>>A.G. Ellison Announces New Opioid Settlement
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota is set to receive up to $9.37 million from a new nationwide opioid settlement with eight drug manufacturers. That’s part of a $720 million agreement announced today by Attorney General Keith Ellison. This brings Minnesota’s total opioid settlement funds to $633 million-money that will go toward treatment, prevention, and harm reduction. Under a 2021 agreement, 75% of the funds will be allocated to local governments, with the remaining 25% allocated to the state. Ellison says the settlements won’t undo the damage opioids have caused, but they will help communities heal and hold companies accountable.
>>Rochester Daycare Provider Facing Additional Charges
(Rochester, MN) — A woman convicted of slashing a toddler with a pizza cutter is now facing a second felony charge. 27-year-old Andrianna Newburn was found guilty last month of assaulting a two-year-old at KinderCare Learning Center in Rochester. The child suffered multiple facial wounds, one requiring surgery. While awaiting sentencing, Newburn allegedly struck a fellow detainee in the face with a tablet earlier this month at the Olmsted County Jail. The victim was taken to a hospital and was diagnosed with a fractured nasal bone.
>>Mahnomen County Deputy Charged with DWI
(Mahnomen, MN) — A Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Deputy is facing DWI charges after crashing his pickup near Mahnomen Tuesday afternoon. Deputy Rick Ohren of Hawley was off duty when his vehicle went into a ditch. A Mahnomen County sergeant responded and called in two state troopers after suspecting Ohren had been driving. According to the complaint, Ohren smelled of alcohol, admitted to drinking 10 vodkas, and struggled with field sobriety tests. A preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol level of .284. He later refused a second test at the Crookston jail. Ohren is charged with DWI and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Sheriff Josh Guenther says Ohren was in his personal vehicle and is now on administrative leave. The State Patrol is handling the investigation. This is Ohren’s second DWI arrest — the first was in 2015 in Clay County.
>>Daycare Assault Convict Faces New Charge in Jail Attack
(Rochester, MN) — A woman convicted of slashing a toddler with a pizza cutter is now facing a second felony charge. 27-year-old Andrianna Newburn was found guilty last month of assaulting a two-year-old at KinderCare Learning Center in Rochester. The child suffered multiple facial wounds, one requiring surgery. While awaiting sentencing, Newburn allegedly struck a fellow detainee in the face with a tablet earlier this month at the Olmsted County Jail. The victim was taken to a hospital and was diagnosed with a fractured nasal bone.
>>Truck Driver Charged in Rochester Crash
(Rochester, MN) — A Minneapolis truck driver is facing felony charges after a crash last August left two Rochester residents seriously injured. 40-year-old Mohamed Mukhtar Abdi allegedly failed to stop causing his semi to collide with a car driven by 72-year-old Charles Amlaner. His passenger, Beverly Amlaner, 73, was airlifted with life-threatening injuries. Abdi claimed brake failure, but investigators found that the brakes were working, and a witness reported seeing no brake lights. He’s charged with two counts of criminal vehicular operation.
>>Flanagan Raises Nearly $1 Million for Senate Campaign
(St. Louis Park, MN) – Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan has raised nearly one million dollars for her Senate campaign in the second quarter. Her team reports that more than 20,000 individuals have donated so far, with an average contribution of just under $30. Flanagan says she is the only candidate in the race who is not taking money from Political Action Committees (PACs). The Lt. Governor is expected to face Congresswoman Angie Craig in the Democratic primary.
>>Rep. Emmer Announces Fundraising Numbers
(Washington, D.C.) – Minnesota Republican Congressman Tom Emmer announced new campaign fundraising numbers. His campaign reports that it has raised $6.5 million in the second quarter, bringing his total for the year to more than $16 million. Emmer has raised nearly $50 million dollars since becoming Majority Whip in 2023. Emmer has represented Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District since 2015.
>>Weekly Drought Update
(Undated) — Despite a wet summer for much of Minnesota, dry conditions are hanging on in parts of the state. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows 37 percent of Minnesota remains Abnormally Dry, down from 45 percent last week. The Moderate Drought level dropped to five percent, and the Severe Drought now affects two percent of the state. The driest areas are in northern Minnesota.
>>Festival of Sail Underway in Duluth
(Duluth, MN) — The 2025 Festival of Sail in Duluth runs today through Sunday, featuring tall ships and other vessels. Highlights include the Superior High Dive Challenge, where 10 internationally ranked athletes dive from a 65-foot tower. Festival-goers can enjoy live entertainment, deck tours, and day sails on select ships. Bridge operations will be on modified schedules. The Aerial Lift Bridge will stay raised longer during the Parade of Sail, and the Minnesota Slip pedestrian bridge will raise at 15 and 45 minutes past each hour from Thursday through Sunday. Expect heavier traffic and delays downtown and around Canal Park during the festival. For details, visit fest-of-sail-duluth.com.(festofsailduluth.com)
>>Twins Top Cubs at Target Field, Lose Buxton to Hand Contusion
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Twins dropped the series finale to the Cubs 8-1 this afternoon (Thurs) at Target Field. Minnesota starter Chris Paddack (PAD’-ick) gave up six runs over five innings for his eighth loss of the season. The Twins’ lone run came on a homer by Kody Clemens in the fifth inning. All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton sat out with a sore hand. Minnesota took two of three from Chicago. The Pittsburgh Pirates come to town tomorrow (Fri) for another interleague series.
