One person was killed and at least 14 others were wounded during a shooting early Sunday inside a crowded bar in St. Paul, Minnesota, authorities said.

When police arrived at the bar, identified as Seventh Street Truck Park, shortly after 12:15 am, they said they encountered a chaotic scene, with the victims scattered on the sidewalk, in the street and inside.

“They walked into a hellish situation,” Steve Linders, a spokesperson for the St. Paul Police Department, said during a briefing at the scene later Sunday morning.

Investigators said they were searching for several gunmen and had not yet determined a motive for the shooting, which claimed the life of a woman in her 20s. Police did not release the woman’s name.

“One minute she’s having a good time,” Linders said. “The next minute, she’s lying in her friends’ arms who are trying to save her life, and she didn’t make it. I can’t think of anything worse.”

Fourteen people were hospitalised with gunshot wounds, said Linders, who described their injuries as not life-threatening. Police were trying to determine if there were other victims who may have left the scene and sought treatment on their own, he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-school-shooting-suspect-released-on-bail-419066">Also read |&nbsp;Texas school shooting suspect released on bail</a>

Linders said that several “good Samaritans” helped tend to the victims until emergency responders could treat them.

“We had people in the city of St. Paul out on a Saturday night having a good time, and we had other people who decided to pull guns with reckless disregard to human life and pull the trigger over and over and over and over again, and it ended in tragedy,” he said.

The Seventh Street Truck Park did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Sunday morning. No one answered the phone at the bar, which has a large food hall with food trucks inside.

Later Sunday morning, Mayor Melvin Carter of St. Paul condemned the violence.

“Our community is devastated by the shocking scenes from last night,” Carter said on Twitter. “As our Saint Paul officers work to bring those responsible for these senseless acts into custody, our work to build more proactive and comprehensive public safety strategies is more urgent than ever. We will never accept violence in our community.”

St. Paul is approaching a grim milestone for the number of homicides in Minnesota’s capital city.

The bar shooting Sunday morning brought the total number of homicides for the year to 32, according to police. Last year, there were 34 homicides, which The Pioneer Press reported tied a record set in 1992.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-high-schools-falls-prey-to-yet-another-shooting-at-least-4-injured-418710">Also read |&nbsp;Texas high schools falls prey to yet another shooting; at least 4 injured</a>

Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., who represents St. Paul, lamented the loss of life in a series of tweets Sunday morning.

“The epidemic of gun violence plaguing the Twin Cities has hit us in St. Paul with a mass shooting event that can only be described as a horror,” McCollum said. “I know our St. Paul community will come together to support the victims and their families during this time of pain and grief.”

One person was killed and at least 14 others were wounded during a shooting early Sunday inside a crowded bar in St. Paul, Minnesota, authorities said. When police arrived at the bar, identified as Seventh Street Truck Park, shortly after 12:15 am, they said they encountered a chaotic scene, with the victims scattered on the sidewalk, in the street and inside.

One person was killed and at least 14 others were wounded during a shooting early Sunday inside a crowded bar in St. Paul, Minnesota, authorities said. When police arrived at the bar, identified as Seventh Street Truck Park, shortly after 12:15 am, they said they encountered a chaotic scene, with the victims scattered on the sidewalk, in the street and inside. “They walked into a hellish situation,” Steve Linders, a spokesperson for the St. Paul Police Department, said during a briefing at the scene later Sunday morning. Investigators said they were searching for several gunmen and had not yet determined a motive for the shooting, which claimed the life of a woman in her 20s. Police did not release the woman’s name. “One minute she’s having a good time,” Linders said. “The next minute, she’s lying in her friends’ arms who are trying to save her life, and she didn’t make it. I can’t think of anything worse.” Fourteen people were hospitalised with gunshot wounds, said Linders, who described their injuries as not life-threatening. Police were trying to determine if there were other victims who may have left the scene and sought treatment on their own, he said. Also read | Texas school shooting suspect released on bail Linders said that several “good Samaritans” helped tend to the victims until emergency responders could treat them. “We had people in the city of St. Paul out on a Saturday night having a good time, and we had other people who decided to pull guns with reckless disregard to human life and pull the trigger over and over and over and over again, and it ended in tragedy,” he said. The Seventh Street Truck Park did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Sunday morning. No one answered the phone at the bar, which has a large food hall with food trucks inside. Later Sunday morning, Mayor Melvin Carter of St. Paul condemned the violence. “Our community is devastated by the shocking scenes from last night,” Carter said on Twitter. “As our Saint Paul officers work to bring those responsible for these senseless acts into custody, our work to build more proactive and comprehensive public safety strategies is more urgent than ever. We will never accept violence in our community.” St. Paul is approaching a grim milestone for the number of homicides in Minnesota’s capital city. The bar shooting Sunday morning brought the total number of homicides for the year to 32, according to police. Last year, there were 34 homicides, which The Pioneer Press reported tied a record set in 1992. Also read | Texas high schools falls prey to yet another shooting; at least 4 injured Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., who represents St. Paul, lamented the loss of life in a series of tweets Sunday morning. “The epidemic of gun violence plaguing the Twin Cities has hit us in St. Paul with a mass shooting event that can only be described as a horror,” McCollum said. “I know our St. Paul community will come together to support the victims and their families during this time of pain and grief.”

1 killed and at least 14 wounded in shooting in Minnesota bar: Police

Aquarium owners have been urged to not abandon their pet goldfish into the open waters in Minnesota.

“A few goldfish might seem to some like a harmless addition to the local water body – but they’re not,” the Minnesota department of natural resources&nbsp;advised.

The warning has come after officials observed small-sized goldfishes growing into a monstrously bigger size, which is very unusual and raises concern for the species.

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That’s where I found this one a couple years ago. <a href="https://t.co/hAfCGuMHCn">pic.twitter.com/hAfCGuMHCn</a>
— Josh Holt (@jholt52579) <a href="https://twitter.com/jholt52579/status/1413517420199882752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Please don’t release your pet goldfish into ponds and lakes!"&nbsp;the city&nbsp;tweeted&nbsp;on Friday. "They grow bigger than you think and contribute to poor water quality by mucking up the bottom sediments and uprooting plants."

Scientists have revealed that goldfish can survive in low levels of oxygen even during the Minnesota winter and reproduce very easily. However, as the species is understudied, there are higher chances of it negatively affecting the water quality of lakes.

This announcement came after a group of goldfish was found in Lake Keller.

While authorities are worried about this growing trend, Twitter users decided to have their share of fun with this alert.

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My favorite Dr. Seuss book came true!! <a href="https://t.co/H2mOPIY1vo">https://t.co/H2mOPIY1vo</a> <a href="https://t.co/oz2DKSFblW">pic.twitter.com/oz2DKSFblW</a>
— AlcovyEcon (@AlcovyE) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlcovyE/status/1414729334959575040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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If they’d let it get to leve 20 it would be a Gyarados <a href="https://t.co/BGObo2FjSj">https://t.co/BGObo2FjSj</a>
— Nilo Cobau (@nilocobau) <a href="https://twitter.com/nilocobau/status/1414755481411743766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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this is a Magikarp <a href="https://t.co/5wpVwJe9pY">https://t.co/5wpVwJe9pY</a>
— v.o. (@vanillaopinions) <a href="https://twitter.com/vanillaopinions/status/1414663010216517638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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my large teenage sons <a href="https://t.co/tbZhMLgKNV">https://t.co/tbZhMLgKNV</a>
— John Cullen (@cullenthecomic) <a href="https://twitter.com/cullenthecomic/status/1414480329490923520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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why are we body shaming fish <a href="https://t.co/yaslh1oupi">https://t.co/yaslh1oupi</a>
— one (@JUARANTINE) <a href="https://twitter.com/JUARANTINE/status/1414313574428721152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Aquarium owners have been urged to not abandon their pet goldfish into the open waters in Minnesota. “A few goldfish might seem to some like a harmless addition to the local water body – but they’re not,” the Minnesota department of natural resources advised.

