Family and friends remember 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel at funeral

Prosecutors say a Twin Cities man charged earlier this week with threatening to kill a federal judge also threatened a U.S. Supreme Court justice and a defense attorney. Robert Ivers, 72, went to prison in 2019 after a jury convicted him of threatening to kill Judge Wilhelmina Wright, now retired, after she ruled against him in a civil suit.Also, organizers of Farm Aid say they won’t cross a picket line at the University of Minnesota’s Huntington Bank Stadium until there’s a resolution in the strike by custodial, food service and maintenance staff. U officials say they want the strike to stop so the benefit concert can go on next weekend.This is the evening MPR News update, hosted by Gracie Stockton. Theme music is by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz says when the regular legislative session starts next February, he'd like to revisit legislation that did NOT get passed in 2023. Walz says a tax credit for child care could help ease the high cost for families.And leaders of a Minnesota Senate working group on gun violence prevention are gearing up for meetings next week.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Legislative leaders and the governor met today to discuss a special legislative session to forge a response to a Minneapolis mass shooting, which could include votes on gun bills. Custodians, maintenance staff and food service workers are now on strike at several University of Minnesota campuses... including Duluth, Crookston, and Morris.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The administration of Gov. Tim Walz will take steps to maintain access to vaccines, including for COVID-19, as moves by federal regulatory officials raise doubt over availability. And a Ramsey County Court judge has ordered two state agencies to review the effectiveness of rules in place protect Minnesota’s drinking water.Thoe stories and more from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.