>>Wildfire Situation Worsens in Northeastern Minnesota
(Duluth, MN) — Wildfire conditions are worsening in northeastern Minnesota as firefighters battle 17 active blazes across the Superior National Forest. The Camp Fire north of Winton has exploded to more than 2,200 acres, while the Sioux Fire has grown to nearly 3,500 acres. Evacuations remain in effect in parts of Lake, St. Louis and Cook counties, and officials warn extreme heat, gusty winds and dry conditions could fuel additional fire growth today. An expanded Boundary Waters closure remains in effect, and heavy wildfire smoke is expected to create very unhealthy air quality in and around Ely through Thursday.
>>Air Quality Alert Issued for Large Part of Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for a large part of the state. The alert now runs until 11 a.m. on Friday, July 17. The affected area includes the Twin Cities metro area, Brainerd, Alexandria, St. Cloud, Winona, Moorhead and the northeastern part of the state. MPCA officials say heavy smoke is expected across the Arrowhead today as the wildfires continue to spread. Heavy smoke is expected to spread Wednesday through Friday south of the wildfires.
>>Pontoon Victims Named in Lake Pepin Incident
(Wabasha, MN) – The three victims who died when a pontoon boat overturned on Lake Pepin over the weekend have been identified. The boat overturned late Saturday night just offshore from the YMCA camp on Deer Island in Pepin County, Wisconsin. Authorities say the victims were found after a massive search. They’ve been identified as 37-year-old Ashley Monson, 52-year-old Manuel De Angel-Sola, and 46-year-old Nicholas Loechler. All are from Wabasha. Autopsies are being performed on all three victims. Three others were rescued, clinging to the side of the pontoon. The investigation continues.
>>Multi-Vehicle Highway Crash Kills Four Near Princeton
(Princeton, MN) — The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a deadly multi-vehicle crash that claimed four lives near Princeton Monday afternoon. Investigators say a SUV crossed the center line and collided head-on with an oncoming car. Authorities have not said which vehicle the victims were traveling in. Their identities are expected to be released later today.
>>Klobuchar Pushes Trump to Restore Federal Food Safety Programs
(Washington, D.C.) — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is calling on the Trump administration to restore funding and staffing for federal food safety programs as officials respond to a nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis. The parasitic illness, linked to contaminated food or water, has caused nearly 2,800 confirmed illnesses and 87 hospitalizations nationwide. Klobuchar says recent cuts have weakened the country’s ability to detect and contain foodborne outbreaks. The Minnesota Department of Health says there is no outbreak in Minnesota, and case numbers here remain within the expected range for this time of year.
>>Defendant Returns to Court in Rochester Playground Racial Slur Case
(Rochester, MN) — A woman accused of directing a racial slur at a child at a Rochester playground returned to court today (Tues) for a pretrial hearing. Shiloh Hendrix faces two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct stemming from the 2025 incident that was captured on video and widely shared online. Her attorney continues to argue the comments are protected by the First Amendment, but a judge previously denied a motion to dismiss the case, ruling there is enough evidence for the charges to proceed to trial. Jury selection is scheduled to begin July 20th.
>>Charges Possible After Fireworks Incident at Senator Hoffman’s Home
(Champlin, MN) — Hennepin County authorities are considering criminal charges after fireworks were allegedly aimed at the Champlin home of State Senator John Hoffman over the Fourth of July weekend. Investigators say the incident was captured on a doorbell camera, but no arrests or charges have been announced. The incident comes about a year after Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were critically wounded in a politically motivated shooting at their home.
>>Push to Crack Down on Robocall Scammers
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is joining attorneys general from 48 other states in urging the Federal Communications Commission to crack down on robocall scammers. The coalition wants tougher rules to stop scammers from buying legitimate phone numbers and using them to avoid spam filters. Last year, Americans received nearly 30 billion scam robocalls and texts and lost almost $2 billion. Ellison says everyone is tired of the constant calls and stronger protections are needed to better protect consumers.
>>Governor Signs “Grandparents’ Happy Hour” Bill with Ceremonial Toast
(Champlin, MN) – Governor Tim Walz joined residents, caregivers, and legislators at Amira Choice Champlin for a ceremonial signing of what’s become known as the “Grandparents’ Happy Hour” provision. After signing the bill into law, the governor led the group in a ceremonial toast. The provision passed in the 2026 omnibus liquor law. It allows nursing homes and assisted living facilities to serve alcoholic beverages to residents and their guests during resident-focused events. This was one of the more popular bills to come out of the legislature this last session.
>>North Shore Scenic Railroad Unveils Patriotic Locomotive
(Duluth, MN) — The North Shore Scenic Railroad and Lake Superior Railroad Museum will celebrate America’s 250th birthday tomorrow by unveiling a freshly painted red, white and blue locomotive numbered 250. The ceremony will honor the museum’s volunteers, including military veterans who helped restore the historic engine. Built in 1956 for the Northern Pacific Railroad, the GP9 locomotive was donated to the museum in 2020. The event is closed to the public, and no excursion trains will operate on Wednesday.
>>Essentia Health Project Receives Tax Incentive in Moorhead
(Moorhead, MN) — The Moorhead City Council has approved a tax incentive to support a new Essentia Health clinic planned for downtown. The health system will invest more than eight million dollars to transform the former Wells Fargo building into a medical center offering primary care, urgent care, imaging, laboratory services, physical therapy and a pharmacy. The city approved a 15-year tax abatement on the increased value created by the renovation, while taxes on the existing property will continue to be paid. Construction is expected to begin this fall, with the clinic opening next spring.