Aquarium owners have been urged to not abandon their pet goldfish into the open waters in Minnesota. “A few goldfish might seem to some like a harmless addition to the local water body – but they’re not,” the Minnesota department of natural resources advised. The warning has come after officials observed small-sized goldfishes growing into a monstrously bigger size, which is very unusual and raises concern for the species. That’s where I found this one a couple years ago. pic.twitter.com/hAfCGuMHCn — Josh Holt (@jholt52579) July 9, 2021 × "Please don’t release your pet goldfish into ponds and lakes!" the city tweeted on Friday. "They grow bigger than you think and contribute to poor water quality by mucking up the bottom sediments and uprooting plants." Scientists have revealed that goldfish can survive in low levels of oxygen even during the Minnesota winter and reproduce very easily. However, as the species is understudied, there are higher chances of it negatively affecting the water quality of lakes. This announcement came after a group of goldfish was found in Lake Keller. While authorities are worried about this growing trend, Twitter users decided to have their share of fun with this alert. My favorite Dr. Seuss book came true!! https://t.co/H2mOPIY1vo pic.twitter.com/oz2DKSFblW — AlcovyEcon (@AlcovyE) July 12, 2021 × If they’d let it get to leve 20 it would be a Gyarados https://t.co/BGObo2FjSj — Nilo Cobau (@nilocobau) July 13, 2021 × this is a Magikarp https://t.co/5wpVwJe9pY — v.o. (@vanillaopinions) July 12, 2021 × my large teenage sons https://t.co/tbZhMLgKNV — John Cullen (@cullenthecomic) July 12, 2021 × why are we body shaming fish https://t.co/yaslh1oupi — one (@JUARANTINE) July 11, 2021 ×

Miniature to monstrous: Goldfish abandoned in lakes grow bigger in size

Hundreds mourn Daunte Wright, Black man killed by Minnesota police

20-year-old Daunte Wright who died in a police shooting on 21 April, has been laid to rest. Hundreds of mourners including relatives of George Floyd and top politicians of Minnesota attended the young black man's funeral.

Daunte Wright laid to rest after Minnesota police shooting

The Minneapolis cop who shot Daunte Wright has said that she mistook her gun for her taser. How plausible is this version of events? What does it say about police training in the U.S.? WION's Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: US cop 'mistook' gun for teaser

The third night of protests comes after the officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright, a 20-year old Black man who struggled with police after a traffic stop, and the police chief both resigned.

Minnesota protests: Stun grenade, tear gas used to disperse demonstrators

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets as angry protests erupted in a Minneapolis suburb after a 20-year-old Black man was shot dead during a traffic stop.

Outside of the Brooklyn Center Police Department on Sunday night, (April 11) smoke billowed as a line of police officers fired rubber bullets and chemical agents at protesters, some of whom lobbed rocks, bags of garbage and water bottles at the police.

One of the eyewitnesses, photographer Jonathan Stengenga said it was "surreal" as he wiped tears off his face after running away from cloud of chemical irritants.

"They just shot another round of flash bangs, tear gas and pepper (spray) and bullets. Even with this mask it got it into my lungs and eyes. I had one flash bang hit right by my feet," Stengenga said in a video published on his Facebook page.

The man killed by police was identified by relatives and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Daunte Wright, 20. Walz said in a statement that he was monitoring the unrest as "our state mourns another life of a Black man taken by law enforcement."

Commissioner John Harrington of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety said in a live-streamed news briefing that late on Sunday a group of about 100 to 200 protesters gathered around the Brooklyn Center police headquarters and threw projectiles at the police department. The group was later dispersed.

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets as angry protests erupted in a Minneapolis suburb after a 20-year-old Black man was shot dead during a traffic stop. Outside of the Brooklyn Center Police Department on Sunday night, (April 11) smoke billowed as a line of police officers fired rubber bullets and chemical agents at protesters, some of whom lobbed rocks, bags of garbage and water bottles at the police.

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets as angry protests erupted in a Minneapolis suburb after a 20-year-old Black man was shot dead during a traffic stop. Outside of the Brooklyn Center Police Department on Sunday night, (April 11) smoke billowed as a line of police officers fired rubber bullets and chemical agents at protesters, some of whom lobbed rocks, bags of garbage and water bottles at the police. One of the eyewitnesses, photographer Jonathan Stengenga said it was "surreal" as he wiped tears off his face after running away from cloud of chemical irritants. "They just shot another round of flash bangs, tear gas and pepper (spray) and bullets. Even with this mask it got it into my lungs and eyes. I had one flash bang hit right by my feet," Stengenga said in a video published on his Facebook page. The man killed by police was identified by relatives and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Daunte Wright, 20. Walz said in a statement that he was monitoring the unrest as "our state mourns another life of a Black man taken by law enforcement." Commissioner John Harrington of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety said in a live-streamed news briefing that late on Sunday a group of about 100 to 200 protesters gathered around the Brooklyn Center police headquarters and threw projectiles at the police department. The group was later dispersed.

Tear gas and flash bangs fired in Minnesota protest after police shoot Black man

16 kilometres away from where George Floyd was killed, another Black-American has been shot dead for a 'traffic violation'. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how America's virus of racism is yet to be eradicated.

Gravitas: Black-American killed by cops in Minnesota

A dramatic scene was caught on traffic police camera on a&nbsp;Minneapolis-area city of Arden Hills where a light aircraft made an emergency landing on an interstate.

The single-propellor plane had to make an emergency landing as the aircraft experienced an engine failure. The pilot decided to land his carrier in the middle of an interstate highway, without giving the traffic police a chance to stop the incoming traffic.

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ICYMI: A plane landed on 35W last night. (Yes, really!) 
 
While this isn't *quite* what we mean by a "multimodal transportation system," we're glad no one was injured and are impressed by the pilot's effort to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/zippermerge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#zippermerge</a> from above! <a href="https://t.co/imPdiQ1wMX">pic.twitter.com/imPdiQ1wMX</a>
— Minnesota Department of Transportation (@MnDOT) <a href="https://twitter.com/MnDOT/status/1334631479603843073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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When the plane made the landing, an SUV was already running ahead of it, and two other cars had to pull emergency brakes as soon as they saw this unexpected dramatic landing. The&nbsp;Ramsey County Deputy's Federation posted pictures of this&nbsp;plane versus vehicle in Arden Hills where the nose of the plane can be seen breaking into the hood of a black-coloured SUV. However, the department also informed that no one was hurt in this dramatic landing and crash.

<img alt="Plane landing" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="df52d455-ee04-4d24-b640-35427392522a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Plane%20landing%20%281%29.jpg" />

This touchdown is being applauded by experts who appreciated the pilot for his quick wit and his efforts of trying and succeeding in pulling a zipper merge while matching the speed of the vehicles running on the highway.

