>>Health Officials Confirm Minnesota’s First Human West Nile Virus Case
(St. Paul, MN) — State health officials are confirming Minnesota’s first human case of West Nile virus this summer. It was confirmed Friday and reported Monday to the C-D-C. West Nile had been detected in mosquitoes in Anoka County, but this is the first human infection. North Dakota also has one human case and two were reported in South Dakota. No cases have been reported in neighboring Iowa or Wisconsin.
>>Former President Trump, Running Mate JD Vance to Campaign in St. Cloud
(St. Cloud, MN) — Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential running mate J-D Vance are making a campaign stop Saturday night in St. Cloud. The Republican presidential ticket is appearing at a rally at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State. Doors open at 3 pm and the program is set for 7 o’clock Saturday evening. Senator Vance is also expected to appear at a fundraiser Saturday in Minneapolis.
>>Fatal Crash Near Willmar
(Willmar, MN) — A Willmar man is dead following a crash between a car and semi loaded with turkeys on Highway 23 southwest of Willmar just before 8:00 this morning. The 42-year-old driver of the car was killed and the semi-driver, a 30-year-old man Willmar man was not injured. Rain was falling at the time of the crash. The names of those involved have not officially been released.
>>Minnesota Receives 200-Million Dollar Grant to Reduce Climate Pollution
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Walz announced today (Tues) that Minnesota has received a 200 million dollar federal grant to reduce climate pollution and implement a wide range of improvements to the state’s food system, including climate-smart farming practices, electrifying vehicles that transport food, and scaling up food waste prevention programs.
300 grant applications were submitted in total. and Minnesota was one of 25 states awarded a grant.
>>Hennepin County Ends Criminalization of Pregnancy
(Minneapolis, MN) — Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced a new policy today (Tues) to end the criminalization of pregnancy for those struggling with substance abuse. Moriarty says while some people might say her office is condoning drug use she says research shows threats of prosecution mean pregnant people do not get help and they continue using. Moriarty says the new policy “gives us the best chance for helping to ensure that people carrying our next generation can get the help that they need and that their children can have the best opportunity to succeed.” Moriarty says her office will begin expunging current cases and reaching out to those affected.
>>Owners of The Dam Store Plan to Relocate in Downtown Mankato
(Mankato, MN) — Owners of The Dam Store in Blue Earth County plan to re-open at a temporary location in downtown Mankato. David Hruska (HERSH’-kuh) tells the Mankato Free Press they hope to be in the former Wagon Wheel restaurant building by the end of August. The dining landmark was demolished by the county after the partial failure of the nearby Rapidan Dam. The Hruksa family home fell into the Blue Earth River after flood waters swept away an electrical substation and undercut the riverbank.
>>Rainbow Health Closing Leaves Patients in Limbo
(Minneapolis, MN) — Employees at Rainbow Health in Minneapolis say they were shocked, saddened, and angered Thursday as the non-profit closed immediately, now left wondering what will happen to their tens of thousands of patients. Former HIV and LGBTQ+ Aging Services Advocate Rick Kutcher, who’s lived with HIV for 38 years, says coming to Minnesota and visiting Rainbow Health saved his life. The closure came just days after the CEO resigned, following the Rainbow Health Workers Union’s unanimous vote of No Confidence. The Board has yet to comment.
>>Search Continues Today For Body Of Minnesota Man Who Fell A Montana Creek
(Cooke City, MT) — The search continues for a Minnesota college student who fell into a creek in Montana while hiking more than one week ago. Dylan Honnell of Rogers fell in the rapids on July 12th. Search crews believe he became trapped under the water after he fell in. The search includes a drone, ground crews, and a helicopter. Honnell graduated from Rogers High School in 2022.
