>>National Weather Service Confirms Tornado North of Detroit Lakes
(Detroit Lakes, MN) — The National Weather Service has confirmed a tornado touched down just north of Detroit Lakes Monday evening, leaving a trail of significant damage in the Floyd Lake and Oakland Beach area of Becker County. Emergency crews responded shortly after 8 p.m. after reports of a tornado touchdown. Deputies found extensive damage to homes, outbuildings and trees, with roofs torn from structures and debris scattered across the area. Authorities say three people were injured, but all suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Becker County Sheriff Todd Glander called the storm one of the most destructive incidents he has seen during his career. Despite the destruction, Glander praised the response from the community, saying neighbors, friends and family members rushed to help within minutes of the storm.
>>Milan Woman Dies in Crash
(Near Milan, MN) – A Milan woman is dead, and several people injured after a two-vehicle crash in Chippewa County Monday. The state patrol says the crash happened about 3 miles south of Milan. A pickup driven by 22-year-old Isaac Greenhagen of Maple Lake was northbound on Highway 59, and an SUV driven by a 47-year-old woman from Milan was northbound on County Road 32 and they collided where the two roads meet at a sharp angle. Greenhagen wasn’t hurt but his passenger, 37-year-old Dairi Cortez Decosta was taken to the Montevideo Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the SUV was killed, and her name has not been released at this time. There were 5 children in the SUV ranging in age from 7 to 13. All were taken to the Appleton and Montevideo Hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The state patrol says it appears that at least three of the children were not wearing seatbelts.
>>75,000 Minnesotans Receive Benefits Through New Paid Leave Program
(St. Paul, MN) — About 75,000 Minnesotans have received benefits during the first six months of the state’s new Paid Leave program. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says the program provides paid, job-protected leave for workers welcoming a child, recovering from serious health condition, or caring for a family member. More than 38,000 approved claims have been for bonding leave with a new child. DEED says nearly $600 million has been paid out so far, with the average weekly benefit totaling about $1,083. Governor Tim Walz signed the Paid Leave law in 2023.
>>Minnesota Faith Leaders Hold “Protect the Vote” Rally at State Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) – Faith leaders from across Minnesota are at the State Capitol letting their voices be heard that everyone’s right to vote must be protected. Minister JaNae’ Bates Imari, Co-Executive Director of ISAIAH, says leaders from across Minnesota are sharing the message that the right to vote needs to be protected, and no one should feel intimidated to take part in the elections. Imari says around 400 faith leaders in Minnesota are carrying this message today to the voters. She says there are similar rallies in nine other states.
>> Minnesota Reflects On 10 Years Since Philando Castile’s Death
(Falcon Heights, MN) – Today (Tues) marks 10 years since the fatal police shooting of Philando Castile during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights, an incident that drew national attention and intensified calls for police reform. Community members are continuing to honor Castile’s legacy with Unity Day events this evening at Falcon Heights City Hall, following Monday night’s annual candlelight vigil at the Philando Castile Peace Garden. His death also led to the creation of Minnesota’s Philando Castile Memorial Training Fund, which supports law enforcement training in de-escalation, crisis response, and related best practices.
>> Report: Federal Wind Energy Pause Could Cost Minnesota Jobs, Investment
(St. Paul, MN) — A new report says the Trump administration’s pause on new onshore wind projects could put thousands of Minnesota jobs and billions of dollars in investment at risk. The analysis from North Star Policy Action estimates four stalled wind projects could delay 1,200 construction jobs and $1.6 billion in capital investment. The report says the projects would generate enough electricity to power more than 335,000 homes. It blames a federal slowdown in national security reviews for the delays. The Trump administration has said it is reviewing wind energy projects as part of its broader energy policy but has not publicly responded to the report’s findings.
>>Commerce Fines Company $150,000 Over Misleading Health Insurance Sales
(ST. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Commerce has fined Seguro Medico and its owner, Arthur Walsh, $150,000 for misleading consumers about health insurance coverage. Investigators say up to 1,000 Minnesotans believed they were buying comprehensive coverage but instead received limited-benefit plans that left many medical, dental, and prescription costs uncovered. The department says the company also violated several state insurance laws. Walsh pleaded guilty last month in federal court to conspiracy and wire fraud charges tied to a nationwide health insurance fraud scheme. Officials urge anyone who believes they were affected to contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Camper Fire Destroys Home in Meeker County
(Forest City, MN) – Authorities are investigating a fire that destroyed a camper and a home in Meeker County Monday afternoon. Deputies were called to a property near Forest City just after 4 p.m., where they found a camper fully engulfed in flames. Investigators say the fire quickly spread to a nearby house, and a propane tank likely exploded as the blaze intensified. The property owner, 65-year-old Michael Hugget, was not home at the time, and no injuries were reported.
>>>DNR looking for turkey and pheasant observations
(Undated) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to report sightings of pheasants and wild turkeys through the end of August. DNR Gamebird Consultant Roy Churchwell says the information helps wildlife officials track nesting success, poult survival, and overall bird production across the state. Churchwell says the more reports received, the more accurate the data becomes. Participants can submit sightings online, including where birds were seen and the number of adults, poults, or chicks observed. More information is available on the Minnesota DNR website.