The incident was handled by the&nbsp;Minnesota State Patrol and&nbsp;Ramsey County Deputy's Federation in a joint effort.

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Tonight deputies responded to a plane versus vehicle in Arden Hills, MN. No, you didn't read that wrong! While in...
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RCDFederation/">Ramsey County Deputy's Federation</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RCDFederation/posts/161823885682664">Wednesday, December 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A dramatic scene was caught on traffic police camera on a Minneapolis-area city of Arden Hills where a light aircraft made an emergency landing on an interstate.

A dramatic scene was caught on traffic police camera on a Minneapolis-area city of Arden Hills where a light aircraft made an emergency landing on an interstate. The single-propellor plane had to make an emergency landing as the aircraft experienced an engine failure. The pilot decided to land his carrier in the middle of an interstate highway, without giving the traffic police a chance to stop the incoming traffic. ICYMI: A plane landed on 35W last night. (Yes, really!) While this isn't *quite* what we mean by a "multimodal transportation system," we're glad no one was injured and are impressed by the pilot's effort to #zippermerge from above! pic.twitter.com/imPdiQ1wMX — Minnesota Department of Transportation (@MnDOT) December 3, 2020 × When the plane made the landing, an SUV was already running ahead of it, and two other cars had to pull emergency brakes as soon as they saw this unexpected dramatic landing. The Ramsey County Deputy's Federation posted pictures of this plane versus vehicle in Arden Hills where the nose of the plane can be seen breaking into the hood of a black-coloured SUV. However, the department also informed that no one was hurt in this dramatic landing and crash. This touchdown is being applauded by experts who appreciated the pilot for his quick wit and his efforts of trying and succeeding in pulling a zipper merge while matching the speed of the vehicles running on the highway. The incident was handled by the Minnesota State Patrol and Ramsey County Deputy's Federation in a joint effort. Tonight deputies responded to a plane versus vehicle in Arden Hills, MN. No, you didn't read that wrong! While in... Posted by Ramsey County Deputy's Federation on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 ×

WATCH| Light weight plane makes dramatic landing on Minnesota's busy highway

Less than a week before the US elections, the state of Minnesota has decided not to bring in emergency intervention from the Supreme Court over an appeals ruling that questions legality of their decision to allow mail-in ballots which will be received after election day.

A ruling was issued in the state of Minnesota, which will not be considered as the final word of litigation yet, that states that the mail-in ballots received after the Election day, which is November 03, will have to be separated from the ones received before and on the day of the election.&nbsp;It states that the ruling by the 8th US Circuit Court of Appeals — which was seen in favour of Republicans — that stated all the ballots received after the Election day should not be counted is unlawful.

"While Minnesota will comply with the 8th Circuit`s ruling to segregate the ballots received after November 3, we need to emphasize that there is no court ruling yet saying those ballots are invalid," said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-moves-his-election-night-party-to-the-white-house-339149">Also read|&nbsp;Trump 'moves' his election night party to the White House</a>

"We absolutely reserve the right to make every argument after Election Day that protects voters," he added.

Simon also urged people to deliver their mail-in ballot directly to the country election offices or bote in person&nbsp;instead of mailing in the envelope. As per the state law, the residents are supposed to deliver their mail-in ballots by the November 93. This rule, however, was changed a bit and the deadline was extended through a settlement reached&nbsp;with a citizens group that sued earlier this year. The settlement states that election officials can count mail-in ballot until November 10, but they have to be postmarked by November 03.

The current President and Republican candidate Donald Trump has also warned about potential fraud and vote manipulation in the process of mail-in ballots. He also stated that there is no guarantee the election results will be available soon and can see a delay to the same. However, his statements were met with harsh criticism from his Democratic rival and former Vice President Joe Biden.

Less than a week before the US elections, the state of Minnesota has decided not to bring in emergency intervention from the Supreme Court over an appeals ruling that questions legality of their decision to allow mail-in ballots which will be received after election day.

Less than a week before the US elections, the state of Minnesota has decided not to bring in emergency intervention from the Supreme Court over an appeals ruling that questions legality of their decision to allow mail-in ballots which will be received after election day. A ruling was issued in the state of Minnesota, which will not be considered as the final word of litigation yet, that states that the mail-in ballots received after the Election day, which is November 03, will have to be separated from the ones received before and on the day of the election. It states that the ruling by the 8th US Circuit Court of Appeals — which was seen in favour of Republicans — that stated all the ballots received after the Election day should not be counted is unlawful. "While Minnesota will comply with the 8th Circuit`s ruling to segregate the ballots received after November 3, we need to emphasize that there is no court ruling yet saying those ballots are invalid," said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat. Also read| Trump 'moves' his election night party to the White House "We absolutely reserve the right to make every argument after Election Day that protects voters," he added. Simon also urged people to deliver their mail-in ballot directly to the country election offices or bote in person instead of mailing in the envelope. As per the state law, the residents are supposed to deliver their mail-in ballots by the November 93. This rule, however, was changed a bit and the deadline was extended through a settlement reached with a citizens group that sued earlier this year. The settlement states that election officials can count mail-in ballot until November 10, but they have to be postmarked by November 03. The current President and Republican candidate Donald Trump has also warned about potential fraud and vote manipulation in the process of mail-in ballots. He also stated that there is no guarantee the election results will be available soon and can see a delay to the same. However, his statements were met with harsh criticism from his Democratic rival and former Vice President Joe Biden.

US Election 2020: Minnesota decides to accept mail-in voting till November 10; conditions apply

US President Donald Trump & his challenger Joe Biden made dueling trips to the battle ground state of Minnesota on Friday. After staying endorse for most of the year democrat nominee Joe Biden is now hitting the hitting the campaign trail.

US Election 2020: Donald Trump, Joe Biden make dueling trips to Minnesota battle ground

The death of an African American in Minnesota has triggered violent mass protests. The clashes between the cops and the protesters even led to riots and mass looting. WION's Palki Sharma sums up how America's moral authority and credibility is fast eroding.

Gravitas: Superpower unravels | Riots in the United States

Amy Klobuchar has abandoned her campaign to become the Democratic presidential nominee.&nbsp;She along with Pete Buttigieg will now be endorsing former vice-president and once rival Joe Biden.

<div>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-revives-white-house-hopes-with-south-carolina-victory-283523">Biden revives White House hopes with South Carolina victory</a></div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>Klobuchar survived the crowded democratic field, going all the way to the primaries.</div>

However, her performance had been on the decline after witnessing a surge in the New Hampshire primary.

<div>Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pete-buttigieg-drops-out-of-democratic-presidential-race-283617">Pete Buttigieg drops out of Democratic Presidential race</a></div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>In fact, she was relegated to a distant sixth spot in the recent South Carolina primary.</div>

Klobuchar rose to national prominence after her tough questioning of Trump's supreme court pick Brett Kavanaugh during a 2018 Senate judiciary hearing.

With Klobuchar's withdrawal, the Democrats have been left with five candidates ahead of the Super Tuesday.

Amy Klobuchar has abandoned her campaign to become the Democratic presidential nominee. She along with Pete Buttigieg will now be endorsing former vice-president and once rival Joe Biden.

