Minnesota special election; Canadian wildfire smoke in the forecast

Witnesses are on the stand after opening statements today in the burglary trial for DFL Senator Nicole Mitchell in a Becker County courtroom. And more than 200 Minnesota small businesses will get a funding boost from the state under a wave of funding that goes out soon.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Music by Gary Meister.

Starting next year, Minnesotans who use social media will see new warnings on those sites. And a Minnesota K-9 unit is heading to Texas to help with search and recovery efforts after this month’s devastating flash floods.Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz announced today that a special election to fill the Minnesota House seat of the late DFL Leader Melissa Hortman will take place September 16.And another round of Canadian wildfire smoke is moving across Minnesota today -- and an air quality alert is now in effect for the entire state through Monday morning.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

State lawmakers convened at the Capitol Tuesday for the first legislative hearing since two colleagues were shot last month.An effort to start the process of modifying a Minneapolis police reform agreement is now on pause. The Minneapolis City Council has voted to pause the effort to start modifying the existing MPD agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Supporters of the proposal want the city to add provisions from a federal consent decree that was dismissed by a judge earlier this year to its existing pact with the human rights department.The organization Abbey‘s Hope reached a milestone Tuesday in its effort to match Minnesota kids with life jackets. Scott and Katey Taylor formed the group after their 6-year-old daughter Abbey died following an incident in a wading pool where she got stuck in a filter pump.The historic Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis is reopening in full next month.The Minnesota Department of Transportation has temporarily turned off the lights on the Mississippi River bridges at Winona amid an ongoing mayfly hatch. The twin bridges carry State Highway 43 across the river to Wisconsin. The lights attract the insects in swarms and can create dangerous driving conditions.

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher is renewing his call for increased Capitol security following attacks on state lawmakers at their homes. Officials in west central Minnesota say people wanting to help with flood clean-up should contact a service organization such as the Red Cross, rather than just show up.Those stories in more in today’s evening update from MPR news. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

State lawmakers convened at the Capitol Tuesday for the first legislative hearing since two colleagues were shot last month.An effort to start the process of modifying a Minneapolis police reform agreement is now on pause. The Minneapolis City Council has voted to pause the effort to start modifying the existing MPD agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Supporters of the proposal want the city to add provisions from a federal consent decree that was dismissed by a judge earlier this year to its existing pact with the human rights department.The organization Abbey‘s Hope reached a milestone Tuesday in its effort to match Minnesota kids with life jackets. Scott and Katey Taylor formed the group after their 6-year-old daughter Abbey died following an incident in a wading pool where she got stuck in a filter pump.The historic Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis is reopening in full next month.The Minnesota Department of Transportation has temporarily turned off the lights on the Mississippi River bridges at Winona amid an ongoing mayfly hatch. The twin bridges carry State Highway 43 across the river to Wisconsin. The lights attract the insects in swarms and can create dangerous driving conditions.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has charged two people in what officials are calling a "massive" methamphetamine seizure. A Columbia Heights man is now charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his 16-year-old son. Jordan Collins Sr. was charged in Anoka County and made his first court appearance this morning.

State lawmakers convened at the Capitol Tuesday for the first legislative hearing since two colleagues were shot last month.An effort to start the process of modifying a Minneapolis police reform agreement is now on pause. The Minneapolis City Council has voted to pause the effort to start modifying the existing MPD agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Supporters of the proposal want the city to add provisions from a federal consent decree that was dismissed by a judge earlier this year to its existing pact with the human rights department.The organization Abbey‘s Hope reached a milestone Tuesday in its effort to match Minnesota kids with life jackets. Scott and Katey Taylor formed the group after their 6-year-old daughter Abbey died following an incident in a wading pool where she got stuck in a filter pump.The historic Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis is reopening in full next month.The Minnesota Department of Transportation has temporarily turned off the lights on the Mississippi River bridges at Winona amid an ongoing mayfly hatch. The twin bridges carry State Highway 43 across the river to Wisconsin. The lights attract the insects in swarms and can create dangerous driving conditions.