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Minnesota’s pollution complaint system faulted in report on Smith Foundry

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Minnesota’s pollution complaint system faulted in report on Smith Foundry


The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency failed to properly track complaints about a polluting foundry in south Minneapolis, according to a report released Thursday by the state Office of the Legislative Auditor.

Smith Foundry, an iron casting site that operated in Minneapolis’ diverse East Phillips neighborhood for over a century, was a source of neighborhood discontent for decades. Between 2018 and 2023, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) received 18 complaints about the site, but didn’t have any record of its response for a third of those, the report said.

Other complaints mentioning bad smells were sent on to the city of Minneapolis. State law has since changed, and MPCA is now in charge of investigating odor complaints. The Legislative Auditor’s report did not find the agency had fallen short on investigating the smells since it became responsible for them in May 2023.

The findings are similar to what the Star Tribune found in 2023: When many neighbors complained about smells from the foundry, their concerns were shuttled to the city of Minneapolis, and mostly went nowhere.

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The agency is now “creating a process to better coordinate on complaints with local jurisdictions,” spokeswoman Becky Lentz wrote in an email. MPCA also told the Legislative Auditor that it plans to introduce a new reporting system, which will allow the public to upload pictures and location information with their cellphones.

Allison Lind, a nurse whose young son attends a day care across from the former foundry site, was one of the people who filed a complaint with MPCA. Because she mentioned odors, the complaint was re-directed to the city of Minneapolis.

“Our complaints about pollution went through the cracks, and were unaddressed,” Lind said.

She added that the report showed MPCA needed to “dramatically improve” enforcement of pollution permits.



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Judge bars arrests of lawful refugees in Minnesota

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Judge bars arrests of lawful refugees in Minnesota


Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons is no longer required to appear in court on Friday, according to an order issued by Minnesota’s chief judge.

Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz canceled Friday’s hearing, noting that Lyons’ appearance is no longer required because the individual previously denied a bond hearing was released.

However, in his order issued on Wednesday, Judge Schiltz said that the release of Juan T.R. “does not end the Court’s concerns.”

Schiltz attached an appendix that he said identifies 96 court orders that ICE violated in 74 cases.

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“This list should give pause to anyone — no matter his or her political beliefs — who cares about the rule of law,” Schiltz said. “ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence.”

Schiltz issued a warning to ICE, stating that “future noncompliance with court orders” may result in new orders requiring the appearance of Lyons or other government officials.



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Minnesota weather: Single digit highs Wednesday through Friday, milder next week

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Minnesota weather: Single digit highs Wednesday through Friday, milder next week


It’s a cold and sunny Wednesday in Minnesota with single digit highs and subzero wind chills. 

Wednesday’s forecast in Minnesota 

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The forecast:

Wednesday will be cold and sunny with northwest winds between 5–15 mph, making it feel below zero throughout the day.

Temperatures remain below average, with central Minnesota seeing highs in the single digits, far northern Minnesota experiencing subzero highs, and double-digit highs in the southwest. The Twin Cities metro will top out at around 8 degrees. 

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Wednesday night remains mostly clear but cold as temperatures drop below zero with wind chills in the negative teens. 

Extended Minnesota weather forecast

What’s next:

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Thursday stays cold with a mix of sun and clouds. Highs remain in the single digits, accompanied by subzero wind chills. 

Frigid conditions continue into Friday before temperatures gradually warm over the weekend. Saturday brings highs in the teens, followed by warming into the mid-20s by Sunday. A weak system may bring a few snowflakes Sunday afternoon.

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Here’s a look at the seven-day forecast:

The Source: This forecast uses information from FOX 9 meteorologists.

Weather ForecastMinnesota
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Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar attacked during town hall meeting

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Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar attacked during town hall meeting


BREAKING,

Omar was sprayed with an unknown substance during the attack by a man, who was then tackled to the ground.

Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar has been attacked by a man while hosting a town hall meeting in Minneapolis.

Omar was sprayed with an unknown substance by the man before he was tackled to the ground on Tuesday.

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The Reuters news agency said that Omar was not injured in the attack, and authorities have not said what substance was sprayed or whether charges have been filed against the assailant.

The audience cheered as the man was pinned down and his arms were tied behind his back. In a video clip of the incident, someone in the crowd can be heard saying, “Oh my god, he sprayed something on her”, the Associated Press news agency reported.

Omar continued the town hall after the man was ushered out of the room.

Just before the attack, she had called for the abolishment of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign.

“ICE cannot be reformed,” Omar said.

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A man shouts at U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) after spraying her, during a town hall meeting days after a man identified as Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents trying to detain him, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 27, 2026 in a still image from video. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona
A man shouts at US Representative Ilhan Omar after spraying her with a substance during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday, just days after Alex Pretti was shot dead by federal immigration agents in the city, in Minnesota [Screengrab: Maria Alejandra Cardona/Reuters]

Minneapolis police did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident and whether anyone was arrested.

The White House did not immediately respond to a message from the AP seeking comment.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow soon…



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