Mother, daughter fatally shot

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis police are looking for a suspect or suspects who fatally shot two women at an apartment building.

Neighbors say 67-year-old Eileen Mark and her daughter, 42-year-old Jennifer Ann Angerhofer of Coon Rapids, were killed about 10:30 p.m. Saturday. They were shot in an apartment in a seven-story housing complex. The Hennepin County medical examiner says Mark died of a gunshot wound to the chest while Angerhofer died of a gunshot wound to the face and neck.

Police spokesman John Elder said detectives were interviewing a number of people and have ruled out a murder-suicide.

State’s costs in suit: $1.2M

DES MOINES (AP) — The state of Iowa’s bill for defending a lawsuit against a former official who claims he was discriminated against because he is gay has surpassed $1.27 million.

Iowa Solicitor General Jeffrey Thompson updated the Iowa Executive Council on Monday in response to a request by Auditor Rob Sand. The council, which includes the governor and other state elected officials, approves state litigation expenses.

Former Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Chris Godfrey filed the case in 2012. It accuses former Gov. Terry Branstad, current Gov. Kim Reynolds and others of discrimination, retaliation and violation of Godfrey’s constitutional right to due process.

Branstad, a Republican, pressured Godfrey, a Democratic appointee, to resign in 2010. When Godfrey refused, Branstad cut his salary by $39,000 per year. Godfrey says he was targeted because of his sexual orientation. Branstad asserts he didn’t know Godfrey is gay.

Dems propose ‘virtual’ caucus

DES MOINES (AP) — The Iowa Democratic Party is proposing the biggest changes to the state’s famed caucuses in nearly 50 years.

State party chairman Troy Price outlined a measure on Monday that would allow people to participate in the caucuses virtually by telephone or smart devices.

The idea is to open the first 2020 presidential caucus to people who cannot attend the local political meetings.

The move is a response to criticism that the caucuses are difficult for evening workers and the elderly to attend. The six virtual sessions would begin in the days immediately before and on caucus night.

The Iowa caucuses are scheduled for Feb. 3, 2020. The proposal won’t be finalized until the spring.