Quick Hits

• Hennepin County has shut down a small business grant program after a wave of apparently fraudulent applications — only 82 of the 300 submitted could be confirmed as eligible and nonfraudulent, and the paperwork still hasn't been turned over to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office for investigation (KSTP, KARE 11).
• Minnesota early voting begins Friday. Despite recent uncertainty around mail-in ballot rules, voting options will remain unchanged, according to KARE 11.
• Minnesota's Weather Authority has issued an alert for heavy, persistent rain all day Friday across the metro.
• ICE agent Christian Castro made his first court appearance on charges stemming from a January shooting in north Minneapolis — four counts of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon and one count of falsely reporting a crime — with immigrant-rights organizers saying his prosecution "should be the first one of many."
• The Twins played a pair of extra-inning thrillers: a 5-4 walk-off win over the Yankees in 13 innings Wednesday, then a 5-4 loss to the Angels in 10 innings Thursday.

Golden Valley & West Metro

No city-specific news out of Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, Crystal, New Hope or St. Louis Park today — but two Hennepin County stories hit close to home for west-metro residents.

• Beyond halting the small business grant program, the county has launched a review of its fraud safeguards (KSTP). Meanwhile, KARE 11 reports the fraudulent applications have still not been turned over to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.
• The Hennepin County Attorney's Office has spent $513,000 on security amid rising threats and attacks on officials, according to public data records reviewed by KARE 11.

Minneapolis

• Christian Castro, the ICE agent charged in the January shooting of a man in north Minneapolis, made his first court appearance and is being held in a Minnesota jail, with charging documents alleging he misled investigators about the incident. He faces state and federal charges, and immigrant-rights organizers told KARE 11 the prosecution brings hope — "This should be the first one of many."
• Minneapolis families are in limbo after the district unveiled three options that could close more than a dozen schools. A bright spot: Willard Elementary, closed since 2005, is on track to reopen — The Link nonprofit is expected to close on the old Willard and Gordon school properties by the end of the year.
• Waymo's driverless car plans hit a hurdle: City Council members are proposing an ordinance that would require a human with a valid license in the driver's seat.
• The Unrivaled women's 3-on-3 basketball league will play two games at Target Center on Jan. 24 as part of its third season.
• Regional public safety note: Blaine police are asking for help finding 20-year-old D'Marco Ricardo Shane Buckney Jr., suspected of shooting a man in a gun range parking lot Saturday.

St. Paul

• The investigation into the St. Paul mayor — prompted by allegations that he made inappropriate comments toward police officers — is complete, sources tell KARE 11.
• A candidate for North St. Paul mayor has an active arrest warrant after prosecutors say he violated a domestic abuse order for protection, according to documents filed in Ramsey County District Court (KSTP).
• A missing 13-year-old who had gone missing Wednesday has been found safe, St. Paul police say.
• A new federal lawsuit in Minnesota targets 3M and other companies over PFAS in firefighters' protective gear, adding pressure as fire departments weigh safer gear (KSTP).

Local Sports

• Kyler Murray was well enough to join the Vikings for a limited practice Wednesday as he recovers from a concussion ahead of Sunday's Week 2 matchup with the Bears, though Mason is out with a broken thumb. The game renews the tactical chess match between Bears coach Ben Johnson and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
• Twins split the week in dramatic fashion: Luke Keaschall went 3-for-5 and scored from second on Victor Caratini's game-ending single in the 13th as Minnesota edged the Yankees 5-4 Wednesday (Aaron Judge left early with leg tightness). Thursday, a late Jenkins home run fueled a rally, but Mike Trout's tying RBI single and Wade Meckler's winning hit in the 10th handed the Angels a 5-4 win.
• Wild training camp is underway, with Quinn Hughes addressing his contract situation alongside Kirill Kaprizov and Brock Faber at media availability (KSTP).
• Darren "Doogie" Wolfson's latest Scoop has notes on a number of Gophers teams, including football and basketball.

Weather

• Minnesota's Weather Authority has issued an alert for Friday: heavy, persistent rainfall expected all day, with potential impacts across the metro. Plan accordingly for commutes and outdoor plans.

Minnesota Statewide

• With early voting opening Friday, KARE 11 reports voting options will remain unchanged despite recent uncertainty about mail-in ballot rules.
• A new KSTP/SurveyUSA poll, conducted less than seven weeks out from Election Day, finds Minnesotans are clear about what they want from the next governor, senator and attorney general — priorities include fighting fraud and easier access to healthcare.
• The Shine Bright for Kids fundraiser will raise money for kids in the Cancer and Blood Disorders Program at Children's Minnesota.
• Feel-good read of the day: KSTP's "So Minnesota" profiles Lee Bowser, believed to be the last manual elevator operator in the state.