Steve Karnowski, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Police tape blocks off the home of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman, Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Brooklyn Park, Minn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

Prosecutors turn over 130,000 pages of evidence in the killing of a Minnesota lawmaker

November 12, 2025

Prosecutors in the case of a man charged with killing a top Minnesota Democratic lawmaker and her husband say they’ve turned over a massive amount of evidence to the defense. Federal prosecutor Harry Jacobs told a court Wednesday that investigators have provided substantially all they have against Vance Boelter, who has pleaded not guilty to murder in the killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and to attempted murder in the shootings of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Federal defender Manny Atwal said they need more time to review more than 130,000 pages of documents and 800 hours of recordings.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey talks during a news conference after his reelection Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Jacob Frey fends off democratic socialist’s challenge to win 3rd term as Minneapolis mayor

November 5, 2025

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has won a third term, defeating challenger Omar Fateh in the city’s ranked-choice voting election. Frey, a mainstream Democrat, led Fateh, a democratic socialist, by about 10 percentage points after the first round of counting. The election featured 15 candidates, with Fateh, the Rev. DeWayne Davis, and businessman Jazz Hampton forming an alliance to challenge Frey. In neighboring St. Paul, Democratic state Rep. Kaohly Her defeated incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter, and will become the first woman and Hmong American mayor of the city. Minneapolis set a record for the most votes cast in a municipal election.

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump administration says Minnesota violates Title IX by allowing trans athletes in girls sports

September 30, 2025

President Donald Trump’s administration has accused Minnesota of violating federal law by allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls sports. The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services claim this breaches Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination. The agencies found that transgender athletes have participated in various girls sports, including skiing and lacrosse. The administration initiated this investigation after Trump issued an executive order in February. The Minnesota State High School League has stated it will follow state law, not the executive order. The federal agencies have given the state 10 days to comply or face enforcement action.

FILE - The U.S. District Courthouse for the District of Minnesota is shown on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Nikolas Liepins, File)

Minnesota man pleads guilty to attempting to join Islamic State group

September 29, 2025

A Minnesota man has pleaded guilty to attempting to join the Islamic State group. Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan changed his plea during a court appearance on Monday. Prosecutors say Hassan tried twice in December to travel from Minnesota to Somalia to join the group but failed both times. The FBI had been tipped off about his social media activity supporting the Islamic State group and the Somali militant group al-Shabab. Hassan remains in custody, with no sentencing date set. The statutory maximum penalty is 15 years, but a plea agreement usually results in a lower sentence. Hassan is the latest of several Minnesotans linked to the group.

FILE - Mike Lindell walks into federal district court for a defamation trial, June 5, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)

Judge rules ‘MyPillow Guy’ Mike Lindell defamed Smartmatic with false claims on voting machines

September 26, 2025

A federal judge in Minnesota has ruled that MyPillow founder Mike Lindell defamed election technology company Smartmatic by falsely claiming its voting machines helped rig the 2020 presidential election. The judge identified 51 instances where Lindell made false claims. However, the question of whether Lindell acted with “actual malice” won’t be resolved until later. Smartmatic needs to prove that to collect damages. Lindell has faced similar legal issues with Dominion Voting Systems. He says he plans to continue his fight against voting machines. He also continues to express interest in a possible run for governor of Minnesota against incumbent Tim Walz.

Minnesota’s political divide stalls gun control efforts after deadly church shooting

September 26, 2025

Minnesota is grappling with a political deadlock over gun control after a church shooting in August left two children dead and 21 injured. Gov. Tim Walz has vowed to call a special legislative session to address gun violence and school safety. However, a month later, discussions remain stalled. The state Legislature is very closely divided, making bipartisan support essential for any progress. Urban Democrats generally support gun restrictions, while rural Republicans oppose them. Walz has prioritized bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, but consensus remains elusive. Both parties continue to debate potential solutions without reaching an agreement.

Farm Aid celebrates 40 years of supporting family farmers with a concert in Minneapolis

September 19, 2025

Farm Aid celebrates its 40th anniversary Saturday in Minneapolis. The concerts, launched by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp in the farm crisis of the 1980s, continue to raise awareness about the plight of family farmers. Bob Dylan is a late addition to the program. They’ll be joined at the University of Minnesota by artists including Dave Matthews and Kenny Chesney. A labor dispute between the university and Teamsters almost scuttled the festival, but a deal was reached late last week. Farm Aid raises over $1 million annually. Nathaniel Rateliff, a returning performer, says the event highlights music’s power to unite across political divides.

