>>State Supreme Court Upholds Law Restoring Voting Rights To Felons Upon Release
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Supreme Court is upholding the year-old law restoring voting rights to felons upon their release from prison. The high court rejected a challenge to the 2023 law by the Minnesota Voters Alliance. The courts said the alliance did not have the right to sue because taxpayer money was used to implement the law. The timing of the ruling is critical because early voting has already started and this year’s primary is next week. An estimated 57 thousand Minnesota felons are newly eligible to vote.
>>Taxpayers Impacted by Severe Storms and Flooding Eligible for Tax Extension
(St. Paul, MN) — Taxpayers in 19 Minnesotan counties affected by recent severe storms and flooding now have extra time to file Minnesota returns and taxes. The Minnesota Department of Revenue (MDR) says individuals and businesses based in Blue Earth, Cook, Cottonwood, Faribault, Freeborn, Goodhue, Itasca, Jackson, Lake, Le Sueur, Mower, Nicollet, Nobles, Rice, Rock, St. Louis, Steele, Waseca, and Watonwan counties are eligible. Those affected with returns or payments due from June 16th to July 4th will not pay penalties or interest if they ask for a penalty abatement before November 1st, 2024. Requests and more information can be found on the MDR’s website. (https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/penalty-abatement-businesses)
>>U.S. Senate Candidates Debate Renewable Fuels at Farmfest
(Redwood County, MN) — Most of the candidates for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota say they support ethanol and renewable fuels. Senator Amy Klobuchar told Farmfest attendees today (Wed) that we are a top state for biofuels: saying it supports around 20-thousand jobs, 19 ethanol plants, and three biodiesel plants. Klobuchar says she helped pass a renewable fuel standard and a bill that provides infrastructure grants to gas stations. Republican-endorsed candidate Royce White didn’t have a specific answer on biofuel policy but said “Renewable energy is okay. The question is it gonna work? How’s is it gonna work? Who’s gonna run it? Who’s gonna oversee it.” G-O-P candidate Joe Fraser says we need to push renewable fuels beyond vehicles and aviation and look at maritime solutions.
>>Pro-Life/ProChoice Groups on Walz’ V.P. Nomination
(Undated) — Pro-life and pro-choice Minnesotan advocacy groups are hot and cold over Vice President Kamala Harris choosing Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
While Executive Director of Planned Parenthood of Minnesota Political Action Fund Tim Stanley says Walz and Harris have always been doers. “They’re both standup, slam dunk champions that we need for reproductive freedom heading into the 2024 election.” Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) Co-executive director Cathy Blaeser (BLAY-zer) says that isn’t a good thing, saying Walz will bring the same “endangering” policies he brought to Minnesota to a national stage. “Young women, our pre-born citizens are vulnerable, disabled and vulnerable newborns, and our vulnerable nursing home patients.”
Planned Parenthood has endorsed Harris for president and says they will extend the invitation to Walz, continuing their long-held support for him. MCCL has made no endorsements of any presidential candidates.
>>What Happens To Minnesota Now That Governor Walz Is Kamala Harris’ VP Selection
(St. Paul, MN) — If Minnesota Governor Tim Walz becomes vice president, there is a clear line of succession. The state Constitution states if the governor leaves his office, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan will take his place. DFL Senate President Bobby Joe Champion would then become lieutenant governor. If that were to happen Flanagan would become Minnesota’s first female and Native American governor, and Champion would be the state’s first Black lieutenant governor.
>>Man Found Guilty in 2 Fatal 2023 Shootings, Sentenced to 47 Years in Prison
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has found a man guilty of two fatal 2023 shootings. 21-year-old Calon Hatchett is scheduled to be sentenced to 47 years in prison on August 28th (1 p.m.). On June 25th (2023), Ali Reed and another person encountered a group of three men. When passing, one of the men shot Reed, who collapsed immediately and died at the scene. On July 23rd (2023) police responded to a shooting at a Minneapolis apartment building, finding Tonia Powell with multiple gunshot wounds. Powell was brought to HCMC, where she was pronounced dead. Another victim was found in Powell’s apartment with a gunshot wound and brought to HCMC. Hatchett was arrested on July 24th (2023) when determined to be the suspect. Firearms evidence matched in both scenes.
>>Local Nevis Cafe Destroyed in Fire
(Nevis, MN) — A local Nevis cafe was destroyed after a fire Tuesday. Officials say the fire began in the basement around 5:45 a.m. and wasn’t fully extinguished until midafternoon. Nearby businesses and residents were evacuated due to propane tanks and a gas station’s proximity to the fire. No one was injured, but the Nevis fire chief describes this as a “major community loss.” The cause of the fire is under investigation.
