Minnesota Today: Daily Summaries Delivered

Elon Musk challenges anti-nudification law. St. Paul Mayor Her accused of inappropriate comments

One of the lawmakers who led an anti-nudification bill in the Minnesota House says she expected AI companies to challenge the law. It bans technology used to create deepfake videos or images of people without their consent — and it takes effect this weekend. But Elon Musk’s company x.AI has sued to block enforcement.Musk's attorneys argue the company already prohibits users from using AI tools to create those images or videos, and they say the company should not be punished if users find a way around that prohibition.St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry is alleging that Mayor Kaohly Her directed inappropriate sexual comments toward him and other city staff. The Star Tribune reports that Henry notified the city in April that he'd filed a formal complaint, and that the city has hired a law firm to investigate.A letter from Henry's attorney that the newspaper obtained includes a screenshot of a sexually suggestive text message that Her allegedly sent to a city employee. A spokesperson said that the mayor has deep respect for staff and regrets any unintended impact of her action.Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is prohibiting state employees from using private government information to bet on prediction markets.And relief efforts continue for communities along the Canadian border that were forced to evacuate due to wildfires.Elon Musk’s company sues Minnesota over new law to bar manipulated images to fake nudityWalz bans state workers from betting with private government info on prediction markets

Minnesota wildfires continue; Cyberattack targets Minnesota water

Wildfires in northeast Minnesota have taken a heavy toll on Ely's tourism economy, with some business owners reporting profits are down as much as 70 percent. And state officials say more than 30 local water systems in Minnesota were hit by a cyberattack this week. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Wildfires in northeastern Minnesota are more than 50 percent contained, firefighting officials say

Firefighting officials say the wildfires in northeastern Minnesota are more than 50 percent contained. While fighting fires and protecting property remain the priorities, authorities are also looking to prevent future fires.A man charged with threatening ICE agents in Minnesota pleaded not guilty Monday. Kyle Wagner is one of 15 people facing federal charges of interfering with immigration agents during the enforcement operation in Minnesota.A judge in Minneapolis is temporarily blocking a new state law that bans prediction markets.Black Business Week is kicking off in Minneapolis. The week features free workshops, networking events and business resources designed to support Black entrepreneurs.And a musical adaptation of Purple Rain announced it's headed to Broadway.

U.S. Senate candidates debate on MPR News; Walz talks special session

The Democratic U.S. Senate candidates debated issues and approaches today in their last one-on-one debate before the primary election. And Gov. Tim Walz says he's talking to legislative leaders about calling a special session in mid-August.Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

DFL U.S. Senate hopefuls Craig, Flanagan to debate live at 11 a.m. on MPR News

Vance Boelter sentenced to life in prison for attacks on Minnesota lawmakers and their families

The National Forest Service says it will reopen nearly 40 percent of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to the public next week, barring significant wildfire activity. Overnight camping access is set to reopen Thursday at 37 of the 103 quota entry points. That would reopen more than 400,000 acres to the public. Some entry points in Cook County are also expected to reopen for day use Monday.Gov. Tim Walz says a special legislative session may be needed to address some of the fallout from wildfires burning in and near the Boundary Waters. Walz told MPR News that lawmakers may have to return to St. Paul next month if the fires continue burning. The governor declared a peacetime emergency to deploy additional resources to the firefighting effort. Lawmakers would need to weigh in if that declaration extends beyond 30 days.Dozens of people gathered Friday at the memorial for Alex Pretti, six months after he was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent. Flowers and artwork mark the spot on Nicollet Avenue where Pretti was killed in January. Community members who help maintain the memorial say they want to make sure Pretti and the response to his death are remembered. Hennepin County prosecutors are still investigating the killing, but no agents have been charged.Charges have been filed against a 25-year-old man accused of breaking into two Brooklyn Park homes over the past week and sexually assaulting two women. Darius Olson-Baker faces 10 felony counts. According to the criminal complaint, the women provided similar descriptions of their assailant, and DNA testing also allegedly pointed to Olson-Baker as the suspect. He was arrested Wednesday and remains in custody.Basketball superstar LeBron James will not be taking his talents to downtown Minneapolis. The 41-year-old announced Friday he will join the Philadelphia 76ers in a bid to end their 43-year championship drought. The Minnesota Timberwolves had actively recruited James, though Wolves star Anthony Edwards said earlier this week they were not among LeBron’s top three choices.

Friday marks 6 months since Alex Pretti was shot and killed by a federal agent

Vance Boelter sentenced to life in prison

A federal judge sentenced Vance Boelter Thursday to two life sentences plus 40 years for the killings of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attacks on state Sen. John Hoffman, his wife, Yvette, and their daughter, Hope. Boelter pleaded guilty in June to the attacks a year earlier. John and Yvette Hoffman and the Hortmans’ two children were among those who spoke before the sentence was handed down. Following the sentencing, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said it will proceed with its prosecution of Boelter on state charges.The U.S. Forest Service says it will allow day-use permits to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness at some entry points starting Monday. Superior National Forest officials say a larger portion of the Boundary Waters in Lake and Cook counties could reopen for overnight use July 30, barring any additional fire activity.Republican Mike Lindell says President Donald Trump’s endorsement has boosted his campaign for governor. Lindell says the endorsement led to a surge in fundraising and polling support. He is running against endorsed Republican candidate Kendall Qualls and House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the Aug. 11 primary. Early voting is underway.Minneapolis police are explaining why the department partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during the ICE surge this winter. MPR News first reported the agreement in April. Minneapolis police say 63 officers earned overtime while working with a federal task force focused on drugs and violence, not immigration enforcement. The collaboration has resulted in charges against 25 people.