>>Governor Signs Executive Order on Prediction Markets
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order to prevent state employees from using nonpublic information for inside trading on prediction markets. This follows a federal judge’s preliminary injunction blocking Minnesota from implementing a law banning prediction markets. The legislation passed with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and was scheduled to go into law this Saturday, August 1st. If it happens, Minnesota would be the first state in the nation to ban these platforms. Employees who violate the executive order may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.
>>Statewide Security Response Activated After Cyberattack
(St. Paul, MN) – A coordinated cyberattack targeted at operational technology at more than 30 Minnesota community water systems was reported on July 26 and 27. Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) announced today that it immediately activated the state’s cybersecurity incident response capabilities to stop the attack. MNIT says it continues to collaborate with federal, state, local, Tribal and private sector partners to investigate the attack, support affected communities and strengthen the security of Minnesota’s critical infrastructure. The investigation remains active and responders continue to access affected systems.
>>Rain Helps Crews Gain Ground on Boundary Waters Wildfires
(Undated) – Firefighters are making progress on Minnesota’s July Lightning Incident, with recent rain helping crews strengthen containment lines across the Boundary Waters region. The complex now covers about 64,000 acres in the U.S., with nearly 1,000 personnel assigned. The Little Knife Fire is nearly 50% contained, while the Bear Trap and Thumb fires remain the largest burning in the area. Some evacuation orders and road closures remain in effect, and officials are reminding the public to follow restrictions, avoid drone use, and stay clear of aircraft operating on area lakes.
>>Hormel Foods Announces New CEO
(Austin, MN) – Hormel Founds Corporation today announced John Ghingo will be named as the new president and CEO of the Fortune 500 company. Ghingo will assume his new position in October. He has served as president and a member of the Hormel Foods Board of Directors since July 2025. He will succeed Jeff Ettinger who will remain on the board of directors and has been with Hormel since 1989.
>>Senator Ann Rest Will Throw Out First Pitch at Twins Game
(Minneapolis) – After more than four decades as a state legislator, Senator Ann Rest will be recognized by the Minnesota Twin by throwing out the first pitch at Thursday’s game. Senator Rest is the only lawmaker in Minnesota history to chair the Taxes committees in both the House and Senate. She is retiring at the end of this year. Rest has been a lifelong Twins fan since the team moved to Minnesota, and she has organized trips to the ballpark for fellow lawmakers and staff for years. The ceremony will happen Thursday at 12:20 p.m. before the game against the Kansas City Royals.
>>New Documentary on Jacob Wetterling Abduction Travels Around Minnesota
(St. Cloud, MN) – A new documentary about the abduction of Jacob Wetterling and the years-long search to find him will be making its Stearns County premiere in August. “Echoes in the Night: The Search for Jacob Wettering” will be showing at the Paramount Center for the Arts on Saturday, August 8th. The show will include a discussion with Jacob’s parents and the film director. In October 1989, Jacob Wetterling was abducted by a masked gunman while riding his bike home from the store in St. Joseph. In 2015, a team of Minneapolis-based filmmakers started a documentary project. They started filming on what turned out to be the very week the man responsible was finally arrested. Tickets are $10, plus fees. You can buy tickets on the Paramount website. Other theatrical showings in August will be held in Cold Spring, St. Michael, Woodbury, and Minneapolis.
>>Lynx Celebrate Native American Heritage Night
(Minneapolis) – The Minnesota Lynx will celebrate Native American Heritage Night tonight at Target Center as the Lynx host the Toronto Tempo at 7 p.m. The annual event celebrates the Native American community and highlights Prairie Island Indian Community sharing their Dakota heritage, culture and traditions. The celebration will include entertainment. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative bucket hat and fans can buy other specially designed souvenirs from tonight’s game.
>>Attendance Rises in Twin Cities Regional Parks and Trails System
(St. Paul, MN) – New estimates how the Twin Cities Regional Park and Trails System welcomed 69 million visitors in 2025, a 5.1 percent increase over 2024 and the second-highest annual visitation on record. Officials say the increased demand was driven by nice weather and historic investment that helped support the addition of five new units to the system. The Regional Park and Trail System includes 46 regional parks, 12 park reserves, eight special recreation features and more than 480 miles of regional trails.