FILE - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at the California Democratic Party's 2025 State Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., on May, 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, file)

Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic VP candidate, says he’ll seek a third term as Minnesota’s governor

September 16, 2025

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he’ll seek reelection to a third term in the 2026 elections. He’s hoping to beat the odds to become the longest-serving governor in a state where voters have usually said two terms were plenty. Walz was picked by then-Vice President Kamala Harris to be her running mate on the 2024 Democratic ticket. He’s been a sharp critic of President Donald Trump since then. In a campaign video posted on YouTube, Walz said he’s running because his work isn’t done and he wants to make Minnesota a place where everyone has a chance to succeed.

Xp Lee, Democratic candidate for Minnesota house district 34B, knocks on doors during campaigning in Brooklyn Park, Minn., Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Vancleave)

Election to fill assassinated Minnesota House member’s seat will decide control of the chamber

September 15, 2025

Tuesday’s special legislative election in Minnesota will determine control of the state House. The seat was held by Democratic Rep. Melissa Hortman until her assassination in June. Former Brooklyn Park City Council member Xp Lee, a Democrat, faces Republican real estate agent Ruth Bittner. A win for Lee would maintain a 67-67 tie in the House. An upset by Bittner would give Republicans control for the first time since 2018. Two more special elections are set for Nov. 4 for a pair of Minnesota Senate districts, but control of the Senate isn’t expected to change.

FILE - Myon Burrell poses for a photo at his home in Minneapolis, Dec. 17, 2020, two days after his release from prison. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

Appeals court upholds Myon Burrell’s conviction in gun and drug case

September 8, 2025

An appeals court has upheld the conviction of a Minnesota man in a gun and drug case. This decision comes after Myon Burrell’s life sentence was commuted in a high-profile murder case. On Monday, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled that the search following a 2023 traffic stop was legal. Police found drugs and a handgun in Burrell’s SUV after he was stopped. Burrell was 16 when he was arrested for a 2002 murder. His sentence was commuted in 2020 after questions were raised about the investigation, but his conviction remained on his record so he couldn’t legally have a gun.

Neurosurgeon says there are ‘rays of hope’ for girl critically hurt in Minneapolis church shooting

September 5, 2025

A neurosurgeon says there are “rays of hope” for a 12-year-old girl critically injured in a Minneapolis church shooting. Sophia Forchas was among the most seriously wounded when a shooter opened fire at the Church of the Annunciation on Aug. 27. Two students were killed, and 21 people were injured. Sophia remains in intensive care with a bullet lodged in her brain. Her doctor says her young brain’s ability to heal offers hope. On Friday, students across Minnesota and other U.S. cities staged walkouts, demanding lawmakers ban assault weapons. Sophia’s father expressed gratitude for global prayers and support.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks outside the Annunciation Catholic School following a shooting Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Gov. Tim Walz to call special session on gun laws after Minneapolis school shooting

September 2, 2025

Governor Tim Walz plans to call a special session of the Minnesota Legislature to consider tougher gun laws after last week’s shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. The shooting left two children dead and 21 people injured. Walz said Tuesday he intends to propose a comprehensive package, possibly including an assault weapons ban. However, passing new restrictions may be challenging in the closely divided Legislature. GOP leaders have criticized Walz for not consulting them. They suggest expanding school security funding and mental health resources instead. Walz says his proposals will protect students without infringing on Second Amendment rights.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison briefs reporters in his office about the lawsuit he filed against social media giant TikTok, alleging it preys on young people with addictive algorithms, at the Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul, Minn., Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)

Minnesota sues TikTok, alleging it preys on young people with addictive algorithms

August 19, 2025

Minnesota has joined a wave of states suing TikTok, claiming the app uses addictive algorithms that harm young people’s mental health. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, alleges TikTok violates state laws against deceptive trade practices and consumer fraud. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison accuses TikTok of knowing the dangers but failing to act. The case follows similar lawsuits from about 24 states. TikTok disputes the claims, stating it has safety measures in place. Minnesota seeks a declaration that TikTok’s practices are deceptive and a permanent injunction against them, along with financial penalties. Ellison emphasizes the need for TikTok to operate safely.

