>>Containment Grows on Northern Minnesota Wildfires as Some Evacuations Ease
(Undated) – Fire crews are making progress on the July lightning incident in northeastern Minnesota. The complex has burned nearly 64-thousand acres in the U.S. and more than 8-thousand acres in Canada, with more than 11-hundred firefighters assigned. Officials say containment is increasing on several fires, including the Thumb Fire at 56 percent and the Bear Trap Fire at 38 percent. Some evacuation zones in Cook and St. Louis counties have been lifted, but mandatory evacuation orders remain in parts of Lake County. Fire managers warn hot, dry, and windy conditions could increase fire activity today, and residents are urged to follow restrictions and closure orders.
>>Minnesota Braces for Another Weekend Heat Wave
(Chanhassen, MN) — Minnesotans are preparing for another blast of dangerous heat this weekend. An Extreme Heat Watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday night for the Twin Cities and much of central and southern Minnesota. The National Weather Service says the combination of heat and humidity could push heat index values as high as 103 to 108 degrees. The upcoming stretch follows a record-setting heat wave earlier this month when International Falls reached 98 degrees on July 12th and 97 degrees on July 13th.
>>Minneapolis Man Charged in Two-Armed Sexual Assaults in Brooklyn Park
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — A Minneapolis man with what prosecutors describe has a significant history of burglaries is facing multiple felony charges after two-armed sexual assaults in Brooklyn Park. Authorities say 25-year-old Darius Ahmadd Olson-Baker broke into two homes just days apart, sexually assaulting one woman and attempting to assault another while armed with a handgun. Investigators say DNA evidence linked Olson-Baker to one of the attacks, and both victims provided matching descriptions. Court documents also note Olson-Baker had multiple juvenile burglary convictions and was released from prison earlier this month after serving time on weapons charges.
>>Early Voting Underway Across Minnesota
(Undated) — Early in-person voting begins today across Minnesota for the August 11 state primary election. Voters can cast a ballot at designated early voting locations without providing an excuse. Eligible voters who are not yet registered can also register at their polling location by bringing proof of residence. Election officials encourage voters to check with their county elections office for early voting locations and hours before heading out.
>>Gas Prices Back Above $4 in Minnesota
(St. Louis Park, MN) – Gas prices in Minnesota are back above $4 dollars a gallon due to instability in the Middle East causing crude prices to go up. The average for a gallon of regular unleaded in Minnesota now stands at $4.05 a gallon. That’s an increase of 17 cents a gallon in the last week. You’ll pay even higher prices in the Twin Cities where the average is at $4.12 a gallon.
>>Brooklyn Park Man Seriously Injured In Douglas County ATV Crash
(Millerville Township, MN) — A 64-year-old Brooklyn Park man suffered serious injuries after an ATV rollover in west-central Minnesota Thursday night. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded just before 9:30 p.m. and found the ATV flipped and pinned the driver underneath. The man was taken to a hospital with suspected serious injuries. Investigators say alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash.
>>Kim Sets Course Record at 3M Open
(Blaine, MN) – It’s been a record setting day at the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine. Michael Kim shot a 12-under par 59 to set a new tournament scoring record and a new TPC Twin Cities course record. Kim said, “You know today was an awesome day. I’m still only halfway there. I still need to get focused up for the weekend.” This marks the 16th time in PGA history a golfer has shot under 60. The 3M Open runs through Sunday.
>>Vikings Players Begin Reporting to Training Camp This Weekend
(Eagan, MN) — Football season is getting closer as the Minnesota Vikings begin reporting to training camp this weekend at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan. Rookies are scheduled to arrive Sunday, with veterans reporting Tuesday. The Vikings open the preseason on August 15th against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. They’ll also host the Baltimore Ravens for a joint practice on August 19 ahead of their second preseason game.
