>>Federal Funding Approved for Annunciation Community
(Washington, DC) — Minnesota’s Annunciation Catholic School community is receiving millions of dollars in federal support following last year’s deadly shooting. Senator Amy Klobuchar says the Justice Department has approved about $2.6 million through its Office for Victims of Crime. Klobuchar says the community has shown incredible strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy, and “they deserve the resources to help them heal.” The money will support mental health services for students, families, and educators, along with medical needs, substitute teachers, and modifications to the school.
>>Father Dies in Paddleboarding Incident Near Eveleth
(Eveleth, MN) — Authorities are investigating a deadly paddleboarding incident on Ely Lake near Eveleth. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says a 43-year-old Fayal Township man was paddleboarding with his juvenile daughter Tuesday evening when he fell into the water and became unresponsive. His daughter managed to pull him toward shore before nearby residents helped get him out of the water and began CPR. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say neither the father nor daughter was wearing a life jacket. His name has not been released.
>>Minnesota Lawmaker Questions SNAP Telephone Signature Waiver
(St. Paul, MN) — A Minnesota lawmaker is raising concerns about a federal waiver allowing the state to accept SNAP signatures by phone without making an audio recording. Republican Representative Kristin Robbins of Maple Grove says the practice could make it more difficult to verify applicants and investigate potential fraud. Under the waiver, no audio recording is required, but eligibility workers must document the verbal signature and details of the call in the applicant’s case file. Robbins is asking state officials and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for more information about the waiver and safeguards used to prevent fraud.
>>Vance Boelter Returns to Minnesota Court in Lawmaker Shooting Case
(Minneapolis, MN) — Vance Boelter returned to Hennepin County court today as Minnesota moves forward with its case in the 2025 attacks on state lawmakers. Boelter is already serving two life sentences plus 40 years after pleading guilty to federal charges. His attorneys are seeking a change of venue and modification of his $5 million bail, while also raising several potential defenses, including double jeopardy. Boelter faces state charges including two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman and four counts of attempted murder.
>>Smith, Kupec to Meet with Clay County Farmers
(Moorhead, MN) — U.S. Senator Tina Smith and state Senator Rob Kupec will hear from farmers in northwestern Minnesota today about challenges facing the agriculture industry. The two lawmakers will tour Askegaard Organic Farm in Clay County this afternoon before meeting with local producers. The discussion will focus on economic pressures facing farmers and possible ways to support Minnesota agriculture and rural communities. Smith serves on the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, while Kupec is vice chair of the Minnesota Senate Agriculture Committee.
>>Boundary Waters Wildfires Reach 97% Containment
(Ely, MN) — Firefighters are closing in on full containment of the major wildfires burning in and around the Boundary Waters. The Superior National Forest says the Sioux, Bear Trap and Thumb fires are each 97% contained, with no recent growth or smoke observed along their perimeters. The July Lightning fires have burned a combined 71,675 acres in the U.S. and Canada. More areas are also reopening. The Little Vermilion Lake entry points reopened Tuesday for day use, along with Lake Jeanette Campground and several boat launches and backcountry sites. About 150 campsites in fire-affected areas remain closed while wilderness rangers assess them for safety. Travelers on the Echo Trail should expect delays of up to an hour as crews continue fuel-break cleanup operations.
>>Minnesota Travelers Warned About Safety Risks In Brazil
(Undated) — Minnesotans planning a trip to Brazil are being urged to take extra precautions. The U.S. State Department has renewed its Level Two travel advisory for the country because of crime and kidnapping concerns. Travelers are warned to avoid all favelas, or informal housing developments, and certain areas near Brazil’s international borders. The advisory also urges Americans to be cautious at bars and nightclubs, keep drinks in sight, and use caution when meeting people through dating apps.
