette to a second term this spring, but the Minneapolis City Council twice rejected his nomination. Council members cited the slow pace of police reform in the city and almost $20 million in police budget overruns last year.The Republican-endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate is not being allowed to take part in a candidate forum at this week's Farmfest. Former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze is not among the candidates on the list for the Senate forum Wednesday. The current lineup includes four other candidates — two Democrats and two Republicans. The annual agriculture industry event kicks off Tuesday in Redwood County in southern Minnesota. Schwarze was told by organizers that candidates have to have at least 15 percent support in publicly reported polls.Cyberattacks in Minnesota expose vulnerability of U.S. water systemsTodd Barnette will remain in city safety post during replacement search

Fires still burning in parts of the Boundary Waters have charred nearly 65,000 acres. And federal officials say Minnesota was one of at least seven states that reported cyberattacks on city water systems last week.Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

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