>>> Four Dead in Linked Hopkins Daycare, Burnsville Killings
(Hopkins, MN) — Four people are dead following what police describe as linked killings in Hopkins and Burnsville on Wednesday. Investigators say a 41-year-old man is suspected of killing a 78-year-old female relative in Burnsville before fatally stabbing his 41-year-old wife and 7-year-old daughter at an in-home daycare in Hopkins. Police say the man then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A parent arriving to drop off a child encountered the violence and called police. Six other young children were inside the daycare at the time. Police say they were safely evacuated, were physically unharmed, and reunited with their families. Investigators are still working to establish a timeline and determine a motive. Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
>>Possible Plea Deal Emerges in Luigi Mangione Federal Case
(Manhattan, NY) — A possible plea deal could be taking shape in the federal case against Luigi Mangione. Federal prosecutors and Mangione’s attorneys have jointly requested a court hearing Friday in Manhattan, where sources say a potential plea agreement is expected to be discussed. Mangione has pleaded not guilty in the 2024 killing of Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His separate New York state murder trial is scheduled to begin September 8th, with the judge ordering an anonymous jury because of concerns about harassment or intimidation. The federal trial is scheduled for January 2027.
>>Planning Underway for Melissa Hortman Memorial State Park at Minnesota Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — Planning is underway on a proposal to turn the Minnesota State Capitol grounds into a memorial state park honoring the late House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. DFL House Leader Zack Stephenson says Hortman wanted the Capitol campus to be more accessible to the public and envisioned making the entire area a state park. Lawmakers are also considering practical issues, including how the park would operate and how improvements would be funded. A legislative working group must submit its recommendations by February 1st.
>>Lindell Alleges Voter Fraud Following GOP Governor Primary Loss
(Minneapolis, MN) — Mike Lindell is raising allegations of voter fraud after losing Minnesota’s Republican primary for governor to Lisa Demuth. Lindell says his campaign is reviewing what he calls voting anomalies but has not provided evidence of wrongdoing. Demuth defeated Lindell by more than 45-thousand votes, an 11-point margin. Election officials have reported no evidence of fraud or irregularities. The margin is too large for a taxpayer-funded recount, though Lindell could seek one at his own expense.
>>Four Minnesota Transportation Projects Earn Regional Honors
(Undated) – Four Minnesota Department of Transportation projects have won regional America’s Transportation Awards. The winning projects include the Twin Ports Interchange in Duluth, safety improvements around the Rock Ridge school campus in Eveleth, and the Highway 371 corridor makeover in Hackensack. MnDOT also earned recognition for its workplace safety innovations, including a risk assessment app and other safety initiatives. The awards cover a 10-state region, and all four Minnesota winners now advance for consideration in the national competition later this year.
>>Federal Grant Supports Minnesota Walk-In Hunting Access
(Undated) – Minnesota’s Walk-In Access Program is receiving a two-point-one million dollar federal grant to help expand public access to private land for hunting, wildlife viewing and other outdoor recreation. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will support the DNR program for the next three years. Currently, more than 22-thousand acres are enrolled at over 220 sites across western, central and southern Minnesota. The program pays landowners to allow public access, with no additional contact required. DNR officials say they hope the new funding will help add even more acres for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
>>Cass County Residents Urged To Be Bear Aware
(Cass County, MN) – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents and visitors to take precautions following a recent increase in bear activity. Deputies report several incidents, including bears entering occupied homes, getting into campsites and garbage, damaging vehicles, and causing traffic crashes. Officials say bears are attracted to easy food sources and may return if they find them. Residents are encouraged to secure trash, remove bird feeders, keep pet food indoors, and store food properly while camping. Authorities also remind the public to give bears plenty of space and report aggressive or unusual behavior.
>>Say “I Do” at the McLeod County Fair
(McLeod County, MN) – Looking for a unique place to tie the knot? The McLeod County Fair is offering free wedding ceremonies on Saturday, August 22nd. McLeod County judges will perform the ceremonies for couples from anywhere in Minnesota, not just county residents. Fair officials say the event has become a favorite tradition, giving couples a memorable story to share for years to come. The fair will provide food coupons for newlyweds, and Crow River Floral will donate floral decorations. Couples can reserve a ceremony time through McLeod County Court Administration.
>>Frey Proposes Minneapolis Property Tax Levy Increase in 2027 Budget
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is proposing an 11.3-percent property tax levy increase as part of his $2.3 billion budget plan for 2027. The increase would cost the median-value homeowner about $409 more per year, or roughly $34 a month. Frey says the city is facing a budget gap of more than $60 million due to rising labor and operating costs, inflation, the loss of federal pandemic relief, and declining commercial property values. The proposal also cuts more than $20 million in spending and eliminates around 100 positions, although city officials say that does not necessarily mean 100 layoffs. The Minneapolis City Council will now review the mayor’s proposal.