Amy Klobuchar has abandoned her campaign to become the Democratic presidential nominee. She along with Pete Buttigieg will now be endorsing former vice-president and once rival Joe Biden. Also read: Biden revives White House hopes with South Carolina victory Klobuchar survived the crowded democratic field, going all the way to the primaries. However, her performance had been on the decline after witnessing a surge in the New Hampshire primary. Also see: Pete Buttigieg drops out of Democratic Presidential race In fact, she was relegated to a distant sixth spot in the recent South Carolina primary. Klobuchar rose to national prominence after her tough questioning of Trump's supreme court pick Brett Kavanaugh during a 2018 Senate judiciary hearing. With Klobuchar's withdrawal, the Democrats have been left with five candidates ahead of the Super Tuesday.

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar ends 2020 presidential bid

The sprawling sex abuse scandal involving R&amp;B singer R&nbsp;Kelly expanded on Monday to the state of Minnesota, where charges against him include engaging in prostitution with a minor.

The new charges come days after the disgraced superstar <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/r-kelly-pleads-not-guilty-denied-bail-on-us-charges-of-sex-crimes-236551">pleaded not guilty in New York to federal charges</a> including racketeering, which allege he systematically recruited girls for sex while touring.

He faces separate federal charges linked to child pornography in his hometown Chicago.

Along with the felony count of prostitution with a minor, Kelly also faces one count of soliciting a minor for sexual purposes, the attorney's office for Hennepin County, which includes the state's most populous city of Minneapolis, announced.

County Attorney Mike Freeman told journalists the charges are related to an incident dating to July 11, 2001, when a victim under 18 years old was attempting to obtain an autograph from Kelly, known for hits such as "I Believe I Can Fly."

The 52-year-old artist gave her the autograph along with a phone number, and after she called, she was invited to his hotel, Freeman said.

When the girl arrived, "she was offered $200 to take off her clothes and dance for him," he said. "After accepting the $200, she got naked and they proceeded to dance."

Freeman, who dubbed the incident "simply not acceptable," said sexual contact occurred but not intercourse.

She was then granted VIP access to one of his concerts, which was meant to be for adults 18 and over.

It is unclear when or whether the musician, whose given name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, will appear in Minnesota to face the new charges.

Following his recent arraignment in New York, it was expected Kelly would return to Chicago, where he must attend a status hearing on September 4 in a case involving child pornography.

He was denied bond in both Chicago and New York.

Prior to his arrest in July over the federal indictments, Kelly had been out on bond in connection with state felony charges of aggravated sexual assault in Chicago's Cook County criminal court.

Kelly has a decades-long history of abuse allegations, especially of underage girls, but for years maintained a solid fan base, performed and won awards.

He began facing renewed scrutiny earlier this year upon the release of the docu-series "Surviving R. Kelly," which nabbed an Emmy nomination for outstanding informational series or special.

The sprawling sex abuse scandal involving R&B singer R Kelly expanded on Monday to the state of Minnesota, where charges against him include engaging in prostitution with a minor.

The sprawling sex abuse scandal involving R&B singer R Kelly expanded on Monday to the state of Minnesota, where charges against him include engaging in prostitution with a minor. The new charges come days after the disgraced superstar pleaded not guilty in New York to federal charges including racketeering, which allege he systematically recruited girls for sex while touring. He faces separate federal charges linked to child pornography in his hometown Chicago. Along with the felony count of prostitution with a minor, Kelly also faces one count of soliciting a minor for sexual purposes, the attorney's office for Hennepin County, which includes the state's most populous city of Minneapolis, announced. County Attorney Mike Freeman told journalists the charges are related to an incident dating to July 11, 2001, when a victim under 18 years old was attempting to obtain an autograph from Kelly, known for hits such as "I Believe I Can Fly." The 52-year-old artist gave her the autograph along with a phone number, and after she called, she was invited to his hotel, Freeman said. When the girl arrived, "she was offered $200 to take off her clothes and dance for him," he said. "After accepting the $200, she got naked and they proceeded to dance." Freeman, who dubbed the incident "simply not acceptable," said sexual contact occurred but not intercourse. She was then granted VIP access to one of his concerts, which was meant to be for adults 18 and over. It is unclear when or whether the musician, whose given name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, will appear in Minnesota to face the new charges. Following his recent arraignment in New York, it was expected Kelly would return to Chicago, where he must attend a status hearing on September 4 in a case involving child pornography. He was denied bond in both Chicago and New York. Prior to his arrest in July over the federal indictments, Kelly had been out on bond in connection with state felony charges of aggravated sexual assault in Chicago's Cook County criminal court. Kelly has a decades-long history of abuse allegations, especially of underage girls, but for years maintained a solid fan base, performed and won awards. He began facing renewed scrutiny earlier this year upon the release of the docu-series "Surviving R. Kelly," which nabbed an Emmy nomination for outstanding informational series or special.

After pleading not guilty in New York, R Kelly faces new sex abuse charges in Minnesota

Four minority US congresswomen known as the "the squad" accused President Donald Trump of trying to sow division and distract attention from what they characterized as failed policies on immigration, health care and taxation on Monday.

Congresswomen call Trump's attack an attempt to distract from his policies

Democrat Amy Klobuchar on Sunday joined the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-warren-formally-launches-2020-campaign-sounds-note-of-economic-equality-196404">2020 White House race</a>, adding a pragmatic voice from the heartland state of Minnesota to an ever-growing field of contenders hoping to unseat US President Donald Trump.

In a speech that was almost a point-by-point rejection of the president's policies and of the country's toxic divides, she told supporters, "We are tired of the shutdowns and the showdowns, of the gridlock and the grandstanding."

"Enough is enough. Our nation must be governed not from chaos but from opportunity."&nbsp;

Klobuchar, the 58-year-old granddaughter of an iron miner, made the announcement before a heavily bundled-up crowd under gray and snowy skies in a park along the Mississippi River, as volunteers passed out hand warmers.

In a year when many Democrats say their top priority in a candidate is an ability to defeat Trump, Klobuchar's words seemed -- time after time, issue by issue -- to target the president.

She said that if elected she would return to the international climate treaty on "Day One"; she promised more stringent gun laws and set a target of universal health care; and she said America must support its troops, diplomats and intelligence officers.

"They deserve better than foreign policy by tweet," she said. &nbsp;

Klobuchar has been visibly building a national profile. Crucially, she has proven popular even in the more Republican-friendly rural parts of her state. She won re-election in November by a resounding 24-point margin, carrying 1,200 precincts won by Trump in 2016.&nbsp;

A former prosecutor with an unpretentious demeanour, she referred again and again in her speech to her roots in a region that prides itself on an ethic of honesty and hard work. But at odds with that image, her own work ethic has emerged as a focus of criticism in recent days.

Several former aides have been quoted saying she is difficult to work for, with bouts of "explosive rage" leading to exceptionally high staff turnover.&nbsp;

Her defenders say she is simply someone who demands excellence, and that the allegations against her would not be made against a man.

'Minnesota Nice'&nbsp;

Klobuchar, 58, pointedly wore neither hat nor gloves during her speech Sunday in bitterly cold weather, her brown hair and mustard-yellow coat gradually turning white with the accumulating snowfall.&nbsp;

"I don't have a political machine, I don't come from money, but what I do have is this," she said: "I have grit. I have family. I have friends. I have neighbours. I have all of you."

Minnesota Republicans, with a poor record against Klobuchar, have tried nonetheless to blunt her announcement, portraying her as overly cautious and perhaps not up to a nationwide challenge.

"Minnesota Nice is not going to work on a national stage," Jennifer Carnahan, chair of the state's Republican Party, told the Star Tribune newspaper.