A price for beef is displayed on the edge of a shelf at a grocery store in Mount Prospect, Ill., Thursday, July 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Ranchers say expanding herds to take advantage of record retail beef prices isn’t so simple

July 30, 2025

South Dakota rancher Calli Williams wants to benefit from high beef prices, but it’s not so simple. She and her husband have faced challenges like drought, limited grass for grazing, and rising land costs. Expanding herds is difficult due to biology; it takes years to increase cattle numbers. Despite recent rains, past drought impacts linger. U.S. cattle herds are at record lows despite retail beef prices soaring. Consumers are still willing to pay high prices, valuing beef’s taste. The Williamses hope to expand their operation and pass it down to their young sons. They’re remaining optimistic despite challenges from weather and markets.

Man with mental health issues found naked in Minnesota Capitol, raising new security concerns

July 26, 2025

A man with apparent mental health issues was found naked in the Minnesota State Capitol late at night. The incident has raised fresh security concerns after the killing of Democratic former House Speaker Melissa Hortman. The man was found in the Senate chamber around 11:30 p.m. Friday. Capitol Security responded promptly, and the man was taken to a hospital for evaluation. He was deemed not to be a threat and was released, but returned to the Capitol grounds Saturday morning. An investigation is underway to determine how he gained access. Republican leaders are demanding steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Allianz Life confirms data breach affecting majority of 1.4M US customers

July 26, 2025

Hackers have accessed the personal data of most of the 1.4 million customers of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. The company confirmed the breach on Saturday. Allianz Life, based in Minneapolis, said the breach occurred on July 16. It says a “malicious threat actor” accessed a third-party, cloud-based system, but not its own systems. The company has notified the FBI and is reaching out to affected individuals. Allianz Life is a subsidiary of the Munich, Germany-based global financial services group Allianz SE. It says the incident involves only Allianz Life in the U.S., not other Allianz corporate entities.

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell exits the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Mike Lindell celebrates victory after appeals court voids $5M award in election data dispute

July 23, 2025

A federal appeals court has ruled that MyPillow founder Mike Lindell doesn’t have to pay a $5 million award to a software engineer. The engineer disputed data Lindell claimed proved China interfered in the 2020 election. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals found Wednesday that an arbitration panel overstepped its authority in 2023 when it awarded the money to Robert Zeidman. Lindell had offered the prize during a 2021 “Cyber Symposium” for anyone who could disprove his claims. The appeals court said the arbitrators went too far in interpreting the contest rules. Lindell hails his victory as a “big win.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi, left, listens as President Donald Trump, right, speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump administration opens investigation into Minnesota agency’s affirmative action policy

July 10, 2025

The Trump administration has launched an investigation into the Minnesota Department of Human Services over its newly updated affirmative action hiring policy. The policy requires supervisors to justify hiring candidates who are not from underrepresented groups, such as women or racial minorities, in certain job categories. The investigation comes amid the administration’s broader push against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Attorney General Pam Bondi says that state government employees should be hired based on merit, not based on what she called “illegal DEI.” The state Department of Human Services says it follows all state and federal hiring laws.

Bullet holes mark the front door of the house of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife who were shot earlier in the day, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Champlin, Minn. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman, shot 9 times by a man posing as an officer, leaves the hospital

July 8, 2025

A Minnesota state senator who was shot nine times during an attack in June has been moved to a rehabilitation facility. John Hoffman’s family issued a statement Monday night that saying he was out of the hospital but has a long road to recovery. Hoffman and his wife were attacked in their home by a man posing as a police officer. Authorities allege the gunman was Vance Boelter. They say he also killed former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Prosecutors have called it an assassination. Boelter is charged with murder and attempted murder. Federal authorities may pursue the death penalty.

Pictures of Mark and Melissa Hortman are set up inside the sanctuary at the Basilica of St. Mary's during funeral services for Mark and Melissa Hortman in Minneapolis, Minn., on Saturday, June 28, 2025. (Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP, Pool)

Man charged with killing former Minnesota House speaker is due back in court after delay

July 2, 2025

The man accused of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounding a state senator and his wife, is due back in court after a week’s delay. Prosecutors allege 57-year-old Vance Boelter carried out the June 14 attacks disguised as a police officer. Authorities say he also targeted other Democrats. Boelter’s lawyer argued that he’d been sleep-deprived due to harsh jail conditions, and won a delay in proceedings last week. Boelter could face the federal death penalty, though no decision has been made. The attacks have been described as a political assassination and a threat to democracy.

