>>Nearly 1,000 firefighters continue to battle fires in northern Minnesota
(Undated) – The Eastern Area Incident Management Team has taken command of Minnesota’s July Lightning Incident, where nearly 1,000 firefighters remain assigned to wildfires burning across northeastern Minnesota. The fire complex remains at just over 64,000 acres. Officials say overnight storms brought needed rain and cooler temperatures, helping slow fire activity. Among the largest fires, the Little Knife Fire is now 70% contained, while the Bear Trap Fire is 38% contained. Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders, burn restrictions, and keep drones away from firefighting operations.
>> Northern Lawmakers Hold Economic Meeting on Wildfires
(Grand Marais, MN) – Two state lawmakers will be holding another economic impact meeting today in Grand Marais on the wildfires. Senator Grant Hauschild of Hermantown and Representative Roger Skraba of Ely will join the Cook County Chamber of Commerce to discuss the impact of the northern wildfires on tourism and other industries. A previous meeting was held recently in Ely.
>>DEED Announces Paid Leave Premium Rate Staying the Same
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced today that the premium rate for Minnesota Paid Leave will remain steady for 2027. The rate is 0.88% of covered wages which is the same rate for this year’s first year of the program. More than 75,000 Minnesotans have taken Paid Leave in 2026 so far, totaling more than $600 million in payments. DEED says Paid Leave is now fully paid by premiums.
>>Teenage Motorcycle Victim Identified from Fatal Crash
(St. Cloud, MN) – A St. Cloud teenager who died in a Benton County motorcycle crash on Monday as been identified as 17-year-old Brody Oltz. Authorities say Oltz died when his motorcycle collided with a farm tractor and silage wagon. Oltz was pronounced dead at the scene. He recently attended St. Cloud Apollo High School. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday.
>>Appeal Filed in Rochester Racial Slur Case
(Rochester, MN) – The attorney representing the Rochester woman convicted of disorderly conduct for making a racial slur in a park is appealing the case in Olmsted County Court. 37-year-old Shiloh Hendrix was found guilty of one of the two misdemeanor charges brought against her in connection with a racially charged incident last year. She was acquitted of the other charge. The jury deliberated for about nine hours before coming up with the split verdict. The notice filed asks the Minnesota Court of Appeals to review the case. There’s no word yet if they will.
>>Twins Acquire Bullpen Help in Trade
(Minneapolis) – The Minnesota Twins announced they have acquired left-handed pitcher A.J. Minter in a trade with the New York Mets in exchange for two minor leaguers. Minter has gone 1-1 with a 2.35 ERA with two walks and 20 strikeouts this season for the Mets. The Twins are in Seattle tonight for the start of the three game series.
