>>Governor Walz Extends Peacetime Emergency for Northern Wildfires
(Blaine, MN) – Governor Tim Walz and the Executive Council met today for a briefing on the northern Minnesota wildfires. The council voted to extend the peacetime emergency declared in an Executive Order that authorizes continued state assistance and support for 30 days. Extension of the executive order authorizes the Minnesota National Guard to provide personnel, equipment, and resources to assist with wildfire suppression and emergency response efforts for an additional 30 days. As of this morning, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says there are 17 active wildfires burning in Northern Minnesota.
>>Excessive Heat Warning Remains in Place
(Undated) — Dangerous heat continues across much of Minnesota, with little relief in sight. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for most of the state through at least Thursday night as temperatures climb into the 90s and heat index values approach or exceed 100 degrees. At the same time, wildfire smoke is prompting air quality alerts. Forecasters say the hot, humid pattern could keep highs at or above 90 degrees through the weekend.
>>Air Quality Worsens Across Minnesota
(Undated) — An air quality alert remains in effect through Friday morning for much of central and northern Minnesota as thick wildfire smoke continues to spread across the state. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says smoke from large wildfires in northeastern Minnesota and Ontario will bring unhealthy air to many communities, with hazardous conditions possible near the fires in the Arrowhead. Health officials urge everyone, especially children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions, to limit time outdoors when air quality worsens.
>>Wildfire Smoke Affects Everyone
(Duluth, MN) — Wildfire smoke isn’t just a concern for people with asthma or other lung conditions. University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth Toxicologist Sarah Lacher (Locker) says even healthy people can experience irritated eyes and noses, inflammation, and reduced lung function after breathing smoky air. With air quality alerts in effect across much of Minnesota, Lacher says the best way to protect yourself is to limit time outdoors, stay inside when possible, and use indoor air filtration. If you must be outside, Lacher recommends wearing a KN95 mask to help filter the tiny, harmful particles found in wildfire smoke.
>>Trump Endorses Lindell in Minnesota Governor’s Race
(Washington D.C.) — President Donald Trump has endorsed MyPillow founder Mike Lindell in Minnesota’s Republican race for governor. In a Truth Social post, Trump called Lindell “a hardworking patriot” and gave him his “complete and total endorsement.” Trump also criticized Governor Tim Walz, blaming him for fraud involving a federally funded child nutrition program. Lindell is one of several Republicans seeking the GOP nomination in next month’s primary election. The Democratic-aligned Alliance for a Better Minnesota quickly criticized the endorsement, saying Lindell would bring Trump’s agenda to the state.
>>Minnesota AG Announces Lawsuit Against E-Cigarette Manufacturer
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is expected to announce a lawsuit today against an e-cigarette manufacturer. Ellison says the company violated the state’s ban on deceptive vapor products and Minnesota’s consumer protection laws. Ellison will outline the legal action during a news conference and will be joined by a member of the Student Action Team with the Association for Nonsmokers–Minnesota, who is expected to discuss the impact unlawful vaping products have on young people.
>>Putnam Named to Inspector General Advisory Commission
(St. Paul, MN) –DFL State Senator Aric Putnam of St. Cloud has been appointed to the Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission. The bipartisan eight-member panel is responsible for recruiting candidates to lead Minnesota’s newly created Independent Office of Inspector General, which will investigate fraud involving state programs. Putnam co-authored the legislation creating the office and says the goal now is to find a leader with experience and integrity to ensure the agency operates independently. The commission must recommend candidates by January 1st, with the governor required to appoint the state’s first Inspector General by February 1st.
>>Bemidji Officer Involved in Pedestrian Crash
(Bemidji, MN) — The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating after a Bemidji police squad struck a pedestrian early this morning Police say the officer was driving just after 1:00 a.m. to follow up on a previous case when the squad collided with a 36-year-old person who was reportedly wearing dark clothing and standing in the middle of the roadway. The officer and other responding officers immediately rendered aid before the pedestrian was taken to Sanford Hospital with injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.
>>Armed Man Taken into Custody in Duluth
(Duluth, MN) – Duluth Police say a man surrendered peacefully after barricading himself with a firearm inside a storage unit. The incident happened on the 100 block of West 1st Street. The area was closed off while a negotiating team and SWAT members took care of the crisis. Police say there are no injuries from this incident. They will share additional information when it becomes available.