While many of the high-profile Democrats already in the race are in the progressive lane -- liberal Senator Elizabeth Warren formally declared her candidacy Saturday -- Klobuchar has quietly gained attention in Washington as a centrist.

She is known for putting partisanship aside to pass legislation, something that has earned her a devoted following in Minnesota, and something American voters regularly tell pollsters they want.

"If you just go in your opposite corner of the boxing ring, you never get anything done," she said on ABC's "The View" late last year. "Courage is whether you're willing to stand next to someone you don't always agree with, for the betterment of this country."

In a historically diverse Democratic field, Klobuchar is the fifth woman to seek the nomination.

Senators Kamala Harris of California, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Warren of Massachusetts have all thrown their hat in the race, as has congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii.

A number of male senators are either running (Cory Booker of New Jersey) or considering a run (Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jeff Merkley of Oregon).

Former vice president Joe Biden is known to be weighing a candidacy, and former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke has said he will announce his plans this month.

Klobuchar, the daughter of a journalist and a teacher, has a reputation as a fierce defender of the rights of the working class, consumers and women.

Her profile rose last year when she won plaudits for her cool-headed questioning of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in a hearing focusing on allegations of sexual abuse and drinking.&nbsp;

Democrat Amy Klobuchar on Sunday joined the 2020 White House race, adding a pragmatic voice from the heartland state of Minnesota to an ever-growing field of contenders hoping to unseat US President Donald Trump.

Democrat Amy Klobuchar on Sunday joined the 2020 White House race, adding a pragmatic voice from the heartland state of Minnesota to an ever-growing field of contenders hoping to unseat US President Donald Trump. In a speech that was almost a point-by-point rejection of the president's policies and of the country's toxic divides, she told supporters, "We are tired of the shutdowns and the showdowns, of the gridlock and the grandstanding." "Enough is enough. Our nation must be governed not from chaos but from opportunity." Klobuchar, the 58-year-old granddaughter of an iron miner, made the announcement before a heavily bundled-up crowd under gray and snowy skies in a park along the Mississippi River, as volunteers passed out hand warmers. In a year when many Democrats say their top priority in a candidate is an ability to defeat Trump, Klobuchar's words seemed -- time after time, issue by issue -- to target the president. She said that if elected she would return to the international climate treaty on "Day One"; she promised more stringent gun laws and set a target of universal health care; and she said America must support its troops, diplomats and intelligence officers. "They deserve better than foreign policy by tweet," she said. Klobuchar has been visibly building a national profile. Crucially, she has proven popular even in the more Republican-friendly rural parts of her state. She won re-election in November by a resounding 24-point margin, carrying 1,200 precincts won by Trump in 2016. A former prosecutor with an unpretentious demeanour, she referred again and again in her speech to her roots in a region that prides itself on an ethic of honesty and hard work. But at odds with that image, her own work ethic has emerged as a focus of criticism in recent days. Several former aides have been quoted saying she is difficult to work for, with bouts of "explosive rage" leading to exceptionally high staff turnover. Her defenders say she is simply someone who demands excellence, and that the allegations against her would not be made against a man. 'Minnesota Nice' Klobuchar, 58, pointedly wore neither hat nor gloves during her speech Sunday in bitterly cold weather, her brown hair and mustard-yellow coat gradually turning white with the accumulating snowfall. "I don't have a political machine, I don't come from money, but what I do have is this," she said: "I have grit. I have family. I have friends. I have neighbours. I have all of you." Minnesota Republicans, with a poor record against Klobuchar, have tried nonetheless to blunt her announcement, portraying her as overly cautious and perhaps not up to a nationwide challenge. "Minnesota Nice is not going to work on a national stage," Jennifer Carnahan, chair of the state's Republican Party, told the Star Tribune newspaper. While many of the high-profile Democrats already in the race are in the progressive lane -- liberal Senator Elizabeth Warren formally declared her candidacy Saturday -- Klobuchar has quietly gained attention in Washington as a centrist. She is known for putting partisanship aside to pass legislation, something that has earned her a devoted following in Minnesota, and something American voters regularly tell pollsters they want. "If you just go in your opposite corner of the boxing ring, you never get anything done," she said on ABC's "The View" late last year. "Courage is whether you're willing to stand next to someone you don't always agree with, for the betterment of this country." In a historically diverse Democratic field, Klobuchar is the fifth woman to seek the nomination. Senators Kamala Harris of California, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Warren of Massachusetts have all thrown their hat in the race, as has congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii. A number of male senators are either running (Cory Booker of New Jersey) or considering a run (Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jeff Merkley of Oregon). Former vice president Joe Biden is known to be weighing a candidacy, and former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke has said he will announce his plans this month. Klobuchar, the daughter of a journalist and a teacher, has a reputation as a fierce defender of the rights of the working class, consumers and women. Her profile rose last year when she won plaudits for her cool-headed questioning of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in a hearing focusing on allegations of sexual abuse and drinking.

Democrat Amy Klobuchar joins 2020 White House race

The US Midwest dug out Monday from a snowstorm that closed schools and businesses, as millions braced for dangerous sub-zero temperatures that could shatter records.&nbsp;

School districts in Minnesota and Wisconsin cancelled classes and government offices, universities and businesses shuttered, with the mercury expected to drop to a polar -40 Fahrenheit (-40 Celsius).&nbsp;

"Dangerously cold and potentially record-breaking temperatures and wind chills are expected by Tuesday and Wednesday," National Weather Service (NWS) said.&nbsp;

"The arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values." &nbsp;

In Wisconsin, where nearly a foot (30 centimetres) of snow was measured in one location, Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency, freeing up the Wisconsin National Guard for emergency work, if needed.

In North and South Dakota, peak wind gusts were measured at 60-70 miles (96-113 kilometres) per hour. &nbsp;

More than 1,000 flights were cancelled at two airports in Chicago, a major regional hub and America's third largest city, in nearby Illinois.&nbsp;

On the heels of the storm, nearly a dozen states braced for a blast of arctic air known as a polar vortex, which was expected to lower temperatures well below normal and far below zero.&nbsp;

The frigid air mass had veered from its usual path and was forecast to fall into the Midwest beginning Tuesday. The chill was expected to bring temperatures to extreme lows by Wednesday and last through Thursday.

Temperatures were expected to plummet to between -10 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit in a vast area stretching some 1,200 miles from the Dakotas to parts of Ohio.&nbsp;

Wind chill would make temperatures feel more like -30 to -65 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NWS.

On Tuesday, the snowstorm was expected to move to the northeast, where it could dump another 8 to 12 inches of snow in some areas.&nbsp;

In Wisconsin's biggest city, Milwaukee, downtown streets were virtually deserted Monday and every major highway in the state covered in ice or snow, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.&nbsp;

In Minnesota, numerous cities declared snow emergencies, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.&nbsp;

The US Midwest dug out Monday from a snowstorm that closed schools and businesses, as millions braced for dangerous sub-zero temperatures that could shatter records.

