Minnesota

Minnesota's state Conviction Review Unit (CRU) was suspended after the federal government stopped funding it, leaving Hennepin County's Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) as the only entity in the state reviewing claims of wrongful conviction. The shutdown affects about 160 incarcerated individuals seeking review, but Hennepin County can only process cases originating from its jurisdiction.

A pedophile migrant was seen being deported by ICE after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz pardoned him to prevent his removal from the US. The pardon was an attempt to keep the individual in the country despite his criminal history.

Minnesota is experiencing a heat wave that raises concerns for individuals living in encampments without access to cooling resources. Organizations like T’s Helping Hand Inc. are providing assistance to help these individuals stay cool.

Minnesota is experiencing rising temperatures this weekend into early next week, with highs near 90°F and heat index values in the 90s. The drier weather follows a recent stretch of heavy rain and flooding concerns, providing a welcome change despite the increasing heat and humidity.

A Minnesota-based talk show called 'Stress Personality' explores food, fashion, and stress management. Bestselling author Kristen Brown discussed different stress personalities and their impact on reducing worry, promoting her guide 'How to Stop Overthinking.'

Tou Lue Vang, a Laotian immigrant pardoned by Minnesota officials in June over a 2006 conviction for first-degree criminal sexual conduct, has been deported to Laos by the federal government. The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, announced the deportation.

ICE deported Tou Lue Vang, who was pardoned by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for a sex abuse conviction.

A Minnesota daycare center owner, Fahima Mahamud, admitted to filing over $4.6 million in false claims. She is the CEO of Future Leaders Early Learning Center in Minneapolis and pleaded guilty to the charges.

Farm bankruptcies in Minnesota and the Midwest are rising sharply due to declining farm income, rising input costs, and financial pressures. The USDA projects a $1.2 billion drop in farm income this year, while Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings in Minnesota increased by 300% compared to 2024. Experts warn of worsening conditions, drawing parallels to the 1980s farm crisis.

Minnesota gas prices increased by 13.5 cents from last week, reaching an average of $3.77 per gallon, driven by uncertainty around the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. The national average rose to $3.88 per gallon, with Twin Cities metro area prices at $3.83 for regular fuel.

Federal officials deported Tou Lue Vang, a pardoned child sex offender from Minnesota, after revoking his legal status. Marco Rubio announced the action, citing the removal of a threat to Americans.

ICE deported an illegal migrant, Tou Lue Vang, who had been pardoned by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated he revoked Vang's legal status after the clemency was granted.

Minnesota will receive over $850,000 from a $36.5 million national settlement with CVS Health Corporation over insulin billing fraud. The settlement addresses CVS's over-billing of government-funded healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

Minnesota’s Paid Family Leave program has paid out $598 million in its first six months, with $344 million collected from a 0.88% wage tax split between employers and employees. The program serves 75,000 people, with 124,000 additional applications, and faces concerns about funding stability despite claims from State Sen. Alice Mann that balances will improve by the end of the quarter. Delays in processing applications have been reported, though success stories highlight the program’s benefits.

A Minnesota voter registration review found counties processed 96% of new applications within legal time frames but struggled near elections and failed to update records for flagged disqualifying conditions like incarceration. Counties verified 99% of residency applications correctly but had errors in over a third of manually reviewed cases, prompting mixed reactions from state leaders.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is addressing 10 wildfires in Superior National Forest that emerged over three days, with four located in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The fires range from 0.25 to 2.3 acres, and while no closures are in effect, the public is urged to avoid fire areas for safety.

Minnesota experiences a transition from calm, comfortable evenings to increasing heat and humidity starting Friday, with temperatures peaking in the low to mid-90s by early next week. The drier weather follows recent heavy rain and flooding, offering a welcome change despite the rising heat.

A car reviewer in Minnesota was swarmed by police in Plymouth after a Flock camera mistakenly identified the Range Rover he was driving as stolen.

Animal Humane Society rescued 71 cats and kittens from a Sibley County home with severe unsanitary conditions, including high ammonia levels, lack of water, and feces. The cats, which were underweight and suffering from respiratory infections and open wounds, will receive spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and medical care.

The Animal Humane Society rescued 71 cats from filthy conditions in a central Minnesota home. The cats were found to be hungry and suffering from respiratory infections and open wounds.

Ken Barlow forecasts clearing skies and pleasant weather in Minnesota and Wisconsin today, with a heatwave expected to arrive this weekend and persist into next week. Thursday will feature partly cloudy conditions and lower humidity, while Friday may see brief midday showers. A significant heatwave with high temperatures and humidity is anticipated over the weekend.

Northern Technologies International Corp. (NTIC) reported a fiscal third-quarter loss of $263,000, or 3 cents per share, with adjusted losses at 2 cents per share. The company generated $24.2 million in revenue during the period.

