Stories from May 26, 2021

Murder charges filed in shooting that killed two and injured seven early Saturday, and the State Fair is shopping for a new police force. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota State Fair disbands its police as reopening approaches
Minnesota State Fair officials are looking for a new police force after fair officials decided to eliminate the department following the departure of the current police chief.
Americans strongly support trans rights — in some cases
Americans strongly support trans service members being in the military — even as they say trans athletes should compete according to the sex listed on their birth certificates.
Former Minneapolis mayors reflect on one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder
Three former Minneapolis mayors join guest host Brandt Williams for a conversation about the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder and where the city goes from here.
A man accused in a downtown Minneapolis shootout that left two dead and many others wounded is facing nine charges. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that 24-year-old Jawan Carroll of St. Paul is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and seven counts of attempted second-degree murder.
Tracking Thursday's rainfall
Much of Thursday will be rainy across most of Minnesota.
Fargo-Moorhead diversion project construction picks up pace
It will take six more years of work to complete the massive project, which will divert water around the Fargo-Moorhead area when the river floods.
Biden asks U.S. intel officials to investigate COVID-19 origin
President Joe Biden on Wednesday asked U.S. intelligence officials to “redouble” their efforts to investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the unlikely possibility that they lead to a Chinese lab.
8 dead in shooting at rail yard serving Silicon Valley
An employee opened fire Wednesday at a California rail yard serving Silicon Valley, killing eight people before ending his own life, authorities said.
6 tips for getting your dog ready for your return to the office
As people get back to in-person work, it may be a difficult transition for dogs and their owners. One tip from a veterinarian: Don't make a big deal about leaving and coming back home.
Is free community college a good idea?
In just a few years, tuition-free college has gone from a radical idea to one that’s being discussed in Congress. Is making community college free the best way to help disenfranchised students afford a college degree?
Minnesota farmer wins appeal in Pineland Sands irrigation dispute case
The Minnesota Court of Appeals rejected arguments that Sebeka farmer Tim Nolte was acting as a front for R.D. Offutt Co. in seeking irrigation permits for 300 acres he bought from the giant potato-growing company. The court upheld the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources decision not to require an extensive environmental review for the irrigation project.
Following chillier weather, and even frost concerns for northern Minnesota, the holiday weekend turns warmer with a couple chances for rain.
Former Virginia Sen. John Warner dies at 94
Former Sen. John W. Warner of Virginia, a centrist Republican who served as Navy secretary and one of the Senate's most influential military experts, has died at 94, his longtime chief of staff said Wednesday.
Minnesota is finally completely out of the recent warm, humid air mass it had been under, replaced by cooler air and much lower humidity.
DNR conservation officer remembered for her passion, fearlessness
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources— and the community of Grand Rapids — lost a beloved friend and colleague this week. Sarah Grell, a DNR conservation officer, died Monday morning while on duty. Friends and colleagues say Grell was passionate about the outdoors, a fearless woman who earned respect in a male-dominated field.
The Rocori school board has agreed to take several steps, including launching an independent investigation into allegations of racism, expanding the scope of an equity committee and holding listening sessions. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, May 26, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
After last year's unrest, some businesses rebuilt. But many have not recovered
Minneapolis business advocates say rebuilding, especially for properties that were leveled by fire, will take five to 10 years. City officials and fundraising groups have calculated the total cost at around $500 million to be shared by 1,500 businesses. But fundraisers have only secured a fraction of what they say they need.
Photos: In Minneapolis, a celebration of George Floyd
On the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, people gathered at the site of his death to find community, support, learn and dance.
May 26 update on COVID-19 in MN: Walz readies vaccination perks; new cases falling
Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday will roll out a plan to offer state park passes, fishing licenses and other incentives to get unvaccinated Minnesotans to get their shots. Overall, state data continues to show the pandemic is in retreat.
Claudia Kolker: What we can learn from newcomers
Claudia Kolker speaks about her book, “The Immigrant Advantage: What We Can Learn from Newcomers to America.”