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University of Minnesota students protest the sale of UMore Park land to North Wind for an aerospace center, citing concerns over potential defense contracts. The $8.1 million sale aims to develop the Minnesota Aerospace Complex, which may involve missile design and testing. Protests intensified after vandalism at Regents' homes, prompting police investigations.
Authorities have identified two deceased individuals found in Isle Royale National Park but have not released their names or cause of death. The FBI is involved in the investigation, which has confirmed no threat to the public.
Federal prosecutors lack the resources to charge all participants in the Feeding Our Future child nutrition fraud case, which has already implicated 72 individuals. Prosecutors estimate that up to 200 more could potentially face charges, but many will likely go unprosecuted due to limitations in time and manpower. The scheme is considered one of the largest pandemic relief fraud cases in the U.S., with losses estimated at $300 million to $500 million.
Two men face federal charges for weapons violations linked to a shooting that injured two attendees at a Wayzata High School graduation. Hamza A. Said, 20, and Amiir M. Ali, 18, were charged with unlawful possession of machine guns after a chaotic scene unfolded outside Mariucci Arena on May 30. Both remain jailed without bail as the investigation continues.
Isabel Lopez, a Twin Cities activist, faces federal obstruction charges, prompting over 70 supporters to protest for her release outside the Sherburne County jail. Lopez was charged with assaulting officers during a civil disorder related to a federal operation at a Minneapolis restaurant linked to a criminal organization. Supporters argue she acted in self-defense, while authorities maintain she assaulted law enforcement agents.
Residents in Minneapolis' 12th Ward report infrequent police presence, with only 19.8% of nearly 3,000 calls receiving a response from local officers. Council Member Aurin Chowdhury confirmed the data, leading resident Verlynn Schmalle to advocate for increased police presence in the area. Police Chief Brian O'Hara acknowledged the impact of property crimes on community safety, despite prioritizing emergency responses.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation considers options for improving crash-prone Hwy. 252, including converting it into a four- or six-lane freeway. The decision aims to enhance safety on the dangerous roadway.
University leaders proposed a 7% reduction in academic programs alongside a 6.5% tuition hike for undergraduate, in-state students at the Twin Cities campus, marking the largest increase in 14 years. Faculty and students express concerns that these budget cuts may lead to reduced staffing and enrollment.
Methamphetamine use has surged in Minnesota, with federal agents reporting a 142% increase in seizures in the past year. This rise coincides with a notable pairing of meth and fentanyl among substance users, a trend previously observed only in larger cities. Experts attribute the spike to improved supply chains from Mexican cartels and a decline in fentanyl overdose deaths.
Two men, Kashmir Khaliffa McReynolds and Alvin Anthony Watkins Jr., face federal felony gun charges after firing approximately 43 rounds in a Minneapolis neighborhood following an earlier gunfire incident. The pair, who were working for the nonprofit 21 Days of Peace, were reportedly attacked first and sought cover before returning fire. Their actions have raised questions about law enforcement's response to the initial gunfire.