The US Midwest dug out Monday from a snowstorm that closed schools and businesses, as millions braced for dangerous sub-zero temperatures that could shatter records. School districts in Minnesota and Wisconsin cancelled classes and government offices, universities and businesses shuttered, with the mercury expected to drop to a polar -40 Fahrenheit (-40 Celsius). "Dangerously cold and potentially record-breaking temperatures and wind chills are expected by Tuesday and Wednesday," National Weather Service (NWS) said. "The arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values." In Wisconsin, where nearly a foot (30 centimetres) of snow was measured in one location, Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency, freeing up the Wisconsin National Guard for emergency work, if needed. In North and South Dakota, peak wind gusts were measured at 60-70 miles (96-113 kilometres) per hour. More than 1,000 flights were cancelled at two airports in Chicago, a major regional hub and America's third largest city, in nearby Illinois. On the heels of the storm, nearly a dozen states braced for a blast of arctic air known as a polar vortex, which was expected to lower temperatures well below normal and far below zero. The frigid air mass had veered from its usual path and was forecast to fall into the Midwest beginning Tuesday. The chill was expected to bring temperatures to extreme lows by Wednesday and last through Thursday. Temperatures were expected to plummet to between -10 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit in a vast area stretching some 1,200 miles from the Dakotas to parts of Ohio. Wind chill would make temperatures feel more like -30 to -65 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NWS. On Tuesday, the snowstorm was expected to move to the northeast, where it could dump another 8 to 12 inches of snow in some areas. In Wisconsin's biggest city, Milwaukee, downtown streets were virtually deserted Monday and every major highway in the state covered in ice or snow, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In Minnesota, numerous cities declared snow emergencies, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

Snow wallops US Midwest as it braces for extreme cold

Minnesota prosecutors will not charge the billionaire chief executive officer of China's JD.com Inc, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jdcom-ceo-released-after-us-arrest-firm-says-he-was-falsely-accused-163060">Richard Liu</a>, after he was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jdcoms-ceo-was-arrested-on-allegation-of-rape-police-163779?amp">accused of rape</a> by a University of Minnesota student during a recent US visit, authorities said on Friday.

Hennepin County Attorney Michael Freeman said there were "profound evidentiary problems which would have made it highly unlikely that any criminal charge could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt."

In a statement, Freeman said that after an investigation by Minneapolis police and a review by four senior sexual assault prosecutors, it was clear his office could not meet its burden of proof, and therefore could not bring charges.

"Because we do not want to re-victimize the young woman, we will not be going into detail," Freeman said.

The 45-year-old Liu, who grew JD.com from a humble electronics stall to an e-commerce giant with 2017 net revenues of $55.7 billion and maintains tight control of the company, was released without charge about 17 hours after he was arrested on August 31.

He quickly returned to China, where he has continued to run the company. His representatives have maintained his innocence after the woman from China studying at the University of Minnesota accused him of rape.

Liu said in a social media post he felt "utter self-admonishment and regret" for the "enormous pain" his "actions on that day" caused his family, especially his wife, internet celebrity Zhang Zetian.

"I immediately confessed to her the truth, and hope she can accept my most sincere apologies," he said in a statement on the Weibo platform.

Liu said the decision by prosecutors not to press charges proved that he had not violated any laws "from to start to finish".

He said he had been unable to defend himself earlier despite "misleading information" and could not respond to comments in social media and news reports because he did not want to obstruct the investigation and judicial process.

JD.com shares extended gains on Friday after news spread of the decision not to prosecute and closed up 5.9 per cent.

The case has attracted extreme interest in China. Liu could have faced up to 30 years in prison under Minnesota law if convicted of first-degree criminal sexual misconduct.

'STORY WILL BE TOLD'

On Friday, Freeman said the three months it took his office to review Liu's case was not unusual for a sexual assault investigation, especially one in which no one was in custody.

"It had nothing to do with Liu's status as a wealthy, foreign businessman," Freeman said in his statement.

A lawyer for the student who accused Liu criticized the decision, saying it showed why victims of sexual assault feared coming forward and questioned why prosecutors waited to issue a release until late on the Friday before Christmas.

Investigators "never met this victim; they never spoke to this victim; they never sought to meet with her lawyers," the attorney, Wil Florin, said in a statement.

"Her story will be told. On her behalf, we will not permit her dignity to be simply swept under the rug."

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Florin's statement.

An attorney for Liu said they welcomed the decision and hoped that it would dispel "misinformation and speculation".

"Mr Liu was arrested based on a false claim, and after a thorough investigation, with which he fully cooperated, the declination of charges vindicates him," Liu's attorney, Jill Brisbois, said in a statement.

Florin said his client will file a civil lawsuit, saying they looked forward to a civil jury hearing the "full and complete story" and determining whether Liu, JD.com and their representatives should be held accountable.

Reuters previously reported details of what happened while Liu was in Minneapolis, including a description of the alleged attack and the events around it given by the now-22-year-old student.

Usually based in Beijing, Liu made the US trip for a week-long residency program at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, which runs a doctor of business administration program with China's elite Tsinghua University.

The University of Minnesota said it had no comment on Friday's announcement.

The decision to not prosecute followed criticism of Minneapolis authorities, including Freeman's office, for what some see as a failure to pursue sexual assault cases adequately.

Minnesota prosecutors will not charge the billionaire chief executive officer of China's JD.com Inc, Richard Liu, after he was accused of rape by a University of Minnesota student during a recent US visit, authorities said on Friday.

Minnesota prosecutors will not charge the billionaire chief executive officer of China's JD.com Inc, Richard Liu, after he was accused of rape by a University of Minnesota student during a recent US visit, authorities said on Friday. Hennepin County Attorney Michael Freeman said there were "profound evidentiary problems which would have made it highly unlikely that any criminal charge could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt." In a statement, Freeman said that after an investigation by Minneapolis police and a review by four senior sexual assault prosecutors, it was clear his office could not meet its burden of proof, and therefore could not bring charges. "Because we do not want to re-victimize the young woman, we will not be going into detail," Freeman said. The 45-year-old Liu, who grew JD.com from a humble electronics stall to an e-commerce giant with 2017 net revenues of $55.7 billion and maintains tight control of the company, was released without charge about 17 hours after he was arrested on August 31. He quickly returned to China, where he has continued to run the company. His representatives have maintained his innocence after the woman from China studying at the University of Minnesota accused him of rape. Liu said in a social media post he felt "utter self-admonishment and regret" for the "enormous pain" his "actions on that day" caused his family, especially his wife, internet celebrity Zhang Zetian. "I immediately confessed to her the truth, and hope she can accept my most sincere apologies," he said in a statement on the Weibo platform. Liu said the decision by prosecutors not to press charges proved that he had not violated any laws "from to start to finish". He said he had been unable to defend himself earlier despite "misleading information" and could not respond to comments in social media and news reports because he did not want to obstruct the investigation and judicial process. JD.com shares extended gains on Friday after news spread of the decision not to prosecute and closed up 5.9 per cent. The case has attracted extreme interest in China. Liu could have faced up to 30 years in prison under Minnesota law if convicted of first-degree criminal sexual misconduct. 'STORY WILL BE TOLD' On Friday, Freeman said the three months it took his office to review Liu's case was not unusual for a sexual assault investigation, especially one in which no one was in custody. "It had nothing to do with Liu's status as a wealthy, foreign businessman," Freeman said in his statement. A lawyer for the student who accused Liu criticized the decision, saying it showed why victims of sexual assault feared coming forward and questioned why prosecutors waited to issue a release until late on the Friday before Christmas. Investigators "never met this victim; they never spoke to this victim; they never sought to meet with her lawyers," the attorney, Wil Florin, said in a statement. "Her story will be told. On her behalf, we will not permit her dignity to be simply swept under the rug." The Hennepin County Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Florin's statement. An attorney for Liu said they welcomed the decision and hoped that it would dispel "misinformation and speculation". "Mr Liu was arrested based on a false claim, and after a thorough investigation, with which he fully cooperated, the declination of charges vindicates him," Liu's attorney, Jill Brisbois, said in a statement. Florin said his client will file a civil lawsuit, saying they looked forward to a civil jury hearing the "full and complete story" and determining whether Liu, JD.com and their representatives should be held accountable. Reuters previously reported details of what happened while Liu was in Minneapolis, including a description of the alleged attack and the events around it given by the now-22-year-old student. Usually based in Beijing, Liu made the US trip for a week-long residency program at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, which runs a doctor of business administration program with China's elite Tsinghua University. The University of Minnesota said it had no comment on Friday's announcement. The decision to not prosecute followed criticism of Minneapolis authorities, including Freeman's office, for what some see as a failure to pursue sexual assault cases adequately.

