>>Minnesota Voters Set New Primary Turnout Record
(St. Paul, MN) – More than one million Minnesotans cast ballots in Tuesday’s primary election, setting a new state record. According to unofficial results, more than 1.1 million people voted, representing about 25 percent of eligible Minnesota voters. It’s the first-time turnout for a Minnesota primary has topped one million. The previous record was set in 2018, when more than 925,000 ballots were cast. Secretary of State Steve Simon praised the record turnout and is encouraging Minnesotans to make plans now to vote in the November 3 general election. Counties will review and certify results over the next week before they go to the State Canvassing Board on August 18th.
>>Northern Minnesota Wildfire Update
(Ely, MN) — More of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is reopening as firefighters make progress on several northern Minnesota wildfires. Beginning tomorrow, more than 1,500 of BWCAW’s roughly 2,000 campsites, about 73 percent, will be open to visitors. The July Lightning fires have burned more than 65,000 acres, with 735 personnel still assigned to the incident. The Camp Fire is now 83 percent contained, while the Little Knife Fire is 90 percent contained. Fire officials say conditions remain dry, and smoke could be more noticeable around Ely today. (WED) Widespread rain and thunderstorms are possible Saturday.
>>Winona Won’t Replace Flock Cameras
(Winona, MN) – The Winona Police department says it will not replace the Flock cameras that were recently stolen from the city. Police reported that all eight of the cameras were cut down and taken sometime between July 29 and August 1. Winona Police called the cameras “an effective and impactful resource for law enforcement” and even helped locate a homicide suspect. Police say the investigation continues into the stolen cameras.
Homestead Credit Refund Deadline Approaching
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Revenue is reminding homeowners that the deadline to file for a Homestead Credit Refund is quickly approaching. The deadline is August 15. Claims for the 2024 credit will expire on that date. The 2025 credit, which was just passed by lawmakers earlier this year, includes a one-time 15% increase and is available until August 2027. Eligible homeowners can use the Revenue Department’s free electronic filing system to file for their credit refund.
>>MnDOT Meeting on Highway 61 Construction
(St. Paul, MN) – It’s one of the most popular drives in the state of Minnesota and it too will be under construction soon. The Minnesota Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting on the future construction work on Highway 61 between Little Marais and Tofte in northern Minnesota. The construction is planned for 2027. MnDOT says the work will include long-term improvements in the corridor. The public meeting will be held August 20th at the Schroeder Town Hall at 5 p.m.
>>Minnesota Pro Volleyball Team Announces Name
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota’s new pro volleyball team now has an identity. MLV Minnesota announced this morning the team will be called Minnesota Forge moving forward. The team will play in Major League Volleyball. Team representatives say the new name represents the strength, ambition and collective spirit of a state ready to help shape the future of women’s professional volleyball. The Forge begins play in January 2027.
