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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.
This one comes back from April of 2014, the second night of a RISK! live run in Reno, Nevada, and it swings hard between the filthy and the tender. Josie Spadoni is working an afternoon at her Los Angeles dungeon when a client walks in with a request most people would refuse on the spot. She says yes. (Content note: suicidal ideation) Emily Reese grew up dreaming of a picket-fence Christian marriage and the submissive-wife role she thought came with it. When the money starts vanishing and her intuition won't quiet, she finally checks the family bank account herself. We lost Emily not long ago, and we're so glad her voice lives on here. Leave your comments on these stories and find episode details and music credits at risk-show.com/podcast/live-from-reno-2-cre528 Be Part of RISK!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Federal prosecutors today charged fifteen people for allegedly conspiring to impede federal agents in the Twin Cities during the immigration enforcement operation. It sparked protests in St. Paul today, where protesters at the federal courthouse were met with pepper spray from U.S. marshals. That story and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Now in its second year of service, the Borealis Amtrak train has helped grow passenger ridership between St. Paul and Chicago. And a program that gets more kids learning outside is now a year old.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
On Thursday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained more than 30 employees of a contractor working at a townhome complex in Bemidji. And Minneapolis-based Sleep Number announced today that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy -- and that it has entered an agreement to combine with a Canadian mattress retailer.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Vance Boelter today admitted killing a top DFL lawmaker and her husband during an early morning shooting rampage last year. Boelter's plea means federal prosecutors will not seek the death penalty. And the Minneapolis City Council voted today to waive a special tax assessment for property owners in George Floyd Square.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The city of Minneapolis now estimates that the federal immigration enforcement surge caused nearly $700 million in economic damage.And clean-up is underway after about 20 rail cars were knocked off the tracks in western Minnesota early this morning as severe storms swept through. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The Department of Homeland Security has posted a proposed contract for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to use a private prison facility in western Minnesota to hold up to 1,600 immigrant detainees. That's according to a contract proposal issued Thursday that seeks to use Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton, owned by CoreCivic. Gov. Tim Walz has requested the extradition of a Texas ICE agent to Minnesota to face assault charges related to the shooting of a man in Minneapolis during the federal enforcement surge.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Forest Service officials say the Birch Bay wildfire burning a few miles northwest of Ely is now 30 percent contained.The Minnesota Department of Human Services has disenrolled sixty percent of providers from 14 high-risk Medicaid programs.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The Catholic Diocese of St. Cloud is proposing to reduce its number of parishes and close some churches.Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced yesterday that Bill Peterson will be interim police chief while the city conducts a national search for a new leader.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
House Speaker Lisa Demuth says she opted to enter the GOP primary race for governor after party leaders deflated the endorsement in that contest. And Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has named an interim police chief as the city looks to replace Brian O'Hara, who resigned last week. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Some members of the Minneapolis City Council are questioning Mayor Jacob Frey's handling of investigations into former police Chief Brian O'Hara, who resigned on Tuesday.Attorneys for independent journalist Don Lemon are renewing their push for access to grand jury transcripts in the case of Lemon and 37 others charged in connection with a protest at a St. Paul church in January.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig says she'll skip the DFL convention in Rochester and head straight to a Senate primary.Minneapolis city leaders are searching for a new police chief after Brian O'Hara resigned Tuesday.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The Minnesota Court of Appeals won't reinstate a law to ban certain gun trigger mechanisms. And gas prices were down slightly today after hitting a four-year Memorial Day high yesterday.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock has been sentenced to 500 months in prison -- that's nearly 42 years -- for orchestrating what investigators say was the nation's largest COVID-era fraud scheme. Bock was also ordered to pay $243 million in restitution.And federal authorities announced today they've filed criminal charges against 15 Minnesotans accused of stealing millions from federal programs.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The Flanders wildfire in Crow Wing County is now 95 percent contained. Authorities say they believe it was sparked by a campfire. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said it has identified people of interest in connection with the case. Good financial news for Target today -- the Minneapolis-based retailer saw better-than-expected sales in the first quarter.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it has located the origin of the Flanders Fire near the north shore of Flanders Lake. The fire started early Saturday afternoon and grew to more than 1,600 acres. Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang says individuals appear to have started a campfire near Flanders Lake on Saturday or the night before. Minnesota is being sued by a federal agency over a new state law banning prediction markets.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota prosecutors have charged an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in the January shooting of a Venezuelan man in north Minneapolis. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office says ICE agent Christian Castro fired through the front door of a duplex, striking Julio Sosa-Celis in the leg. Authorities say a downed power line sparked the wildfire that's burning on the North Shore of Lake Superior and has destroyed more than 30 buildings.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Gas prices jumped sharply at many Minnesota stations yesterday -- and that's reflected in a spike in the statewide average price today.And advocates delivered a foot-high stack of petitions to Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth today demanding she let a gun control bill face a vote. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Travel bans, visa restrictions and fears of being arrested or detained are presenting challenges for students from other countries wanting to come to the U.S. to study here. And lawmakers have come together on a deal to dedicate $165 million to housing programs.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
U.S. Senator and past presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar says she wouldn't have run for Minnesota governor if she was contemplating another presidential run. And a preliminary report from federal investigators says a pilot radioed “abort” and started turning shortly after takeoff from Crystal Airport last month... before the plane crashed, killing both people aboard.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota officials are forecasting air quality issues this summer due to wildfire smoke and high ozone levels. Meteorologists with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency say drought conditions are increasing the risk of wildfires and they're expecting 12 to 16 days of smoky air this summer. And a Minneapolis man pleaded guilty this morning to spraying vinegar on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar earlier this year. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
A Minnesota man who spent years in prison before his conviction for first-degree murder was vacated in 2023 may now receive several million dollars from the state. A judge found that faulty witness testimony was used in convicting Marvin Haynes for the 2004 killing of Harry Randy Sherer in Minneapolis.And local leaders and labor unions are urging Minnesota lawmakers to prioritize lead pipe replacement this year.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The Hermantown City Council voted last night to table a vote on a massive Google data center. The tech giant wants to build a nearly $2 billion complex in the city near Duluth. And Minnesota's newly named temporary commissioner for the Department of Human Services is out on medical leave for at least the next month. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
More Medicaid fraud investigators remain in the mix for the state Attorney General's office.And the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating after gunfire left one person dead and a police officer injured early this morning in Richfield.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says today's execution of search warrants at multiple locations across the Twin Cities is an example of state and federal agencies working together.The federal Department of Homeland Security says the warrants are part of an ongoing criminal investigation related to fraud. The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families confirmed the operation, saying it stems from information it shared with state and federal law enforcement.That story and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
North Dakota state legislator Liz Conmy died in a plane crash Saturday. Her family, friends and colleagues are remembering her as a mentor and “a source of joy.”And a bill to help businesses affected by this winter's federal immigration crackdown is headed for a Minnesota Senate floor vote.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.
The Minneapolis city auditor says procedural errors by MPD may have impeded police investigations leading up to two incidents -- the death of Allison Lussier and the non-fatal shooting of Davis Moturi. And the Minneapolis City Council is expected to vote on whether to extend the city's eviction notice period from 30 days to 45. Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.