>> Vance Boelter Sentenced to Two Life Terms Plus 40 Years
(Minneapolis, MN) — U.S. District Judge John Tunheim sentenced Vance Boelter to two consecutive life prison terms, followed by an additional 40 years behind bars for the politically motivated June 2025 attacks that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and seriously wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Tunheim said it is the longest sentence he has imposed during his time on the federal bench. Before the sentence was announced, Boelter apologized to the victims and their families, telling the court he was “truly sorry” for the loss, pain, heartache and suffering he caused. As he spoke, many supporters of the victims stood up and walked out of the courtroom.
>>BWCA Wildfire Update
(Duluth, MN) — Firefighters continue making progress on the wildfires in northeastern Minnesota. The fire complex now covers nearly 64,000 acres, with more than 1,000 personnel assigned. The Superior National Forest plans to reopen select Boundary Waters entry points for day use on Monday, while overnight permits remain canceled through July 29th. Officials hope to reopen some overnight areas next week if conditions continue to improve. Some evacuation zones have been lifted, but fire restrictions and closures remain in effect. Warmer, drier weather is expected to increase fire danger through Friday before better chances for rain arrive.
>>Boundary Waters Day Access Reopens in Some Areas Amid Wildfire Closures
(Cook County, MN) – Some access is returning to Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness after wildfire concerns forced a full closure earlier this month. The Superior National Forest says select day-use entry points in Cook County will reopen Monday. However, all overnight permits remain canceled through July 29, and overnight camping is still prohibited. Forest officials say they’re evaluating conditions daily and could reopen some overnight entry points next week if wildfire activity remains low. Visitors are urged to check fire conditions and leave travel plans with family or friends before heading into the wilderness.
>>Cook County tourism hit hard by closure of Boundary Waters
(Cook County, MN) – Wildfires are taking a toll on Cook County’s tourism economy, with Boundary Waters outfitters among the hardest hit. Visit Cook County Executive Director Linda Jurek says the closure of the Boundary Waters has effectively shut down operations for many outfitters, leaving canoes on racks and preventing visitors from entering the wilderness. Despite the closure, Jurek says Cook County remains open for business. She points to attractions including hiking and biking trails, Lake Superior, fishing, arts events and live music. Tourism officials are encouraging travelers to keep their reservations and check local webcams for current conditions. The Boundary Waters remains closed through at least Friday.
Four Arrested in Deadly Farmington Hit-and-Run
(Farmington, MN) — Four people are in custody following the hit-and-run crash that killed a 13-year-old boy in Farmington last week. Police say the arrests are tied to the death of Sasha Balandin, who was struck while riding an electric scooter. Investigators have not released the suspects’ identities or announced what charges they could face. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and more details are expected.
>>Woman Charged After Stabbing Police Officer
(Maplewood, MN) – The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office has charged a 48-year-old Maplewood woman with stabbing a police officer outside a CVS store in Maplewood. The incident took place on July 21. Ramsey County says Jowharah Bilal is charged with first-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault. Authorities say Bilal stabbed the officer, Sgt. Anthony Gabriel, multiple times in the shoulder. He was treated and released from the hospital the next day. Bilal will appear in Ramsey County Court today.
>>Canadian Tariffs and Small Businesses Subject of House Hearing
(Washington, D.C.) – The House Small Business Committee held a hearing Wednesday to discuss the impact of President Trump’s new 50% tariff on Canadian imports. Minnesota Congresswoman Kelly Morrison is concerned about cuts made to the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) that allows American small businesses to sell their goods to other countries. This year, the Small Business Administration proposed cutting 15 of the 16 federal entrepreneurial development programs that help small businesses. Canada is Minnesota’s largest trade partner. Minnesota imports more than $14 billion from Canada and exports more than $5 billion in goods to Canada each year.
>>MDA Offering Free Water Nitrate Testing at FarmFest
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced they will be testing private well water for nitrates at this year’s FarmFest. Attendees can stop by the MDA exhibit with their water sample for a free test and get information on other agriculture programs and resources. Nitrate contamination is one of the most common threats to rural drinking water. FarmFest runs August 4-6 at the Historic Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls.
>>3M Open Underway in Blaine
(Blaine, MN) — The 3M Open is underway at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, where a strong field of PGA Tour golfers is competing through Sunday. Defending champion Kurt Kitayama returns to defend his title, while world number one Scottie Scheffler headlines the tournament in his first appearance at the 3M Open. The event is one of the final opportunities for players to earn FedEx Cup points before the PGA Tour playoffs begin.
