>>Walz Says Minnesota Should Consider Capitol Gun Ban
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz says it may be time to ban firearms at the Minnesota State Capitol. Speaking to reporters, Walz called it “inappropriate” for people to carry guns in the building and said the issue needs to be revisited. Current state law allows permitted gun owners to have guns inside the Capitol. The governor’s comments come just days after two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses were shot. Walz is planning a memorial service and says he hopes House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband can lie in state at the Capitol.
>>Deadly Shooting in Chisholm Likely a Murder-Suicide
(Chisholm, MN) — Police in Chisholm say the preliminary information indicates a shooting that left two people dead and a man injured was most likely the result of an apparent murder-suicide. Officers say 30-year-old Lindsey Adams of Chisholm and 34-year-old Leo Schweiss of Hibbing were found dead in a home late Tuesday night. Twenty-five-year-old Ryder Grove of Hibbing was discovered outside with gunshot wounds to the arm and leg but is expected to recover. The Chisholm police chief said both Lindsey and Leo had children, family, and friends who are now left grieving an unimaginable loss.
>> Hoffman’s Detail Harrowing Shooting in Champlin
(Champlin, MN) — State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, are sharing chilling details about the attempted assassination at their Champlin home last weekend. In a statement released yesterday, they said the senator lunged at the gunman as a weapon was pointed at him. Hoffman was shot nine times. Yvette tried to shut the door and push the attacker away, but was shot eight times. The couple says they’re heartbroken over the murders of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in Brooklyn Park. The suspected gunman, Vance Boelter, is in custody and faces charges including murder, attempted murder, and stalking.
>>Twins to Honor Hortmans and Hoffmans at Tonight’s Game
(Minneapolis, MN) – The Minnesota Twins will hold a special tribute at Target Field tonight in honor of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were tragically killed in their home last weekend. The team will also recognize State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who were injured in the same attack. The tribute will take place before the Twins take on the Milwaukee Brewers.
>>Meeker County Lakes Advisory
(Meeker County, MN) – Recent heavy rains have pushed lake levels over their banks across Meeker County west of the Twin Cities. The Sheriff’s Office is urging boaters to slow down — keeping speeds at 5 miles per hour or less within 300 feet of shore — to prevent wake damage to property and shorelines. The advisory applies to all lakes in the county, with special concern for Big Swan Lake, Lake Arvilla, Lake Erie, Lake Minnie Belle, Lake Manuella, and Star Lake. The Water Patrol is actively monitoring the situation, and county officials have been notified of the need for a temporary no-wake ordinance.
>>Police Searching Edinburgh Golf Course for Evidence in Hortman Case
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — Brooklyn Park police are searching the Edinburgh (ED’-en-bur-oh) Golf Course today (Fri) for possible additional evidence in the murders of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband. Officers were seen searching the back nine near some ponds. The Hortmans were fatally shot in their home along the 12th hole last Saturday morning. Their house was broken into days after the shooting, but the family said nothing appeared to be stolen. There is a community update and healing event tonight (Friday, 5:30 pm) at Champlin Park High School.
>>Minnesota Added Jobs Last Month
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota added 6,600 jobs in May, doubling the national growth rate. The labor force grew by more than 2,200, marking gains in 10 of the past 12 months. Unemployment rose slightly to 3.3%, still below the U.S. rate of 4.2%, while labor force participation held steady at 68.2%. DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek credits workforce investments for the state’s continued strong job growth. Leading sectors included Leisure and Hospitality, Education and Health Services, and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities. Losses were seen in Construction, Other Services, and Mining & Logging. Government jobs rose slightly at the state and local levels, while federal jobs declined. Over the past year, Minnesota has added more than 40,000 jobs—a 1.3% increase, ahead of national growth.
>>State Fair Scholarships
(St. Paul, MN) — Two major scholarship programs are supporting young people from greater Minnesota. The Minnesota State Fair is awarding up to 22 scholarships of $1,000 each to rural youth or agricultural students, plus two $2,000 scholarships to those entering skilled trades. The deadline to apply is July 14 at 4:30 p.m. More at mnstatefair.org. The Minnesota Livestock Breeders’ Association is offering at least $60,000 in scholarships to 4-H members pursuing college degrees. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on August 1st—details at mlba-purple-ribbon-auction.org.
