>>Capitol Security Team Meets for First Time
(St. Paul, MN) — New security measures are now in place at the Minnesota Capitol, following deadly political violence earlier this summer. Public entrances have been limited, and more security officers are on site. The State Patrol is also hiring 19 additional officers and conducting a third-party security assessment. DFL Senator Bonnie Westlin, who serves on the Capitol Security Committee, says the changes are helping staff feel safer—especially during quieter hours. The committee met on Wednesday for the first time since the June 14 attacks that killed House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injured Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Recommendations from the security assessment are expected in November.
>>Minnesota Invests $3.6 million to Support Cannabis Industry
(St. Paul, MN) — The Department of Employment and Economic Development is launching three programs—CanNavigate, CanStartup, and CanTrain—to help entrepreneurs start cannabis businesses and train workers for jobs in the field. CanNavigate and CanStartup will offer technical support and access to capital for new cannabis businesses. CanTrain will fund workforce training organizations to prepare Minnesotans for careers in the industry. The $3.6 million in funding comes from legislation passed in 2023, and DEED is working with the Office of Cannabis Management to ensure a safe, equitable rollout of adult-use cannabis across the state.
>>Townhome Fire in Mahtomedi
(Mahtomedia, MN) – Fire crews were called to a structure fire in Mahtomedi early this morning. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says the fire started around 5:40 a.m. at a 6-unit townhome. When they arrived, two units were engulfed in flames. Deputies made contact with all residents to make sure they were out safely. No injuries are reported. About 20 people are now displaced because of the fire, and they’re getting assistance from the Red Cross. Six fire departments assisted in putting out the fire. The cause is under investigation.
>>Urban Farming Grants Given by the Department of Agriculture
(St. Paul, Mn) – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is announcing the Fiscal Year 2025 Urban Farming Grant recipients. The grants promote youth agricultural education and agriculture-connected community development. The program serves urban areas with cities with a population of more than 5,000 people and communities on federally recognized tribal land. The Department is awarding a total of 33 grants worth a combined total of nearly $1.7 million. The recipients include school districts, nonprofit organizations, and local government groups.
>>Austin Woman Sentenced in Social Security Theft
(Minneapolis) – An Austin woman has been sentenced for social security theft that lasted more than 25 years. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says 54-year-old Mavious Redmond posed as her dead mother to steal more than $360,000 in Social Security benefits. Authorities say Redmond called the Social Security Administration in 1999 when her mother passed, and asked hypothetically what would happen if her mother had died. The SSA told her the benefits would be terminated. Authorities say Redmond then lied and posed as her mother. She’s been sentenced to a year a day in prison and a year of supervised release.
>>First Gun Used in WWII To Be Moved on the 80th Anniversary of the End of the War
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a powerful dual ceremony on Tuesday, September 2nd, in St. Paul. At 11 a.m., the historic USS Ward gun—fired in the first American action of WWII—will be ceremonially removed from outside the Veterans Service Building for restoration and relocation to the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum. Then at 11:45, the Museum will host a V-J Day commemoration, honoring Japan’s formal surrender in 1945. The USS Saint Paul, named for Minnesota’s capital, was present in Tokyo Bay that day—bringing this full-circle moment home.
>>DNR Bringing Back Fan Favorite Exhibits to State Fair
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota DNR is bringing back fan-favorite exhibits to the State Fair this year. Visitors can check out the outdoor fishing pond featuring more than 30 species of Minnesota fish, a wildlife exhibit showcasing native animals, and a forestry display that highlights Minnesota trees and invasive species. Fair Coordinator Amelia English says it’s a great way for Minnesotans to connect with nature and learn more about the state’s natural resources. More details are available at the DNR’s website.
>>Gopher 5 Lottery Winner in Stacy
(Roseville, MN) – The Minnesota Lottery continues to pay out vast sums of money. The lottery says the latest Gopher 5 winning ticket was sold at a Kwik Trip in Stacy, Minnesota. The lucky winner takes home a jackpot of more than $187,000. This was for the drawing on June 20. The Gopher 5 jackpot now returns to $100,000 for the drawing tomorrow night.
>>A’s Complete 3-Game Sweep of Twins at Target Field
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Athletics beat the Twins 8-3 today (Thurs) at Target Field to sweep the three-game series. The A’s scored six runs off Minnesota starter José Ureña in the second inning. Jack Perkins pitched five innings of two-run ball for the win. The Twins open a series tomorrow night (Fri) at the Chicago White Sox.