A recent audit of Minnesota’s voter registration system found 99% accuracy in automated voter identity verification, with room for improvement in updating records for formerly incarcerated individuals. Secretary of State Steve Simon stated Minnesota’s election system is accurate, fair, and secure.

Experts warn that recent airstrikes in the Middle East may lead to higher gas prices. In Minnesota, gas prices have already increased slightly, with AAA noting that geopolitical events often cause price jumps. Analysts attribute potential long-term price increases to supply disruptions and market anticipation of future conflicts.

Community members in south Minneapolis gathered to demand changes to immigration enforcement and to support local immigrant-owned businesses. Protesters called for ICE to be removed from Minnesota and for the implementation of sanctuary policies.

Minnesota transitions from recent heavy rain and flooding concerns to drier weather, followed by a warming trend with highs reaching the low 90s. The shift brings relief from flooding but introduces increasing heat and humidity, with temperatures climbing through the weekend and into next week.

John Deere owners and independent repair shops will gain access to diagnostic and repair tools under a new FTC settlement, ending the company's restriction to authorized dealers. This follows a $99 million class-action settlement in April and addresses complaints about withheld software and anticompetitive practices.

John Deere owners will gain the right to repair their equipment under a new FTC settlement requiring the company to provide diagnostic and repair tools to equipment owners and independent shops. The settlement, secured by the FTC and attorneys general from five states, addresses complaints that Deere withheld software and restricted repairs to authorized dealers.

John Deere owners will gain the right to repair their equipment under a new FTC settlement requiring the company to provide diagnostic and repair tools to equipment owners and independent shops. The agreement, secured by the FTC and attorneys general from Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, prohibits Deere from retaliating against those who choose non-authorized repairs and follows a separate $99 million class-action settlement earlier this year.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is addressing patient experiences with healthcare discrimination in Minnesota. The article was first published on KSTP.com.

John Deere has agreed to settle an antitrust case brought by the Federal Trade Commission and several states over its tractor repair requirements. The lawsuit accused the company of monopolizing the tractor repair industry by restricting access to software tools needed for repairs, and the settlement requires it to provide independent repair providers with the same services as authorized dealers.

John Deere settled an antitrust lawsuit with five states and the FTC, agreeing to provide independent repair shops access to its proprietary diagnostic tools for 10 years. The settlement addresses allegations that the company restricted farmers' ability to repair equipment through non-authorized dealers, driving up costs.

Minnesota's 2026 water quality assessment identified 37 new mercury-impaired water bodies and 75 new wild rice protection sites, primarily in southern Minnesota. The report highlights mercury and PFOS as key pollutants, with efforts underway to address impairments and protect wild rice through sulfate level monitoring.

Cash App’s parent company, Block, agreed to a $45 million multistate settlement over allegations of misleading users about the app’s safety and failing to protect them from fraud. Minnesota will receive approximately $639,000 (1.5% of the settlement), with the company committing to improved customer support and up to $120 million in consumer restitution through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

A $150,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of Fahad Mohamed Nur, a Minnesota suspect in the Feeding Our Future Federal Child Nutrition Program fraud scheme. Nur is accused of receiving $5 million through fictitious invoices for unsupplied food, part of a $300 million fraud during the pandemic. The FBI says he may reside in Somalia and is a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Minnesota is highlighted for its role in inventing the Post-it Note as part of a celebration of America's 250th birthday. Joe Mazan discusses the history of this iconic office invention in a segment by 5 Eyewitness News.

Democrats are attempting to regain Senate control for the first time since 2014 by winning 8 of 11 competitive races. The effort involves defending existing seats in states like Minnesota, Michigan, and Georgia while flipping others in Alaska, Iowa, and North Carolina. Challenges include a chaotic Maine race due to accusations against a Democratic nominee and competitive primaries in key states.

Minnesota's Legislature remains closely divided, with key races in competitive districts like District 3 potentially determining control. The Senate race in District 3 pits Grant Hauschild against Andrea Zupancich, while the House race in 3B features Natalie Zeleznikar and Aaron Schweiger. Issues like data centers, Medicaid, and gun regulation are central to these contests.

Giordano’s, a Chicago-based deep-dish pizza chain, is opening a second Minnesota location at the Mall of America on July 16. The new site will feature self-service kiosks, a grab-and-go area, and a seated dining option. The chain, which has 60 locations across nine states, previously operated a Minneapolis location in Uptown and maintains a Richfield site.

Jasmine Marie Laws, a 35-year-old woman from Baltimore, Maryland, faces charges including attempted second-degree murder and domestic assault after allegedly trying to drown her 15-year-old daughter at a lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, during the Fourth of July weekend. Conflicting accounts between Laws and witnesses describe the incident, with the mother claiming the daughter's head never went underwater, while witnesses and the daughter allege she was submerged. Laws' next court hearing is scheduled for August 26.