>>Fed Raises Interest Rates for First Time Since 2023
(Washington, D.C.) – The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time since 2023 Wednesday. This reverses course by the Fed as the Iran War drives up global energy prices and fuels inflation. The Fed raised the interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, bringing its target range between 3.75% and 4%, which is its highest level since last December. The interest rate impacts borrowing costs across the spectrum including credit cards, auto loans and personal loans.
>>Boundary Waters Wildfires Now Fully Contained
(Ely, MN) — After more than two months, all wildfires burning in and around Minnesota’s Boundary Waters are now fully contained. The fires were sparked by lightning in July and burned more than 62,000 acres in northern Minnesota and another 9,000 acres in Canada. The last remaining fires were the Sioux, Bear Trap and Thumb fires. Recent rainfall helped firefighters reach full containment. Most Boundary Waters campsites have reopened and burning restrictions have been lifted, although portions of the Echo Trail and some fire-damaged campsites remain closed.
>>Superior National Forest Campgrounds Begin Seasonal Closures
(Duluth, MN) — Campgrounds across the Superior National Forest are beginning to transition to seasonal closures as fall sets in. The Forest Service says closures will take place throughout September and October, with gates at affected recreation sites locked until spring. Some campgrounds will remain open temporarily without fees or services, including water and garbage collection. Dispersed and backcountry camping, along with many trails and boat ramps, will remain available. Several Gunflint and Tofte district campgrounds will continue operating with fees through October 18th.
>>Summit Brewing Faces Possible Foreclosure
(St. Paul, MN) — One of Minnesota’s best-known craft breweries is facing possible foreclosure. BMO Bank alleges in a lawsuit that Summit Brewing owes more than $8.2 million. Court documents say Summit missed payment in December and later notified the bank it could not make the required minimum payment. The 40-year-old St. Paul brewery is facing challenges as Minnesota’s craft beer industry struggles. Industry leaders say 2025 marked the first year Minnesota had more craft breweries close than open.
>>MSP Named North America’s Top Mega Airport for Third Straight Year
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is once again ranked the top mega airport in North America for traveler satisfaction. MSP took the number one spot for the third consecutive year in J.D. Power’s 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study and ranked first in all seven categories measured. Nearly 25,000 travelers were surveyed about their experiences at U.S. and Canadian airports. MSP has now earned the top mega-airport ranking four of the past five years and served more than 36 million passengers in 2025.
>>Duluth to Unveil Details for 2027 World Under-18 Hockey Championship
(Duluth, MN) — Duluth will get its first look tomorrow (Thurs) at plans for the 2027 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship. USA Hockey and local organizers will unveil the 10 participating nations, tournament schedule and ticket information during a community kickoff at AMSOIL Arena. Duluth-area youth hockey players will help introduce the countries taking part in the tournament. The championship runs April 21st through May 2nd, with all 29 games, including the medal round, being played at AMSOIL Arena.
>>New Course Set for Mankato Marathon in October
(Mankato, MN) – The Mankato Marathon returns the weekend of October 16-17 and race officials are promising an all-new, faster, and flatter course. Saturday’s races will have a new start line this year at the Mankato State University All Sports Dome on campus. The finish line is now set for the intersection of Warren and South Second Streets and will include a post-race party. The marathon is still looking for volunteers. This is the 17th year for the Mankato Marathon, and 4,000 runners are expected to compete.
