>>HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in Rochester
(Rochester, MN) – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was in Rochester to announce the development of the first-ever National Autism Missing and Endangered Person Alert Initiative. The new initiative will be a partnership between HHS and the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The idea behind the initiative is to strengthen coordination between federal agencies and local law enforcement and first responders when a person with autism is reported missing.
>>Man Charged with Shooting at Ramsey County Sergeant, K-9
(Maplewood, MN) — A New Brighton man faces attempted murder and assault charges after allegedly firing at a Ramsey County sergeant and his K-9 during a road-rage incident in Maplewood. Prosecutors say 25-year-old Dmonte Leanna pointed a gun at a woman before chasing her vehicle Tuesday night. A sheriff’s sergeant spotted the vehicles and attempted to follow when Leanna allegedly fired at his unmarked squad. The bullet struck the hood and ricocheted into the windshield. Neither the sergeant nor K-9 Sonny was hurt. Leanna was later arrested and is scheduled to make his first court appearance today.
>>Trucker Arrested After Deadly Motorcycle Crash Near Walker
(Walker, MN) — A Pennsylvania semi driver is jailed following a crash that killed a Twin Cities motorcyclist near Walker. The Minnesota State Patrol says the semi and motorcycle were traveling south when the truck driver made a sudden maneuver onto the right shoulder toward the motorcycle. Thirty-year-old Roy Berger of Vadnais Heights was killed. The 33-year-old truck driver was arrested on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide. The crash remains under investigation.
>>Lore Sells Majority Stake in Wolves, Lynx Franchises
(Minneapolis) – The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx have been sold again. Businessman Marc Stad has completed a deal to become the controlling owner and largest shareholder of the two franchises. He’s purchasing the majority stake from co-owner Mark Lore. The deal is valued at $4.5 billion dollars according to ESPN. ESPN also reports it’s the fourth highest NBA sale in league history. Lore will retain a minority interest in the teams while co-owner Alex Rodriguez has decided to increase the percentage of his stake. The deal still needs to be approved by the NBA board of governors. They are meeting in mid-September.
>>More BWCA Entry Points Re-Opening
(Duluth, MN) — Two more Boundary Waters entry points along the Echo Trail are set to reopen Tuesday as crews continue making progress on northern Minnesota wildfires. Little Indian Sioux River South and South Hegman Lake will reopen August 25th. The July Lightning fires have burned more than 75,000 acres including parts of Canada. The Camp Fire is now 97 percent contained, while crews continue working on the Sioux, Bear Trap and Thumb fires. Lake Jeanette Campground and boat launch remain closed, and travelers could face delays of an hour or more on the Echo Trail.
>>Gas Prices Continue Surge Across Minnesota
(St. Louis Park, MN) – Gas prices continue to surge higher across Minnesota and now top the national average. In Minnesota, AAA says the average for a gallon of regular unleaded is now $4.16 a gallon which is five cents higher than the national average. Last week, Minnesotans were paying an average of $3.96. Prices are even higher in the Twin Cities metro where the average price is now at $4.22 a gallon.
>>Department of Commerce Offering Solar Incentives
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesotans looking to get more from their solar energy systems may be eligible for thousands of dollars in state incentives to add battery storage. The Minnesota Department of Commerce has just over $1.4 million remaining through its Energy Storage Incentive Program for eligible customers outside Xcel Energy’s service territory. The program provides incentives of $250 per kilowatt-hour of battery capacity, up to $7,000. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
>>Northfield to Host 14th Annual Governor’s Pheasant Opener
(St. Paul, MN) –Northfield will host the 14th annual Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener October 9th and 10th. The event celebrates the start of Minnesota’s pheasant season while highlighting responsible hunting, habitat conservation, and access to public lands. More information is expected to be released in the coming days.