JD.com CEO, Richard Liu will not face assault charges in Minnesota

Minnesota, at the heart of election battle for US Congress

A powerful spring storm pummeled the US Midwest and Plains on Saturday with blizzard conditions and high winds, while tornadoes and thunderstorms menaced some of the South.

Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota were under warnings for blizzard-like conditions. The city of St&nbspPaul, Minnesota, declared a snow emergency.

Forecasters were expecting more than a foot (30 cm) of snow in parts of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Wind gusts around Duluth, Minnesota, had exceeded 50 miles (80 km) per hour, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

"Mother nature continues to troll us," the agency's office serving the Minneapolis/St. Paul region said on Twitter, posting a video of snow falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches (2 to 5 cm) per hour.

As the storm pushed south into Saturday evening, authorities warned that severe thunderstorms could bring gusting winds, flooding and hail. Severe weather warnings extended from Texas to central Alabama, which was under a tornado watch.

At least one tornado packing winds up to 90 miles (145 km) per hour was reported near Jackson, Mississippi, the NWS said.

Freezing rain and ice storms were expected to move into northern New England through Monday.

National weather forecasters also cautioned that high winds were producing critical fire conditions in the Southern Plains. 
&nbsp 
On Friday, the system produced 17 reports of tornadoes in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas, the weather service said. Four people were injured and 160 buildings damaged in a possible tornado in northwest Arkansas, local media reported.

An overnight storm killed a 1-year-old girl when a tree fell on a recreational vehicle where she was sleeping, the sheriff's office in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, said. State Governor John Bel Edwards said in a statement that emergency responders had been activated in anticipation of severe weather.

Some 750 flights in and out of airports in Minnesota and Toronto were canceled, the website flightaware.com reported.

The airport in Rochester, Minnesota, said on Twitter it had canceled all flights until Sunday morning "due to the extreme weather conditions." Rapidly falling snow also prompted Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to suspend flight operations into Saturday evening.

About 29,000 customers in Texas and Louisiana were without power on Saturday afternoon, along with an additional 50,000 in Michigan and Wisconsin, the website Poweroutage.us reported.

A powerful spring storm pummeled the US Midwest and Plains on Saturday with blizzard conditions and high winds, while tornadoes and thunderstorms menaced some of the South

A powerful spring storm pummeled the US Midwest and Plains on Saturday with blizzard conditions and high winds, while tornadoes and thunderstorms menaced some of the South. Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota were under warnings for blizzard-like conditions. The city of St&nbspPaul, Minnesota, declared a snow emergency. Forecasters were expecting more than a foot (30 cm) of snow in parts of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Wind gusts around Duluth, Minnesota, had exceeded 50 miles (80 km) per hour, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. "Mother nature continues to troll us," the agency's office serving the Minneapolis/St. Paul region said on Twitter, posting a video of snow falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches (2 to 5 cm) per hour. As the storm pushed south into Saturday evening, authorities warned that severe thunderstorms could bring gusting winds, flooding and hail. Severe weather warnings extended from Texas to central Alabama, which was under a tornado watch. At least one tornado packing winds up to 90 miles (145 km) per hour was reported near Jackson, Mississippi, the NWS said. Freezing rain and ice storms were expected to move into northern New England through Monday. National weather forecasters also cautioned that high winds were producing critical fire conditions in the Southern Plains. On Friday, the system produced 17 reports of tornadoes in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas, the weather service said. Four people were injured and 160 buildings damaged in a possible tornado in northwest Arkansas, local media reported. An overnight storm killed a 1-year-old girl when a tree fell on a recreational vehicle where she was sleeping, the sheriff's office in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, said. State Governor John Bel Edwards said in a statement that emergency responders had been activated in anticipation of severe weather. Some 750 flights in and out of airports in Minnesota and Toronto were canceled, the website flightaware.com reported. The airport in Rochester, Minnesota, said on Twitter it had canceled all flights until Sunday morning "due to the extreme weather conditions." Rapidly falling snow also prompted Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to suspend flight operations into Saturday evening. About 29,000 customers in Texas and Louisiana were without power on Saturday afternoon, along with an additional 50,000 in Michigan and Wisconsin, the website Poweroutage.us reported.

'Snow Emergency' As Powerful Spring Storm Pounds Parts Of United States

An Islamic State group &quot;soldier&quot; carried out the wave of stabbings at a mall in the central Minnesota that would eight people, the militant group&#39;s news agency claimed.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The executor of the stabbing attacks in Minnesota yesterday (Saturday) was a soldier of the Islamic State who carried out the operation in response to calls to target citizens of countries belonging to the crusader coalition,&quot; Amaq news agency said. 
 
The man, who was wearing a private security uniform was shot dead by an off-duty police officer. &nbsp; 
 
FBI agent Rick Thornton said the stabbing spree is being investigated as a &quot;potential act of terrorism.&quot; 
 
The FBI agent in charge of the investigation said that there was still &quot;a lot we don&#39;t know&quot; about any possible international link to the assailant.&quot; 
 
City&#39;s police chief William Blair Anderson told reporters that the attacker also made references to Allah and asked at least one person if they were Muslim before he assaulted them at the Crossroads Center mall in St. Cloud. 
 
&quot;We&#39;ll figure out what this is and when we do we will be transparent about it,&rdquo; he added. He gave no details of the identities of the victims. 
 
Chris Nelson, a communications specialist at St. Cloud Hospital where the victims were admitted, said none of the victims received life-threatening injuries. 
 