A memorial for Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark is seen at the state Capitol, Sunday, June 15, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman to lie in state as suspect faces court date

June 26, 2025

Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman will lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol rotunda on Friday. Hortman, her husband, and their dog were killed in a June 14 attack. The public can pay respects from noon to 5 p.m. A private funeral is set for Saturday. The suspect, Vance Boelter, who’s charged with murder and attempted murder, is due in federal court Friday. Prosecutors allege he targeted multiple Democrats in what they call a political assassination. Boelter could face the federal death penalty. His wife has expressed shock and sympathy for the victims, calling the violence a betrayal of their beliefs.

A candlelight vigil for former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, who were fatally shot, at the state Capitol, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Nikolas Liepins)

Minnesota lawmaker shot to death at home will lie in state at Capitol ahead of funeral

June 24, 2025

Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, will lie in state in the state Capitol Rotunda on Friday, a day ahead of their funeral. Hortman will be the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans accorded the honor. The Hortmans were shot to death in their home in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park early on June 14 in what authorities say was a politically motivated killing. Before that, authorities say, the suspect, Vance Boelter, wounded another Democrat, Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette, who lived a few miles away in Champlin.

This booking photo provided by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office shows Vance Boelter in Green Isle, Minn., on June 16, 2025. (Hennepin County Sheriff's Office via AP)

Man charged with killing prominent lawmaker could face a rarity for Minnesota: the death penalty

June 17, 2025

The man charged with killing a prominent Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another could face the death penalty, something that is a rarity for Minnesota but could become more common under the Trump administration. The state abolished capital punishment in 1911, and its last execution was a botched hanging in 1906. But federal prosecutors announced charges against Vance Boelter on Monday that can carry the death penalty. Boelter is accused of fatally shooting former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday. Authorities say he also shot and wounded another Democrat, Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette,

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in St. Cloud, Minn. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Trump administration moves to lift Biden-era mining restrictions near Boundary Waters in Minnesota

June 12, 2025

President Donald Trump’s administration is moving to lift restrictions on copper-nickel mining that the Biden administration imposed near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota. The decision was announced Wednesday by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. It threw a lifeline to the proposed Twin Metals Minnesota mine near Ely. Democratic administrations have tried to kill the project because of the threat of acid mine drainage into the country’s most-visited federally designated wilderness area. Trump promised during a campaign stop in Minnesota last year that he would reverse the moratorium.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s next move: Energizing Democrats in South Carolina and California

May 30, 2025

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will seek to energize activists at Democratic state conventions in South Carolina and California on Saturday. The party’s 2024 vice presidential nominee is working to keep up the high national profile he gained when Kamala Harris selected him as her running mate. Walz will keynote the South Carolina gathering in Columbia, traditionally a showcase for national-level Democrats and White House hopefuls. South Carolina held the first Democratic presidential primary of the 2024 campaign, and the state hopes for a repeat in 2028. But the national party organizations haven’t settled their 2028 calendars yet.

FILE - An aerial view of Dingucha village in Gandhinagar, India, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki, File)

Men face prison for human smuggling after an Indian family of 4 died on the US-Canada border

May 27, 2025

Two men face sentencing in Minnesota on human smuggling charges more than three years after a family of four from India froze to death while trying to cross into the U.S. along a remote stretch of the Canadian border in a blizzard. Federal prosecutors have recommended nearly 20 years for the alleged ringleader, Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, at his sentencing Wednesday. And they’re seeking nearly 11 years for the driver who was supposed to pick them up, Steve Anthony Shand. They’ll be sentenced at the federal courthouse in the northwestern Minnesota city of Fergus Falls, where they were tried and convicted on four counts apiece in November.

Former Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo sits for a portrait in Minneapolis, Minn., on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Vancleave)

Ex-Minneapolis police chief recalls ‘absolutely gut-wrenching’ moment of seeing George Floyd video

May 23, 2025

Former Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo says he wishes he had moved faster to change the culture of his department before the murder of George Floyd, which happened five years ago Sunday. Arradondo, the city’s first Black police chief, told The Associated Press he also wishes he had done more to elevate the community voices demanding change. He recently published a book, “Chief Rondo: Securing Justice for the Murder of George Floyd.” He closes it with a letter to Floyd’s daughter, Gianna in which he says something she hasn’t heard from the former officers convicted in Floyd’s death: “I’m sorry.”

Steve Karnowski.