>>ICE Arrest Tactics Shift in Minnesota Following Operation Metro Surge
(Minneapolis, MN) — Federal immigration agents appear to be relying more heavily on arrests at or near Minnesota correctional facilities following Operation Metro Surge. An analysis of federal immigration records shows ICE arrested more than 900 people statewide from March through early August. About 70 percent of those arrests involved people in or near jails and prisons, a sharp increase from roughly three percent during the surge. Nearly 80 percent of those detained had criminal convictions or pending charges. Minnesota law does not allow someone to be held beyond their normal release solely because of an ICE detainer.
>>Child Killed, Another Critically Injured in Brooklyn Center Minibike Crash
(Brooklyn Center, MN) — One child is dead, and another is critically injured after a car collided with a minibike in Brooklyn Center Thursday afternoon. Police say two girls, both under 10, were riding the minibike. Both children were taken to the hospital, where one later died. The other suffered life-threatening injuries. The driver stopped and is cooperating with investigators.
>>Juvenile With Knife Prompts Lockdown at Austin High School
(Austin, MN) — A juvenile with a knife prompted a lockdown Thursday morning at Austin High School. Police responded around 8:30 to a report of a student in crisis. Authorities say a school resource officer was able to de-escalate the situation without using force. The juvenile was taken to Mayo Clinic for medical care. No injuries were reported, and the lockdown was lifted after the situation was resolved.
>>Duluth Jury Acquits Man of Attempted Murder in Retrial
(Duluth, MN) — A Duluth jury has acquitted Seneca Warrior Steeprock of attempted murder but convicted him of illegally possessing a firearm. The case stems from a December 2020 shooting that left Cameron Jones seriously wounded. Steeprock was originally convicted on both charges in 2023 and sentenced to 20 years. But Minnesota appellate courts ordered a new trial after ruling DNA evidence used against him came from an unconstitutional search. Steeprock now awaits sentencing on the firearm conviction.
>>Emerald Ash Borer Spreading Across More of Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — Emerald ash borer continues to spread across Minnesota, with the invasive insect now found in about 60 counties. Minnesota Department of Agriculture entomologist Angie Ambourn says noticeable tree deaths are increasing in northern Minnesota, particularly in the northwest. Officials say early detection gives communities more time to manage infestations. The state is also using biological controls to slow the spread. Since 2010, Minnesota has released more than 700,000 tiny wasps that specifically target emerald ash borer.
>>Minnesota State Fair Heads into First Weekend
(Falcon Heights, MN) — The Minnesota State Fair is heading into its first weekend after opening its 12-day run Thursday. Fairgoers are taking in new foods, livestock exhibits, and Midway attractions. Bonnie Raitt drew more than 12-thousand fans to the Grandstand on opening night. Tonight, Weird Al Yankovic takes the stage as part of his Bigger & Weirder Tour.
>>Walz Marks Final Minnesota State Fair as Governor
(Falcon Heights, MN) — Governor Tim Walz made his traditional trip to the Minnesota State Fair Thursday, his final one while serving as governor. Walz says the fair has a great atmosphere this year, with people looking for a chance to have fun. He also joked about his future after helping shuck and deliver corn at the fair. Walz has not announced what he will do after leaving office in January. But did say he plans to return next year as a regular fairgoer.
>>Smith Says Minnesota Farmers Frustrated by New Canada Tariffs
(Falcon Heights, MN) — U.S. Senator Tina Smith says Minnesota farmers are frustrated by President Trump’s new 50-percent tariffs on some Canadian goods. Smith told MNN at the Minnesota State Fair that farmers are already facing a difficult economy and are questioning how the new tariffs will help them. Smith also said the escalating trade dispute could have lasting consequences for the relationship between the United States and Canada, one of Minnesota’s most important trading partners.
>>Great Lakes Aquarium Mourns Death of Fitzgerald the Octopus
(Duluth, MN) — The Great Lakes Aquarium is mourning the loss of one of its most popular residents. Fitzgerald, a Giant Pacific octopus, was humanely euthanized after a veterinarian determined she had reached the end of her healthy life expectancy. Fitzgerald began the final stage of her life after laying thousands of eggs last October. The nine-armed octopus grew to about eight feet and 40 pounds. She was named after the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in Lake Superior in 1975.
