>>Bemidji Police Assist During ICE Enforcement Operation
(Bemidji, MN) — Several people were taken into custody during a targeted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in the Bemidji area today. (Thurs) Police say they were notified in advance that ICE agents would be looking for specific individuals. Around 11:30 a.m., officers responded to reports of people running from the south shore of Lake Bemidji, including one person who swam about 100 yards offshore. ICE agents safely removed that individual from the water. Police say the individuals of interest were taken into ICE custody. Officials say any additional information about the operation will be released by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
>>Congresswoman Craig Wants Ice Facility Shut Down
(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Angie Craig has joined more than 100 Congressional colleagues in pushing the Trump Administration to shut down the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas. The facility is known for handling immigration cases and run by a private prison contractor named CoreCivic. Dilley is the facility where five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father from Columbia Heights were taken by ICE agents. The Congressional members specifically called out CoreCivic for using President Trump’s mass deportation agenda to profit millions of dollars from its contract with ICE. Craig says she has continued to fight with the Trump Administration over immigrants illegally being held by ICE agents.
>>Trump To Address Nation on Elections
(Washington, DC) — President Trump is set to address the nation tonight (Thurs) in what he’s calling one of the most important speeches of his presidency. The White House has released few details, but Trump says the address will focus on “free and fair elections.” The speech comes as Minnesota prepares for its August 11 primary, with early voting already underway. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon continues encouraging voters to cast ballots early or absentee, saying the state’s election system remains secure. Trump’s address begins at 8 p.m. Minnesota time from the White House.
>>Minnesota Adds 13,200 Jobs in June
((St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota added 13,200 jobs in June, marking the state’s third straight month of job growth, according to the Department of Employment and Economic Development. Minnesota’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.4%, while the national rate dipped to 4.2%. DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek says the job gains are encouraging but warns the state must reverse its declining labor force to keep the momentum going. Labor force participation fell for the seventh straight month to 67 percent.
Humane Society Warns Smoky Air Bad for Pets Too
(Golden Valley, MN) – The Animal Humane Society is warning that our hazardous air quality from the northern Minnesota wildfires can also affect your pets. The AHS says smoke is particularly harmful to birds and short-nosed dog breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, and any animals with a pre-existing condition like asthma. They shared tips including limiting your pet’s time outdoors, watch for signs of coughing and wheezing, and shortness of breath, runny nose, and eye irritation. They also say if your pet is having trouble breathing, go to an emergency vet immediately.
>>Team USA Soccer Tournament on Hold Because of Air Quality Alerts
(Blaine, MN) – One of the largest soccer tournaments in the world is now on hold because of the hazardous air quality in Minnesota. Officials with the Target USA Soccer Tournament in Blaine have suspended all matches scheduled to be played today because of the dangerous air quality in the Twin Cities from the wildfires in northern Minnesota. Officials say the reason was for the safety of the players, referees, and fans. The tournament says teams will be notified when the games will resume. Indoor activities are still scheduled but with modified times. Teams from 14 countries and 25 states are in Blaine for the tournament.
>>Minnehaha Falls Art Fair Cancels Friday’s Opening
(Minneapolis) – Due to the air quality alerts, the Minnehaha Falls Art Fair in Minneapolis has canceled Friday’s opening day. Art Fair officials say the decision was made to protect the health and safety of more than 200 participating artists, event staff, volunteers, vendors and attendees. Officials say they hope to open the fair on Saturday.
>>Fentanyl and Meth Bust in Duluth
(Duluth, MN) – The Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force has announced more fentanyl and meth are now off the streets of Duluth. Officers says they arrested 54-year-old Michael Clark selling drugs in an alley Wednesday to vulnerable individuals. Clark was arrested and charged with second-degree sale of fentanyl and the same charge for selling meth. During a search, investigators found more than five grams of fentanyl and almost four grams of meth. Clark is currently on probation for other drug charges and domestic assault.