The mall was under lockdown and witnesses were being interviewed by police.&nbsp; 
 
The suspect acted alone and the motive of the crime remained undetermined, chief Anderson said. &nbsp; 
 
Sydney Weires, a student at St. Benedict Colleg, who was shopping when the incident took place, told the St.Cloud Times she saw a man with blood running down his face and another&#39;s shirt stained with blood.&nbsp; 
 
The chief did not release the name of the officer who shot the suspect but said he was from a jurisdiction outside the town.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Eight people were wounded in the knife attack by a man who reportedly made references to Allah before the assault

An Islamic State group "soldier" carried out the wave of stabbings at a mall in the central Minnesota that would eight people, the militant group's news agency claimed. "The executor of the stabbing attacks in Minnesota yesterday (Saturday) was a soldier of the Islamic State who carried out the operation in response to calls to target citizens of countries belonging to the crusader coalition," Amaq news agency said. The man, who was wearing a private security uniform was shot dead by an off-duty police officer. FBI agent Rick Thornton said the stabbing spree is being investigated as a "potential act of terrorism." The FBI agent in charge of the investigation said that there was still "a lot we don't know" about any possible international link to the assailant." City's police chief William Blair Anderson told reporters that the attacker also made references to Allah and asked at least one person if they were Muslim before he assaulted them at the Crossroads Center mall in St. Cloud. "We'll figure out what this is and when we do we will be transparent about it,” he added. He gave no details of the identities of the victims. Chris Nelson, a communications specialist at St. Cloud Hospital where the victims were admitted, said none of the victims received life-threatening injuries. The mall was under lockdown and witnesses were being interviewed by police. The suspect acted alone and the motive of the crime remained undetermined, chief Anderson said. Sydney Weires, a student at St. Benedict Colleg, who was shopping when the incident took place, told the St.Cloud Times she saw a man with blood running down his face and another's shirt stained with blood. The chief did not release the name of the officer who shot the suspect but said he was from a jurisdiction outside the town. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Islamic State claims responsibility for Minnesota mall attack, FBI investigates attack

A Minnesota judge has excluded nearly 30 would-be heirs from the estate of the late pop star Prince, bolstering the inheritance claims of the performer&#39;s sister and surviving half-siblings, probate court records released yesterday showed. 
 
The court order, issued on Thursday, came in response to a flood of individuals seeking a piece of an estate some have valued at more than $500 million, left by Prince when he died unexpectedly in April at the age of 57, apparently without a will. 
 
Claims have poured into the probate court since Prince&#39;s younger sister, Tyka Nelson, filed a petition seeking appointment of a special administrator for the estate and naming herself and five half-siblings as the only known heirs. 
 
In his 19-page order, Carver County judge Kevin Eide appeared to accept those six claims, stating, &quot;The court is not aware of any objection or dispute with the statement that these persons are the siblings or half-siblings&quot; of Prince. 
 
Under the ruling, Tyka Nelson and three half-siblings by Prince&#39;s father will undergo genetic testing - John, Norrine and Sharon Nelson - along with two more individuals claiming to be Prince&#39;s niece and grandniece. 
 
No provision for genetic testing was made for two other half-brothers - Alfred Jackson and Omar Baker - who shared a common mother with the singer. 
 
The judge dismissed claims of heirship from a total of 29 other people purported to have some degree of kinship with Prince, including a professed secret wife who said the CIA had classified their marriage records as top secret. 
 
Among other would-be heirs he denied were five people who came forward claiming Prince was their biological or adoptive father, and several others claiming their dad was also Prince&#39;s genetic parent by way of an extramarital affair with his mother. 
 
Also dismissed were a batch of claims by several people who described themselves as descendants of a sister of Prince&#39;s great-grandfather. 
 
The musician, born as Prince Rogers Nelson, has long been identified in public records as the only surviving son from the marriage between Mattie Della Shaw and John L. Nelson, both of whom are now dead. And Judge Eide ruled there was no &quot;credible, documented claim&quot; of a surviving Prince spouse. 
 
If Prince also left no will and no surviving offspring of his own, as appears to be the case, his estate under Minnesota law would be apportioned in equal shares to his siblings and the nearest surviving descendants of any siblings now dead. Siblings and half-siblings are treated the same. 
 
The special administrator of the estate, Bremer Trust, has said it was in the process of determining the fair-market value of Prince&#39;s estate. 
 
(Reuters)

The court order came in response to a scores of people seeking a piece of Prince's estate after the singer died unexpectedly without a will

A Minnesota judge has excluded nearly 30 would-be heirs from the estate of the late pop star Prince, bolstering the inheritance claims of the performer's sister and surviving half-siblings, probate court records released yesterday showed. The court order, issued on Thursday, came in response to a flood of individuals seeking a piece of an estate some have valued at more than $500 million, left by Prince when he died unexpectedly in April at the age of 57, apparently without a will. Claims have poured into the probate court since Prince's younger sister, Tyka Nelson, filed a petition seeking appointment of a special administrator for the estate and naming herself and five half-siblings as the only known heirs. In his 19-page order, Carver County judge Kevin Eide appeared to accept those six claims, stating, "The court is not aware of any objection or dispute with the statement that these persons are the siblings or half-siblings" of Prince. Under the ruling, Tyka Nelson and three half-siblings by Prince's father will undergo genetic testing - John, Norrine and Sharon Nelson - along with two more individuals claiming to be Prince's niece and grandniece. No provision for genetic testing was made for two other half-brothers - Alfred Jackson and Omar Baker - who shared a common mother with the singer. The judge dismissed claims of heirship from a total of 29 other people purported to have some degree of kinship with Prince, including a professed secret wife who said the CIA had classified their marriage records as top secret. Among other would-be heirs he denied were five people who came forward claiming Prince was their biological or adoptive father, and several others claiming their dad was also Prince's genetic parent by way of an extramarital affair with his mother. Also dismissed were a batch of claims by several people who described themselves as descendants of a sister of Prince's great-grandfather. The musician, born as Prince Rogers Nelson, has long been identified in public records as the only surviving son from the marriage between Mattie Della Shaw and John L. Nelson, both of whom are now dead. And Judge Eide ruled there was no "credible, documented claim" of a surviving Prince spouse. If Prince also left no will and no surviving offspring of his own, as appears to be the case, his estate under Minnesota law would be apportioned in equal shares to his siblings and the nearest surviving descendants of any siblings now dead. Siblings and half-siblings are treated the same. The special administrator of the estate, Bremer Trust, has said it was in the process of determining the fair-market value of Prince's estate. (Reuters)

Minnesota judge denies claims of 29 would-be heirs to Prince estate

Ten police officers were shot in Texas on Thursday during a protest against police shootings in Minnesota and Louisiana, KDFW TV in Dallas reported.&nbsp;Three have died. 
 
Broadcaster KABC reported that shots were fired during demonstrations at Belo Garden Park in Dallas. Footage showed a heavy police presence with officers taking cover behind vehicles on the street. 
 
Photos posted on Twitter by the Dallas Police Department showed, what appeared to be, several hundred people assembled on the steps of a downtown museum with many holding signs as they listened to speakers address the crowd. 
 
In other photos and footage posted on Twitter, a crowd could be seen marching through downtown streets. Police said the crowd, at one point, chanted &#39;Black Lives Matter&#39;. 
 
The protests in Dallas came as demonstrations were being held in several US cities over the most recent fatal police shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana. 
 
The police department did not respond to requests for comment and did not update their Twitter account since media reports of gunfire. 
 
(Reuters)

The Dallas demonstration started as a protest against the recent fatal police shootings of black men in Minnesota & Louisiana

Ten police officers were shot in Texas on Thursday during a protest against police shootings in Minnesota and Louisiana, KDFW TV in Dallas reported. Three have died. Broadcaster KABC reported that shots were fired during demonstrations at Belo Garden Park in Dallas. Footage showed a heavy police presence with officers taking cover behind vehicles on the street. Photos posted on Twitter by the Dallas Police Department showed, what appeared to be, several hundred people assembled on the steps of a downtown museum with many holding signs as they listened to speakers address the crowd. In other photos and footage posted on Twitter, a crowd could be seen marching through downtown streets. Police said the crowd, at one point, chanted 'Black Lives Matter'. The protests in Dallas came as demonstrations were being held in several US cities over the most recent fatal police shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana. The police department did not respond to requests for comment and did not update their Twitter account since media reports of gunfire. (Reuters)

Texas protest: Eleven police officers shot, five dead

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