Minnesota's annual school tests could change; Flooded homes face total loss

A Minnesota nonprofit accused of defrauding food assistance programs for children is set to dissolve and pay the state more than $18 million. That's part of a settlement announced Thursday between Attorney General Keith Ellison and Partners in Quality Care.

A new University of Minnesota database tracks 40 years of fertilizer use around the world. The database shows how much fertilizer use varies globally. Farmers in places such as sub-Saharan Africa often do not have enough fertilizer to grow the food they need. Parts of Europe use much more fertilizer, which can harm the environment.

Minnesota is considering changes to its annual K-12 academic testing procedures. Students and teachers spend time each spring on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, which measure how schools are helping students progress in reading, math and science.

New Richland city officials say 10 to 12 homes in the small southern Minnesota community are expected to be total losses from last weekend's flooding.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth is trying to increase pressure on her opponent, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, to participate in more debates. Demuth, who is speaker of the Minnesota House, has agreed to five debates so far. Klobuchar has agreed to two of those debates, as well as a debate hosted by Minnesota Public Radio.

If you're driving in Minneapolis this weekend, you may need to navigate around a freeway closure. The Minnesota Department of Transportation says the eastbound lanes of Interstate 94 will be closed between Highway 55, also known as Olson Memorial Highway, and Interstate 394.