>>Nicole Mitchell Resigns from Minnesota Senate
(St. Paul, MN) — State Senator Nicole Mitchell resigned today (Fri) from the Minnesota Senate. The Woodbury Democrat was convicted last week for a break-in at her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes and was expected to step down by August 4th. Her attorney stated that Mitchell completed her tasks ahead of schedule. Her sentencing hearing for felony burglary and possession of burglary tools hasn’t been set. Governor Tim Walz will have to call a special election in Senate District 47.
>>Minnesota Legislature to Fund Enhanced Home Security for Lawmakers
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers will soon have access to enhanced home security services, funded by the state legislature. A Senate DFL spokesperson says the Senate will cover the cost for members who request the service, using funds from its existing budget. The Minnesota House plans to offer a similar option, also funded through its budget. The estimated cost is approximately $4,500 per member. The move follows the tragic shooting deaths of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the shootings involving Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
>>Layoffs Announced at MPR’s Parent Company Following Federal Funding Cuts
(St. Paul, MN) — The parent company of Minnesota Public Radio is preparing to lay off up to eight percent of its workforce in the coming weeks. American Public Media Group (APMG) says the decision follows recent cuts to public media funding by Congress, along with a reported $6 million budget deficit. In addition to the layoffs, APMG plans to reduce employee benefits as part of broader cost-cutting measures. Twin Cities PBS (TPT) has also announced plans to lay off an unspecified number of employees in response to the financial strain.
>>Victim Identified in Fatal Motorcycle Crash in New Haven Township
(New Haven Township, MN) — Authorities have identified the man killed in a motorcycle crash earlier this week in New Haven Township. According to the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, 58-year-old Chad Maye of Kasson died Monday following a single-vehicle crash. The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies responded to the scene and believe no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
>>Brainerd Police to Conduct Ground Search Monday for Missing Woman.
(Brainerd, MN) – Brainerd Police will hold a coordinated ground search for a missing 61-year-old woman on Monday. Police say they will primarily focus the search on undeveloped parcels of land in southeast Brainerd as they look for Cory Degeest. She’s been missing since July 13. She is described as being white, 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighing approximately 190 pounds, with sandy brown hair and blue eyes. Police are concerned for her well-being due to her pre-existing chronic medical conditions. If you have any information, call Brainerd police.
>>Minneapolis Shooting Leaves Man Dead
(Minneapolis) – Minneapolis Police say a man is dead following an overnight shooting in Minneapolis. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. in the area of Franklin and Lyndale Avenues. Officers found a man in his 30s suffering from gunshot wounds. He later died at the hospital. Police say the investigation shows the victim was talking with another man inside a car when that man got out of the vehicle and started firing shots. The suspect ran away. Police are asking anyone with information to call them for help with their investigation.
>>Jefferson to Miss Vikings Practice with Hamstring Strain
(Eagan, MN) — Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell says All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson is dealing with a “very minor” left hamstring strain. O’Connell told reporters today (Fri) that Jefferson is expected to miss a little bit of practice time. He says they’re going to be very cautious with it and re-evaluate J-J next week. He shut it down early in practice on Thursday with tightness. The Vikings are hosting their first public open practice on Saturday at the TCO Center.
